2005.0465

Stevenson's bullet forceps (patented). War office pattern.

Inscription

ARNOLD AND SONS LONDON : FIG. 1996 PATENT No. 4688

Production organisations

Arnold and Sons

Labels

I found this object fascinating because I have a massive interest in military history.

The design of the bullet forceps is purely functional and therefore very simple. These forceps were made by Arnold and Sons of London who were a medical manufacturer from 1829 - 1928. This company was founded after the start of the Napoleonic Wars and before the development of modern anaesthetic. I feel sorry for anybody who would have experienced battlefield surgery to remove a gunshot wound during this period of history.

I find it interesting that Arnold and Sons would have been manufacturing instruments like these forceps whilst Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole were alive.
By Tristan, Swarthmore Education Centre