More information on the Phonendoscope

From Alan Humpries at the Thackray

It really is a stethoscope, or at least the head for one. It is a miniature Bazzi-Bianchi phonendoscope type, probably c.1910-20. There would be two rubber tubes with metal tubes inserted into one end and earpieces (often glass on these Continental types) in the other.

The two metal tubes are inserted in the holes on the top, and the diaphragm pressed against the chest in the usual way. The little ‘trumpet’ on the swing arm is what makes it a phonendoscope, the trumpet being designed to localise and transmit the chest sounds more accurately.

I attach two pictures of our similar one, in its original posting box, also an advertising giveaway, for Rubinat Llorach a laxative mineral water.

I also attach a scan of a leaflet which came with a standard size Bazzi-Bianchi instrument which has a diagram of the instrument and explains how it works. The trumpet on the Ebay example seems to have been intended to rest on the diaphragm and replace the ‘stick’ on the standard size instrument.
images © Alan Humpries
Advert found on internet
Description of similar article found at Worthpoint
ANTIQUE BAZZI & BIANCHI / G.P. PILLING & SON CO. AUTO PHONENDOSCOPE PTD. 1894 This is a unique and antique medical instrument in its original purple velvet-lined wooden storage box with ribbon insert which reads: AUTO PHONENDOSCOPE Patented in U.S.A. and other civilized countries George P. Pilling & Son Co. Exclusive Agents U.S.A. Philadelphia, Pa.

Top of disc reads: Phonendoscope Trade Mark Reg'd Bazzi-Bianchi Bowles Pat'd Oct.2-94 Pat'd Jan.19-95 41385 Sole Agents for U.S.A. G.P. Pilling & Son, Philadelphia The instrument looks to be complete and is in great shape (including the tubing, which has no breaks).

The following info was found on the internet regarding this item..... "Invented in 1894 by Bazzi & Bianchi, the phonendoscope was marketed in America exclusively by George P. Pilling and Son Company. The instrument worked like a stethoscope and advertised that it could pick up different sounds made by diseased organs. Both body movements and sound waves caused the rubber diaphragm within the metallic cup to vibrate.
A good description of the full sized item may be found at Phisick


Ear Trumpets, the Packington Collection
SY10, Shropshire, UK
01691830296