This large telescopic German ear trumpet dates to the first half of the 20th century and is made from bakelite or a similar early plastic.

The joint between the body and the arm is banded with an aluminium ring. The earpiece is made from an early plastic. There is a loop next to the ear end to which a strap could be attached. On one side of the grille it is signed Rochhausen Waldkirchen and ‘Modell 40’ on the other.

• From the Phisick collection