Ear Trumpets for the BBC at EarTrumpets.net
ODD ONE OUT -
Suggest the decade for each of these ear trumpets
image detail
Banjo 1910
Banjo 1949
Banjo 1920
Banjo 1925

MYSTERY OBJECT
What is this set of objects for ?
Magnetic compass and 2 painted pieces quack magnetic ear cups

ARRANGEMENTS
These were sold to provide an improvement to hearing which ones are 'right' ?
Powered by a 4.5v 'flat' battery - this makes a buzzing noise. Supposed to improve hearing by sticking in the ear.
Virtually straight - probably a marriage between home made earpiece and half a car/bicycle horn.
Designed to deceive - made of modern parts
Repro of perfectly good trumpet
Fireman's or sailor's speaking tube
Restoration gone wrong - the earpiece re-soldered the wrong way around
Harking horn - makes a noise
Horn for Fox Hunting and Beagling
Civil War trumpet - reproduction

UNUSUAL ITEMS
to be discussed with host
Bought from a gentleman's estate in Alabama via a dealer in Brooklyn NY
decorative trumpet chased with Indian animals bought from a nunnery in Canada
An expensive 7 horn trumpet bought in Houston Texas, probably unique and quite old ~1820.
The horns are enamelled metal and in extraordinary condition.

A early ladle shaped trumpet
Only one in 450 that is vaguely art deco

WHAT'S THE CONNECTION ?
What makes these a group ? ( Rein 108)
Traditional cow horn shaped trumpet
£1 in 1914
Conversation tube
50p in 1908
Pair of Auricles
£1 in 1914
Large London Dome
£4 in1890
Tiny London Dome
£2.50 in 1901

A STORY ATTACHED
In a red leather box, bought from a Lady in New York.
She had two, one plastic and one silver for Church on Sundays !!

BACKGROUND ITEMS
all different
Beautiful silver trumpet by Reily & Storer found in the USA, hallmarked 1835.
Very simple folded design but a work of art.
The only one I have used for real in both cinema and theatre.
It was probably silver plated and I believe it is unique.
Beautiful repoussé work and works quite well.
I spent years looking for one of these and 3 slightly different ones turned up in Belgium in a box of 7 trumpets.
Solid silver but unmarked and of limited use, but very elegant.
I found this exquisite folded trumpet quite close to home in Coalville.
This must be one of Hawksley's most expensive pieces.
In addition to the magnificent scroll grille, the bell is a masterful bit of repousse work.
It took me several years to persuade the brocante owner in Paris to sell me this large dome.
I wanted it for the grille.
Amongst some of the most attractive grilles in the collection , this one stood out.
I am very keen to find out about the maker Greiling, clearly shown, but no records seem to exist.
Sold to me by a Scottish lady who thought it should be in my collection after finding the trumpet in her attic and me on the internet.
I thought that all the beehive ones were plastic, so a metal one was a nice surprise.
The price I offered was market value and both parties really happy with the private sale.
I waited for 15 years to find one of these.
Two appeared as a lot on EBay and disappeared before I bid to buy them.
Months later the owner of a Medical Museum offered me the one he didn't want.
He had walked to the seller's retail shop and bought the items.
A fine pair of Victorian silver ear tubes.
These are an unusual shape - quite rare.
I think probably made as a one off because they have no marks.