Description

UNCOMMON DENTAL SET, French, c. 1875, signed in the case “H. Galante a Paris” and “Galante, Instruments de Chirurgie, 2 rue de l’Ecole de Medecine, Paris,” and on the major instruments (toothkey and two forceps) “Galante.” This fine set comprises eleven tools, plus a small turned ebony box and an auxiliary tooth key claw of larger size. The eight-sided tapered wood handles are ebony; the lovely tooth key handle is turned horn. The full set is contained in its original 8″ x 10″ x 1-5/8″ (20 x 25 x 4 cm) wood case covered in black fabric and lined with red chamois, complete with original key. The set is complete and all original, with the possible exception of the elevator. Condition is very fine throughout. The maker was Henri Galante, established in Paris in 1851. Catalogues are known from 1853 to 1885 (see Davis and Dreyfuss), and the firm had representatives in London and in Naples. A rare example of a cased French dental operating set.