Joseph Rodgers & Sons bleeder

[Buddie11]

Found this piece today,had no idea what it was,had to own it for the strange factor. Spent my afternoon trying to find out what this. I found the exact one on worthpoint(which I have no account) . It says it is from late 18th century to early 19th. Any extra input would be great. If this is authentic,which I'm pretty sure is,how much blood did this shed? I don't expect an answer for that question

[mart]

Wouldn`t worry much about how much blood,, would wonder how many had died from the bloodletting !!  Infection many times killed the patient after bleeding due to lack of sterilization !!

[jaikno66]

let me know when you find out some more info on price.

[bigwull]

Here,s one...Not sold on ebay..Oct 2012

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300787591847

[Buddie11]

Good point mart. Who knows where this has been. It definitely looks used. Do you think this could be 200 years old?  I am still new to the forum,just so you know I am a fairly new collector. I am much more interested in the history of a piece than value, unless its worth big bucks,ha,ha. My wife gives me crap all the time,it's in blood!

[Rauville]

Usually, this type of fleam was used by Veterinarians when bloodletting large animals. They would place the point of a blade against a vein and strike the back of it with a bloodstick, piercing the vein.

[bigwull]

Its not 200 years old...as it was made after 1871...
see link

http://www.manitobamuseum.ca/main/2010/02/19/answer-to-a-10-year-old-mystery-found-at-the-manitoba-museum/

[mart]

http://www.antiquescientifica.com/web.bloodletting_antiques_scarificators.htm

Well,, we were all new at some point !!   Excellent that you are enjoying the history rather than looking at value !!  The site above may interest you and you might email this guy for info !!
I would agree with Rauville that it looks more like for veterinary use than for people but I am no expert !!  There are examples of scarificators at the above site !!

[bigwull]

This was not used by a vet...this is a surgeons fleam...this text was taken from here...scroll down to find it on the right hand side

http://pinterest.com/thefaredge/joseph-rodgers-sons/


Three Bladed Surgeons Fleam ∞ This is an outstanding CW period 3-blade fleam, used to "let blood" from ailing patients. The blade tips were used to lightly cut across superficial veins, usually in the forearms. This item has the typical construction and component shapes: a brass outer housing into which fit the pivoting steel blades. This example is hallmarked by its famous maker: Joseph Rodgers & Sons, No 6 Norfolk St. Sheffield (England)

can i have my coconut now...

[Buddie11]

So bigwull do you think I have something to hang on to? What am I saying I keep everything,wife hates it! Rookie hoarder?

[bigwull]

I,m the wrong guy to ask that...I try  to buy cheap and then move it on..for a profit..and any profit..funds my forays at my local auction house....With an item like this...you have to ask yourself...what can I do with it...It,ll either lie in a drawer, or be tucked away somewhere..Its not as if it has ornamental value...

[Rauville]

Here are some more examples: http://www.alllancets.com/Brass2.html

It's certaintly worth keeping, in my opinion.

[mart]

Since some say this dates to the Civil War,, Get a small showcase and see if you can find other odd objects from that period. Then should you decide your interests are in a different area,, they should sell well to fund your next collection !! Several objects from that period usually sell better than one !!

[bigwull]

This one was made after 1871...therefore the civil war has no bearing..on its value...

[Buddie11]

Bigwull you are right hard to display with young children. I'm not a seller but does anybody have any idea of value on this somewhat brutal device?