Civil War Spring-Loaded Fleam 

Description

Civil War Spring-Loaded Fleam 

Excellent Civil War-period spring-loaded fleam, a compact medical instrument designed for rapid bloodletting. Unlike the more familiar folding fleams that were struck manually, this ingenious instrument employs a spring-powered mechanism that drives the cutting blade instantly when triggered, allowing the physician to make a quick and controlled incision. 

The brass-bodied mechanism retains its original steel blade and internal spring assembly and remains housed in its original fitted, velvet-lined case. Particularly attractive is the red leather-covered exterior, decorated with gilt tooling and a small medical-style device stamped on the lid. The case exhibits honest period wear while remaining remarkably complete. 

Bloodletting was still practiced during the mid-19th century, and fleams and spring lancets could be found among the instruments of physicians and military surgeons. A particularly interesting and mechanically sophisticated Civil War-era medical instrument, made considerably more desirable by the survival of its original fitted case. 

Inventory Number: MED 343