Bow frame amputation saw, with ornate handle terminating in griffin's head, Italian, from the Museo del Palazzo Borvansati, Florence, c. 1580

This amputation saw has an elaborate handle design which ends in a griffin’s head – the griffin being a mythological creature which has the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion. The level of decoration is typical of the period. Unfortunately, such decorative features provided a good environment in which germs could thrive.