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DENTAL IMPLEMENT
Unique ID: LVPL-85A4D6
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A complete cast copper alloy swaging block, of modern date (c.1890 to 1930 AD). It is semi-circular in plan and consists of a cast of the upper jaw (maxilla) from an adult. The teeth present are (from right to left): PM2, PM1, I2, I1, C, PM1, PM2, M1. This means that the denture would have false teeth for the right canine, and left lateral & central incisors.
The swaging block measures 41.38mm in height, 51.10mm wide and 32.04mm thick. It weighs 313.1 grams.
Swaging blocks were used as part of the manufacture of dental plates. A wax impression would have been taken of the patient's teeth and gums, from which the swaging block was cast. A swaging block has been published from Exeter (Read, 1995, 210, no. 1463) and has been dated to c. 1890-1930 AD.
Reference:
Read, B. 1995. History Beneath Our Feet. Anglia Publishing. Ipswich
Glossary:
C: Canine
I2: Lateral (outside) incisor
PM1: 1st Premolar
PM2: 2nd Premolar
M1: 1st Molar
Notes:
This object was featured in episode one of the second series of Britain's Secret Treasures, first shown on ITV1 17/10/2013.
Find of note status
This is a find of note and has been designated: Regional importance
Class: swaging block
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MODERN
Period from: MODERN
Period to: MODERN
Date from: Circa AD 1890
Date to: Circa AD 1930
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Height: 41.38 mm
Width: 51.1 mm
Thickness: 32.04 mm
Weight: 313.1 g
Personal details
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Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: North Yorkshire (County)
District: Selby (District)
Parish or ward: Kellington (Civil Parish)
References cited
No references cited so far.
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