Key, cylinder, multipurpose

Accession #: 2008014

Description: It was attached to all anaesthetic machines and gas therapy cylinders before the introduction of pin index cylinder heads and pipeline medical gas services. The battered edge reveals that the key was often hit in order to enhance its leverage. Anaesthetic machine were often provided with wooden mallets for this purpose. The small keyway at the left end of the key was for pin index cylinder valves. It offered an opportunity to provide grossly excessive forces to these mechanisms. The open spanner at each end is for tightening and slackening bull nose regulators BOC.

Dimensions: 156 x 59 x 53mm.

Acquired: 09/05/2008