A rare French turn of the century ear tube with its bone brush and cleaning rod in the original silk and purple velvet lined presentation case.

The case is signed  E Franck over the trademark. The tube was used for those with a narrow or obstructed external auditory meatus. The brush and rod would have been used to keep the tube clear from wax or debris. The tube itself unscrews into two sections and allowing the angled hood to be suitably positioned for the best result. It carries two tiny French Hallmarks one in a triangle for the maker, the other indicating 800 silver and is also marked SGDG.

• From the Phisick collection