McKay-type artificial hand, Scotland, c.1920

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.