Cranioclast, Braun, steel, ebony handles, by Charriere of Paris, 1st half of 19th century

Craniotomy forceps were also known as cranioclasts. They were heavy toothed or ridged crushing instruments for breaking up the skull bones of a foetus. They were destructive tools. Cranioclasts were a last resort after the foetus was dead. The foetus may have died during the pregnancy or during a difficult labour. These are steel with ebony handles. They were made by Charrière, a Paris-based family of French surgical instrument makers.