A n attractive early conversation tube with red celluloid hearing piece and bell. The slightly irregular celluloid seam 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.

• From the Phisick collection