Miniature ear trumpets

Made:: 1805-1900 in London

maker:: FC Rein and Son, FC Rein &

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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Pair of miniature ear trumpets, brass (gilt) with ivory earpieces by F. C. Rein and Son, London, designed to be worn around the ears and hidden under the wearer's hair, 1805-1900.

A ‘bugle’ ear trumpet is named because of its similarity to the musical instrument. This hearing aid is probably a variation of one. ‘Bugle’ ear trumpets were invented by ear, nose and throat specialist Jean Pierre Bonnafont (1805–1891). Bonnafont thought ear trumpets available at the time were cumbersome and inconvenient. This pair of miniature ear trumpets was worn hidden under the hair. They were made by F. C. Rein and Son in London. The company was founded in 1800. It was the first firm known to manufacture hearing aids commercially.

Details

Category:: Audiology

Collection:: Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection

Object Number:: A139040

Materials:: trumpet, brass (gilt), earpiece, ivory and case, leatherette

Measurements:: left trumpet: 69 mm x 37 mm x 54 mm, .02 kg
right trumpet: 69 mm x 37 mm x 54 mm, .02 kg
box: 51 mm x 124 mm x 84 mm,
box open: 32 mm x 124 mm x 164 mm, .12 kg

type:: ear trumpets

credit:: Loan, Wellcome Trust

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Parts

Miniature ear trumpet

Right miniature ear trumpet, brass (gilt) with ivory earpiece by F. C. Rein and Son, London, designed to be worn around the ears and hidden under the wearer's hair, 1805-1900.

Materials:: brass (copper, zinc alloy) and ivory

Object Number:: A139040/1

type:: ear trumpet

Velvet lined leatherette box for a pair of miniature ear

Case for miniature ear trumpets

Velvet lined leatherette box for a pair of miniature ear trumpets, brass (gilt) with ivory earpieces by F. C. Rein and Son, London, 1805-1900.

Measurements:: overall: 32 mm x 124 mm x 164 mm, .12 kg

Materials:: leatherette

Object Number:: A139040/2

type:: case - container

Miniature ear trumpet

Left miniature ear trumpet, brass (gilt) with ivory earpiece by F. C. Rein and Son, London, designed to be worn around the ears and hidden under the wearer's hair, 1805-1900.