These unusual ‘Ohrenbrille doppelt’ (literally double earglasses) consists of a pair of auricles made from an early maroon coloured plastic which are secured by means of a metal band around the head. Each auricle has a grille with a curvilinear design.

The earpieces can rotate to suit the users proportions so that they fit snuggly into the ear canal. The result is surprisingly effective. Remarkable too that such pieces were still in use as little as 50 or so years ago. The set comprises of two auricles, the detachable headband, a spare band and the original box.

• From the Phisick collection