McKay-type artificial hand, Scotland, c.1920
Click the thumbnails to enlarge
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.
Object number:
A500480
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: prostheses
Artificial body parts, or materials inserted into tissue for functional, cosmetic, or therapeutic effect. Prostheses can be functional (artificial arms and legs), or cosmetic (artificial eye).
Glossary: artificial hand
No description.