An 19th century destructive obstetric instrument used to extract a foetus

The unsigned instrument superficially resembles obstetric forceps and may have been used in a similar manner but in cases requiring extraction after in utero foetal death. The sharp crotchet was used to perform a craniotomy and guarding blade (with a ridged inner surface to prevent slippage) was used over the contralateral side of the skull to apply leverage to that end. The instrument is made from unplated steel, the handles bound in coarse crosshatched ebony. and the two section held together with a German lock.

• From the Phisick collection