Description

SMALL AMPUTATION SAW BY THE BEST, French, last quarter 18th century, signed “Grangeret, Paris” and with the maker’s “crowned-H” stamp. Measuring only 11-1/2″ (29 cm) overall, the saw is finely shaped of polished steel, set with a 5″ (13 cm) long blade, a “butterfly” blade-tightening nut, and a fine eight-sided pistol grip handle of ebony. Condition is very fine with traces of old stains. The maker was Pierre Grangeret (c. 1731 – 1802), master cutler, recipient of the “crowned-H” mark in 1772, recorded as cutler to Louis XVI. This saw is a good example of Grangeret’s superior craftsmanship — it is comfortable in the hand, with good heft and balance, it is esthetically a pleasure to look at, and it seems eminently functional. It has an unusual diminutive size, clearly designed for younger patients or for finger amputations.