A fascinating and highly decorative original dental technician's assortment of Anatoform porcelain tube teeth dental display, dating from approximately the 1920s–1930s.
The wooden presentation/storage case contains an extensive selection of individual artificial porcelain teeth in numerous forms and sizes. They are arranged on their original black wooden racks, which carry form references and “Made in U.S.A.” markings.
The sliding wooden lid retains its original red and gold lettering:
ANATOFORM TUBE TEETH ASSORTMENT No. [indistinct]
Anatoform artificial teeth were developed as part of an important early-20th-century system of prosthetic dentistry. Museum collections date surviving Anatoform porcelain teeth to around 1925, while examples of Anatoform tube teeth have been dated to 1920–1935.
Unlike a simple dental shade guide, this case was intended to provide a working assortment of different artificial tooth forms from which suitable teeth could be selected when constructing dental prostheses. The teeth range from small incisors and other anterior forms to larger examples, with variations in shape, size and naturalistic colouring.
The original fitted wooden case has an attractive period appearance with wear, scratches and marks consistent with professional use and age. The original lettering remains intact, two digits of the assortment number are indistinct. The internal racks also show age and wear. Individual teeth show differing degrees of age, staining and use, and the assortment should not be assumed to contain every tooth originally supplied.
An unusual surviving piece of early twentieth-century dental history, particularly attractive displayed open. Ideal for a collection of antique medical and dental instruments, prosthetic dentistry, scientific equipment or historical curiosities.
Date: c.1925–1940 Material: Porcelain, metal, wood and composition Origin: Anatoform system; teeth/racks marked Made in U.S.A.
Condition: Antique used condition as shown. Please study the photographs carefully for individual contents and condition.
For historical, display and collecting purposes only. Not offered for clinical or medical use but strictly as a curio/collectable only.
The picture showing the set in a period setting is included to give context, please be aware that it has been AI generated and so please rely on the actual dimensions given here for accurate sizing.
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The case measures 26.5 x 13.5 x 2.8cm (10.43" x 1.1")
