Similar in both appearance and function to the Auvard’s basiotribe this rare instrument of foetal destruction comes in its original case signed O. Creuzan (Bordeaux).

The instrument was intended to be used to both perforate the skull, collapse and extract it in the event of obstructed labour. In practice it was too cumbersome and clumsy an instrument to find mainstream us use as indicated by what is probably a late 19th century example in near perfect condition.

• From the Phisick collection