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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: geekofbroadband on May 01, 2015, 11:16:34 AM

Title: What is this?
Post by: geekofbroadband on May 01, 2015, 11:16:34 AM
What is this  :)  :o  ;D

(http://i59.tinypic.com/2dlrqrb.jpg)

(http://i62.tinypic.com/23kz2nb.jpg)

(http://i61.tinypic.com/91cswg.jpg)
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: mariok54 on May 01, 2015, 11:20:53 AM
Well, it is obviously a tenon saw .... but not an ordinary one. Over here in the UK vintage / antique tools can make money, but it all depends upon the quality and manufacturer. I can't quite make out that writing, any chance of a clearer pic?

And welcome!
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: geekofbroadband on May 01, 2015, 11:23:00 AM
The writting in the second picture says "Thackray Leeds"
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: fancypants on May 01, 2015, 11:35:33 AM
Your item appears to be a surgical saw , geekofbroadband .

Also very much looks like it came from Thackray Hospital , Leeds .

They've got a great museum & possibly you'll find one just like yours there !

Could you please post the length of the sawblade ?
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: geekofbroadband on May 01, 2015, 11:46:30 AM
21.5cm
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: fancypants on May 01, 2015, 05:02:36 PM
With that length & style , I'd say you've got an amputation saw .
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: KC on May 01, 2015, 07:44:35 PM
They got it!   

Medical antiques are very collectible.
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: cogar on May 02, 2015, 04:40:14 AM
That's what I figured when I seen the brass handle.
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: geekofbroadband on May 02, 2015, 07:18:21 AM
What would you say we do with it? We dont really want to keep it but dont want to throw it away now we know what it is   :)
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: KC on May 03, 2015, 01:29:41 AM
Where are you located?

You could donate it to the museum.  or, You could sell it.
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: geekofbroadband on May 03, 2015, 08:00:34 AM
Epsom, Surrey
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: mariok54 on May 03, 2015, 12:35:43 PM
I'd always pictured amputation saws with an elongated abd sloped blade, but wth Thackray Leeds it almost certainly is from the hospital. Medical instruments can fetch a lot of money, and I came across a Medical Instruments website a while back, generally all pre 1900,  where they listed 'wanted' items, and some were in the $1000s .. but these were generally complete sets  or rare pieces. Can't for the life of me recall what site it was, but they had a selection of these saws. Google Amputation Saws and I'm sure you'll come across it. If it turns out not to be too valuable then I'm sure the museum would love it. I'm not sure I'd want it in the house, I'd be dwelling too long on the poor souls who were under the knife, or in this case the saw.
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: cogar on May 04, 2015, 05:01:36 AM
I'm not sure I'd want it in the house, I'd be dwelling too long on the poor souls who were under the knife, or in this case the saw.

 ;D ;D ;D , and that is but one reason it would sell for BIG money, …. it’s macabre value to the serious collector.
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: fancypants on May 04, 2015, 11:56:08 AM
There is a genre of collectors of surgical (& other items) tools that focus on the history of those individuals who'd used or owned them , such as famous/infamous/historical doctors .

Although your item (IMO) is no longer serviceable as a surgical tool , it's a cool thing that the patina on it still looks as if it's present . I sure wouldn't try to 'clean it up' much , except for maybe a light oiling/rubbing to prevent further oxidation , esp. on the blade areas , geekofbroadband .
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: KC on May 04, 2015, 10:25:46 PM
What Cogar said....but more-so, there are many doctors/medical companies/etc that collect antique and vintage items for personal collections.  I know companies collect them to show the "evolution" of tools over time to the new/"improved" items of today.

Like Mario54 said above, these puppies can bring in some $$$.  WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND/HISTORY OF YOUR ITEM?  How did you come to acquire it?  History can have a big impact on value as well!

In searching for values you might want to look under "Medical" or "Scientific" antiques.  Have seen them categorized both ways over the years.

Some sites you may want to contact to come up with a value for your item:
http://medicalantiques.com/medical/Amputation_saws.htm (http://medicalantiques.com/medical/Amputation_saws.htm)



http://www.antiquescientifica.com/Sales%20Catalogue%20Additions.htm (http://www.antiquescientifica.com/Sales%20Catalogue%20Additions.htm)
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: cogar on May 05, 2015, 06:15:48 AM
Right on, KC, …. more so.

Doctors, Dentists and Pharmacists, especially the young ones just starting their careers, are always looking for items to decorate their office or workplace.

I once sold a set of 5 antique porcelain apothecary jars at a Virginia flea-market to a young Pharmacist from New York City. He was more cited about getting them than a young boy getting his 1st bicycle.

They were almost identical to these …. if it lets me "insert" this image link.

(https://shard3.1stdibs.us.com/archivesD/upload/7955/5004/XXX_7955_1268268686_1edit.jpg)
Title: Re: What is this?
Post by: KC on May 05, 2015, 08:21:18 PM
Whoa...those would sell for a pretty penny these days.  I know the private pharmacy near us has one heck of a collection of apothecary jars, pill molds, mortar/pestles, signs, etc.