This and the previous key, designed circa 1820-1850, differ from most in the Ward Museum collection in that the claw attaches to the bolster rather than to the shaft head.
Explore this item in the slideshow below.
This bone-handled key (A147.184) is unusual in that…
University of the Pacific Permanent Collection, Donor: Maurice J Owens, DDS
the shaft head is bent at a right angle to the shaft, and…
it supports a movable egg-shaped bolster…
to which the claw is attached.
The bolster’s range of movement and its relationship to the claw allow for extractions of left or right teeth. Additionally, with the claw positioned in line with the shaft, it can be used as a pelican instrument.
