Beautiful Ear Trumpet for the Deaf in blued metal. Germany, 1950s

This rare piece is an ear trumpet, a very commonly used article during the 19th century and part of the 20th century. Made in the 1950s, this piece is made of blued metal and has survived to our days in very good condition. The trumpet bears the engraved manufacturers name near the mouth in clear lettering: Horgeräte Kottgen (Kottgen Auditory Devices). The piece is composed by different parts, from the narrower end designed to be introduced into the users ear to the wide mouth that collects the sound for better perception. Ear trumpets were developed in the 17th century and they became highly popular items. It is believed that similar devices existed before, though there are only records of their use from that century on. The basic operation of ear trumpets is described in antique books such as the one published by Jean Leurechon in 1624. These pieces were made of different materials, with exclusive and expensive designs made of gold, silver and diamonds. The last company that manufactured ear trumpets, F. Rein & Son of London, disappeared in 1963. Between the narrower end and the wide mouth of this ear trumpet we can see some connection components: several cylinders of different sizes that make up a solid and secure joint. The blued metal the piece is made of is quite well preserved, boasting a classy dark tone embellished by the patina provided by the years gone by. The narrower end is trimmed with a black rubber piece, designed to make the trumpet more comfortable to use. As authentic as original, this ear trumpet is a great collectors piece in very good condition. Measurements: Length: 7.4 in/19 cm. Width: 2.7 in/7 cm.