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.