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Welcome to our selection of antique boatswain calls and bosuns whistles. A boatswain's call or bosun's whistle is a pipe shaped whistle that was used aboard naval ships by the boatswain. The boatswain's call was used to pass orders or commands to the ships crew when the voice could not be heard, because of its high pitch the sound of the whistle could be heard above the activities of the crew and the sound of the wind, sea or battle. The word boatswain has been in the English language since approximately 1450 and the rank of boatswain is the oldest rank in the Royal Navy, its origins can be traced back to the year 1040. The boatswain was the ships officer that was responsible for sailing the ships and passing the sail orders to the crew, he was also responsible for the maintenance of the ship and the care of the rigging, cordage, anchors, sails and ships boats. The bosuns whistle was also used for ceremonial purposes, such as piping aboard Royal Naval officers or an important guests when they step aboard or depart a Navy ship. The whistle was also used to mark the final departure of a sailor retiring from active duty.
Below is our selection of antique boatswain calls and bosuns whistles.
Click on the images for more photos and info.
A solid silver antique Boatswain's call / Bosuns whistle, Made by J.Hudson & Co in 1906.
A solid silver antique Boatswain's call / Bosuns whistle, Made by J.Hudson & Co, Circa 1900
A solid silver antique Boatswain's call / Bosuns whistle. Made by Hilliard & Thomason in 1892.
A nickel plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. Circa 1920, with chain
A solid silver US Navy Boatswain's call / Bosuns whistle. Length 5.5 inches / 14cm.
A silver plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. Circa 1910. Length 10 cm / 4 inches.
A nickel plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. Circa 1930. Length 9.5 cm / 3.75 inches.
A nickel plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. Circa 1960, with chain. Length 11.5 cm / 4.5 inches.
A nickel plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. Circa 1930. Length 12 cm / 4.75 inches.
A nickel plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. Circa 1950. Length 11.5 cm / 4.5 inches
A solid silver antique Boatswain's call / Bosuns whistle.
Made by George Unite, Circa 1850.
Length 4 inches / 10cm.
SORRY THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD.
A solid silver antique Boatswain's call / Bosuns whistle No.8.
Made by Hillard & Thomason, Birmingham, Circa 1860.
Length 4 inches / 10cm.
SORRY THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD.
A silver plated Royal Navy Bosun's whistle. Circa 1910. Length 10 cm / 4 inches SORRY THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD.
A solid silver antique Boatswain's call / Bosuns whistle by Joseph Adelman, Circa 1890.
SORRY THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD.
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