Forceps, Collin, incorporating saw, with spare blade, steel and brass, by Collin of Paris, from Charriere, Collin and Gentile collection, c. 1880

This ingenious device has forceps and a saw incorporated into the design of an instrument used for bone surgery. It was not uncommon for instrument makers to improve and invent new objects. Collin inherited Charrière’s famous surgical instrument makers in 1867 with another of Charrière’s pupils, Robert. Charrière had also been famous for his innovative designs. This item came from the surgical instrument makers, now called Charrière, Collin and Gentile, who sold their collection in 1978.