A fine adjustable 18th century dental pelican from the Nessi collection

A silver mount joins the ebony handle to the steel body of the pelican. A central cogged shaped button turns the screw shaft which moves the free arm of the pelican and adjusts the aperture of the tooth bits.

Nessi accumulated a collection of functional objects and instruments ranging from the Renaissance to the mid-nineteenth century. His pieces were noted by their craftsmanship and the quality of materials used.

• From the Phisick collection