A high quality 19th century post mortem instrument made from rosewood and steel. A similar example is shown on P 42 of Dr Guy Gaboriau's book 'Utils de la Sante ae Medecine Autrfois'. The large knife has a rounded blunt end to avoid trauma to the organs, whilst the smaller knife doubles up for use as scissors. The sprung joint is kept closed by a steel clip at the end of the scalloped handle. Signed on the large blade "Picault Bte pour le Couteau Cisaille 46 Rue Dauphin (Crown) I Paris". Dates to 1850's.