Medical Antiques > Medical Therapeutic Instruments

Decorated Surgical Amputation Saw Rare, 18th Century

Item#: MET91

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This is a rare saw used by surgeons for amputation of limbs. This is a Perret type saw (see Dr. Keith Wilbur's book - 'Antique Medical Instruments' p128), with an elaborate decoration to the frame and with a long ebony handle. The stylized frame is made from iron and the screw has a beautiful keyhole shape. Saws from the pre-sterilization era are distinctive in that the handles were non-metallic and many had a pistol grip shape. This handle has an octagonal cross section, dating the entire saw to the early 1770's Prior to the invention of antiseptics, amputation was often the treatment of first rather than last resort, to prevent infection spreading through the body from injuries and wounds. The handle has a very old small crack.