Instrument for tattooing deserters, 1850

Instrument for tattooing deserters, 1850 (c). Brass body and trigger with brass D plate and steel spikes. Engraved on side with manufacturers name, Savigny and Company, London. When a thumb piece at the other end of the cylinder is pulled the whole piston retracts and catches on a ratchet; when this is released by the depression of a steel lever, and internal spring forces the piston and spikes downwards. Used for tattooing one initial D for deserter on the face or armpit

Armpit Catches Cylinder Deserter Deserters Desertion Downwards Initial Internal Lever Needle Piston Pulled Ratchet Savigny Spikes Tattooing Thumb Trigger

Features In These Collections

> Contributors > NAM