• This antique Bosun's whistle is a valuable piece of history from the British Royal Navy. I believe it is solid brass with nickel plating, but could be entirely nickel. WW2 era British Military ISSUE
• Nautical WHISTLE that bears British Government Property BROAD ARROW stamp.
• The whistle was an important tool for NCO's on board ships, used for signaling and communication.
• A boatswain's call, pipe or bosun's whistle is a pipe or a non-diaphragm type whistle used on naval ships by a boatswain.It is pronounced, and sometimes spelled,"bosun's call". The pipe consists of a narrow tube (the gun) which directs air over a metal sphere (the buoy) with a hole in the top. The player opens and closes the hand over the hole to change the pitch. The rest of the pipe consists of a 'keel', a flat piece of metal beneath the gun that holds the call together, and the 'shackle', a keyring that connects a long silver or brass chain that sits around the collar, when in ceremonial uniform. Historically the boatswain's call was used to pass commands to the crew when the voice could not be heard over the sounds of the sea. Because of its high pitch, it could be heard over the activities of the crew and bad weather.
• Approximately 4.5” long. Original nickel plated chain is approximately 24” long when strung (48” end to end).

Don't miss your chance to own a piece of naval history.

Good Condition. I have not cleaned this item aside from a light dust off. Light soiling, dust, old age toning, dents, paint loss and rust could be present along with other minor wear consistent with age. Please view all the photos as the are intended to be part of the description and ask any questions you may have prior to bidding. I’m always willing to take additional photos or answered detailed questions.

Over the next several months we will be listing many items fresh from a local estate. Most will be run as auctions, so stay tuned for Sunday new listings. If you are interested in an item bid early as people often forget and miss out on items. I will not end listings early for any reason so please do not ask. The volume of items is too many to list but overall the areas covered are vintage toys, banks, games, advertising related items, tins, dolls and other collectibles.