A large striking and brilliantly coloured antique ear trumpet.

Many of the early ear trumpets were designed with subtlety and camouflage in mind. Not so this one whose lady owner (I presume) has upgraded this 19th century ear trumpet with a lick of paint and who was clearly less interested in deceiving and more in catching the eye. It comes with a matching satin ribbon and whilst a little worse for wear over the years it remains the centre of attention.

• From the Phisick collection