Civil War Surgeon’s Saddle Bags, as in museums and books (SOLD)

Being offered is a beautiful set of a Civil War Surgeon’s saddle bags. Each bag measures approximately 8 ¼” x 7 ½” x 3”. On the sides of the bags are drawers which pull out and would have contained vials of medicines. Very good condition with intact drawers for medicines. Dividers present inside for apothecaries. Leather is supple and has bone closure buckles. In "Pictorial Encyclopedia of Civil War Medical Instruments and Equipment" by Doctor Dammann, there is a very similar example of these bags (see pictures). 

Medical saddle bags were carried by surgeons in the field to hold a variety of medicines for the treatment of the sick and wounded. There was a lack of qualified doctors during the Civil War, so it was necessary for them to move around, usually within the battalion. The saddle bags were designed to carry smaller quantities than apothecary chests, making it easier for the surgeons to move about. Most museums have examples of these bags, such as the National Civil War Museum and the Civil War Medical Museum (see pictures).

Very seldom do these surgeon’s bags hit the open market, they are relatively rare with a low survival rate. These bags were well used but are still in nice condition. There are a couple pieces of small leather that came off over the years and are inside the bag if you would like to have them reattached.