A set of six 19th century antique surgical trocars in a velvet lined wooden case.

The octagonal ebony handles are crosshatched and rounded on alternate panels. The steel trocars have concentric brass mounts and are sheathed in solid silver cannulae. Two of the trocars are curved and may have been used either for abdominal paracentesis or suprapubic catheterisation. The box has a lock but no key and a central brass cartouche which reads “Trocars”.

• From the Phisick collection