Early 20th Century Apothecary, Double-Ended Medicinal Spoon, Brass

Description

This medical tool is certainly an eye-catching, conversation starter! I believe that it has an “F” and an “S” engraved … more This medical tool is certainly an eye-catching, conversation starter! I believe that it has an “F” and an “S” engraved on its handle…maybe “Field Supply”?
I originally thought that it was “HS”, which would signify “Harmonized System Code for Utensils of Brass”, but there are no numbers stamped on it—sometimes, I think that I know just enough to scare myself! ;)
To me, this double-ended spoon looks like two claws—almost Gothic—needless to say, I would be frightened to sample ANYTHING that anyone offered me in it! It might have been used as units of measurement for powder/liquid ingredients. However, please be aware that exposing brass (that has not been tinned) to acidic foods or liquids will release copper and zinc (which is what makes brass)—high levels of copper or zinc can be very harmful! Also, if highly heated, fumes from the spoon could cause “metal fume fever”.
What an interesting, primitive piece! less