Ivory handled toothkey

toothkey

SCRIMSHAW & ALLIED ARTS
marad; scrimshaw
circa 1795
ivory, steel
Overall: 0 x 6 x 3 1/2 in.

Toothkey with a turned ivory handle and baluster shaped steel shaft stamped, at the upper, right angled bend: "W. [illeg.]. FRANKLIN"; shaft extends through the handle, ending in a removable steel screw; the lower right angled bend is made above the removable, single blade or 'claw', its swivel movement controlled by a catch on the shaft; Donor provided provenance indicated a connection to William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin, and dated it to mid-1700's although this can not be substantiated by the design of the instrument (a second bend in toothkey shafts did not develope until late 1790's) nor be confirmed by details of Franklin's biography. Further research is needed.

1939.1920