A fine pewter bleeding bowl of European origin dating to the 18th Century. This small bowl 14cm x 11 cm is not to be confused with the larger barber surgeon bowls which were used for shavings and also attributed to bleeding. The cut-out of the bowl fitted the flexed elbow of a patient. The vein was lanced and the blood ran into the bowl. See picture from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. The bowl is attractively engraved around the periphery and the underside of the lip is stamped but this is now barely legible (see pics). In excellent condition with a lovely patina.