Archives: ENT

Rare French Silver Plated Ear Trumpets 1860s

19th C Brunton Otoscope by Arnold

A delightful pair of miniature silver plated French auricles dating to the 1860s. Most unusual in that they come in two sections which are secured with a small screw and which allow rotation of the ear piece to fit the user. In fine condition noting mild denaturing of the original rubber ear pieces. A similar set by Rein (although not the same design) are shown in Bennion's book 'Antique Hearing Devices'. These hand made trumpets are probably unique. The case is not original

A late 19th Century large London Dome ear trumpet by Hawksley in its original leather and silk lined carrying case. The body work of the ear trumpet is in excellent condition noting a few tiny and inconsequential dents (see pictures). The simple but eye catching grille is in good state with some loss of paintwork and very age related early oxidation. The ear piece is probably made from gutta percha and is not detachable. The leather case is inremarkable good nick but is missing the bottom half of the securing catch. It is very rare to find these ear horns with their original case which also explains why the piece is in fine condition. Size 160 x 120 mm

A very beautiful ear trumpet from the turn of the century made from early celluloid in faux tortoise-shell pattern. It is of the London Dome style with a removable (by design) telescopic ear piece which extends and rotates. The earpiece extension has been coloured to mimic the tortoise shell. The early celluloid earpiece is also in the same pattern and it unscrews with a nice tight thread. The ornately carved grill is metal,  probably brass but there are no chips or cracks in the blackened finish to confirm this. It is marked "Harrys depose Paris" and comes in its original box. Superb condition. Trumpet dimensions 80 mm x 115 mm (retracted

A substantial and rare 19th Century convoluted ear trumpet signed by Arnold and Sons. The body is made from thick tin and has a black textured finish which is not original but which was done some time ago. The metal work is in excellent condition. The inside of the trumpet has its original cream finish and there are signs of minor age related oxidation. There is a brass plaque on the front which reads "Arnold & Sons Surgical instrument manufacturers Giltspur Street London" and which is fronted by their motif. According to Bennion they were in business from 1866. The ear piece is made from elephant ivory and is in good condition noting a hairline crack. This is a large piece. Height 220 x Width 175 m

A turn of the century ear trumpet of the London Dome style made from plated brass. There is slight loss of the nickel plating on one side and one or two very minor dings' in keeping with its age (see photos). The earpiece is made from bakelite and is fixed. The grille has been made in a fetching floral design. he general condition is very good and this makes a lovely antique collectable.  Height 150 x Width 110 m

A London Dome ear trumpet dating to the early 20th century but made in France and signed by Louis Lafont who was a Parisian instrument maker of some repute. The ear horn is made from metal but I am not sure what type as the anodised back covering is in such good condition there are no bare areas. The earpiece is made from faux tortoise shell and was not designed to be removed. A very fine and collectible ear horn in remarkably good condition. Height 100 x Width 85 m

A 1929 ear trumpet made by the American Earphone Company in its original box with instructions and a receipt. The ear trumpet section is made from celluloid with a tiger skin pattern and the base is made from bakelite and tin. The earpiece is made from an ivorine type of early plastic. The hearing aid is secured over the ear by means of attached brass wire clips. Printed on the underside is "Pat US 3.3.25 Canada 22.2.25. Apply to better ear. Trade mark Earphone Co New York." A delightful antique ear horn. Box: 75 x 50 x 108 m

Silver Plated Articulated Ear Tubes

Made from early celluloid dating to the turn of the century. These beautiful cornets are in superb condition. The screw in ear pieces have a tight thread. The metal band securing the auricles in position has minor loss of its plating but still slides smoothly. One auricle carries the makers mark "Mears", the other is marked "OL312 and 7^53"

Ear tubes were intended to aid hearing when small or contracted from various causes. They were made from ivory, silver, gold or ebonite. This example is particularly unusual having an articulated ball and socket joint where the auricle joins the ear canal tube. This allows the joint to be positioned so as to make easier fitting into the external ear. The hollow part of the auricle has a pink tinged residue which may well be the remains of flesh tinted colouring to reduce the visibility of the aid. The unsigned tubes are in excellent condition and come in their original black velvet lined leather case (latches and hinges are in good working order)

A superb beehive faux mother of pearl ear trumpet. It has an ornately carved grill and a fine brash mesh underneath this prevents any foreign objects falling through into the body of the trumpet. The earpiece is made of an early celluloid material and is detachable, retaining a nice tight thread. The trumpet dates to the early 20th century. To find a beehive trumpet in mint condition and also made from faux mother of pearl is a remarkable find indeed

A silver plated plated ear trumpet similar in style to the London 'Dome'. This piece is in mint condition. The silver plate is in unworn and there are no scratches, dents or marks as seen in the pictures. The beautifully carved and ornate 'Art Nouveau' grille is very fetching. Maker unknown. Grille diameter 54mm height 110mm

An American ebonite aid with a metallic diaphragm first patented in 1895 by James Maloney. It is engraved 'Globe Phone MFG Co Boston'. Unusual in featuring a diaphragm and also because the earpiece fits over the ear.  In excellent condition with no cracks or chips and with its original black ribbon strap

An English Faux Tortoise shell telescopic ear trumpet. 6 ins retracted, 13 ins extended. Note the slightly irregular celluloid seams dating this probably to late 19th / early 20th century. In excellent condition with no marks or chips. There is a single small hairline crack on the earpiece end of the middle section (see pics). I cannot be sure if it is part of the seam, or an old repair. In either event it is stable and shows no signs of movement when the joint is stressed and is of no structural significance

'Tinphone' Miniature Ear Trumpet (Westmacott)

A fine and rare metal ear cone, mid to late 19th C. According to Hawksley "The small end of the cone is adapted to the orifice of the ear whilst the larger end is expanded trumpet like to collect the sound. These instruments are very efficient when they have been made upon a wax model which has been fashioned to fit behind the ear, and they then require nothing like a spring or other fastening to keep them in place and may be worn all day without inconvenience". This is made from some form of anodized metal, probably tin. It has a beautifully grained ivory earpiece which is perfect, and is marked 'Tinphone' (or Tenphone) Westmacott Manchester

A very nice example of an early celluloid telescopic ear trumpet. The thick red celluloid with the crude seams date this piece to the early 20th century. There is a loop underneath the body section through which a strap would be tied to hang around the users neck. The ivorine earpiece is perfect. It unscrews and has retained a good tight thread. Extended length 320 mm Retracted 190 mm x 88 mm wide. A very collectable aid in excellent condition.

London Dome Ear Trumpet (Maw Son & Sons)

Convoluted Tin Ear Trumpet Mid 19thC

This copper-wash London Dome ear trumpet was made by Maw Son & Sons. (Maw and Sons were registered in 1860 and Maw Son & Sons in 1901). The copper-wash finish is in remarkable condition for its age and there are only one or two very small areas of wear. The trumpet itself is in perfect condition with no knocks dents or other damage. The earpiece is made from an early celluloid plastic and is also perfect. The grille has an attractive floral design. The trumpet is signed and marked with the Maw Son & Sons motif. 93mm x110m

A lovely antique ear trumpet made from tin with a copper-wash finish. Although the finish shows signs of wear consistent with its age, the trumpet itself is in perfect condition with no damage or dents. The earpiece is made from ivory and is also in perfect condition. The piece is unsigned and dates to the mid to late 19th century. This appears to be identical in design to the No 22 ear trumpet shown in Rein and Sons catalogue (see photos)

Rein's Celluloid Auricle and headband

Signed German Telescopic Ear Trumpet

This Rein 'Aurolese' phone was claimed to "give a natural reproduction of the human voice, free from all vibrations and irritating sounds .. and enable the most stubborn cases of deafness to obtain relief". The articulated joints of the thick faux tortoise shell celluloid date this to the end of the 19th or early 20th century. In very good condition, noting a minor repair where the headband joins the auricle which is stable and looks old. The ivory earpiece is perfect. The small brass headrest at the end of the band is marked 'F.C. Rein & Sons Inventors and Patentees 30 Charing X Rd London

This large telescopic German ear trumpet dates to circa 1910 -1920 although they were in production as late as the 1960s. It is made from bakelite or a similar early plastic. The joint between the body and the arm is reinforced with an aluminium ring. The earpiece is made from an early plastic. There is a loop next to the ear end to which a strap could be attached. The trumpet is in near mint condition, noting a small stable hairline crack on the earpiece (see pics). On one side of the grille it is signed Rochhausen Waldkirchen and 'Modell 40' on the other. 93mm x 220mm.

Celluloid Ear Trumpet (Eschmann Bros & Walsh)

An unusual and attractive telescopic celluloid hearing trumpet from the early 20th century. This trumpet is based on the circular receiver design pioneered by Hawskley. The circular pan is partially covered forming a hollow convex receptor. The ivorine ear piece is detachable and has a nice tight thread. The aid would be hung around the neck with a cord passing through the loop on the back. Both sides of the pan have a fetching 'Art Deco' design. Extended length 340 mm Retracted 210 mm x 130 mm wide. A very collectable aid in excellent condition

An increasingly hard to find example of the "beehive" ear trumpet. Dated to 1880 this silver plated hearing device has a lovely patina and an ornate and attractive art nouveau style grille. It has been well used and there are several small dents shown in the photographs which are of minor significance. Overall the condition is very good. Signed by Franck-Valerie 9 Rue Richepanse. 9. Paris. The ear trumpet is a good size, standing 15 x 8 x 11 cm. A fine and rare example of a beautifully 'sculpted' ear piece.

Brass Ear Trumpet of the London 'Dome' style which achieved considerable amplification in a relatively small compass. The grille has an attractive pattern of symmetrically punched holes. It was originally covered in black veneer which has now largely worn off. This piece which dates to the early 20th century is in good overall condition apart from some small dents to the body which are shown in the pictures. The detachable gutta percha ear piece is in perfect condition and still has a nice tight thread. Grille circumference 58mm. Height 80mm

A pair of solid silver hearing aids, in their original case. They date to the early 20th century and have a rather nice art deco design. The tubes fit into the ear canal, and the larger hollow sections sit in the the outer ear. Remarkably effective considering their size and the lack of electronics. Each is marked with the Weimer Co. insignia  as is the inner silk lining of the case. Case is 2.4"W x 1.7"D x 1.2"H all in near mint condition

An unusual early 20th century French nasal 'Rectificateur' which would have been applied after nasal fracture or facial injury. The apparatus was placed over the nose and held secure with straps around the back of the head. The idea was that by adjusting the screws on the nose piece, pressure could be applied to recreate symmetry after injuries which might have deviated the nasal septum. Quite likely completely useless, but a fascinating glimpse into historical medical practice. It comes with the original box which is marked "Rectificateur 'Nice Nose' Brevete"!

Described by Politzer (26, P708) "The hearing trumpet made by Jos. Leiter of Vienna from a light hard rubber consist of a doubly curved sound receptor on the upper end of which is is attached a short flexible hearing tube... The instrument has the advantage that the larger portion made of hard rubber can be put in the side pocket so that it is less conspicuous than other instruments of this kind". The tube is made from woven silk.

A seldom seen rubberised ear horn in the London dome style. This 20th century innovation was an attempt to protect the ear trumpet, so many of which received knocks and dents (quite possibly by being thrown at the floor by their frustrated owners!) The earpiece is made from Bakelite and screws onto the connector with a tight thread

Faux MOP ear cornets are uncommon, and this is a most attractive example, complete, and in nearly perfect condition. The auricles are moulded with a seam visible between the mouth and the convoluted stem on each. They feature screw-on ear pieces. A similar example is shown on the American Academy of Otolaryngology's website here

A telescopic brass ear trumpet. The makers mark is stamped near the earpiece but is difficult to make out but may be "UDS". 38cm in length when extended 23 cm retracted. In excellent condition. Black bakelite earpiece

A superb early conversation tube with red celluloid hearing piece and bell. Note the slightly irregular celluloid seam which dates the piece to the early 20th century. The hearing piece is unusual having a diaphragm and is characteristic of the "Globe" ear phones of the time. This type of diaphragm was patented in 1895 by James Maloney. The piece is also unusual in that the earpiece fits over the ear instead of into the ear canal. The tubing is covered in tightly woven silk and the length is 117cm. Overall condition is excellent

A fine Victorian conversation tube with bakelite head and earpiece. The tube is wound with dark brown silk and is tapered, being wider at the bell end than at the earpiece (a feature which which made the construction and subsequent covering of the tube much more difficult). The tube and covering is immaculate and the earpiece and bell have no chips or cracks and the piece is in overall excellent condition.

German Brass Telescopic Ear Trumpet

A telescopic brass banjo style ear trumpet from the beginning of the 20th century. The central stem within the trumpet section is marked with an unknown makers mark. In perfect condition.

A telescopic German Ear Trumpet 10 ins retracted, 15 ins extended. In generally good condition but had has a repair to the grill which has been shown in the pictures. It is made from an early plastic or bakelite material. The joint has a metal ring seal and the original white earpiece is present. There is a small loop for carrying at the narrow end. Would be a fine addition to any collection of antique hearing trumpet

A lovely faux tortoise shell ear trumpet marked "Acousticon". 3" high in retracted state. It has a brass telescopic attachment which extends and rotates and which can (by design) be completely removed from the chamber. The ear piece itself is made I think from gutta percha. It too is detachable and screws onto the brass extension on a nice tight thread. The decorative grill is made from brass which has a black 'Japanned' finish which is in superb condition. The whole piece is in excellent condition with no cracks or chips

A superb English made copper and brass telescopic ear trumpet with black ear piece made from what I think is gutta-percha. Overall the piece is in excellent condition with one or two tiny dents to the shaft (see pics). The bowl is perfect. 355 mm extended, 237mm retracted. Bowl 108 mm diameter

Victorian conversation tube, remarkably effective. The  head is made from black painted metal, aluminium I think as it is so light (which in its day would be very rare). The tube is wound with a tight knit wool. All in excellent condition, no chips of cracks

A delightful and very rare antique hearing aid. The ear pieces are moulded to fit around the pinnae. They are made from two plates, one tin (I think) which rests on skin, the other copper which has fleshed toned colouring (hence 'Invisible'). The auditory benefits were attributed to magnetism and the box comes with its own 'Galvanometer' (which is actually a simple compass) and does confirm that they are magnetic. Each plate is marked "Audiphone, Bernard Cie, 7 Rue De Londres Paris". The silk lined box is also engraved as shown and is in good condition, noting a repair to the hinge. This set would of course be equally at home in the quackery section

A mid 19th century ear trumpet with ivory earpiece and silk carry case by Hawksley. The ear horn is of the rare convoluted style. Although there is significant age related wear to the black finish, the body and metalwork itself is in excellent condition and there are no dents or scratches. The fixed ear piece made from ivory is in good condition noting a small hairline crack inferiorly (see pictures). There is a brass plaque on the front which reads "Hawksley 357 Oxford Street London". Unusually this piece comes with a silk carry case. I do not know if this was original to the piece but it is certainly old and the loops for the pull-string are made from wood. A beautiful antique ear horn and carry case. Height 110 x Width 90 m

Antique Ear Trumpet Swiss Convoluted

An unusual ear trumpet. The telescopic section is early 20th century green and orange Bakelite and the receiving section is made from animal bone which looks old (circa 18th century). It may once have been a powder keg or hip flask and would not have been constructed this way but has been modified, although to a good standard. The bone "bell" matches and fits very well with the other sections leaving it stable and functional. I suspect this has seen a good bit of service in its current form. Height retracted: 165 mm  Extended: 305 mm. Circumference: 60 mm

A Swiss configuration of a convoluted double chamber ear trumpet made from tin and brass. The body is covered in black lacquer. The black covering of the earpiece and stem has been removed to leave an attractive finish. The earpiece is fixed and made from metal. Dimensions: 110 x 68 mm

Banjo Telescopic Ear Trumpet by Hawksley

A classic London dome ear trumpet dating to the end of the 19th Century made from brass. This has never been painted (although it was common to have them finished in black) and has developed a fetching dark patina. It is in virtually perfect condition. The Bakelite earpiece is threaded and detachable

Antique Ear Trumpet French Dome

An early three draw telescopic faux tortoiseshell ear trumpet of  English design. It is made from an early plastic or celluloid. The bell of the instrument has a 2 cm full thickness hairline crack which does not alter the structural integrity or charming nature of the piece. Dimensions: 174 mm retracted 300 mm extended 65 mm diameter

A beautiful domed French ear trumpet from the early 20th century which has been made from two pieces of faux tortoise shell celluloid. It has an atypical configuration of the earpiece and connection running over the body of the dome instead of away from it. There is a fetching ornate black metal grille. Dimensions:148 x 80 mm

Pair of London dome ear trumpets

An early 20th century dark red telescopic ear trumpet made from characteristically thick celluloid.  White threaded early plastic ear piece. Excellent condition. Dimensions Extended 310 mm  Retracted 200 mm diameter 100 mm