Civil War-Era Field Tourniquet – Original Wrapping / SOLD
Civil War-Era Field Tourniquet – Original Wrapping - Inventory Number: MED 296 / SOLD
This authentic Civil War field tourniquet remains partially wrapped in its original brown waxed paper, with the tightly coiled cotton strap and metal windlass clearly visible. These devices were indispensable for battlefield surgeons, used to control arterial bleeding ahead of surgery or amputation. The windlass mechanism allowed for quick tightening of the strap, cutting off blood flow to a limb. This example is remarkably preserved, with the rarely seen original packaging intact — a rare and compelling survival from 19th-century military medicine.
Circa 1861–1865. Excellent untouched condition with aged patina and paper fragmentation consistent with long-term storage.