1890’s Lithotomy set by S. Maw, Son & Thompson, London
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An 1890’s Lithotomy set signed ‘’ S. Maw, Son & Thompson – London’’. The set contains four Forceps (one replacement), a very nicely marked lithorite, 3 scalpels with ebony handles (marked Evans), a scoop with ebony handle, 3 (originally 6) sounds and 6 staffs. Most of the instruments are nicely marked by S. Maw, Son & Thompson of London. See for reference the image below, case 128 in the catalogue of MAW of 1890, the contents matching with our case. The case is made of mahogany wood is in good condition, except for a side latch of the box with a missing piece of wood.
The Maw family became a major supplier of medical instruments in the 19th century, starting with George Maw in 1807 on Aldersgate Street, London. His sons, John Hornby and Solomon, joined the business early on. By 1829, Solomon took over full control of the firm after his father’s retirement and John’s departure to manage a tile business in Worcester.
Under Solomon’s leadership, the company thrived, and in 1860, his son Charles joined the business, prompting a name change to S. Maw & Son. Unfortunately, Solomon passed away the following year, leading to the somewhat confusing renaming of the company to S. Maw, Son & Sons as Charles later brought his own sons into the business. By 1870, with growing demand for their products and the inexperience of the younger Maws, the family formed a partnership with John Thompson, who had been with the company since 1851. Thompson’s business acumen, combined with the Maws’ efforts, helped the firm expand both in the UK and internationally.
The company continued to prosper until 1901 when John Thompson passed away. Four years later, Charles also died after a long illness, during which time he was unable to visit the London offices. The Maw family was known for treating their workers well, giving them an extra week’s pay to celebrate Charles’s 50th year in business and hosting annual cricket matches at his home while he recovered from illness.
After the deaths of both Thompson and Charles, the company became S. Maw & Sons. They remained successful during and after World War I, acquiring the prominent business of Henry Crouch, and in 1940, the firm was renamed Maw Pharmacy Supplies.
What happened to the company after this period is unclear, but it seems it did not survive beyond the mid-20th century.
Dimensions: 22 x 41,5 x 5 cm.
