What-is-it question IX

[Granmaa]

Here's a sweet little item made in America c.1850. The inscription is your clue.

Miles


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[dragonflywink]

Looks like a fancy little pocket blood letting knife.

Cheryl ;o)
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[Granmaa]

Well done Cheryl. It's a spring loaded lancet; just pull the lever back, press the push button on the other side and in she goes!

It's proving difficult to stump anyone for more than two hours with these questions!

Miles
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[dognose]

Hi Miles, What is the purpose of what appears to be a slide on the side, is it for cleaning maybe ?
regards Trev.
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[Granmaa]

Hmm, I'm not sure Trev. The site where I got the picture did not mention it.

Miles
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[admin]

Hi,
I've had a couple of these, sadly not in silver. The slide gives access to the spring and blade mount and allows for the replacement of either. I've never been sure if they came with an assortment of blades, for changing as the situation called for or if the blade was only changed when it was too worn for further usage.
Regards, Tom
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[dognose]

Hi Tom and Miles,
Thanks for that, its certainly a curious object, I've never seen one before,
regards Trev.
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