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RARE Antique 18k Mouth Bridge

 

These were acquired here in San Antonio and unfortunately I have no provenance for them.  They are smaller in size, so were probably used by a woman.  The teeth are faux (resin) so more than likely were created for an African American (former slave).  Most Caucasian American who could afford false teeth and bridges would have had them created out of real human or animal teeth, not faux.  Unique and rare, these can be used as a pendant with a chain inserted into the anchor holes or as an addition to a historic collection.

 

Gold teeth were first present in America during the Jim Crow era. Originally it had become a tradition in Louisiana and around the Mississippi Delta after the slave trade. During Jim Crow it was believed that many African Americans who were former slaves began getting the gold caps to replace their rotting teeth. It later became a symbol of wealth and freedom for the slaves that once worked on the plantations fields in south Louisiana. African Americans who had money would get gold caps as flaunted by Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight boxing champion. This tradition dates back to the late 1700 to early 1800's when runaway slaves had encounters with the Indians. The Natives helped the slaves escape and they celebrated freedom this gave birth to the Mardi Gras Indian. Many Slaves intermarried with Native Americans who wore gold teeth. It became a tradition for African-Americans who are of French Creole, African and Native American descent to have more than one gold tooth, in homage of their Native ancestors. This tradition was strongly carried out by families in New Orleans for centuries

 

  • Solid 18k Yellow Gold (tested)
  • Faux Front Teeth (Resin)
  • 1 1/4" inch in length
  • 1/2" inch at widest section
  • c. mid 1800's
  • 3.57 grams
  • No Appraisal

RARE Antique 18k Mouth Bridge

SKU: IS-54
$145.00Price
Excluding Sales Tax |