Description
AN ANTIQUE OBSTETRIC CROCHET WITH AN EBONY HANDLE C 1840. THE HOOK WOULD HAVE BEEN USED TO PULL DOWN LIMBS IN OBSTRUCTED LABOUR. AS A LIFESAVING PROCEDURE FOR THE MOTHER IN THE EVENT OF ARRESTED LABOUR OR FOETAL DEATH, THE CROCHET SECTION WAS ALSO USED AS AN INSTRUMENT OF DESTRUCTION. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN INSERTED THROUGH A PERFORATION IN THE FOETAL CRANIUM (BY PERFORATOR) IN ORDER TO EXTRACT THE OBSTRUCTING HEAD.
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Van Leest Antiques
Van Leest Antiques
Van Leest Antiques, based in Utrecht in the Netherlands, specialises in antique scientific and medical instruments. Their collection covers mainly scientific and medical antique instruments: barometers, globes and planataria, nautical instruments, anatomical models, and pharmacy items. Toon Van Leest travels regularly in Europe and visits trade fairs, auctions, and antique dealers to collect stock and to find pieces to fulfil his clients' unusual requests.
As well as being an avid antique collector and dealer, Toon Van Leest is also a dentist. He believes that antiques are a stable investment, not reliant on trends or fashion, and have truly lasting value. Above all, he says, antiques are timeless and never lose their beauty.