The Flying Guillotine

A contemporary reconstruction of a mysterious weapon dating from ancient China, known the "Blood Dripper" or "Flying Guillotine." The device consists of two disc-like component parts separated by cloth, the lower half of which encloses an arrangement of metal blades. The weapon was intended to be thrown or dropped over the head of the intended victim, a sharp tug on the cord attachment causing the blades in the base unit to snap shut, theoretically decapitating the enemy. According to Japanese references it was used for assassination and terror purposes.