Lot 25B
Ancient Rome, Imperial Period, similar to a Pompeiian type, ca. 1st century CE. A bronze scalpel with an iron blade fitted to the head, both sides of which are inlaid with finely worked silver in a wave pattern surrounding an ivy leaf motif, the handle with a gorgeous olive green patina. Interestingly a surgeon's lancet of a similar Pompeiian style is featured as item 188 in Ancient Brooches and other Artefacts by Richard Hattatt. Custom stand. Size: 5.125" L (13 cm); 2.375" H (6 cm) on stand
The legendary eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under many feet of ash and pumice. Fortunately, objects under the volcanic material were well preserved when excavated centuries later. Interestingly surgical instruments from multiple sites were recovered - the best known from Pompeiis House of the Surgeon - so-called because of the nature and style of the items found there.
Physicians of the Classical World used a variety of surgical instruments designed to assist them in their treatment of the sick. Fortunately, several ancient texts mention the use of surgical tools, some offering a brief description of instruments used by doctors in antiquity. Scholars have not yet ascertained the exact dates when each instrument was first employed. It seems that many instruments, including scalpels, were available to Hippocrates (c. 460) and continued to be used throughout time of the late Roman empire - some similar forms continue to be used in the medical field today.
Provenance: Ex-private United Kingdom collection, acquired before 2000.
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#121210
- Condition: Expected oxidation to blade end. Bronze form had beautiful olive green patina. Inlays are intact and excellent. Blade is a recent addition to demonstrate how the piece looked in ancient times.
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