18th-early 19th century. 12 blade, with 1 3/8” cubical brass case and iron mechanism. Cocks or sets by operating the top lever and releases 12 blades by operating the side lever. The top marked WEIN (Vienna). The typology for these is incomplete. It is stated that they were produced as early as the 17th century and used well into the 19th century. Examples with pointed blades, and as seen here, are dated before 1820. Rounded blades post date 1820. So this example may well date to the Colonial period and Revolution, and certainly to the Federal and Napoleonic periods. Functional and requires care when operating!
