This hand comes from the climactic end in which Travis storms a brothel to rescue Iris, and shoots her timekeeper’s hand off during the shoot out. This scene was shot in a practical building location, with a narrow entrance way. Upon seeing the scene’s location, special effects artist Dick Smith realized standard effect practices would not be possible in such tight quarters. Instead, Smith devised this appliance, sculpting the rest of the hand out of brittle wax and wiring it with small squib explosives. Additionally, he also included tubes at the base of the appliance capable of pumping fake blood. With this, blowing off Moston’s hand and seeing the remaining stump bleed was achievable in the very same shot.

This prop is the remaining appliance from the exploded hand used in the film. Created out of foam rubber, the piece is fitted with several strips of Velcro and meant to fit over the actor’s fist when in use. The skin-toned paint on the piece was used to match Moston’s own skin tone, with red tones on the exposed, “injured” portion. Please note that due to the age of the piece, the foam rubber has hardened and become brittle at the edge, which accounts for the flaking pictured at the base of the appliance. Additionally, small pieces of the paint have worn off over time. However, considering its age and materials, this appliance has stood the test of time remarkably well.

The hand come mounted on a custom-made display stand, the base of which features an illuminated version of the film’s logo. This piece is in well preserved and used condition.