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12 Dexter-Russell PRECISION AND PRIDE In addition to creating fine tools for household use, Harrington tapped into his creative side and invented several instruments for the medical field. e blades he designed were extremely sharp and precise and primarily used during the process of bloodletting, a common practice in the 18th and early 19th centuries. His fleam resembled a tiny, elegant jackknife, usually with a pearl or tortoise shell handle. ose that still exist, some of which are housed at Old Sturbridge Village, are as sharp as the day Harrington ground and polished them. Proud of both his handiwork and his country, Harrington sought a way to express his feelings through his products. Taking a cue from his English counterparts, who emblazoned their products with the words "Cutlers to the King," he chose a more humble approach and stamped each tool with the words, "Henry Harrington, Cutler to the People." In many cases, he added an American eagle to the imprint to honor his country. RENAISSANCE MAN While Henry Harrington demonstrated an expertise in crafting fine knives, cutting tools and precision medical instruments, he also experimented with the manufacture of different types of firearms, adapting the tools he used to create knives for gun making. An exquisite metal worker, he used this knowledge to design rapid-load, multiple-barreled firearms with enormous firepower. e user dropped preloaded blocks into the breech and could fire seven bullets at one time. Harrington used a variety of woods, such as walnut, cherry, apple or other fruitwood, for the stock, and fittings and triggers were made of brass, nickel, iron, steel and other metals. He inscribed the seven-barreled gun with a block letter engraving: HENRY/ HARRINGTON/CUTLER/SOUTHBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS. Harrington also invented a rifle with a rod in the middle of the barrel that guided hollow bullets. Production was a slow process as every weapon was created individually; no two firearms were alike. He patented his design on July 29,1837 and engraved the patent information on every firearm he produced as a sign of pride, but also as a warning to others not to copy his design. Assorted cutting instruments, including a fleam, used during medical procedures