A museum-quality artifact from the golden age of Victorian medical engineering: a pair of 30cm short obstetric birthing forceps, bearing the clear stamp of the esteemed surgical maker Hilliard.
 
This exceptional instrument represents the peak of mid-19th-century tactile craftsmanship. It features elegantly contoured, hand-carved ebony handles, complete with traditional lateral finger-rests designed to give the physician an absolute, non-slip grip. The blades feature smooth, fenestrated loops engineered to safely minimise pressure, joining flawlessly at a classic English lock pivot.
As a product of the pre-antiseptic era before surgical tools transitioned entirely to cold, unadorned stainless steel, this pair carries an extraordinary, rich historic aesthetic. The metal retains an excellent natural patina, and the ebony handles are beautifully preserved.
 
Hilliard (most notably Hilliard & Sons of Edinburgh and Glasgow) was one of the premier Scottish surgical instrument makers of the 19th century. They were officially appointed as cutlers to the Royal Infirmary and crafted equipment for legendary medical pioneers like Sir James Young Simpson (the father of modern anesthesia and obstetric advancements).
 
Specifications:
Maker: Hilliard (Edinburgh/Glasgow).
 
Era: Mid-Victorian (c. 1860–1880).
 
Length: 30 cm (approx. 11.8 inches).
 
Materials: Forged surgical steel and hand-polished solid ebony.
 
Condition: Excellent antique condition. The English lock fits together perfectly with zero wobble. The ebony handles retain their deep black lustre with no chips or cracks.
 
Historic midwifery and obstetric instruments by celebrated makers like Hilliard are increasingly rare, particularly those featuring pristine organic handles. An investment-grade addition to any premier collection of medical history, scientific antiquities, or conversation-starting curiosities.
 
The catalogue pages showing a similar items are taken from the Maw and Son catalogue dated 1870.
 
This item is offered strictly as a medical collectable/curiosity with no practical use or purpose.