Tourniquet from a set of amputation instruments, German, 1831-1870.

One of a complete set of amputation instruments made of steel and ebony, made by either Kittel or Bornhagen. This belt would have been pulled tight around the limb above the wound in order to stop exces bleeding during amputation. Prior to the invention of antiseptics, amputation was often the treatment of first rather than last resort, to prevent infection spreading through the body from injuries and wounds.