Original U.S. Civil War Era Bleeder Blood Letting Tool by Proctor

Authentic Civil War-era physician’s bleeder (bloodletting tool) manufactured by Proctor. This 3-blade example is a classic mid-19th century medical instrument used by doctors for therapeutic bloodletting, a common treatment practice during the Civil War period.
 
Bleeders of this type were frequently carried by surgeons serving in Union field hospitals and regimental medical departments during the American Civil War. While medical practices were rapidly evolving by the 1860s, bloodletting was still employed in certain cases, making such instruments an important part of early wartime medical kits.
 
The three-blade spring-loaded mechanism allowed the surgeon to control the depth and number of incisions. Instruments by Proctor are encountered in period medical sets and are collectible in their own right.