Posted 10 years ago
aviator
(2 items)
This little thing came in a leather covered wooden box as shown. Passed it around at a party but none of the old timers had ever seen one. The curved metal portion sticking out the end can be pulled back and locked in place. The knife blade looking protusion will follow it. When then lever on the side is pushed down. The curved piece and blade are released under strong spring pressure (like a switchblade). I haven't tried to open the back yet, but it looks like it has a fingernail indention to facilitate opening. I wonder if it for quickly slicing something off? Like an annoying body part! Wart, skin tag, etc.
Looks like an antique bloodletting tool.
http://sulab.org/2014/04/hfe-and-modern-day-bloodletting/
More photos.
http://s946.photobucket.com/user/sum67/library/Antique%20Bloodletting%20Tools%201700-1857?sort=3&page=1
Now, that caught me off guard. Never would have even considered that possibility.
I think you are right. I cocked it and when it went off it about sliced the end of my finger open!!! Thanks for the answer!
You're welcome and be careful!!!