This striking 19th‑century vaginal speculum is a genuine Victorian surgical instrument, made in brass with beautifully hatched ebony grips to the handles. Designed with two gently curved blades and a screw mechanism to control the opening, it showcases the engineering and clinical design of mid‑to‑late 1800s gynaecological practice. The metal retains an attractive aged patina with light wear and spotting from use and time, giving it the authentic “worked” look that collectors value. This example is known as a Ricord type, the catalogue illustration is taken from the Maw & Son catalogue for 1870.
 
The handles have dark, cross‑hatched ebony grips that sit comfortably in the hand and provide a strong visual contrast to the polished metal. The adjustment screw still turns, and the instrument opens and closes as intended, making it an excellent display piece for a cabinet of curiosities, medical collection or history‑of‑science interior. This is offered strictly as a historical / decorative object only and is not suitable for any modern medical use.
 
The speculum is 23cm (9") in length.
 
Items such as this are becoming increasingly rare as they were made in very small numbers to the highest quality standards as price was not the primary concern, most good examples are now in museums and private collections.
The Science Museum collection in London contains a similar exmple which can be seen through the link below:
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co92553/vaginal-speculum