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Museum Quality Victorian Surgical Prosthetic Limb by W. H. Spratt 19th Century

$2,061.21
£1,495
€1,774.61
CA$2,852.81
A$2,862.79
CHF 1,669.61
MX$34,808.03
NOK 19,185.52
SEK 19,731.32
DKK 13,266.14

About the Item

This rare Victorian prosthetic support, crafted by William Henry Spratt, represents a remarkable example of 19th-century innovation in orthopedic and surgical engineering. Operating from London’s medical district, Spratt was a highly regarded surgical machinist, producing trusses, orthopaedic supports, and prosthetic limbs for private patients. The brass collar bears his engraved mark: “W. H. Spratt, 14 Brook St, Hanover Sq.” Historical records confirm Spratt’s active practice: he appears in the 1861 London census as a Surgical Machinist living with his family in Paddington, while trade directories list him as a truss maker, elastic stocking maker, and surgical instrument maker. His will of 1895 further validates his role in the medical trade. The prosthetic itself is masterfully constructed from hardwood. A tall shaft rises to a crescent-shaped knee rest, padded with leather and velvet, designed for below-knee amputees. The knee-rest design allowed users to transfer weight through the knee joint rather than the residual limb, reducing strain and improving mobility. The carved grip, formed directly from the timber, enhances both usability and visual appeal, reflecting Spratt’s combination of functional engineering and careful craftsmanship. This object is more than a medical instrument; it is a survivor of Victorian surgical ingenuity and a tangible reminder of personal resilience. With its original materials intact and maker’s mark clearly legible, the prosthetic offers collectors a direct connection to the history of Victorian medicine, early prosthetic design, and the human experience of adapting to physical loss. We ship internationally, tracked and insured.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 50.79 in (129 cm)Diameter: 11.82 in (30 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Wood,Hand-Carved
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    19thc
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Nottingham, GB
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9003250534272

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