Bullet extractor, France, 1501-1600

Made:
1501-1600 in France
Bullet extractor, 16th century, steel and brass

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Bullet extractor, 16th century, steel and brass
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Bullet extractor, 16th century, steel and brass, collection Drs Hamonic, France

Although attempts had been made to remove bullet-like projectiles when firearms had been introduced into warfare as early as the 1200s, only those near the surface of the skin could be treated. Special instruments for removing bullets only came into use in the early 1500s as firearms became increasingly sophisticated.

Screw-type bullet extractors like this one have a hollow rod which contains a screw that can be lengthened or shortened by turning the handles. The instrument is placed in the wound and the screw lengthened to pierce the bullet to remove it. This example has ornate curved handles and is made from steel.

Details

Category:
Surgery
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A121646
Materials:
steel and brass
Measurements:
overall: 11 mm x 311 mm x 60 mm, 0.12kg
type:
bullet extractor
credit:
Hamonic Collection