18th Century Revolutionary War era Tooth Key, as in books and museums

This is another unique medical piece being offered which came out of a Revolutionary War collection, it is Tooth Key for removing teeth. The overall measurement is 6 ¼” x 4 ¾”. When inserted into the mouth, it would grasp the bad tooth and remove it by turning and pulling. The one offered here is in very good condition and remains tight.

In the 18th century, tooth extraction was a brutal, common procedure performed by barber-surgeons or traveling "tooth-drawers," often in public for entertainment. Without effective anesthesia, they used instruments like the "dental key" to rip teeth out. The process was violent, frequently resulting in broken teeth, fractured jaws, and severe infection.

During the Revolutionary War, conditions were primitive, surgical tools for extracting bullets, removing teeth, amputating limbs, and drawing blood were not sterilized. Many men died from minor, infected wounds. In time, better hospitals were designed, improving chances for recovery. In “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” by Neumann & Kravic, there are tooth keys shown (see pictures).

With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding this year, interest in Revolutionary War relics is expected to significantly increase. This renewed enthusiasm will drive demand for virtually all Revolutionary War artifacts, further contributing to their scarcity and rising prices.

Already, I am witnessing a notable uptick in purchases of these items, which reflects the growing anticipation for the anniversary and the heightened value of Revolutionary War memorabilia.