An antique German Spring Lancet (bloodletting instrument) in its original wooden box with the humorous German phrase "Trau nicht, es sticht" which translates as "Don't trust, it stings/pricks"—a warning about the sharp blade inside. The Lancet features: Brass body with steel spring mechanism and blade, plus a spare blade Original red-painted wooden storage case The Lancet dates from the early 19th century spring lancets were used to make rapid incisions in a superficial vein during bloodletting; the cocked spring drove the small blade into the skin to let a controlled amount of blood, mainly for human patients, while larger‑bladed versions were used on animals.​