The partial gold-mounted dentures of World War II (WWII) British Prime Minister Winston Churchill will be up for auction on February 6 and are expected to sell for up to 8,000 pounds ($10,000 U.S.), according to the Cotswold Auction Company in the U.K.
The upper false teeth, which are one of multiple sets, were made to improve Churchill's natural lisp and were reportedly so important to Churchill that he always carried two pairs with him. Most of his life, Churchill experienced dental problems and lost several teeth during his 20s.
Partial upper gold-mounted denture designed for Sir Winston Churchill. Image courtesy of the Cotswold Auction Company.
The set of dentures would have been crafted around the start of the war when Churchill was 65. Dr. Wilfred Fish, the first president of the General Dental Council in 1956, designed the dentures and his technician, Derek Cudlipp, made them. It is believed that at least three identical sets of false teeth were made by Cudlipp for Churchill. One set of dentures is believed to be buried with the inspirational leader, according to the company.
In 2011, a set of gold false teeth belonging to Churchill were auctioned off for more than $25,000.
Nigel Cudlipp, Derek’s son, has said that Churchill required multiple sets of dentures because Churchill worried they would break if he became upset. When he got angry, the statesman was known for biting down and breaking them. Therefore, Cudlipp has said that his father was contacted at any time of the day or night to fix the dentures or fit Churchill for a new pair.
