A Charriere tri-valve vaginal speculum. The three blades collapse to form an oval shape which accommodates the obturator.

The speculum would be inserted with the obturator in place, then pressure applied to the handles would expand the blades enough to remove the obturator and the hinged blades would be further extended into a circular configuration and locked in place.  When expanded one of the leaves can be removed to allow a fenestrated view of the vaginal wall. Signed Luer. The speculum is made from ebony with an ivory insert in the handle. Introduced in 1839

• From the Phisick collection