The delightful figural toothbrush holders that are so beloved by
collectors today have their roots in the early 1800s. Here is the whole
range of the holders, with hundreds of the most sought-after designs
portrayed in full color. Compiled by some of America's foremost
collectors and dealers, this book has over 400 color photos, including
examples in ironstone, porcelain, bisque, or other ceramics, as well as
glass, chalkware, celluloid, plastic, and lithographed tin. Some of the
forms they took were purely decorative, and some were clearly designed
to encourage children to brush more frequently. They include whimsical
characters, animals, nursery rhymes, sports, occupations, deco animals
and figures, holidays, and cartoon characters. Often the toothbrush
itself, when in place, would make up a key element in the holder's
design, a horse's tail, say, or the neck of a violin. The authors have
compiled a brief history of toothbrush holders, along with important
information for collectors. The concise captions include size, material,
maker (when known), and an estimate of the value on the current
collector's market. The variety of forms, the cleverness of the designs,
and the nostalgia some of the themes encourage, will delight dentists,
toothbrush specialists, and all lovers of the ceramic arts.
