Early 1860s, being a mahogany campaign case, the lid fitted with an engraved brass plate that reads Barnes / Asst. Surgeon 76th / N. Y. V. / June 7th / 1862, the medical officer thus identified was Dr. Nelson R. Barnes (1835-1900), variously Assistant and Full Surgeon of the 76th and 184th New York Volunteer Infantry; the case opens to a crimson lined velvet interior fitted with stainless steel instruments, many with ebonized handles and marked with the maker's stamp EVANS & CO. LONDON.

Saw 14 in.; 3 3/4 x 17 1/2 x 7 1/4 in.

From the Collection of Richard M. Griffin, M.D., North Carolina

Genealogical research identifies Dr. Nelson Rounds Barnes, M.D. as being born on Aug 11th, 1835, in McDonough, Chenango County, New York. An 1858 graduate of the Albany Medical College, Barnes saw much as a surviving Civil War veteran. He enlisted on August 11, 1862, as an Assistant Surgeon, mustering into the 76th New York Infantry, the time when he acquired this case. He was promoted to Full Surgeon on November 8, 1864, transferring into the 184th Infantry. Dr. Barnes was mustered out on June 29, 1865, at City Point, Virginia. Following his discharge, he operated a private practice in Binghamton until his death and was a member of the Broome County Medical Society. Dr. Barnes was married to Alice Holmes (1841-1926) and passed on September 30th, 1900. He is buried at Spring Forest Cemetery in Binghamton, Broome County, New York.

Case and instruments with some scattered scratches; rust spotting to instrument blades; wear to handles; one knife with chipping to blade; interior with soiling and surface wear; a few instruments missing, but overall a fairly complete set.