Civil War Era Dental Tooth Extraction Forceps Pliers, CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, BOSTON

Description

Here we have an
Antique 1800's Civil War Era Dental Tooth Extraction Forceps Pliers by CODMAN & SHURTLEFF, BOSTON, MA.
The Codman & Shurtleff Co. operated in Boston, MA. from 1851-
1
900and was a medical, dental and surgical supply house for physicians and hospitals.  Their first location was on13 Tremont St. and they operated there from 1858-1871. Dr. Michael Echols &Dr. Doug Arbittier list them as a minor supplier of surgical instruments to the Union Army during the Civil War. One side of the plier is stamped with their makers mark and the flip side has the 13 Tremont address. One leg of the instrument is stamped 4-69.  Leading up to the Civil War, tooth care was generally poor, dentists few and dental care expensive. Despite poor dental care, a soldier’s teeth were important on the battlefield. Many recruits were turned down if they lacked opposing upper and lower teeth, considered necessary to bite the end off of paper cartridges used with muzzle-loading muskets.  This instrument has a approx. 85-90% of the nickel-plating remaining. The jaw tips and joint are in very good condition. It is approx. 7" long.
It would make a great addition to your Civil War or Dental Collection !
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