Masticator, used to chew food for elderly or toothless patients before swallowing, made by A Aubry, Paris 1870-1890

A food masticator uses a scissor-like movement to mash food. It was probably used to ‘pre-chew’ food for elderly toothless patients and others unable to chew. When not in use, the teeth are held together by a sprung clip which secures the ends of the ivory-covered handles.

The masticator was made in France and is stamped with the maker’s name and address: “A Aubry, Bd. St. Michel Paris”. Aubry was a major surgical instrument maker who won gold medals at the Expositions Universelles in Paris in 1878 and 1889.