Civil War Era Surgical Amputation Kit

Civil War Era Surgical Amputation Kit - Inventory Number: MED 288

Circa 1861–1865

Presented here is an original and complete mid-19th century U.S. Civil War surgical amputation set housed in a finely crafted, dovetail-joined mahogany case with a brass inlay escutcheon and clasp. The interior is lined with vibrant red velvet, perfectly fitted to secure each instrument.

The case prominently displays the key instruments of battlefield surgery:

   •   A large capital amputation saw with checkered ebony handle and polished blade

   •   A metacarpal saw for smaller bone work

   •   Amputation knife with ebony handle and curved blade

   •   Various scalpels and tenacula

   •   Bullet probe and forceps for extraction

   •   Petite Tourniquet with brass windlass and original linen strap

   •   Rolled surgical leather suture wrap – lacking the rounguers 

These tools were utilized by military surgeons operating under extreme field conditions and were often used in makeshift hospitals and tents. Quick amputations were necessary to save lives from infection due to traumatic injuries, particularly from Minié balls and artillery fragments.

Kits such as this were often issued by the Union Medical Staff or obtained by volunteer aid organizations like the U.S. Sanitary Commission or the U.S. Christian Commission. The presence of all original components and its exceptional condition make this a rare and historically significant artifact of Civil War medical history.

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Inventory Number: MED 288