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.

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. The Conch is now an endangered and international trade is severely restricted.

• From the Phisick collection