A fine and rare metal ear cone, mid to late 19th C. This is made from some form of anodized metal, probably tin. It has a beautifully grained ivory earpiece which is perfect, and is marked ‘Truphone Westmacott Manchester’ (not “tinphone” as previously thought).

According to Hawksley “The small end of the cone is adapted to the orifice of the ear whilst the larger end is expanded trumpet like to collect the sound. These instruments are very efficient when they have been made upon a wax model which has been fashioned to fit behind the ear, and they then require nothing like a spring or other fastening to keep them in place and may be worn all day without inconvenience”.

• From the Phisick collection