Toothbrush
Toothbrush
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- Description
- The inscriptions on the handle of this toothbrush read “Pro-phy-lac-tic / MADE IN U.S.A. STERILIZED / ‘A CLEAN TOOTH NEVER DECAYS’” and “SOFT” and “GUARANTEED” and “FLORENCE MFG. CO.” and “1.” The Florence Manufacturing Company, which began in business as such in 1866, produced hairbrushes and hand mirrors made of the Florence Compound. In 1885, the company introduced the Prophylactic toothbrush, based on a form designed by Meyer L. Rhein, a New York dentist. By 1915, this toothbrush was the company's best-selling product. In 1924, the company became the Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Company.
- Ref: “Dr. Meyer L. Rhein, Dentist, Dies at 68,” New York Times (July 18, 1928), p. 21.
- One of six toothbrushes donated to the museum in 1924 by the Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Co. for use in the "Hall of Health" exhibition about the importance of dental hygiene. Only two of the brushes remain from this collection.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- oral hygiene product
- toothbrush
- date made
- ca 1924
- maker
- Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Company
- place made
- United States: Massachusetts, Northampton
- Measurements
- overall: 3/8 in x 5 1/4 in x 3/8 in;.9525 cm x 13.335 cm x.9525 cm
- ID Number
- MG.M-02060.02
- catalog number
- M-02060.02
- accession number
- 85097
- Credit Line
- Gift of Pro-phy-lac-tic Brush Co.
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Medicine
- Health & Medicine
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Oral Care
- Beauty and Health
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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