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Antique French Ear Trumpet |
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Inverted London Dome Ear Trumpet (Patd
1880) |
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A beautiful French antique ear trumpet
from the early 20th century. It is made in a dome configuration with
an expanded sleeve on the lower trumpet section. Made from brass
which has retained most of the original lacquer. The inside has a
black japanned finish. There is some minor irregularity on the neck
but it is otherwise in excellent condition. Dimensions: 140 mm high
c 87 mm circumference |
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An unusual London Dome Style ear
trumpet with an inverted dome. Made from plated metal (possibly
brass but their is no loss of the plating to be sure). Excellent
condition noting one tiny ding just to the right of the "2" and
under the cartouche seen in 1st and 5th pics. The rubber earpiece is
original and in good condition and detaches from the stem via a
smooth metal joint (see photos). The base has an attractive double
metal mesh grille. The inverted dome has a central loop for
attaching the earpiece around the users neck. Marked "EARPHONE PAT'D
USA MAY 4 1880 PAT'D CANADA MARCH 11 1881 S. NORTH SYRACUSE NY".
Also marked 2 of 839. 90 x 80 m |
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Antique
American Tin Ear Trumpet |
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Nickel Plated Dome Antique Ear Trumpet |
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A 19th century American ear trumpet made from tin and finished in
black paint. The paint shows some wear but the trumpet has no
structural damage. The body is a truncated oval shaped coned inside
which as another inverted oval cone reflects sound waves toward the
stem. The ear piece made from tin and solder. There is a small ring
at the junction of the stem and body which would have been threaded
with cord or ribbon to be worn around the neck. Dimensions high 180
mm max diameter 90 mm. |
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An unsigned nickel plated ear trumpet
from the turn of the century made in the London dome style. The base
metal is probably brass. The earpiece is made from an early plastic
and is fixed. The grille is rather pretty with a radiating floral
design. The condition is excellent noting two tiny dings. Height 150
x Width 110 mm.
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Antique Ear Trumpet in Brass |
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Boston Globe Ear Horn |
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An antique ear trumpet of American
origin dating to the
late 19th century. Made from thick brass it is a relatively
heavy but hand held device which has developed a nice patina and
which remains effective. It is in excellent condition and there are
no dents. The earpiece is
made from an early plastic. The body of the trumpet is in the style
of the opera dome exampled but the base extends in a
cylindrical fashion. Dimensions. height 165 mm circumference 68 mm |
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Based on a design patented by
Maloney in 1895 (although produced by the Globe Ear Phone Co. into
the early 20th century). This Bakelite aid is unusual in that it has
a metal diaphragm and also the ear piece fits over the ear "not
inserted into the meatus - thus being more comfortable to use and
avoiding any possible damage to the ear drum |
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French Celluloid Conical Ear
Trumpet |
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French Dome Ear Trumpet 19th C |
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A beautiful conical
celluloid ear trumpet with an ornately decorated black
painted metal grill and an ivorine earpiece which
screws tightly in place. The trumpet has been moulded
in two parts and the join can be seen close to the
apex. The configuration where the earpiece bend over
the apex rather than away from it is rare. Dimensions:
Diameter 70 mm height 120 mm |
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An early to mid 19th century French
dome ear trumpet. It is small (height < 12cm) and designed to be
largely concealed in the hand. The aid itself is in excellent
condition with no dents although the back paintwork shows signs of
its age. The ornately carved metal grille remains structurally
perfect. The earpiece is made of ebonised wood and is fixed |
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London Dome Variation Ear Trumpet |
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Hard Rubber Ear Horn by Tiemann |
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An unusual variation of the London
dome ear trumpet. The bell is made from what is I think aluminium
(it is strong and light) whilst the connector to the ear piece is
made from brass. The earpiece itself is a form of early
celluloid. The original paintwork has long since gone leaving a
rather attractive appearance of the base metals. |
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A late
19th century hand held ear horn signed on the apex by Tiemann. It is
made of a brass core which has been covered over its external
surface by a thick layer of hardened rubber, which was designed to
protect it and which gives it a durable heavy feel. The rubber covering extends over the earpiece which is
fixed. Dimension: Height 88 mm Diameter 50 mm
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Antique French Dome Ear Trumpet |
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Black Brass London 'Dome' Ear
Trumpet |
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An antique French ear trumpet made
from tin which has a black Japanned finish. The tube connecting to
the ear piece is "S" shaped in typical French style and the trumpet
is of the opera dome variety. There is a small dent in the bottom of
the ear tube section. The trumpet is small and designed to fit in
the hand and pocket. Dimensions: Height 160 mm Diameter 55 mm |
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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.
The black finish shows signs of wear consistent with its age.
Otherwise, this piece which dates to the early 20th century is in in
excellent overall condition with no dents or knocks to the body. The
removable gutta percha ear piece is in perfect condition. Grille
circumference 58mm. Height 80mm |
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Black Japanned Ear Trumpet |
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Swedish Convoluted Ear Trumpet (Stille) |
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A small (10cm high) 19th C conical
brass ear trumpet with a high gloss black japanned finished. This
was a very durable glaze like covering designed to protect the
trumpet. There has been wear to the paint finish but the overall
condition of the trumpet is excellent with the exception a few very
minor dings. The painted surface of the fixed ear piece has worn
away and I am unsure about the underlying material which could be
Bakelite but appears to have a grain |
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A quality black enameled 19th century
metal ear trumpet (17 cm high) signed by the Swedish maker 'Stille'.
The metalwork is in perfect condition and there is only minor wear
to the black enameled finish. Judging from the underlying color of
these areas, the convoluted section is made from tin and the
connecting tube and ear piece itself is made from brass |
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Antique Brass London Dome Ear
Trumpet |
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Brass Pocket Ear Trumpet |
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An antique London dome ear trumpet in
brass with a vulcanite ear piece. In absolutely perfect condition with
an attractive grille constructed from a brass plate with round
perforations. Dimensions: Height 85 mm Diameter 55 mm |
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A small ear trumpet which divides into
two parts and can be assembled used for either the left or the right
ear. It is designed to be held in the pocket and concealed in the
hand. The paint under the join suggests that his would originally
have been black but the exterior has been taken down to its original
brass base metal. The inside retains its original black japanned
finish. The gutta percha ear piece is fixed in place |
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Miniature Antique Ear Trumpet |
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Faux
Tortoise Shell Pocket Ear Trumpet |
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An unusually small ear trumpet
probably dating to the early 20th century which can be held in the
palm of a hand. The body is made from Bakelite or an early plastic.
The ear piece has been hand carved from a fruitwood, varnished and
is fixed in position. The diameter of the bell is 50 mm and the
trumpet is only 35 mm high.
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A small unsigned European pocket ear trumpet
made from faux tortoise shell and dating to the mid 20th century.
The curvilinear grille is fixed and the plastic ear piece unscrews. Dimensions:
Height 77 mm wide 60 mm deep 27 mm |
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Ear Trumpet (long or telescopic)
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Silk Lined Mourning Ear Trumpet
19th C |
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Antique Tortoise Shell Ear Trumpet |
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A very rare mourning ear trumpet from
the late 19th century as illustrated on p44 of 'Historic Devices for
Hearing' (CID-Goldstein collection) and p30 of Elizabeth Bennion's
'Antique Hearing Devices'. The metal trumpet is lined in black silk
and embroidered with lace. An attached silk ribbon allows the device
to be secured around the neck. In excellent condition noting a fine
hairline crack to the ivory earpiece. |
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A rare antique
hearing trumpet made from real tortoise shell. This
dates from the mid to the late 19th century. The
earpiece is attached to brass tubing which rotates
allowing the ear trumpet to be used on the left or
right sides. It is in remarkably good condition noting
a small hairline crack at the base and a few minor
flecks on the back which are shown in the photographs. |
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German Planoflex Ear Trumpet |
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Telescopic Brass Ear Trumpet by Pilling |
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A rare late 19th early 20th C German
ear trumpet. I have never seen another of these although judging by
the markings there must have been others made. It is a variation of
the classic two piece telescopic trumpet which has been modified to
have a flat base to allow it to stand without support. The ear piece
also has a matching mirrored flattened section. Made from galvanised
brass and marked 'Planofex. Ges Gesch. DRGM'. Dimension extended:
360 x 95 mm |
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An antique ear trumpet signed
Pilling and made in Germany. The trumpet extends through three
sections which slide over each other into fitted sleeves. The
outside of the trumpet has been cleaned to reveal a beautiful and
blemish free finish but the inside remains untouched showing a rich
patina which dates back to the turn of the century. The black
earpiece is made from an early plastic and is fixed. Dimensions:
Retracted 190 mm Extended 320 mm Diameter 70
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Tragus Copper-Wash Ear Trumpet |
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Early Celluloid Collapsible Ear
Trumpet |
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A tragus shaped ear trumpet made from
tin which has been copper washed. it has an ivory earpiece which is
cracked but remains stable. Overall the trumpet is in very good
condition. Dimensions: long: 3000 mm widest trumpet diameter 90 mm |
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A two piece collapsible ear trumpet
made from early celluloid with a striking design. The celluloid has
characteristically thick seams and this appearance dates the piece
to the late 19th or early 20th century. The ear piece unscrews and
is made from an 'ivorine' like material. There is a celluloid hoop
for attaching a band to hold the trumpet around the neck. In
excellent condition |
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19th C Leather Lined Telescopic Ear
Trumpet |
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Early Red Celluloid Telescopic Ear Trumpet |
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Similar in design to the two piece
celluloid trumpets this telescopic aid is slightly older, dating to
the end of the 19th century. I cannot be sure what the underlying
base metal is because it has been completely and rather skillfully
leather lined. Although there is some brass visible at the join, it
is actually quite light and I suspect it is made from tin. It is
rare to find the leather in such superb condition throughout. The
earpiece is made form ivory and is fixed. |
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An attractive dark red celluloid two
piece telescopic ear trumpet. The celluloid has characteristically
thick seams and this appearance dates the piece to the late 19th or
early 20th century. The ear piece unscrews and is made from an
'ivorine' like material. There is a celluloid hoop for attaching a
band to hold the trumpet around the neck. In excellent condition. |
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Antique French
Brass and Ivory Ear Trumpet |
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Audiscope Telescopic Ear Trumpet |
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A rare antique French ear trumpet in
brass. This large late 19th century piece has an unusual configuration. The trumpet section
extends from a relatively narrow body which curves to end in a fitted ivory
ear piece. There is a fixed joint mid body. Sometime old modified
car horns are passed of as trumpets, but these have inappropriately
wide ear pieces and this instrument was unquestionably designed from
scratch a bespoke hearing aid. Dimensions high 230 mm diameter 125 mm. |
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A tragus shaped telescopic "Audiscope"
antique ear trumpet made from black Bakelite. In the retracted state
the internal section is held in place with a clip within the
external trumpet. The ear piece is also made from Bakelite and is
detachable and unscrews with a firm thread. The base of the trumpet
reads "Trade Mark Audiscope Pat Pend. Amer. Earphone. Co. N.Y." This
company made non electronic hearing aids in the 1920s. Height 32
mm width 65 mm retracted length 170 mm extended length 292 mm |
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Royal French Ear Trumpet Set |
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Faux-Tortoiseshell
'Audios' Ear Trumpet |
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An ear trumpet and ear training device
by Royal in Paris from the first quarter of the 20th century. The
boxed set contains an oval metal ear trumpet with an ornate grill
and a telescopic ear piece (which also rotates) made from an early
plastic. This is designed to be a hand help and pocket device and
comes with a leather etui marked Royal 29 Rue Orfilla Paris. The
larger device is also signed. This was battery powered and pushing
the black button would emit noise through the earpiece which was
meant to have some therapeutic effect, but almost certainly did not. |
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French faux tortoise shell Ear Horn 5.5 ins high in retracted state.
It has an ornate brass grill and a telescopic ear piece. The top end
of the body is bordered with gilt deco style design. In excellent
condition with no cracks or chips. The detachable earpiece is
perfect and has a nice tight thread. There is an ear logo on the
body circumscribed with 'Audios - Marque Deposee' |
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Faux-Tortoiseshell Ear Trumpet |
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Coloured Bakelite Telescopic Ear
trumpet |
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A very nice French
"Sonor" type ear trumpet
from the turn of the century. 4" high in
retracted
state. It has a
removable nickel plated brass telescopic ear piece and a highly
decorative brass grill. In excellent condition with no
cracks or chips to the body. The earpiece is made of faux tortoise. It
is fixed in position and has a small crack to the underside. |
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An attractive bakelite two piece
telescopic ear trumpet from the early 20th century. The colours are
unusual, light brown, black and red and make for a very pretty
piece. In perfect condition. Dimension extended: 250 x 60 mm |
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Banjo Ear Trumpet by Bailey & Son |
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Heavy Brass Telescopic Ear Trumpet |
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A late 19th C English banjo style
telescopic ear trumpet finished in a galvanised metallic grey. On
the name plate on the stem is written "W. H. Bailey and Son. 45
Oxford St London" and at the base of the stem 'English made'. In
excellent condition noting some early oxidation. Dimension extended:
300 x 90 mm |
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A late 19th century brass three draw
telescopic ear trumpet of American origin. Unusual in that it has a
tongue shaped diaphragm which folds back into the bell. Made from
heavy brass it is quite a robust piece. The black Japanned finish show
some wear but there are no dents or dings and it is otherwise in
excellent condition. Extended 370mm retracted 170 mm diameter 70 mm. |
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Acousticon Antique Telescopic Ear
Trumpet |
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Telescopic Antique Ear Trumpet by Audios |
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A late 19th century black japanned
two piece telescopic ear trumpet. On the front of the bell the
cartouch reads "Acousticon 18 Hanover St London. The trumpet is in
perfect condition. Dimensions: Extended 210 mm, Unextended 155 mm
Circumference 65 mm.
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An antique French ear trumpet made
from faux tortoise shell in a parabolic dome shape. The Ear tube
extends and rotates about 360 degrees. The ear piece is made of a
light yellow early plastic. In base is signed Audios around an ear
shaped mark but the remainder of the inscription is illegible. The
grille is ornately decorated with petal shaped perforations in faux
tortoise shell. Dimension: Extended 133 mm Retracted 105 mm Diameter
55 mm |
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Multi-Audiphone Auricle by Blodgett |
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FC Rein Faux Tortoise Shell
Auricles |
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A 19th century faux
tortoise shell celluloid auricle in its original box.
The oval shaped carton reads: " Multi-Audiphone
deafness overcome price $5. Dr F M Blodgett No 1286
Broadway New York City ". On the back of the box is a
receipt for the auricle to Mrs B Dagget of Bristol
dated Feb 27 1872. The auricle has an attractive
organic art nouveau design and is marked " Multi-Audiphone
Dr F M Blodgett New York Patented April 8 1890 2L "
(the latter denoting the size and side). There are
some cracks and denaturing as commonly seem with
antique celluloid. Dimensions 120 x 45 x 40 mm. |
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A pair of early celluloid faux tortoise shell auricles by F C
Rein dating to the early 20th century. The celluloid is thick and has
jointed seams and the earpieces are extensions of the celluloid. The
auricles are secured over the head by a telescopic metal headband
connecting the two. Each piece is signed inside the bell of the
auricle "FC Rein patentees". |
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Faux Tortoise Shell Auricle
with Headband |
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Rochhausen "Ohrenbrille doppelt" auricles 1966 |
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A single faux
tortoise shell auricle and headband for the right ear.
The auricle has an attractive art deco/ art nouveau
design and dates to the early 20th century. The
Ivorine earpiece is removable and has a firm thread.
The auricle is secured over the head by a telescopic
faux tortoise shell headband. It is in perfect
condition. Unsigned. |
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These unusual 'Ohrenbrille doppelt'
(literally double earglasses) consists of a pair of auricles made from
an early maroon coloured plastic which are secured by means of a metal
band around the head. Each auricle has a grille with a curvilinear
design. The earpieces can rotate to suit the users proportions so that
they fit snuggly into the ear canal. The result is surprisingly
effective. Remarkable too that such pieces were still in use as little
as 40 years ago. The set comprises of two auricles, the detachable
headband and a spare band, a second set of ear pieces and the original
box and receipt |
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Brass Auricle with Headband |
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Cased Celluloid Auricle (Arnold & Sons) |
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A brass auricle for
the right ear dating to the early 20th century. The
auricle itself has an even dark rich patina and held
in position over the ear with a steel headband. The
earpiece is made from an early black plastic and it
unscrews with a firm thread. The pad for the left side
of the head has brass rivets and a black enamel
finish. The banded auricle sits comfortably in
position and is surprisingly unobtrusive and effective
as a hearing aid. |
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A delightful single celluloid auricle
in its own silk and velvet lined leather case signed Arnold and Sons
(who were incorporated into John Bell & Croyden in 1926). The
auricle is made from a single pieces of celluloid and was designed
to fit into the tragus of the ear where by virtue of its
transparency it would have been relatively inconspicuous hearing
aid. |
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Silver and Horn Conversation Tube by Rein |
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Hawksley Ivory Conversation Tube
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A fine silver horn and silk
conversation tube by F C Rein dating to the mid 19thc century. The
trumpet section is beautifully engraved with minimal loss to the
silver plating and his characteristic signature "'F C Rein and Son
patentees sole inventors and only makers 108 Strand London'" around
the perimeter. The junction and the ear piece are both made of horn
which has a few flea bites. The tube itself is made from woven silk
of the highest quality. Not only is this antique hearing aid lovely
to look at, but it is also very effective.
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A rare silk and ivory
conversation tube by Hawksley from the early 20th
century. The tubing is made from finely woven brown
silk decorated with a blue spiral line. The ear piece
and the bell are both carved from ivory and the bell
is marked 'Hawksley and Sons London'. The piece comes
with a receipt from Hawksley & Sons Ltd 357 Oxford
Street to Mrs Friedberg of 4 Golden Lane E6 dated
18.10.1920 which lists Dec 9th 1918 "Repairing
Conversation Tube" cost 3 and 6. August 20th 1920 "1
Conversation Tube A.213 Silk" cost £8 10 shillings
(presumably this piece) and also two other entries
relating to repairs to conversation tube A.213.
Dimension extended: 980 x 55 mm. |
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Silk Wound Short Conversation Tube |
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Globe Phone Silk Conversation Tube |
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This is the shortest conversation tube
the author has seen. It is made from a sprung metal coil which is
lined in black silk. The tube itself is tapered, being narrower at
the earpiece end and this must have made its construction quite a
challenge. The tube can be bent to a suitable position and will then
retains its shape. The 'mouthpiece' is made from Bakelite or
Vulcanite, the ear piece from gutta percha and both are in excellent
condition. |
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An
American ebonite conversation tube wound in silk. The metallic
diaphragm was first patented in 1895 by James Maloney. It is
engraved on top of the
ear piece 'Globe Phone MFG Co Boston'
and this company was in business from 1907 through the
1920s. The device is unusual in featuring a diaphragm
and also because the earpiece fits over the ear and is
held in the hand. In very good condition
and it amplifies
the quietest whisper. |
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Conversation Tube by Hawksley & Sons |
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Aluminium Silk Wound Conversation
Tube |
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An early 20th century conversation
tube signed by Hawksley & Sons London. The ear piece and trumpet
section are made from an early plastic which has been made to look
like wood (and very effectively too - see enlarged picture of the
ear piece). In very good condition and an antique hearing aid which
still works remarkably well.
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An unusual early 20th century
conversation tube. The ear and mouthpiece are made from aluminium
(which would have been a luxury and expensive material in these
times). The connecting tube is bound with woven silk. The mouth
piece is configured so that it can be held over the mouth in much
the same way as an anesthetic mask, and which allows the
transmission of even the faintest whisper |
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Ear
Tubes Plugs and Inserts
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'Audiphone
Invisible Bernard' Hearing Device |
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Silver Concealed Ear Tubes |
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An
unusal antique hearing aid from France which would be
equally at home in the quackery section.
just. These usually come in double sets but this one is a cased single
aid for the left ear. The metal plate is designed to fit behind the
ear and is flesh coloured (hence 'Invisible'). The improved hearing
was attributed to magnetism and the box comes with its own
'Galvanometer'. 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. |
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An unusual pair of French ear tubes in
their original velvet and silk lined presentation box, made from
hallmarked silver cones. The inside of the cones are covered in
flesh coloured enamel paint which was intended to conceal their
presence whilst being worn. Frequently the paint is worn and chipped
but this pair remain in excellent condition. The silver has two
French hallmarks, one in a triangle for the maker reading R&D
(unidentified) and the other indicating 800 silver. |
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Silver and Flesh Coloured Ear Tubes |
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Antique Miniature Silver Ear
Tubes |
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A pair of conical silver ear tubes.
Used for people with a narrow external auditory meatus. They were
placed in the ear canal with the flesh colour outermost so as to
conceal their presence. They are housed
in their original black velvet lined fitted case and date to the early 20th century. |
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A good pair of antique solid unmarked
silver ear tubes. These tubes were intended to be used for patient
with narrow or obstructed ear canals. Quite how effective they would
have been is open to speculation. They are housed in an oblong
fitted case lined with red silk and velvet.
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Silver Ear Tube Set by E. Franck |
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Vibrophobe Audiometry Ear Tube |
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A rare turn of the
century ear tube with its ivory or bone brush and
cleaning rod in the original silk and purple velvet
lined presentation case. The case is signed E Franck
under which their trademark reads "SOCIETIES SCIENCES
INDUSTRIELLES ARTS ET BELLES LETTRES DE PARIS" and
below this "BREVET SGDG 271 RUE ST HONORÉS". Used
narrow or obstructed external auditory meatus and the
brush and rod would have been used for cleaning. The
tube unscrews into two sections and allowing the
angled hood to be rotated. Two French Hallmarks are
present. |
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A very unusual implement designed to
test bone conduction. The tiny ear tube dissembles to reveal a metal
disc which is held firm by two springs at either side. When inserted
in the ear the small metal dumbbell is struck against the rim of the
ear tube and causes the disk to vibrate. The resulting bizarre
twanging noise sounds more like something out of the 'Magic
Roundabout'. Whether or not this could quantify bone conduction is
dubious - but it is nonetheless a superb little instrument. |
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Weimer Silver Ear tubes |
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Vintage
Silver Vibraphone Ear Tubes |
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A pair of solid
silver hearing aids, in their original case. They date
to the early 20th century and have an attractive art
deco design. The tubes fit into the ear canal, and the
larger hollow sections sit in the the outer ear. Each
is marked with the Weimer Co. insignia as is the inner
silk lining of the case. Case is 26 x 60 x 45 mm in
perfect condition.
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A rare pair of solid silver ear tubes
by Vibraphone dating to the early 20th century. They come in their
original velvet lined case which is marked "S A Vibraphone PO Box
8948 Johannesburg". The individual ear pieces are marked L and R
respectively and "Vibraphone made in England". They are effectively
ear tubes which may have been been of some benefit in cases of
narrow external in auditory meatus but were probably useless to the
majority of users.
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Mallock-Armstrong Ear Defenders
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Earmaster Gold Cased Hearing Aid |
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Hearing protectors for military
purposes were first used by the ancient Greeks. The earplug was
patented in 1864. In 1905 work started on designing mechanical
devices to limit the damage done by gunfire noise. Mallock-Armstrong
designed these plugs in 1914 and they were extensively used in World
War 1. The central rod is for removing ear wax from the plugs |
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This is one of the latest hearing
devices in the collection and the only electronic one. The Earmaster
550 Hearing Aid was manufactured in 1965 and contains an integrated
circuit. This custom made in-the-ear hearing
aid was molded into a gold casing to increase cosmetic
appeal rather than for the hypoallergenic benefits. It did not catch on and
1965 was the only year it was made, which makes it rather rare. The gold
casing is engraved 5VLOC. |
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Books |
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Elisabeth Bennion 'Antique Hearing Devices' |
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Rare 1st Edition of Elisabeth
Bennion's 'Antique Hearing Devices' softback 1994. This book is now
out of print and hard to come by. Beautiful photographs and
narrative detailing the history and use of various hearing devices
and their manufacturers. The book has 58 pages with 38 photographs
and pictures (see selection above) and is 23.5 x16.5 cm. In new
unused and mint condition. Essential reading for any collector of
antique hearing devices and ear trumpets. |
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