An antique cased Ligature Needle by Down Brothers of London, in it's original case. All in good condition, the needle is a tight fit, the set would originally come with a fuller set of needles of different sizes. The catalogue illustration for an uncased example if from the Down Brothers surgical instruments catalogue.
Down Brothers was established in 1879, with its first premises at St Thomas Street, Borough, London, conveniently located opposite Guy’s Hospital—a major advantage for a surgical instrument maker. By the late 19th century,
 
Down Brothers was producing a comprehensive range of surgical instruments, including amputation knives, eye needles, bone forceps, hypodermic syringes, and innovative items like portable aseptic operation tables and face masks.