15-022. Probably French or Italian, late 17th century, unsigned. Made of wrought iron, 5" long overall, with its single claw mounted to a block in an adjustable slot in the frame with a winged nut. This early pelican is in very good overall condition, with its surface coated with very fine hard oxidation. This See pages 10-59 in Frank Colyer's "Old Instruments Used for Extracting Teeth" for a detailed history of dental pelicans, with photos & drawings and an extensive bibliography.
