Recent Acquisitions

Over the past year we’ve acquired some interesting items for the Museum collection. A few examples are listed below. The number in parentheses refers to the Museum accession number should you want to inquire about it.

Glass Dentistry Sign and Dental Cabinet from Dr. Tripp (SMD 841)

Dental Swage/Crowning Kit by “Hunter & Chapin Manufacturer of Dental Instruments and Fine Machinery, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Special Attention given to Bicycle Repairing,” ca. 1920s (SMD 730)

Professional Dentist white coat ca. 1950s worn by Donald Benson, DDS, MS. Dental tools used in his orthodontic practice in Lansing, MI 1950s-60s. (SMD 754)

Dean Fields Collection: Turn of the 19^th century dental advertising including tooth powder containers, magazine ads, trade cards and displays from retail stores. Items of special interest include a cellulloid cannister advertising Pasteurine Tooth Paste (a collar box?); Two “Dentist” door signs; human skull prepared as dental teaching model in carrying case ca. 1950s; red cut glass spittoon with bracket for chair mounting ca. 1880; 6 retractable toothpicks most likely separated from personal grooming kits including 1 with agate handle and 4 with handles containing gold, 19th century; a wall mount tooth brush holder depicting Skeezix (Gasoline Alley Character); Shell handle dental mirror in leather case; Carved Ivory handle toothkey, 19th century German wax 19^th century model of a human mandible showing dental work in wood/glass display case. (SMD761)

Examples of dental products from the Dean Fields Collection. Note the Skeezix toothbrush holder.

More dental products, advertising novelties and an ivory handled toothkey from Fields' Collection.

One of many dental advertisements collected by Dean Fields. Most came from early 20^th century magazines.

Dr. Patrick Metro collection: Multiple sets of dental hand instruments most with ivory or wooden handles from the early 19^th century; an unusual spring rubber dam device to assist the dentist during treatment called “The Automation”, and a pair of office buzzers or bell switches to assist staff communications between two different offices or dental rooms, ca. 1900. (SMD 770)