An early tonsil guillotine manufactured by Mayer of London around 1920, it remains in operational order although it's working days are long past, an interesting and collectible medical curiosity. It is in good condition with some signs of surface tarnish. It operates by the Surgeon locating the open end over the tonsil and then operating the guillotine blade by squeezing the spring loaded handle, thus truncating the tonsil. Medical equipment.
 
Down brothers and Mayer Phelps Ltd were well renowned medical instrument makers that specialised in ear, nose and throat surgery. They later became Downs Surgical Ltd. They had offices in London, Sheffield, Scotland, Canada, The United States of America, Australia and Ireland. Their London offices were at 3 and 4 St Thomas’ Street, Borough, London, S.E. This address was opposite Guy’s hospital, a useful position for a surgical instrument makers.
 
The Science Museum in London has a similar example in their collection which can be seen by following the link below:
 
https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co166857/tonsil-guillotine
 
The instrument measures 16cm from front to back.