Some early keys were modified to suit the particular practitioner’s needs.
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Modified Shaft Key
Circa 1760-1780, the maker of this instrument (A147.165) added two slight bends to turn an essentially straight-shafted key into a more efficient extraction instrument. University of the Pacific Permanent Collection,
Donor: Maurice J. Owens, DDS
Dual-Tapered Handle
Other features include a dual-tapered wood handle permanently fixed to the shaft...
Crescent-Shaped Claw
Other features include a dual-tapered wood handle permanently fixed to the shaft, a crescent-shaped claw tip...
Cylindrical Bolster
Other features include a dual-tapered wood handle permanently fixed to the shaft... a crescent-shaped claw tip, a knurled thumbscrew for quick claw exchange, and a cylindrical bolster, possibly designed to attach a soft padding.
