Mathieu's Tonsil Guillotine This long-handled tonsil guillotine, Mathieu's type. It is composed of four detachable framed parts, secured together by two screws. It features three finger rings, two of which can be gripped from the side to push the spear forward to cut away tonsils . The Mathieu's guillotines had four (1= smallest, 4= biggest) different sizes, and this appears to be size three as marked. This type of guillotine usually feature a spear, which is missing. The number "96" is engraved on the shafts. Much caution was required to prevent haemorrhaging in the patient. Tonsil Guillotines are surgical instruments used during a tonsillectomy, a procedure where the palatine tonsils are removed. No manufacturer's mark present. 1925-1975