Francke Needle This is a Francke Needle, made of metal by Fannin (as engraved on the shaft) and Medicon (as engraved on the tip along with "Inoxidable"). It features a lancet-shaped needle within a pen-like mechanism: when the spring is released, the needle is propelled out of the casing to puncture the skin. All parts of the needle can be unscrewed, allowing for easy and thorough cleaning. The Francke Needle was designed by Dr Karl Francke, a German physician known for his contributions to medical instrumentation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This innovative tool was commonly used for bloodletting, providing a controlled and precise way to draw small amounts of blood. 1925-1975