Civil War Surgeons Cased Medical Bleeder, as in museums and books

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a 19th century cased bleeder. The lancet is brass, and the blade is steel. In comes in its original maroon leather covered wooden case, measuring 2 7/8” x 1 11/2” x 7/8”. The original brass clasp also remains. Imprinted on top of the box is some German writing, most medical instruments came from Germany during the 19^th century.

The blade was cocked by the hook and released with the button on the side to pierce the skin to release “bad blood”. Many Civil War surgeons continued the practice of bloodletting, simply because they had no other answer for treating the wounded or ill soldier. It can safely be said that this practice never benefited the patient and, in many cases, did more harm by causing infection.

There are examples of this bleeder in “Civil War Medical Instruments and Equipment”, by Dr. Gordon Dammann, the Gettysburg Museum and the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg (see pictures). In my personal collection I have one of these bleeders that was found in Gettysburg, and it is in my book “Battle of Gettysburg – The Relics, Artifacts & Souvenirs” (see pictures).

Both the bleeder and the case are in very nice condition. I didn’t try to operate the bleeder because of its age, but I am sure it will work with a few drops of oil. As seen in the pictures, this instrument has seen quite a bit of service.

This would make a great addition to any medical or Civil War collection. An interesting note is that one of the bleeders in the Gettysburg Museum collection was found at Pickett’s Charge, the other picked up from the battlefield. With the one in my collection and those two, validates just how much they were used.....I am sure there were many more.