Hints on taking digital photos of pre-1870 medical or surgical sets, in particular velvet-lined surgical sets in wood cases

By Dr. Michael Echols, American Civil War Surgical Antiques

Digital photos are the single best way for us to document and communicate with each other about the type of antique surgical item or items you have.  Take as many photos as possible to communicate exactly what you have so it can be accurately identified.  Unlike prints, digitals are free (except for listing on eBay), so don't be stingy.  You know what they say about a picture being worth a thousand words.
 
Set your camera for medium quality settings for these shots.  You want to list your item with the ability for the buyer to enlarge the photo on screen, but not so big that you loose perspective of the size. 

Use adequate light.  Use indirect sunlight if possible for surgical instruments with shiny surfaces.  Flash is okay if you can't avoid it, but don't shoot photos in a dark room and expect any kind of presentable results.  You must have light..northern exposure is best if possible and outside in the shade is best.  Use your flash to back-fill when necessary, but usually, good ambient light is fine.

Look at your photos on your computer after you shoot them to see if they are in focus and bright enough.  If you can't see details, neither can the buyer.  If your photos are not in focus, do-it-over!
 
Take pictures of the instruments in the set so the fit of the instrument into the slot is visible.  The slots in a velvet lined surgery case are specific for a given instrument.

If an area is covered by a saw or tray, shoot the set first with the saw or tray in place, then again with the cover removed.

Photograph any and all identification names or marks.  Maker labels are essential if present.  You have to be able to see and read the address on the label.  The address is critical.  If you can't get a good photo, then write out everything on the label in your description.

Make sure you show all instruments both in the case and out of the case.  Group the instruments together and photograph the groups.  If possible use a good solid white or blue background to shoot against for individual instruments. Do not lay them on a bed sheet!

It is essential you get photos of any and all names and cities stamped on the individual instruments or carefully list all maker names in the description.  You may not be able to take a close-up but you can list the names you see.  Even if you can't make out the whole name, describe what you see.  Use a magnifying glass if necessary, but it is important to list ALL names or partal names in the set.

Photograph the brass plate on the top of the case, especially if engraved.  Make sure you can read what it says in the photo.

Take some shots of the latch, locks, or key area and the top of the case.  It helps to date the case.

Here are some examples of what your photos should show:

Above: the outside of the case showing the top and front; hardware on the case

Above: brass plate without any engraving; a maker label w/address

Above: take multiple shots of the inside of the case with trays or partitions present and removed, show it all, you only get one chance to make a good impression!

Above: a group shot of everything in the set; individual parts of interest

Above: group close-ups of various types of similar instruments

Above: close-ups of maker names.  (Use the MACRO feature of your camera)

Again, if you can't see it on your photos before you post them on eBay, neither can we!  Review your photos before you post them.

Dr. Michael Echols is strictly a collector and not a dealer.  If you want to see additional information on this subject, please search for his web site:

American Civil War Surgical Antiques

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