LDBDA : 1152

manual toothbrush

toothbrush holder

bone handled toothbrush and matching holder. The toothbrush has an angled handle with a hole in the end. The bristles are made of pig bristle with unevenly cut filaments. The holder is cylindrical with holes at the top and bottom.

The bristle toothbrush was invented by William Addis in 1780. He used ox thigh or buttock bone for the handles and pig or horse hair for the bristles. In the 19th century toothbrushes were often shared between the whole family and were only used once a week or on special occasions. Animal bristle toothbrushes were used up to the early 20th century.

maker and supplier: Parkins and Gotto 1870-1940

toothbrush bone, pig bristle; toothbrush holder bone; length 162mm