746A. CIRCA 1830 SURGEON'S ROTARY TREPANNING SAW 434-823 Very rare surgeon's trepanning drill, 12" overall, 5" wide at its widest point, with a tapered dark-stained wood handle at one end and beige ivory handle on the crank. When turned the crank rotates a circular saw blade with a bit at center used to make a 7/8" hole in the patient's cranium. Beneath the ebony on a steel sleeve are the initials "J.S.", undoubtedly those of the physician who owned this device. The device uses an 8:1 pinion drive gear which still operates smoothly, although the ivory handle itself no longer turns freely. No maker's marks are visible on this mechanical saw which is very fine condition, save a bit of pitting and some age discoloration exhibited on the steel shaft. The saw itself exhibits little wear and its blade teeth remain sharp. This mechanical saw certainly predates the Civil War, likely ca. 1830, and is excessively rare in any condition. $2,000 - 3,000