Scaler set
Label Text
The Washington family attempted to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing their teeth and using mouthwash. An additional measure was a regular appointment with a surgeon-dentist to scrape off built-up tartar using tools known as scalers. The compact sets, such as this partial one seen here, typically included a common handle and as many as twelve individually shaped, interchangeable heads to enable a thorough cleaning.
See also case, W-546/A, and scaler set, W-546/B-C, E, G-H.
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Datec. 1750
Geography
Probably made -
England
Medium/TechniqueD: Ferrous metal
F: Copper Alloy
I: Ferrous metal
DimensionsOverall (D): 1 3/4 in. x 5/16 in. x 1/4 in. (4.45 cm x 0.79 cm x 0.64 cm)
Overall (F): 2 3/8 in. x 5/16 in. x 5/16 in. (6.05 cm x 0.79 cm x 0.79 cm)
Overall (I): 1 7/8 in. x 5/16 in. x 1/4 in. (4.78 cm x 0.79 cm x 0.64 cm)
Credit LineGift of Marie Conrad Lehr as a memorial to her brother, Charles Angelo Conrad II, 1915
Object numberW-546/D,F,I
DescriptionD: Flattened pyramidal shaped scaler atop a multi-collared baluster terminating in a screw shank. F: Cast metal handle with screw socket; the tapering handle features a collared ball that sits beneath the screw socket.
I: Pyramidal shaped scaler atop a multi-collared baluster terminating in a screw shank.
Published ReferencesJames C. Rees, Treasures from Mount Vernon: George Washington Revealed (Mount Vernon, VA: Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1999), 79.
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