This is an antique medical bloodletting phlebotomy surgical instrument used in the early 19th century for the general practice of bloodletting. It measures only 2 inches in length including the blade. This procedure was thought to cure illness and disease by removing the necessary amount of blood from the patient to recreate the proper balance of bodily fluids needed to regain healthy bodily function. The operation of the device consisted of pulling or cocking back the lever and then pressing downward on the side trigger mechanism. This would operate the interior spring to force or eject the tiny pointed blade into the vein, creating an incision from which the blood would flow. This mechanical lancet was preferred by many in the medical field over the fleam which required manual pressure to create the incision. The back of the lancet has a nail indented area that would slide open to show the interior mechanism but now seems to require some extra assistance to loosen (see photo #9). The scratches may have resulted from such an attempt. The lancet itself does not have any markings on it.  Both the box and the spring loaded lancet are in very good functioning condition.

This is an excellent medical instrument to include in a Civil War doctor’s bag or with a collection of blood letting instruments.  No Reserve.