Some early keys were modified to suit the particular practitioner’s needs.
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
Dual-tapered wood handle permanently fixed to the shaft.
Crescent-Shaped Claw
Crescent-shaped claw tip.
Cylindrical Bolster
Knurled thumbscrew for quick claw exchange, and a cylindrical bolster, possibly designed to attach a soft padding.
