A finely crafted mid-19th century scarificator made by Viennese surgical instrument maker Peter Fischer.

Peter Fischer was the last of a long line of familial surgical instrument makers from Vienna, Austria. This scarificator, made of brass and blued steel (most has rubbed off), has an inscription on the top plate with the maker’s name, date, and place of production. The heart-shaped central screw was used to adjust the depth of the 16-blade instrument. The blades were charged by pulling the top lever and released with the side catch. The leather case has a flower stamped on the side and an embossed pattern along the case edges. The interior is garnished with a marbled paper and floral design.

• From the Ishmael collection