Medical surgical, an antique Uterine/Vaginal Sponge Holder measuring 24.5cm (9.5") in length, the catalogue entry shown is from the Downs Brothers catalogue for 1890. The Handle is ebony, a metal sleeve slides up to close the claws around the sponge. There are three claws, all three are present but one has been broken off.
 
Devices such as this example were made in very small numbers and of the best materials as cost was not the primary concern making them increasingly rare items for collectors to find today.