A rare and unusual set of forceps by Osiander, a renowned and influential 17th German Professor of obstetrics. The definitive text on obstetric forceps by Das Kedarnath devotes six pages to him.

He only made 2 forceps, (these are the shorter variety), but they are few and far between. A heavy, unfenestrated instrument made of unplated steel and one of the first to use the “new” pelvic curve. The locking mechanism is of the fixed pivot type and is held in place by a securing bar which rotates over the joint.

• From the Phisick collection