I was at an antique mall earlier today and this whistle caught my eye. It is pretty unique, definately not a run-of-the-mill tin whistle like I expected it to be when I first saw it. Strangly enough its tuned to b or b flat. Its noticably larger than a normal tin whistle, both in length and bore. (The first pic is the mystery whistle next to my C.H. Mathieu C whistle) Also, it seems to be heavily reinforced, with a thick ring at the bottom and what seems to be a raised guard over the window. Its made of thick copper, but plated with a silver metal, and the stop is cork. Frankly I’m at a loss. It may be a service whistle of some type, or something someone made in theyre garage 30 years ago. If anyone can help itll much appreciated! Thanks for reading, Im hoping its something great, but even if its not im not the owner of a nice mellow whistle that plays in the oh-so-versitile key of B haha
Hi there,
Sorry for no one giving their 2 cents worth???
Nonetheless, it does look strongly made but suspect homemade at that…
Looking at the cork & mouth workings it does look a little rough, but if she plays well, gives good response and in tune, enjoy!!!
I agree, it really does appear to be homemade. The roughness is mostly just denting/wear from what I can tell, but who knows. The craftsmanship and tuning is grade-A (except for the strange key haha), and it has a nice wide, open tone. Also with better lighting I discovered its actually plated brass, not copper. I guess it could be made by an apprentice at a shop, or an instrument maker just tinkering? Maybe its a prototype?? Anyway, I really appreciate the response!
I find the mouthpiece weird as well. It looks like a separate mouthpiece, attached by what you describe as a guard, that creates the tonehole? Or am I wrong? To me it almost looks like someone may’ve taken another instrument (fife/simple-system piccolo?), cut it off, and added the whistle mouthpiece-- although the metals look like they’re the same. Perhaps a failed attempt at a fife and it was converted to a whistle at the time of making?
Thats a very interesting thought. The guard is the only piece that doesnt look completely professional, though the mouthpiece is not attached by the guard as you suggested. The section of pipe on the other side of the window is flattened (to accept the mouthpiece itself), but it is just a continuation of the rest of the whistle. If it wasnt the same metal and finish I’d say the “guard” was added later, but now that you have me looking at the window it looks as thought it might have been an aesthetic feature. The mouthpiece still could have been added later though, because you’re right, it could easily have started out its life as a fife or similar instrument, only to be converted after a mistake or design change. This certainly is a puzzling little whistle!
From what I’m seeing in your pictures, that “guard” is probably necessary to make the whistle play decently… and while the idea that this was some sort of conversion certainly is plausible, every aspect of the overall design of the thing looks quite intentional to me. Interesting design for the fipple/mouthpiece… simple, effective, adjustable (from a maker’s viewpoint).
Hmm, actually, i think you’re right, it looks as though without that “gaurd” the tone hole would be awkwardly shaped, and probably wouldnt sound good if it sounded at all. The idea that it could be adjusted is one i never came up with myself, but if it can be, maybe i can get the upper register to come through a little clearer with some tinkering. Whoever made this instrument knew what they were doing, and it really is a joy to play. The upper register is the only thing that could be improved, because as i mentioned before, it sounds a little strained if i play too high.
