Containers, paper packet toothpicks 'Peacock', Peacock brand China, mid 20thC

Historical information

A toothpick is a small stick of wood, plastic, bamboo, metal, bone or other substance used to remove detritus from the teeth, usually after a meal. A toothpick usually has one or two sharp ends to insert between teeth. They can come in both wood and plastic, and can also be used for picking up small appetizers (like cheese cubes or olives) or as a cocktail stick.
Toothpicks are well known in all cultures. Before the toothbrush was invented, teeth were cleaned with hard and soft dental woods.
The first toothpick-manufacturing machine was developed in 1869, by Marc Signorello. Another was patented in 1872, by Silas Noble and J. P. Cooley

Physical description

A small paper packet containing wooden toothpicks

Inscriptions & markings

TRADE $ MARK / DOLLAR BRAND / STERILIZED / TOOTHPICKS / (chinese characters) / MADE OF BEST / WHITE BIRCH / QUALITY & PURITY / GUARANTEED / TRY ONCE USE / THEM FOREVER.

Back to top