A design improvement, around 1770, led to the key of “Common Construction.”
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Modifying the key shaft, with a single bend, reduced excessive torque from the shaft through the tooth being extracted, thereby diminishing harm to proximal tooth, gum and bone. These keys of “Common Construction” were considered English in origin but are generally referred to as Clef de Garengeot.
Courtesy of Martino Publishing, Eastford, CT— Colyer, 2006
This Clef de Garengeot (A147.161) has an ebony handle, a single shaft bend near the bolster, and…
University of the Pacific Permanent Collection, Donor: Maurice J Owens, DDS
a metal screw holding the claw in place.
A screwdriver for changing the claw size is found inside the two-part handle, similar to those keys dating circa 1796-1824.
The claw edge forms a single scooped crescent, and…
its inner surface is hollowed and serrated to better accommodate and grasp the tooth root, a design improvement appearing circa 1800.
