Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A mid-Victorian ‘London Dome’ brass ear trumpet by F. C. Rein, both body and tube engraved with scrolling foliage, the mouthpiece with scrolling cagework, inscribed around the base ‘F. C. Rein & Son, patentees, inventors & makers, 108 Strand, London’, height 10.5cm, diameter 6cm. £100-£150

Frederick Rein was born in Leizig, came to London and set up business as an acoustic instrument maker during the 1830’s. He exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and appears to have been well regarded in his field. The business was continued by his son. In addition to hearing aids, he is recorded as making ‘continual stream enema reservoirs’ and ‘lactatory devices’.