Iron divan crutch with concealed dagger, Persian(?), 19th century
This iron crutch both supported the body and aided a person getting up from lying on a divan couch. It is thought to have originated in Persia (modern day Iran). The crutch also had an alternative, more sinister use. Hidden inside the stem is a sharp, thin dagger which can be accessed by twisting the handle and sliding the blade out.
Details
- Category:
- Orthopaedics
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A196265
- Materials:
- iron
- Measurements:
-
overall: 640 mm x 190 mm x 24 mm, .43kg
- type:
- crutches
- credit:
- Wellcome Trust (Purchased from Stevens)