ancient

Christening gift, silver

England 1910s

Swedish, silver, 1845 

From a compost from the American Civil War, 1861-1865, these have been unearthed. The box for toothpowder is made of porcelain and the toothbrush is made of bone. Bone toothbrushes are rare. They were relatively cheap and were thrown away when worn out

The most common materials until the 20th century were bone shafts and boar bristles

During 1938, more modern plastics began to replace earlier materials in the shafts, and in 1938 nylon thread came as a replacement for natural bristles. World War II came to accelerate development as it was believed that good dental health promoted ability.

Travel toothbrush. Bakelite sleeve and plastic head with boar bristle

Lactona nylon, Instructor, Youth School Special