This beautiful sterling silver lancet case is profusely engraved with floral scrolls and birds all around the sides of the body and the hinged lid. The case is about the size of modern lighter or old-fashioned match case: 000 inches tall and 000 inches wide. The lid opens to one side, revealing two slots that still contain small lancets. These have blades marked by Blackwell in London, well documented as making surgical instruments in the first half of the nineteenth century, with pearl handles. The effective length of the blades is about 1 ½ inches. Opened to full length, they measure 3 ¾ inches.

The condition is excellent. The lancet blades are bright with just a few small gray spots or light stains. The marker’s stamp is sharp, though the first initial is slightly blurred. The case itself has a nice untouched, but bright tone and the engraving is sharp and distinct. A cartouche at the center of each side was left blank for an owner’s name or initials, but has not been engraved. The top of the lid is plain. The bottom of the case bears British silver marks indicating it is sterling. The duty mark at right is indistinct, but the portrait bust seems to face left, which can only be Queen Victoria. The city mark is indistinct, but since the lancets are from London, the case is likely to be also, and the Old English “C” date mark for that city would correspond with 1838.

Lancets, as distinct from fleams, were usually used in blood-letting for people, versus veterinary practice, which seems have used fleams with right-angle blades. The practice was continued well into the nineteenth century and the well-known British medical journal “The Lancet” (begun in 1823) retains that name to this day.

This is a very beautiful cased set and example of period engraving as well as a nice addition to a medical collection or display. [sr]

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