Historical information

This type of forceps was invented by Italian surgeon Paolo Assalini (1759-1840). Obstetrical forceps gripped a baby’s head during difficult childbirths. Assalini’s design was immediately popular and was manufactured until the 1930s. (Wellcome Collection)

Physical description

Set of Assalini style forceps. Consists of two forcep blades made of plated metal. The middle section of each blade is crosshatched to allow for grip, and each blade ends in a round hook that curves inwards. One blade features a metal tab, and the other a slot, on the inner edge of the round hook that allows the blades to fasten together.

There are two handwritten tags attached to the forceps. The first reads 'ASSALINI'S FORCEPS/ P/B I.B.S.T./Made by/ A.J.TAYLOR'. The second tag reads 'MADE BY/ A.J/TAYLOR/No. 3' on one side, and 'H.A./TAYLOR & SONS/(SURGICAL)/PTY LTD' on the other side.