Civil War Ivory Personal Hygiene Toothpick, as in museums (ON HOLD)

This is an exceedingly rare item being offered; it is an Ivory Personal Hygiene “Toothpick”. They were simply called toothpicks, but they had multiple uses. It has three pointed blades and in the closed position it measures 3 ¼”, and the end section is shaped for ear wax removal. The blades could be used for the teeth or fingernails. Most soldiers did little when it came to hygiene, however, officers usually had the time and means to do better. In my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”, I go into more detail on this subject.

In the Minnesota Historical Society, there is a similar 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.