Toothkey, which consists of two pieces of solid cylindrical metal joined together to form a "T" shape; the top of the "T" forms a hand grip; one end of the top piece is rounded, the other end is formed into a small horizontal slot; the main shaft is straight, with three rounded grooves in the middl…
Toothkey, which consists of two pieces of solid cylindrical metal joined together to form a "T" shape; the top of the "T" forms a hand grip; one end of the top piece is rounded, the other end is formed into a small horizontal slot; the main shaft is straight, with three rounded grooves in the middle; the end of the shaft has a round piece of metal, called a "claw", with two points on the end; the claw fits into a slot cut into the shaft with a pin attachment; the claw was made to fit around a tooth and hold it firmly in place.
Number Of Parts
1
Provenance
Owned by Dr. John Wilbur Desmond
Dates
1750
circa 1750
Date Remarks
Dr. Desmond identified the toothkey as being 200 years old in the display; unsure of display date
(some time in the 1900's)
Material
metal: dark grey
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-C7-6
Dimension Notes
Length: 11.5 cm. x Width: 9.0 cm. x Depth: 1.6 cm.
Condition Remarks
The toothkey arrived attached to a display board with wire and glue gun adhesive; the toothkey shows minor wear, but is complete and uncorroded; the moving part moves freely
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Person
Book
Reference Comments
Dr. John Desmond; "Antique Medical Instruments" by Elisabeth Bennion, 1979, p. 204