Knight with the Iron Hand

In the 16th century, the knight Hans von Mittelhausen, bailiff of the village of Balbronn, was involved in the Peasants' War. According to historical accounts, he lost his left arm during a fight, likely struck by an axe or a scythe. In 1908, work carried out in the choir of Balbronn's church uncovered his tomb, along with that of his wife. The discovery revealed an exceptional prosthesis for the time, still attached to the knight's arm. This device, a true masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship, allowed him notably to hold the reins of his horse. The original prosthesis is now kept at the Strasbourg Historical Museum, while a replica is displayed in Balbronn. The object was fastened above the elbow with leather straps. A pivot replaced the natural joint, allowing the forearm to bend, and screws enabled adjustment of the opening and closing of the fingers.