CONFEDERATE AMPUTATION KNIFE

9 3/4" broad saw back spatulate blade of thin wedge section marked SOLINGER with a megaphone or loud hailer logo. The back with flat (unset) saw tooth edge. Hardwood grip with beveled edges and semi ergonomic form. Quality and construction as expected for medical instruments. The grip excellent and the blade quite crisp with slight field sharpening as expected for field medical use. Undoubtedly the product of one of the primary English makers using a pseudonym corrupted from the familiar SOLINGEN marks. The logo as well is typical of Sheffield makers. Such subterfuge, (including known makers producing unmarked swords), was employed by English manufacturers to serve the Confederate market while maintaining good relations with their Northern customers. Amputation was the universal treatment for limb wounds as the result minimized infection for which there was no treatment and gangrene follows.