A telescopic ear trumpet by Carl Vendschuch of Dresden made from Vulcanite

This compact three draw trumpet is small enough to have been held in a pocket but extends to 290 mm. The ear piece is a natural extension of the last segment and is also made from hardened rubber.

Vulcanite was the precursor of plastic invented by Charles Goodyear who developed a process of vulcanising soft rubber to form a hard strong light durable material which revolutionalised many late 19th and early 20th century. Carl Wendschuch of Dresden established his business making surgical instruments and orthopaedic appliances in 1883

• From the Phisick collection