Authentic tooth care articles for the average soldier

[Taji04]

I have a general question for you all out there. I am looking for authentic period tooth powder/paste containers for the field. I have looked quite a bit online and can find only post Civil War (mid to late 1800s) tooth paste/powder containers. As cool and collectible as they are, they are not authentic. Information and pictures are sparse to non-existent as to what was used during the Civil War and what the containers looked like. Everyone has the tooth brush down pat, but the tooth powder containers offered for sale by most sutlers are pure fancy. The Sutler at Ft Scott is the only vendor that claims to have duplicated a period container. Mr. Tobey and his CRRC is silent on the subject.

Soooooo........what research has anyone conducted and what did you find to fill this little detail in the life of a soldier? :thinking:

[tsgalloway]

Re: Authentic tooth care articles for the average soldier

Here is an example of a British Ceramic "Pot Lid". This method was used from around 1845-1880. This method also used in the in the Canada and the United States. This item was probably not carried long on the campaign due to the delicate nature.

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See the link for some other ceramic American options: http://www.antiquepotlidcollector.co...id-gallery.php

[tsgalloway]

Re: Authentic tooth care articles for the average soldier

Here's another American ceramic toothpaste container from the 1850s/1860s:

http://dumpdiggers.blogspot.com/2009/12/new-york-city-bottle-diggers-strike.html

[tsgalloway]

Re: Authentic tooth care articles for the average soldier

http://connecticuthistory.org/aristocratic-dental-cream-gets-squeezed/

[Silas]

Re: Authentic tooth care articles for the average soldier

Being a dentist, Tristan might know a thing or two about the subject...

[Michael Comer]

Re: Authentic tooth care articles for the average soldier

Those are some good links.

[Taji04]

Re: Authentic tooth care articles for the average soldier

Thank you, Gentlemen, for your input. I have been looking at British toothpaste pots and containers (fascinating collecting hobby by itself!). I think that I an narrowing it down a bit. Finding an authentic pot that will stand campaigning is the challenge. Any other input that comes down the pike will be appreciated.

[Taji04]

Re: Authentic tooth care articles for the average soldier

Tristan,

Thanks for the links and references. I have found what I needed and have reproduced a few labels that are from the era and am working on containers that withstand field use yet be correct.. I have even purchased a few pot lids with bases just to have them! So much history for sale, so little money........

Doug