A complete neurosurgical trephine set from late 19th or early 20th century.

It contains a trephine handle with two attachments, each with their own retractable centre pin (to anchor the bit, but prevent damage to brain tissue during drilling). A bone chisel, two lenticulars, an elevator and a hand drill (used to tap the skull manually). All the tools fit perfectly into the original purple silk and velvet lined case. The tools, apart from the trephine (which is undoubtedly original) and the case are labeled “Hauptner” who were predominantly veterinary instrument makers. I am assured by one experienced vet and a collector, that there are no indications for the neurosurgical trephining of any animal and that this set would have been for human use.

• From the Phisick collection