Fischer craftsmen of Vienna

Research into the lineage of an object is markedly improved by having numerous examples for comparison. In this set of spring lancets we are able to assess regional similarities. All of the items have been purchased over the years from collections and auction houses in Austria, most from Vienna. Several key areas have been photographed to highlight the fingerprints of this group of cutlers. Several of these items are marked by members of the Fischer family, some of which are even dated, others bear such striking resemblances that they are almost certainly produced by a group of cutlers working in conjunction. Links to the actual item will be provided.

Large silver veterinary spring lancet Marked M Fischer, the item is contained in a box marked Peter Fischer. The item can be seen in the section on silver spring lancets.

Sterling silver spring lancet with ornate engraving marked AF for Andreas Fischer and dated 1782. Note the similarities to the release bar design and the zoomorhic design of the swan's head finial to the drive spring. The piece is seen on the page of sterling spring lancets.

Note the imprintation of the mouth at the bottom of the swans head to the drive spring finial. Very common to this group of craftsmen.

Brass silver spring lancet with ornate engraving marked Andreas Fischer and dated 1790. Note the similarities to the release bar design and the zoomorhic design of the swan's head finial to the drive spring. The piece is seen on the page of brass spring lancets.

Large unmarked silver veterinary spring lancet. The item can be seen in the section on silver spring lancets.The similarities in the release bar, blade design and drive bar are strongly suggestive of this item coming from the Fischer group.

Large unmarked brass veterinary spring lancet. The item can be seen in the section on brass spring lancets.The similarities in the release bar, blade design and drive bar are strongly suggestive of this item coming from the Fischer group.

Unusual white metal veterinary spring lancet. The characteristic swan's head finial in this piece still possesses the mouth imprintation that is characteristic of this group but the beak has been elongated. Look at the piece on the page of white metal lancets and you will see that the craftsman was looking to deviate from the traditional design.

In addition to the commonalities represented in these pictures the blade design of all of these pieces is unique to this grouping. The blades on all of the pieces are flared at the portion of the blade that is

in contact with the casing of the lancet body. This is an unusual feature deviating from the the typical square metal design. It allows for better tracking of the blade as the drive spring is advancing.

Several scarificators are present on the site in the section labeled inscribed scarificators that are inscribed and dated by Peter Fischer and Joh Jacob Fischer. These pieces identify the dates of production for two members of this group of craftsmen. Further information regarding Andreas, Peter, and Joh Jacob as well as M Fischer and G Fischer is currently being researched. Current

information provided by Simon Weber-Unger from Dorotheum indicates that the Fischer family produced instruments in the Spittlberg (6th District) of Vienna through at least 4 generations. He also provided information that the earliest displayed piece is by Joh Jacob Fischer dated 1738 contained at Pharmaziehistorisches Museum Basel.