When the baby’s head was larger than the available space in the birth canal, labour would become obstructed, often resulting in the death of both mother and baby. This instrument was used to crush the foetal skull so as to allow extraction the foetus.

The long heavy handles applied enormous pressure to the skull and when it collapsed the serrated blades supplied the traction necessary to remove it. The handles are made from ebony and the instrument is in remarkable condition with hardly any signs of corrosion. Marked by the maker’s name Savigny & Co dating it to the mid 19th century.

• From the Phisick collection