An unusual group of early 20th-century dental instruments dating from approximately the 1920s–30s.

The collection comprises three slender steel dental instruments with small shaped working ends, one clearly stamped CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, together with an original white porcelain dental dissolving/mixing cup marked “Novocain.”

Porcelain cups of this type formed part of the equipment used by dentists for preparing anaesthetic solutions during the early decades of the 20th century. Today they make fascinating survivors from the history of dentistry and anaesthesia.

The Codman & Shurtleff instrument is particularly interesting. The Boston firm was an important American supplier of surgical and dental instruments.

The instruments retain their original aged surfaces with marks, oxidation and wear consistent with considerable age and previous professional use. The porcelain cup also displays age-related staining and wear around the rim. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

Important: These are genuine historical dental collectibles offered solely as antiques for collection, study or display. They have no functional purpose.