Antique Garengeot Dental Wrench, XIX Century.

Antique Dental Garengeot key, a tool for dentists. This piece comes from France and was made in the 19th century. These keys were commonly used in those days, mainly to extract wisdom teeth; their length made it possible to reach the place where these teeth are located. The key is in excellent condition and preserves the power of fascination typical of old-time medical tools. It bears a solid wooden handle with deep black veneer, carved by hand so it can be grabbed in the right way. The key bears a screw that can be removed in order to change the ending piece. This piece is a hook designed to hold the tooth crown, so the dentist could extract the toot by turning his wrist. The metal is very well preserved and shows no deformed parts or signs of rust. It bears a small engraved inscription that reads MARIAUD, in capital letters. This rare antique Garengeot key is both an attractive and disturbing tool. It will stand out in a good collection of ancient medical utensils. Measurements: Width (Handle): 33.4 in / 8.5 cm. Length: 5.5 in / 14 cm.René-Jacques C. de Garengeot Biography René-Jacques Croissant de Garengeot was a famous surgeon and dentist born in Vitre, France in 1688. When he was 23, Garengeot moved to Paris and soon he became mayor sugeon of the French Royal Regiment (Regiment du Roi). He also became general practitioner of king Louis XIV. He was a renowned doctor in his time and was part of the Surgical Academy of Paris and the Royal Society of London. In 1723 Garengeot published the "Nouveau Traité des Instruments de Chirurgie les plus Utiles", where the dental key named after him appears. He died in Cologne in December, 10th 1759.