15-026A. UNUSUAL SHAPED LARGE BRASS SPRING LANCET
Probably English, mid-19th century, unsigned. See pages 96 in Audrey Davis & Toby Appel's "Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology" for a photo (Figure 103) of a similar spring lancet in the NMHT collection and the following description on page 55: " Instrument is made of brass and has an odd, irregularly curved shape. A large blade with a blade guard protrudes from the side. Blade is triggered by an iron slide catch on the front of the instrument and released by a brass lever release similar to that found in knob end lancets." The lancet is 5 1/2" long x 2 1/4" wide and is in very good display condition (the cocking spring is too stiff to cock safely).
15-026B. SMALL SILVER ALLOY BUTTON-TRIGGER SPRING LANCET
Probably European, mid-19th century, unsigned, but engraved on the back "V. V." Made of a silver alloy, 2 3/16" long overall x 15/16" wide x 3/8" thick, the case has the typical knob-shaped end, decorative ribbing around the top, and a push button trigger-release. The lancet is in very good working condition, in a recent fitted wood case.
15-026C. VERY SMALL ENGRAVED BRASS SPRING LANCET
Probably German, early 1st quarter 19th century, stamped "R.D." See page 13 in Audrey Davis & Toby Appel's "Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology" for photos (Figures 6 & 7) of a very small engraved brass spring lancet likely by the same maker in the NMHT collection and the following description on page 12: "The curved projection (1) is the continuation of a heavy coiled spring. When pushed up it catches on a ratchet. A razor sharp blade (2), responding to the pressure of a light spring placed under it, follows the handle as it goes up. A lever (3) acting on a fulcrum (4) when pressed down, releases the handle which in turn strikes the lancet down with lightning speed." The lancet is 2" long overall x 3/4" wide and is in very good working condition.
