Some keys may have been used for several purposes.
Explore this item in the slideshow below.
This second ‘improved’ key (A147.172) shows significant signs of wear.
University of the Pacific Permanent Collection, Donor: Maurice J Owens, DDS
It has a blunted, broken claw edge, and…
a damaged mahogany handle repaired by pounding lead wedges into the gaps that had developed between it and the shaft.
The handle ends appear chipped and worn as though occasionally dropped and subsequently smoothed by repetitive use. One would hope this aging key had been used as a tool to repair the owner’s other dental devices, rather than as a tooth pulling instrument!
