Gillies' needle holder, chrome plated, by Stille, Sweeden, early to mid 20th century, formerly the property of Harold Gillies.
This instrument has scissor blades and no rachet so that it can be used by the surgeon to cut his own stitches. It also has a fenestration near the end which allows one to hold the needle vertically and advance it forwards rather than sideways.
Born in New Zealand to Scottish emigré patents, Harold Gillies came to England to study medicine at Cambridge University in 1901. He completed his clinical training at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London where he specialised in otolaryngology. In 1915, he volunteered for service on the Continent with the British Red Cross Society. During his time in France, Gillies observed a number of clinicians who inspired his interest in plastic surgery. He returned in 1916 to establish Britain’s first plastic and jaw unit at the Cambridge Military Hospital in Aldershot. He later founded a dedicated plastic and jaw institution at the Queen’s Hospital in Sidcup. Gillies is remembered for his ingenuity in developing and adapting reconstructive techniques for treating facial injuries, including the combined scissors and needle holder which bears his name today.Stille. Gillies 6 1/4" needle holder engraved 'H.D.G.'
