Civil War Ivory Personal Hygiene Toothpick, as in museum (SOLD,GW)

This is an exceedingly rare item being offered, it is an Ivory Personal Hygiene Toothpick. It has three pointed blades and in the closed position it measures 2 ¼”. Most soldiers did little to take care of their teeth, maybe an occasional brushing, but officers usually had the time and means to do better. In my recent book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I go into more detail on this subject.

In the Minnesota Historical Society, there is an exact example of this item which belonged to Brigadier General Lewis Addison Grant of the 5th Vermont Brigade, 6th Army Corps Division, Accession Number: 7231.15.1 (see pictures). The First Vermont or "Old" Brigade took part at least partially in nearly every major Civil War battle and became very highly respected for their hard work and sacrifices in such battles as Gettysburg and Antietam.

There is another example in the Macaulay Dental Museum in Charleston, South Carolina (see pictures). Those two and this one are the only three surviving examples that I am aware of. If you like rare and unique items, this one is a must. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.