A circa 1850 tin ear trumpet possibly the property of ‘Tin Ear Ellison’

The ear trumpet is of the convoluted style and made from sections of tin sheet turned into a cone, divided into section which were then soldered together. Although the basic technique is quite crude this has been made to a high standard, probably by a skilled tin smith. Originally finished in black paint, much of this has now worn with age. The ear piece is an extension of tin solder and dates the piece to circa mid 19th century.  The American seller tells me she was told that his may have been the property of Tin Ear Ellison and whilst there is no clear provenance to make this link it is certainly the sort of ear trumpet which he might have used.

• From the Phisick collection