An unusual instrument used as a mechanical adjunct for surgical suturing.

I have not been able to find any documentation but I believe it dates to the late 19th century.

It is made and signed by Mayer and Phelps London in gun metal (a type of bronze which is an alloy of copper zinc and tin which is resistant to water corrosion). The instrument would have been held in the right hand where the thumb could apply pressure on the needle forceps and the index finger would  move a lever which would push the skin through the needle.

• From the Phisick collection