Notes on the picture descriptions of the collection close window
accessory
an extra item associated with the trumpet
 
acquired
The year that the tumpet was added to the collection
 
adjustable
Some trumpets are flexible other rotate or extend
 
based in
When I know it, the country where the brand was established
 
bay
The position in my collection bookcase
 
body
This entry relates to the primary materials used to make the bulk of the item.

In a few cases it is a bit of a nonsense.
 
boxed
Indicates if the item has a box or case
 
brand
This used to be labelled 'maker'.
After discussion with various parties I have realised that the medical equipment business as it existed when these items were being sold consisted of a few manufacturers and a lot of distributors.

The entries on my 'pictures' pages will usually list the brand per any marking.

In some cases the design is so specific we know that the labelling is actually the manufacturer - Rein is an obvious example.

In a few cases I have cited a supplier - this is where research shows a specific retailer, almost certainly not the maker.

#222 is marked Lafont, #150, #153, #239, #335 have identical unusual slots in the grille and I have assigned Lafont.

#237 is marked Clarvox, #334 has an identical grille and I have assigned Clarvox

#11 is marked Audios, #69 has an identical grille and I have assigned Audios

#128 is marked Audios, #166, #201, #216, #234 also have identical grilles and have been assigned Audios

#396 also has this grille but is retailed by HARRY'S and marked as such - tough to be sure
 
build
DIYed - probably a one off
smithed - made by tin smith or similar
artisaned - made by fine crafts person
tooled - all samples are exactly the same - incl turned con tubes
printed - made by computer
 
buy no
This is simply the reference number for each trumpet assigned as purchased
 
condition
I have no rigorous classifications - just try to reflect what I see, bearing in mind age
 
comment
This is where I remark any thoughts about the item
 
country
The country where the seller was located
 
earpiece
This entry relates to the primary material used to make the earpiece.

Ivory and bone are quite easy but separating gutta percha from vulcanite is tough.

Where appropriate the earpiece may be 'missing' - this is where we know a part has disappeared.
 
fake
I mark items which I think are not authentic ear trumpets
 
found in
The town where the seller was located
 
gms
The item weight in grams.
 
grille
I have defined several types of horn 'grille'.

These are just to help select certain items from the collection.
 
gwrok
This flag denotes eligibility for GWR.
 
handed
This parameter records if the trumpet is handed. The options are left, both and right.
 
horn
This entry relates to the primary material used to make the horn.

In a few cases it is a bit of a nonsense.
 
horn dia
This is a crucial detail as it reflects the sound collecting capacity.

Where the opening is not circular I define the larger and smaller dimension.
 
labelled
Every item in the collection has a serial no. I record that the trumpet has a buyno label attached - not published.
 
length
I use the largest overall length of the trumpet when it is extended if adjustable.
 
made
This is a really grey area.

Eischmann were producing the same conversation tube for 100 years, unless marked with an english hallmark or a Medresco code, dating is a nightmare.
 
marks
Any intentional script or logo found on the item. I use a to represent the UK broad arrow.
 
maxdia
Where a trumpet has an oval horn I record the maximum (larger) diameter.
 
paid
I record the price paid, shipment cost in local currency and sterling - not published.
 
rarity
unique? - only one known?
rare - very few found 2-20
unusual - appear occasionally but not very often
common - lots available
home made - one off shed work
 
read more
An occasional link to lots more information on this item.
 
retailer
Sometimes the trumpet is sold by a retailer which has been identified.
 
ring
Some trumpets have a ring for a ribbon to be attached - other 2 pc items have a safety string between 2 rings.
no
yes
two
slot
hole
 
seller
I record the seller name on my database with name, address, email, amount paid etc.. - not published
 
seller note
This is the description offered by the seller.

Be it auction house, private individual or Ebay merchant, sometimes the description is useful.

On other items it may be completely erroneous. I have kept the incorrect ones as they are what was written.
 
seller type
May be auction house, dealer or individual
 
shape
The generic shape of the trumpet horn for sorting.
beehive bell cone dome
flare flat dome hat horn
?
mushroom parabola straight weird
 
size
The bar graph shows the relative size of each trumpet.
 
style
There are very few accepted terms for ear trumpet style - again a good example is 'London dome'.

I have used terms which allow research into the website entries using 'style' as way of separating some of the huge variety in my collection.
 
trademark
Only a few items have trademarks but where known I have appended them.
 
value
The bar graph shows the relative value of the item predicated on price paid, rarity, condition etc..
 
wax
I use museum wax on some trumpets to stop them tarnishing
 
weight
The weight is a useful guide alongside the relative size.
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Ear Trumpets, the Packington Collection
SY10, Shropshire, UK
01691830296