A beautiful silver plate, horn and silk conversation tube by Rein from the last half of the 19th century probably between 1860 and 1880

The earpiece and trumpet mount are made of horn. The tubing itself is bound by finely woven black silk. The trumpet section is silver plated brass which has been ornately carved. In keeping with Rein piece of this era the perimeter of the trumpet is engraved ‘F. C. Rein & Son Patentees, sole inventors and only makers, 108 Strand London’.

• From the Phisick collection