Assorted Instruments: lancets, prescription scale -- (Part 3 of 3)

Content Description

This thumb lancet features a double-edged, steel blade that is sharpened for the first 2/3 of its length, showing corrosion predominantly on its backside. The front is inscribed with the manufacturer's name and location - EVANS / OLD GRANGE / LONDON. The handle is made of tortoise shell and separated into two similarly shaped, thin parts; they are held to either side of the blade with a single pin, around which the parts may be rotated. With the blade retracted, the instrument is 3 11/16" in length; with the blade folded safely in between the handle halves, the instrument is 2 1/4" and 3/8" at its widest point. The lancet's case is a flat, irregular cardboard tube with closed ends that divides into two parts. The exterior of the case is treated with stamped resin, creating a textured, embossed surface featuring curves and dots that may resemble decorative plant life. This case is 2 5/8" long and 5/8" at its widest point [irregular]. This spring lancet is outfitted with a rounded [and now rusted] blade of steel, which protrudes, along with the steel cocking arm, from a rectangular hole at the top of the brass housing. This housing's shape is rectangular until reaching the base where the brass becomes scroll-like -containing the coiled spring. One side is flat, featuring a sliding lid inscribed with a crescent - for the thumbnail to pry -, providing entry to the interior. The opposite has a tapering trigger lever hinged into place near the small protrusive tip of a screw. This artifact is approximately 2 1/4"x 1/4"x 3/4" [irregular]. The final item is a chromed brass, rectangular case with a corroded hole perforating the lid. This lid has a bevel-edged perimeter and an inscribed label, bordered with linear decoration: DR C H FITCH'S / PRESCRIPTION SCALE / PATD SEPT 29 1885 / MANUFD BY N V RANDOLPH & CO / RICHMOND VA. The contents of the box include six separate items, four of which may be assembled to form the scale itself. A wide, conical, chromed brass bowl is affixed to a short, slotted extending arm, ending in a steel rod - the axle. A chromed brass slide rule, graduated with inscribed measurements up to 20 grams, can be connected into the slotted arm. The resulting piece is mounted at its axle upon a U-shaped fulcrum. The final [and optional?] component is an irregular, chromed brass, perforated, slotted, plate with a trough-like depression that fits over the axle; it rests just on top, fitting well. (However, this piece does throw off the slide rule measurement by 9 grams.) A single screw and a pharmacist's spatula are additionally contained within. This chromed brass spatula is compact; it folds in half at a pivoting pin, placing the round-tipped blade over the perforated handle. The case is 3/4"x 2 7/8"x 1 1/2". The assembled scale is approximately 5/8"x 4 3/8"x 1 1/2" [irregular]. The spatula is 4 1/2" when fully extended.

Acquisition Type

Gift

Restrictions Apply

No