Civil War Medical Wooden Elbow Splint, maker-marked, as in Museums

This is another rare original piece from the Civil War Medical collection I am working on, it is a Wooden Elbow Splint. It measures 12” x 9” x 3”. It was patented and manufactured by Dr. Almiron M. Day of Bennington, Vermont. He secured his patents during the mid-1850’s through the Civil War. Dr. Day’s splints were generally used in the army hospitals during the Civil War. This one still has the original marking of “DAY”.

Dr. Day’s splints are described in Dr. Dammann’s book “Pictorial Encyclopedia of Civil War Medical Instruments and Equipment” and there is an exact example on display at the “Museum of Civil War Medicine” in Frederick, Maryland (see pictures). There is also one on display at the Civil War National Museum in Harrisburg, PA (see pictures).

Many of the gunshot wounds during the Civil War not only pierced the flesh, but broke bones. A splint was an absolute necessity for Civil War surgeons to allow the soldier proper healing and the ability to eventually lead a normal life.

Judging by the condition of this splint, it was well used, but overall, still remains in nice condition. It does appear that the small thin wooden support is a replacement, but this does not distract from the overall appearance. Civil War medical items are rare and highly collectable, especially when you can find a maker identified example. In the near future I will be offering other medical pieces from a collection I acquired.