F. C. Rein & Son was London's foremost maker of mechanical acoustic hearing instruments, operating from the Strand for over a century. Founded ca. 1834–1835 by Frederick Charles Rein (1813–1896), a Saxon-born craftsman, the firm produced ear trumpets, concealed acoustic headbands and vases, speaking tubes for churches and audiences, and purpose-built acoustic furniture of exceptional quality. A medallist at the Great Exhibition of 1851, Rein was praised by the leading ear specialists of his day. After his death in 1896 the business passed to the Kahn family, who modernised it into the electronic age before finally closing in 1963 — making F. C. Rein & Son both the first and longest commercial hearing aid maker of its kind.