A curated set of five Victorian-era surgical instrument set showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of 19th-century London instrument makers. Two featuring the iconic "Weiss" hallmark, these tools are set in signature hatched ebony handles, representing the pinnacle of professional surgical equipment from that era.
 
The collection includes:
 
An original Hey’s skull saw, a classic Victorian neurosurgical instrument dating from around 1860–1890. Designed for craniotomy work, this specialised saw was used to cut sections of skull bone—often connecting trephine holes or removing fragments after head injury—to give the surgeon safe access to the dura and brain. Hey’s skull saws are well‑documented in 18th‑ and 19th‑century trephining sets and have become synonymous with early neurosurgery. The instrument measures 18cm (7") in length. The Science Museum Collection in London has a similar example which can be viewed via
the link below:
 
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co8994673/heys-saw
 
Three ebony‑handled trocars authentic late‑19th‑century surgical instruments used to make small, controlled punctures to relieve fluid, after insertion the trocar is withdrawn leaving the silver cannula in place as the drain secured with the flat ring at the top, silver was prized for it's antiseptic qualities. The long, tapering steel shaft ends in a sharp, faceted point, while the handle is made from ebony with a textured grip, giving the piece both practical control and a refined Victorian look. One of these examples has a silver cannula. The Science Museum Collection in London has two very closely similar examples to two of these which can be seen via the link below:
 
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co165699/trocar-with-silver-cannula-and-ebony-handle
 
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co173564/ascites-trocar
 
Also a superb original surgical keyhole saw by Weiss, London, dating from the late 19th century (c.1870–1900). Made for fine bone work in amputations and orthopaedic surgery, this long narrow saw would have been used where larger amputation saws could not easily reach—around joints, metacarpals or to complete cuts started with other instruments. With a characteristic chequered pressed black handle with inset cartouche clearly stamped “WEISS LONDON”, from one of Britain’s best‑known surgical instrument makers.
 
Weiss of London supplied teaching hospitals, military surgeons and leading operators throughout the 19th century, and their bone saws are widely illustrated in period catalogues and museum collections. This example has the clean, purposeful lines of late‑Victorian theatre practice and makes a powerful display piece for any collection of historic surgery or medical curiosities.
 
All these items are sold as a historic collectibles only, not tested, not sterile, and not suitable for modern medical or practical use.