Malcolm Duncan (Hookie Maikie)

Z00425

Malcolm Duncan (Hookie Maikie)

c. 1910

Malcolm Duncan ("Hookie Maikie"). He worked at the Sandlodge copper mine, when he lost both his hands in an accident there. He had set some explosives, and had gone back to check them after they had not gone off, when they exploded, causing terrible injuries to his arms. As a result both his hands had to be amputated. The blacksmith Magnus Smith ("Smithy Magnie") made prosthesis for Maikie. This included threading cutlery, so that he was able to eat. He worked delivering telegrams, walking all over Sandwick and Levenwick. The telegrams were held in a spring clip on one of his artificial arms, and note the hook on his cap, which was used to put on and take off his hat.

Public

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