Chain Écraseur, c.1900 Medical or Veterinary Surgical Tool

Antiques : Medical & Scientific

 

Named from the Fr. Écraser, "to crush", this late 19th to early 20th century surgical device was used in place of a scalpel to sever everything from tumors to uteri, and often for castration, through the crushing effect produced when the steel chain was looped over and gradually tightened around the offending tissue or organ. In these cases it was actually preferred because the process of mutilating with a chain produced less bleeding than clean excisions made with a knife, thus usually avoiding post-operative hemorrhage.

Some of these implements used a wire snare, but this is an example of what is known generally as a "Chassaignac Écraseur", which had chain instead of wire. 13 1/4" long, 19 1/2" with the chain fully extended, of nickle plated, finely machined steel, without any maker's marks. Condition is excellent -- no damaged or missing parts, everything still fully and smoothly functional, with only two or three very small spots showing faint wear or tarnish.

An interesting companion to that old straight razor in a bathroom or medicine cabinet display, guaranteed to invoke after-dinner conversation, but if left in carry-on luggage could create an equally interesting moment with airport security guards!

Item ID: 01541