A pair of antique ebony handled obstetric birthing forceps from 1870. The two forceps slot together. When closed they measure 16cm in length. This pair are in good functional condition but with tarnish marks. The forceps are marked for Maw & Son. The illustration is by William Smellie (1697 - 1763), a Scottish Obstetrician who designed an improved version of the obstetrical forceps, established safer delivery practices, and through his teaching and writing helped make obstetrics more scientifically based. He is often called the "father of British midwifery".
 
The catalogue pages showing a similar items are taken from the Maw and Son catalogue dated 1870.