See Neumann p.187 #4. Brass with three folding arms, each with a small medially ridged spade shaped blade. Used to bleed the sick and injured in the belief that reducing the load on the heart was beneficial. This example, of characteristically early production, probably a New England cottage industry product. Unmarked and showing hand work throughout including tool finish of the brass case. While these were made and used into the 19th century, this example is unquestionably of the colonial period.