Description

The FIRST non-cookie cutter reproduction CW era bone toothbrush on the market, contrary to claims we have seen made recently by other vendors. This fine toothbrush has been sold in the field by us for some 15 years now. Patterned after a soldier’s toothbrush in a private collection which was on loan to the Atlanta History Center and an original in our collection. Carved with classic design and a pointed shield at the end of the handle, typical of the craftsmanship of the era. Real animal bristle brush. (Note: Our wholesale prices on the blanks for our in house finished toothbrushes have recently doubled. We are endeavoring to keep the price down for you but it is unavoidable to make some adjustment considering – we believe they remain an excellent value – underpriced comparably in the market previously) Be different than the rest and step up your kit with us, the original purveyors of the opportunity! This run comes with the handy lanyard hole. (our original has one, AHC’s doesn’t) Historical Note: Recently an online discussion was been brought to my attention where it was asserted by a participant that the hole in the end of a toothbrush handle was a later feature because he thought it was where the more modern soft rubber pick was attached, and he had “never seen” an original with a hole. We have handled many, many dug and undug documented CW period toothbrushes, some with holes, some without. While the rubber pick is a later feature the hole is not, and was originally intended for a lanyard. Maybe if more had been employed, we would find less toothbrushes in dug privies – maybe because they were employed is why we have found less examples with the hole from that particular source! Secondly, it has also been asserted similarly that “all” handles of CW era toothbrushes were curved. (apparently in direct response to a question concerning our toothbrushes – for the record we were never offered the courtesy of beinh directly contacted by anyone to ascertain our position) As stated, the opinion was based on looking at a few references, unamed museum collections, and handling a few originals with unpublished provenance. I am not questioning the intent nor the right to express the opinion, just availing our friends of our current conclusions upon 45 years of collecting, research, dealing, and consulting on CW era personal items and material culture. Again, based upon handling hundreds of originals toothbrushes many with indisputable provenance, we have found many with curved handles and MANY that were straight as an arrow. Frankly, we have no ability to state whether the curved ones were made that way – or it occurred with age, use, and abuse – my suspicion is both. The curved handles seem to be most prevalent with plain designs (dug and non-dug) – although straight examples of plain handles exist and a few curved fancier ones also. If you want a curved handle – I believe there is one available from another fine vendor – and also – it actually is not that hard to do! (again – may be why they exist – another viable theory – bone was used as it was obtained – curved or straight – especially with more mass produced plain ones – uniformity simply not being a concern) BEWARE “historians” and “researchers” with small amounts of data and limited experience who cavalierly extrapolate them into statements using the words “never” and “ever” as it relates to material facts. As always, we press forward against the dogma with the goal of revealing a balanced and accurate historical picture of CW era material culture. “the more I learn – the less I know!”