At the start of the war, 94% of American prosthetic firms used wood to make individually sculpted artificial limbs for patients, which required craftsmen to continuously rework the limb until the fit...

The Rowley Artificial Limb Company became a success in 1917, with manufacturing houses in Pittsburgh and Chicago and distributors across the country. A leg amputee himself, J.F. Rowley began his...

During the same year, the “Openshaw” wooden carrying hand was designed by British surgeon, Thomas Openshaw, and later patented for production by Anderson & Whitelaw, Ltd, a manufacturer of medical...

A French soldier with both arms amputated during the WWI uses prosthetic arms to move soil with a pitchfork.

A German soldier shaving a piece of wood using a prosthesis on his left arm.

A German man learns to work with a hammer and anvil while using two prosthetic arms.

1915-1916...

This prosthetic limb was designed by Carnes Artificial Limb Co. for Corporal Henry G. Botjer of the New York National Guard.

This was the instruction sheet provided to customers to teach them how to put new cords into their prosthetic hand.

This instruction sheet was provided to customers to teach them how to use their Carnes Arm.