Historical information

The '24' inscribed on the handle is a theatre number for instrument identification.

Invented by British obstetrician Robert Barnes (1817-1907), these forceps were designed to "enable delivery from the superior strait and from above the brim in cephalo-pelvic disproportion." One of Barnes' aims with this design "was to reduce the incidence of craniotomy, because the Caesarean operation was at this time a desperate last resort." (Source: Forster, F M C. (1971), Robert Barnes and His Obstetric Forceps. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 11: 139-147.)
With the addition of William Neville's axis-traction handle (invented in 1886), a variation of these forceps known as the Neville-Barnes forceps gained widespread popularity.

Physical description

Set of metal forceps, consisting of two nickel plated blades with bakelite handles. Inscribed 'EVANS & CO./LONDON'.

Inscriptions & markings

Theatre mark "24" inscribed on handle of both blades.