This was part of the Mystery Antique of the Week series (it's always interesting to read the guesses).
Blood Letting Scarificator used in the practice of bloodletting.
Why bleed with one spring-loaded blade when you could have 4, 12, or even 20? As long ago as the 17th century there were multi-bladed bleeders called scarificators.
These became very popular in shown is a basic octagonal English scarificator.
The case is brass and the mechanism and blades are steel. There is a depth adjuster for the blades on the top and the blades are cocked by the lever on top. The release switch is on the side. This allowed the blades to swing around, making multiple cuts at once.
*Approximate values -- a similar piece was found for sale, condition was not quite as good, for $450.
Blood Letting Scarificator used in the practice of bloodletting.
- Material: Brass
- Circa: Late 18th/Early 19th Century
- Price: $500.*
Why bleed with one spring-loaded blade when you could have 4, 12, or even 20? As long ago as the 17th century there were multi-bladed bleeders called scarificators.
These became very popular in shown is a basic octagonal English scarificator.
The case is brass and the mechanism and blades are steel. There is a depth adjuster for the blades on the top and the blades are cocked by the lever on top. The release switch is on the side. This allowed the blades to swing around, making multiple cuts at once.
*Approximate values -- a similar piece was found for sale, condition was not quite as good, for $450.