A medical kit you're sure to want, Dr.. This is a late 1700s shagreen (stingray leather) etui (case) which holds the old original set of lancets to 'bleed' a patient who is ill. Yes, it was accepted science then that a sick person had 'humours' in the blood, and releasing blood could help them heal. Questionable science, and lots of sick people just went on about their dying. But no medical person would be without his very sharp lancets. The case is tiny, light, a vest pocket type of thing. Going into battle, or for travel, or as was done then, to the home of the person who was ill - essential tools. The handles are hinged to the blade and swing into place to cover it protectively, or to open and become the handle when in use. I've shown you In the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Shell has no bug bites, no breaks to that fine old pair, one in chocolate colored tortoise shell and the other in blond. The outer case has imperfections of age. Tip of one of the still-sharp lancet blades is broken off. Hinge and pushbutton clasp both in fine working order. Measurements noted on our photos.
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
