Artificial right hand, aluminium with hard rubber cover, known as the McKay, from Aberdeen Hospital, Scottish, c.1920

The McKay artificial hand is named after its inventor. McKay was a New Zealander who established the McKay Artificial Limb Company. This was one of the more innovative in the immediate post-war period.

The fingers of this artificial hand are rigid in position. However, the thumb is moved using the ring-pulled spring to grip objects. The hand is made from aluminium. This is a lightweight yet durable material, unlike heavier wooden ones. It is coated with rubber to protect the metal. Nails are moulded into the rubber to make the hand look more realistic.