Electric dental elevator, London, England, 1932
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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Thew's electric chisel-elevator, cased, by Tools and Machinery Supplies Ltd., London, dated 1932
This object looks more like an instrument of torture, rather than something used in dentistry – although some people would probably agree that they are one and the same. It was used to loosen teeth in a controlled way before they were extracted and is known as a dental elevator. Inside the handle is an electric hammer used to power the hook-like head at the end – although different attachments can be added to the hammer. The elevator is powered by battery, while the foot pedal acts as an on/off switch. The equipment was made by Tools and Machinery Supplies Ltd.
Details
- Category:
- Dentistry
- Object Number:
- 1980-1865/2
- Materials:
- mahogany (wood), rubber (unidentified), plastic (unidentified), brass (copper, zinc alloy), cotton (fibre), cotton (textile), glass, paper (fibre product), steel (metal), electrical components and incomplete
- Measurements:
-
overall: 90 mm x 291 mm x 250 mm,
open: 271 mm x 291 mm x 500 mm,
- type:
- dental elevator
- credit:
- British Dental Association
