A set of cased silver catheters by Arnold & Sons dating from around 1880, the set is complete and original and in good condition. The case is leather with some wear, hinges, lock and clasps intact and working, purple flock base and purple silk inside lid with gilt embossed 'Arnold & Sons Smithfield London' under the Royal Crest. The catheters are not hallmarked but test as silver, the internal rods and tops are silver plated, sizes marked on the top, 12, 10, 8 (not marked), 6, 4 & 2, the larger four sizes stamped Arnold & Sons. Unusually the set has the original bottle for oil, with ground glass stopper. Perfect for collectors of antique medical instruments, museums, or anyone seeking a unique conversation piece with authentic Victorian provenance. This set is not only a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship but also a fascinating glimpse into the history of surgery. Items such as these were necessarily made to the highest standards and in small volumes and so are becoming increasingly rare, particularly complete sets.
 
Arnold and Sons was founded in 1819 and initially focused on manufacturing surgical instruments. They later became renowned for their veterinary instruments, latterly being appointed by Her Majesty's Government and the Royal Veterinary College. 
 
The case measure 31.5 x 9.5cm (12.5" x 3.75").