Three steel implements are housed within a brass handle or shield, which measures 3 3/8 inches in length. There are 3 different size arrow shaped blades which were used in the  process of “bloodletting” to cure illness and disease by removing blood to balance bodily fluids. The size of the arrow fleam blade would depend on the incision size needed for the vein. The smallest arrow fleam blade is marked “G. GREGORY WARRANTED”. Gregory was a renowned surgical instrument and lancet maker in Sheffield, England during the period of 1820 to 1860.

This practice was popular prior to and during the Civil War period. Due to a limited supply of medicines during the Civil War, bloodletting was performed on humans as well as on horses. The force of a heavy mallet or bloodletting stick hitting the fleam would allow the blade to penetrate the thick hide of the horse so that blood could be released. 

This fleam is in good historical condition and a great addition to any collection of medical, veterinary, or Civil War related items.  No Reserve.