Sponge Holders were generally long and slender with the distal shaft split and equipped with rat-tooth type teeth at the terminal end.  By sliding a loose ring about the shaft towards the distal end, the terminal end was brought tightly together to firmly secure a sponge or surgical/steptic lint to permit removal of blood/secretions or as a means for manipulating the cervix and provide hemostasis. Sponge Holders or Sponge Probang of French and American design with ebony and German Silver handles respectively were essential in maintaining exposure prior to the advent of suction.