Ear Nose & Throat:

Surgical

19th C Tonsillotome by Collin

A complete and fully functional 19th Century Tonsillotome by Collin of Paris with a crosshatched ebony handle and two sizes of blade. The mechanism works flawlessly and the tempered blue steel visible is evidence of the high build quality.

An attractive tonsillotome with a fluted ebony handle. Made by Arnold and Sons who started business in 1866 and dating this instrument to the late 19th C. High build quality as evidenced by the blue tempered steel spring on the cutting mechanism. In excellent working condition.

An indirect laryngoscope (because the larynx was not seen directly, but indirectly through the reflection of a mirror). The gag reflex would be suppressed using crushed ice (after 1884 cocaine spray was used as a local anaesthetic). The bottom blade of the speculum would hold down the tongue whilst the top blade would be positioned against the soft palate so that a light source would illuminate the mirror. In turn the mirror would reflect back a view of the larynx and glottis. The first laryngoscope was attributed to Manuel Garcia (a Spanish singing professor) in 1854. It was quickly adopted by the medical profession; initially Ludwik Turk in Vienna, Czermak in Budapest and in England Morell Mackenzie pioneered the development of laryngology. This rare French example signed Mathieu Paris (Brevete) probably dates to the last 1/4 of the 19th century

Krishaber was one of Czermak's students and one of the pioneers of the laryngoscope. This French example in his name dates to 1865 as illustrated in 'Le corps exploré' and comes with its original fitted case, lenses and mirrors. An example of a later model can be seen here. The last illustration show how the apparatus would be used with an artificial light source, but it was also possible to use sunlight for illumination. Case dimensions 230 x 100 x 35 mm.

An 18th century shagreen and silver case containing a silver topped hand cut glass bottle and a heavy silver syringe. The glass stopper is fixed and I am not sure about the contents but this set is likely to have had a medical use. Similar medical syringes have been used to administer solutions and or medications (see last picture). I believe that the contents of the bottle would have been titrated into the syringe and sprayed into either nostril. Probably for the relief of nasal congestion or sinusitis. If any one has further information do please contact me.

An attractive early 20th century tonsillotome with nicely fashioned Bakelite or early plastic handle which has been moulded to accommodate the surgeons hand. When the thumb rest is pushed forwards the framed knife edge is pulled through and past the three pronged fork, effectively excising the tonsillar tissue with a one handed procedure leaving the other hand free to apply haemostatic pressure to the bleeding tonsillar bed.

A German sputum pot for English consumption (so to speak). The expectorate was coughed into the funnel of the larger opening and could be emptied by unscrewing the small cap at the bottom. "The pocket vial (flask) for sufferers from cough made according to directions from Dr Dettweiler Privy Medical Councillor of Falkenstein Taunus is intended to serve for the reception of the secretions of the bronchial tubes and lungs; its use is more simple and cleanly than that of the pocket handkerchief, or floor ...."

A 20th century nickel plated sputum pot used for people with consumption (advanced tuberculosis) or bronchiectasis as a hygienic alternative to the floor. Pressure on the catch opens the sprung circular lid from which a funnel drains into the container. When full the contents could be drained by unscrewing the smaller cap. In near mint condition.

A set of four nested mouth specula by Ehrhardt. Each speculum is labeled 1 through 4 and is marked 'Patent Nov 11 '84 '. The illustrated description is from the Aloe medical supply catalogue, sixth edition, 1895 courtesy of Alex Peck Medical Antiques (antiquescientifica.com)

Diagnostic (and other therapeutic)

19th C Brunton Otoscope by Maw

Silver Nasal Speculum (Brevete S.G.D.G.)

A complete set in its original box dating the late 19th century. It is rare to find these without wear to the silver plate but this piece is in mint condition and signed "Maw London". There is a similar example in the London Science Museum.

A rare boxed paediatric nasal speculum marked Brevete SGDG (a common French Patent mark). The box, hinges and latch are sound but there are signs of wear to the leather. The speculum is in perfect working condition with the screw extending the blades so that the physician could visualise the nares.

Horn Silver Aural Specula (Hessler)

Cased Ear Syringe (Maw Son & Thompson)

The horn case is in mint condition with a tight thread on the screw. The three silver plated aural specula are in excellent condition, the larger on being marked "E. M. HESSLER"

A 19th century ear syringe by Maw Son & Thomspon. The syringe is made from nickel plated brass and is in excellent condition with no loss of plating. Both the plunger and the finger rests unscrew. The plunger moves freely but now produces little suction (which could easily be remedied). There are three attachments of different sizes, one made from bone. The embossed leather case with purple velvet lining is in very good condition and is marked on the lid with Maw Son and Thompson's motif

Cased Ear Syringe (Maw Son & Thompson)

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"!

An early set of medical tuning forks used by neurologists to test vibration sense to elicit nerve damage and by ENT doctors to test hearing. A complete set signed "Chiron" are housed in a blue  velvet lined leather case. The hinges and latches remain in excellent condition

Hearing Aids

General  :  Ear Trumpets (short)  :  Ear trumpets (long) :  Auricles  :  Conversation tubes  :  Ear tubes

General

A man wearing an ear trumpet is an unusual subject for any photo. Much effort was made to deliberately conceal ear trumpets ... this ambrotype by contrast suggest a proud owner. Perhaps it was akin to have the latest PDA. Ambrotypes developed the photograph directly onto a glass plate coated with silver salts and backed with a black varnish. Because they were so fragile this needed mounting behind another piece of glass which was often then mounted in a metal frame. In this example the embossed leather box case holds an ornate gold metal frame with finely decorated velvet in the opposite face. Ambrotypes went out of vogue around the 1850s in favour of daguerotypes.

Grand Opera Dome Ear trumpet (Rein)

A fine and extremely rare late 19th century Grand Opera Dome ear trumpet by Rein in superb condition apart from some loss of silver plating. Signed in around the circumference in his fashion 'F C Rein and Son patentees sole inventors and only makers 108 Strand London' This trumpet came in two sizes, with a short and a long earpiece. This is the one with the short earpiece, the longer version can also be seen on Phisick. The dimensions are 90 x 125 mm

A fine 19th C silver plated London Dome ear trumpet by F C Rein with an ivory ear piece. In perfect condition which is remarkable for a most ear trumpets, but especially so for this beautifully engraved example which dates to the last quarter of the 19th Century. In his style, around the lower  circumference of the dome is engraved 'F C Rein and Son patentees sole inventors and only makers 108 Strand London'. Dimensions 105 x 55 mm

A very attractive little silver plated ear trumpet with ivory ear piece and an ornately carved grille. A 19th century ear trumpet in excellent condition and made unusual by its diminutive size, which is more noticeable when compared to a Downs Ear Trumpet in the last picture. Dimensions 75mm high x 53 mm diameter.

A seldom seen Queen Conch Shell ear trumpet. There is a similar ear trumpet in Bennion which is an earlier variation. These shells are said to be the musical instrument of mermaids, the Conch is now an endangered and international trade is severely restricted. This trumpet is 15cm long and 6.5cm diameter. The ear piece tube is made from unplated brass. The actual earpiece is I think an extension of the same brass tube which has been made into a bulbous shape and painted black. There is some loss of plating to the setting which mounts it on the shell. The shell itself is in perfect condition. Likely to be of American origin and dating to 1880.

A fantastic example of an early 20th century silver plated ear trumpet by Hawskley. The trumpet comes in its original box with the postal address and owner legible. I cannot make out the date. In superb condition and with beautifully ornate silver beading around the outlet. The trumpet is marked "Hawksley 351 Oxford Street London". The original ivory ear piece is has no cracks and the trumpet is in excellent overall condition.

An unusual ear trumpet made from hammered unmarked silver on a silver chain designed to be carried around the neck. The size of the trumpet is such that this could only have been used for a child; presumably a privileged one from a wealthy family to have been able to afford an aid like this. The ornately hand carved grille can be removed. So too can the hand blown glass ear piece. The trumpet works very well. Dating this piece is difficult, but it is certainly 19th century and possibly earlier and likely to have been of European origin.

An early 20th century ear trumpet in a rare beehive configuration made from celluloid. The celluloid is in good condition. There is a join near the apex of the ear horn (see pictures) which would have been part of the manufacturing process. The removable ear piece is made from and early plastic and has a tight thread. The decorative deco style grille is lined with a brass mesh to prevent anything passing into the inside of the trumpet. A very fetching and collectible piece. Height 110 x Width 90 m

An early 20th century telescopic ear trumpet in its original crocodile skin etui. A high quality piece which would have been expensive in its day. This pocket hearing aid was designed to be used in its case which is open at one end allowing sounds to be transmitted through the deco style grill and which accommodates the telescopic ear piece at the other end. The grille is marked "Lutz Ferrando & Co Buenos Aires".

A small 19th century convoluted ear trumpet from black painted tin, with a brass cartouche on the funnel which reads: Mathieu Bld St Germain 11 Paris. The ear piece is metal with a brassed finish. There is a tiny dent on the arch and some minor loss of pain but this lovely little trumpet is otherwise in excellent condition. Dimensions 95 x 67 mm.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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