Pressure on the proximal shaft of the handle extends four metal prongs and which when release retract to grasp and retain any soft tissue within their reach. A screw stop limits the extent of expansion.

The exact function for these forceps has not been confirmed but the manner in which the claws come together is similar to a device illustrated in Speelman that was used to grasp haemorrhoids that was provided in two forms:  one with converging claws for external haemorrhoids and the other with diverging claws for internal haemorrhoids.  A link showing similar instruments is shown below.

They are marked with “Lesoeur” which may be a variation of Leseur the early 19th century Parisian instrument maker.

External link: Tesseract

• From the Phisick collection