Simpson type obstetrical forceps, Birmingham, England, 1871-1900

Forceps, obstetrical, Simpson, steel and ebony, by Philip Harris & Company Limited of Birmingham, late 19th century

These are short obstetrical forceps following the design of Sir James Young Simpson, 1811-1870. They were used to deliver babies from low down in the birth canal. The forceps are made out of steel and ebony and manufactured by Philip Harris & Co of Birmingham, England. Simpson also developed long forceps that were heavier and were designed to extract a baby from higher up the birth canal. Both his long and short forceps were adapted in many later designs