Skull saw, London, England, 1831-1870

Made:
1831-1870 in London
maker:
Ernst
Skull saw, with crank handle to move blade, by Ernst, English Skull saw, with crank handle to move blade, by Ernst, English

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Skull saw, with crank handle to move blade, by Ernst, English
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Skull saw, with crank handle to move blade, by Ernst, English
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Skull saw, with crank handle to move blade, by Ernst, English, mid 19th century

The chainsaw like blade of this unusual skull saw is moved by turning the handle in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction and is designed to saw through sections of the skull. Skull saws were used to remove fragments of bone in order to provide access for other instruments. They were commonly used in the 1800s, although some surgeons preferred to use chisels or gouging forceps.

Details

Category:
Surgery
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A616406
Materials:
steel and wood
Measurements:
overall: 54 mm x 236 mm 86 mm, .42kg
type:
skull saw