Bedford’s Guarded Blunt Hook and Crotchet. This “instrument of destruction” was used for extracting a fetus that had died in utero. It was made by Bain & Brinkerhoff who worked in New York City from 1851-54. While metal has darkened in spots no rust or pitting are present. The handle is ebony and has a small stable hairline-see last image.   According to Hibbard (2000: 103) :”Gunning S. Bedford (1806-1870) …was a founder of the Medical College of the University of New Read More...