Gripping device used with an artificial arm, Europe, 1899
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.
Object number:
1999-558
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: prosthetic appliance
used to replace hands