Medical Instrument Name & Use?

Our museum has a small collection of medical instruments
which I cannot identify. I have searched quite a bit for this one and it probably will be obvious to everyone but me.

"Metal expander with screw & two cushioned / padded ends". Chrome 8" long including the screw; opens to 9" wide at the pads.

 

With the pads on the *inside*, I don't see how this could be an expander.

 

You are correct in the idea it could not be used to expand something but I think they were referring to what the object itself can do - it can expand itself. So maybe it compressed something?

 

Is there a patent number on it anywhere?

 

I have looked pretty carefully and have not found marks or numbers. I have checked sites on the web without any luck.
Thank you & 6 rivets for looking.

 

It does not appear to be medical related

but it could be listed on ebay as:

RARE! CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD CANNON BALL MEDICAL EXTRACTOR CSA NO RESERVE

 

skull clamp???

 

The skull came to my mind too If I was not so lazy, I would look in my late husbands medical books. Maybe tomorrow if an ID has not been found

 

It has been kept since 1961 with the medical instruments we were given of two local doctors. But then some of the instruments could also have been used by veterinarians! Thanks for your continuing advice.

 

You could look at Hanau bows but it isn't a great match

 

Not too far fetched. We have dental mouth molds.

 

Are the discs the same size? In the first picture, the one on the left appears larger and flatter. The disc on the right appears smaller and pointed. Is that correct?

If so, it is meant to clamp with a molded pressure, and it appears to have something akin to moleskin to avoid friction or sticking to whatever, (skin?).

 

I am so happy to tell all that it is "Signorini's Tourniquet." It was used for aneurisms and to put pressure on arteries. Found this in a catalog in Antigue Medical Instruments. If anyone wants the address I will hunt it done again.
Thank you so much for your encouragement.
Carol

 

Good research! Persistence paid off.

 

I had thought it looked like it could be used as a venal clamp but couldn't find a description of one. I don't see how a leg tourniquet helps an aneurism. But then I don't see how they thought bleeding would cure flu either.

 

There is the femoral artery in the leg.

 

"Signorini's Tourniquet."

Yeah, that's it! Dangit, was right on the tip of my tongue, too, but I just couldn't spit it out in time!.

 

Never seen such medical instrument before. Feeling nostalgic to see such unique items that play a key role in our medical facilities. Great thread share...

 

Well lots of people often remain interested in learning about different medical instruments used and produced ages back.