An early 20th C tonsil compression forceps designed to hold engorged tonsils during tonsillectomy.

The ends of the forceps are covered in hand stitched absorbent cotton pads. They would be placed in an open position in the mouth and slowly closed over the tonsil to be removed. This prevented tonsillar material falling to the back of the throat causing obstruction or inhalation and compression was also supposed to reduce bleeding.

• From the Phisick collection