Gripping device used with an artificial arm, Europe, 1899

Made:
1899 in Europe
maker:
Chas A Blatchford and Sons Limited
Gripping device which was worn on a right below elbow

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Gripping device which was worn on a right below elbow
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Gripping device which was worn on a right below elbow prosthesis by a soldier who served at the Siege of Ladysmith (1899). Probably made by Blatchford 1899. Also with the soldier's Bible

Worn at the end of a prosthetic arm, this metal gripping device was used by a soldier who fought at the Siege of Ladysmith in 1899 during the Second Boer War (1899-1901). It is not clear whether this is where he received his injury or if he wore this device to allow him to continue his career as a soldier. The grip would have been attached to the rest of the artificial arm he would have worn.

It is shown with his Bible, which bears the words ‘“South Africa 1900” and was a gift from the South Africa General Mission. The device was probably made by Chas A Blatchford & Sons, a company that has manufactured and designed prosthetic limbs since 1890.

Details

Category:
Orthopaedics
Object Number:
1999-558
Materials:
metal
Measurements:
overall: 52 mm x 92 mm x 111 mm, .53kg
bible: 19 mm x 92 mm x 143 mm,
type:
prosthetic appliance
credit:
Richmond Twickenham and Roehampton Healthcare NHS Trust