Cased French Triple Ear Trumpet Set, Faux Tortoise

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Cased French Triple Ear Trumpet Set, Faux Tortoise

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Sold Date: 05/20/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Tools

Cased French Triple Ear Trumpet Set, Faux Tortoise

Including Rare Early Battery-Operated Model

This is a very rare cased set of 3 ear trumpets, all of faux tortoise shell (celluloid) composition, and all signed "Harrys, Paris", circa very early 20th century, or possibly late 19th century. One of the 3 devices is a most unusual, early battery-operated model, and the original battery is present. This battery-operated unit features a push-button electrical contact. Although I am not aware of another similar example, it is believed to operate using a carbon-type mechanism similar to those invented for telephones in the 1880's (see Historic Devices for Hearing, page 60), the first such mechanism employed in hearing aids.

This triple trumpet set is contained in its original, fitted, 11.3"W x 7.3"D x 4.4"H wooden case. The case is covered with a dark green, grained cardboard covering, with decorative gold banding and signed "Reeducation Auditive, Harrys" in gold letters on the top. The case is closed with two decorative brass catches. The fitted interior is lined with green silk and blue-green velvet. T is a designed place for the original battery, which is secured with an elastic strap. The original 4.5 volt battery is a perfect fit for the electric device and bears an original label, reading "Pile Astre, Supporte Toutes Les Comparaisons."

In addition to the early electric model, t are two additional faux tortoise ear trumpets in this set, both also signed Harrys, Paris and bearing the address "Rue Des Boulets." The first is a typical French flattened cylinder model, about 4.5" in height and with an ornate, 2.7" wide nickel-plated grille. It features a rotatable, extendable earpiece, with a threaded celluloid tip. An interior reflective dome guides sound into a tubular system, leading to the earpiece. The other trumpet is actually a fine pair of "auricles" or "cornets." This pair is connected with an adjustable faux tortoise headband and features internal dome reflective configurations and threaded light-yellow earpieces.

All three hearing devices are in excellent condition, without significant scratches or chips, noting only some areas of corrosion at the nickel-plated brass bottom of the electrical device, w the battery would have been used. The case is also in excellent condition, noting only trivial defects to the nicely grained covering and very minimal repairs, and that t is some fading to the interior velvet, no doubt the result of light exposure while being displayed.

This is a very rare set, the only such example I have seen, produced by a rather uncommon maker, from whom I am aware of only a couple other examples of hearing devices. I find no information regarding Harrys in Bennion's "Antique Hearing Devices" or in the Historic Devices for Hearing reference noted above. Cased ear trumpets are always uncommon, but it is certainly remarkable to find such a complete triple set, intact and in fine condition. It makes for a uniquely beautiful and decidedly rare display piece.

Please email with any questions. Shipping and insurance will be charged at a fixed total cost of $20 to any continental US location, elsew/internationally at actual cost. Will be shipped immediately following receipt of Personal or questionable checks may be held for clearance (up to 10 business days) if feedback is not completely reassuring. Maryland residents add 5% state sales tax or provide resale tax number. May be returned in unchanged condition for a full refund, less shipping costs, within 7 days of receipt, if you are not completely satisfied, for any reason.

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