Description

THE CONVERGENT GRASPING-HOOK OF CHASSAIGNAC, French, c. 1875, made with polished steel fingers, “maillechort” metal guidetube and ferrule, and shaped ebony handle, with overall length of 11-1/8″ (28.5 cm). It has internal snares, opened and closed by sliding its outer guide tube. Condition is fine and functional throughout, noting a hairline crack in the handle. Charles Marie Edouard Chassaignac (1805 – 1879) was surgeon in Paris; various instruments (notably his “ecraseur”), surgical operations, and anatomical parts bear his name. His “erigne” offered here was used to grasp and elevate the area to be treated or excised, especially recommended for ligature of hemorrhoids and removal of tumors.