Mystery Object

Published by Erika Taylor 7 Comments

Collection: Powerhouse Museum

This week’s mystery object has a 25 cm steel shaft and a wooden handle on one end.

Is it?

a) a device for removing tulip bulbs from the ground
b) a device to remove teeth
c) a key to a safety box (circa 1800s)

Give it your best shot in the comments!

ANSWER:

the Answer is b) a device to remove teeth!

The object is a ‘toothkey’, which would have been used by your friendly local blacksmith to pull out your rotten teeth. Just keep that in mind next time you are at the dentist!

  • http://twitter.com/tali3sin Paul

    Unfortunately for me, I already know what this one is – so I probably shouldn’t “guess” ;)

  • Luke

    I really hope it is not (b). Ouch!

  • Melinda

    Def a key to a safety box. C

  • Mark Butler

    I think it is is C as I vaguely remember seeing one as a young boy.

  • Ian Munro

    Most likely c) a safety deposit key. The engineered end beyond the hook makes no sense for a tulip bulb remover, and the size of the hook and general shape of the end seems too big and cumbersome for a teeth extractor.

  • Paul S

    Oh surely it is a safety box key. I’m sure the Dentist I see still uses his old rust pliars.

  • chris bond

    tooth extractor