2002/33

G. Gregory (Manufacturer)

A fleam was used to pierce the jugular vein of an animal to bleed it for veterinary purposes. This fleam has three cast steel blades in a brass casing. It was manufactured by G. Gregory - 'G. Gregory, Cast Steel' is inscribed on the first blade. It was found by the donor at Elphick's veterinary practice in Newcastle when he purchased the practice in 1951. He was a general vet and horse vet, and treated pit ponies in the Northumberland/Durham area until he retired in 1975.

1 fleam: metal; good condition

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'FLEAM // Description // 1 fleam // Manufactured by G. Gregory. // Has three cast steel blades (middle one of which has broken tip). First blade is inscribed 'G. Gregory, Cast Steel'. // Casing is of brass. // Dimensions // 9cm (length when closed) // Associated information // See 2002/27 // Fleams are veterinary tools for bleeding animals, being used in conjunction with a fleam stick.', MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) [2002/27] – '... // W. G. Blythman was born in 1926 and trained as a vet at Edinburgh from 1943-48. He purchased Elphick's veterinary practice in Newcastle in 1951 for £1,000. The practice was started by Clement Stephenson in 1918 - one of the first fellows of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Originally, the practice specialised in street horses. It had 10 forges because the business combined a farriery & veterinary practice. // Stephenson financed part of the School of Agriculture at Newcastle University in the early 20th century. He also became Vice-President of the Veterinary Association. // Blythman was a general vet and horse vet. He used to treat pit ponies in the Northumberland/Durham area. He was also a racecourse vet for 44 years. He retired in 1975.', MERL miscellaneous note - 'Collection of veterinary instruments and associated material // Deposited by William Grant Blythman, BSc, MRCVS, on 7th September 2002 // Acc. No. Name of Item // 2002/33 Fleam... // These items were found by W. G. Blythman at Ephick's veterinary practice in 1951....'

1918 - 1951