Description

Bone-carved denture, France, last third of the 18th century. This is the lower part of a bone-carved denture with springs. According to an article in the Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society based in the United States, the materials used during the 17th – 18th century were wood, bone and ivory, later replaced by porcelain, gold and human teeth at the end of the 18th century and during the 19th century; the latter are known as “Waterloo dentures” which does not mean that all of these teeth came from the famous battle, bu it is to identify the dentures that used natural teeth from fallen soldiers in different conflicts, from the first third of the 19th century materials such as vulcanite, tortoiseshell, gutta-percha, among others, began to be used. This lower part was held in place with flexible springs on both sides attached to the upper part, thus securing both pieces in the subject’s mouth. Obviously, if possible, as in this case, the healthy teeth (in this case only one) were used for a better fit. Signs of use, patina and cracks in the molar area. A rare piece, given the nature of the object, its conservation, to this day, is very scarce. Only shipping inside EU (European Union) 6.5 x 4 cm.