Rare Victorian Gold and Natural Material Toothpick Invented by T. C. Palmer and made by Sampson Mordan & Co. c1850

Here on offer is a rare Victorian gold and natural material toothpick invented by T. C. Palmer and made by Sampson Mordan & Co., circa 1850.

T.C. Palmer was the inventor of this specific design of sliding gold and ivory toothpicks.

These toothpicks were actually manufactured by Sampson Mordan & Co., the renowned English maker of propelling pencils and other silver and gold items.

Victorian toothpicks were used primarily for oral hygiene to remove food debris after meals, as toothbrushes were not yet commonly used, making them an essential, if often public, part of daily life. They also served as important status symbols and fashion accessories, with the wealthy carrying them in luxurious, often personalized, cases or on chains.
It is claimed that the famous novelist, Charles Dickens actually owned one.

This Victorian period design features a retractable gold toothpick mechanism within a hollow ivory rectangular casing, operated by a sliding gold button on the side. It also has a gold edged collar around the top of the case.

The gold is not marked but tests for 9ct or above grade gold.

On one side of the case, it is lightly stamped and now hard to read, with "S. MORDAN & CO MAKERS" and on another side with "T. C. PALMER INVENTOR".

This example is in excellent condition with a fully working sliding mechanism. The toothpick blade now has some slight ripples and the round tip has been worn slightly flat.

With the toothpick extended it measures 3.25” (8.2cm) long and when retracted the case measures 2.1” (5.5cm) long and 0.2” (0.5cm) square.

It weighs 3.6g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 52231