Sold: Leg Splint

Adjustable splint for broken leg / wood, brass / c. 1860s

Antique Civil War-era leg splint of an ingenious and sculptural design, c. late nineteenth century. Meticulously crafted by a woodworker, the piece is composed of innumerable pieces of wood, each attached to the sturdy spine but hinged to allow for complete protection of a mini-ball shattered shin. Once adjusted, the elements are tightened and locked in place with brass wing nuts on bolts which run the length of the device.

In practice, the splint would have been bound in string and likely bandages. Naked, its wooden skeleton is a beautiful example of medical ingenuity and a work of sculpture. Though likely intended for mass production, the piece may be one of the kind — the labor and skill required to create each smooth and shapely wooden component would have made reproduction of the device costly and time-consuming.

Condition

Excellent antique condition. Appears unused.

Measurements

Approximately 3 feet tall

Shipping

Free in the continental United States. If an international buyer, please contact me for a shipping estimate by clicking here.