A fine set of dental forceps by Sherwood of Cincinnati dating to 1850. The pivot of the forceps have been set each side with a red garnet stone.
A similar type of forceps, but without jewels are shown by Arnold 1850 on page 60 in Bennion’s ‘Antique Dental Instruments’. The craftsmanship is superb with right and left sided forceps built and ornately engraved to the highest standard. Bejeweled dental tools are exceptionally rare and occasionally seen in the presentation sets with ivory handles. This is the first example I have seen of jewels set in a steel instrument.