A rare collection of three 19th century surgical instruments, all are ebony handled, two are Trocars, these were used to release fluid from body cavities, usually the bladder, the Surgeon would use the pointed end to puncture a route to the bladder thus allowing fluid to exit, both are curved and 20cm in length, one has a silver sleeve, this would have been used as a duct to allow the flow of fluid. The protective shield on the silver sleeve is marked Maw & Sons, a notable 19th century supplier of surgical instruments. 
 
The third item is a sponge holder, shown in the catalogue entry included here as vaginal or uterine, they were used in other ares of the body too, the sponge could be inserting into difficult to access areas to absorb excess fluid. The sponge holder measures 24.5cm in length, it has three prongs secured by a sliding sleeve, one prong, although present, has been partially broken off.