Hidden silver lancet in its custom-shaped case, France, 18th - Lot 299

Lot n° 299
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Estimation :
200 - 300 EUR
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Hidden silver lancet in its custom-shaped case, France, 18th - Lot 299
Hidden silver lancet in its custom-shaped case, France, 18th century Silver, steel, paper, cardboard, and velvet; instrument: 20.5 cm; case: 22 cm. A slender knife, concealed within a silver sheath, can be activated by a spring-loaded push button. The entire assembly is easily held by a ring located beneath the body of the lancet. This type of curved, spring-loaded concealed lancet appears to have been invented during the first half of the 18th century (see Bennion, pp. 107–108), although simpler models have existed since at least the 16th century and antiquity. These lancets came in various sizes and shapes and were used in ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and general surgery to access internal areas without cutting into healthy tissue. The spring still works quite well. The case shows some signs of wear.
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