“The teeth that saved the world,” says historian
Winston Churchill’s upper dentures were sold to a collector for $24,600 at auction Thursday. The false teeth were designed to fit loosely, helping Churchill maintain his particular accent, which was marked by a slight lisp. The prime minister’s weekly radio addresses are believed to have contributed to Britain’s resolve during the dark days of World War Two. As such, historian Jane Hughes of London’s Hunterian Museum has called them “the teeth that saved the world.” Churchill’s lower dentures are believed to be buried with him.