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Rare
French Silver Plated Ear Trumpets 1860s |
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19th C Brunton Otoscope by Arnold |
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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 |
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A complete set in its original box.
There is minimal wear
to the silver plate and a beautifully engraved stem reading Arnold &
Sons Surgical Instrument Manufacturers Giltspur Street London with
their overlying crest. They started business in 1866 and this piece
probably dates to the late 19th century. There is a
similar example in the London Science Museum. |
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London Dome Ear Trumpet (Hawksley) |
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Faux tortoise-shell Ear Trumpet (Harrys
Paris) |
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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 |
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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
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Convoluted Ear trumpet by Arnold &
Sons 1860s |
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London Dome Ear Trumpet Nickel Plated |
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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 |
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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 |
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Anodised Dome Ear Trumpet (Loius
Lafont) |
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Super-Ear Celluloid Ear Trumpet |
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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 |
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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 and turns
freely but is not designed to be removed. 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 |
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Celluloid Binaural Auricles (Mears) |
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Silver Plated Articulated Ear Tubes |
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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" |
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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) |
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Faux Mother of Pearl Beehive Ear
Trumpet |
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Silver Plated London Dome Ear Trumpet
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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 |
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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 |
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Globe
Phone by MFG Co Boston |
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English Faux Tortoise Shell Ear
Trumpet |
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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 |
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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 |
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'Tinphone' Miniature Ear Trumpet (Westmacott) |
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Celluloid Telescopic Ear Trumpet |
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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 |
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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. |
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London Dome Ear Trumpet (Maw Son &
Sons) |
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Convoluted Tin Ear Trumpet Mid 19thC |
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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 |
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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) |
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Rein's Celluloid Auricle and headband |
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Signed German Telescopic Ear Trumpet |
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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 |
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This large telescopic German ear
trumpet dates to circa 1910 -1920. 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.
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Celluloid Ear Trumpet (Eschmann Bros &
Walsh) |
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1880 French "Beehive" Ear Trumpet |
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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 |
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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. |
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Brass London 'Dome' Ear Trumpet |
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Solid Silver Hearing aids (Weimer) |
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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 |
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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 |
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Rein & Son Invisible Ear Phones 1914 |
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Tin 'Japanned' Ear Trumpet |
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Superb and very rare example of Rein's
"Invisible" Ear Phones. Silver plated brass hearing aids whose stem
sits in the external auditory canal. The auricle fits snugly around
the cartilage of the pinna, the outer surface of which is painted
with flesh tones. Each auricle is inscribe with "F C Rein & Son 708
Strand London" A similar pair are documented in the
CID-Goldstein Collection and are shown
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A mid 19th century tin ear trumpet
with a mauve/black Japanned finish. The trumpet is on good condition
with only one small 'ding' on the apex (visible in the photographs).
There is minor chipping to the finish consistent with its age. A
similar example is shown on the American Academy of Otolaryngology's
website
here
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1920 Binaural Cornets (Ear Trumpets) |
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Telescopic Brass Ear Trumpet |
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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
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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 |
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Silk and Celluloid Conversation tube |
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Bakelite Conversation Tube |
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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 |
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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. |
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German Bakelite Ear Trumpet |
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Faux-Tortoiseshell Ear Trumpet |
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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 |
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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 |
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Brass and Copper Telescopic Ear
Trumpet |
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Metal Conversation Tube |
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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 |
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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 |
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'Audiphone Invisible Bernard'
Hearing Aid |
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Ear Horn with silk carry case
(Hawksley) |
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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 |
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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 |
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Tonsil Compression Forceps (Corwen) |
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An early 20th C tonsil compression forceps designed to
hold engorged tonsils during tonsillectomy. The ends of the forceps
are covered in hand stitched absorbent cotton pads. They would be
placed in an open position in the mouth and slowly closed over the
tonsil to be removed. This prevented tonsillar material falling to
the back of the throat causing obstruction or inhalation and
compression was also supposed to reduce bleeding. |
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