EARLY AMERICAN ORTHOPEDIC OUTFIT FOR REDUCING DISLOCATIONS AND FRACTURES, c. 1845, signed “Manufactured by H. & G. Kellogg, Derby, Conn.” Contained in the 15″ (38 cm) wide walnut carrying case is a complete traction outfit, with folding doubly-expandable wood splint, various supports and clamps in polished steel some with chamois leather bindings, canvas straps, and the fine 13-3/4″ long (minimum) ratcheting mechanism in lacquered brass and steel. It is all of high quality craftsmanship and in fine condition throughout.

Patented 14 September 1843, by Dr. Jarvis of Portland, Connecticut, this elaborate invention was an early American patent (#3263). Jarvis claimed to “have invented a new and useful machine or instrument for the purpose of producing the extension, counter-extension, and transverse or lateral motion necessary to reduce fractures and dislocations of bones and of maintaining a just coadaption of the fractured ends of bones during the process of reunion….I denominate the said machine ‘the adjuster.'”

A rare American orthopedic contraption, complete with a photocopy of the patent.