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 over 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 board 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.

A silver plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. The barrel shaped buoy is embossed with the fouled anchor and the keel has an engraved scroll type pattern, complete with shackle ring. Circa 1910. Length 10 cm / 4 inches

A nickel plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. The barrel shaped buoy is embossed with the Royal Navy broad arrow mark, the gun has three, double banding decoration, plain keel complete with shackle ring. Circa 1930. Length 9.5 cm / 3.75 inches

A nickel plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. Plain round shaped buoy, the gun has three, double banding decoration, the keel is embossed with the Royal Navy broad arrow mark and also stamped made in England, complete with chain and shackle ring. Circa 1960. Length 11.5 cm / 4.5 inches

A silver plated Royal Navy Bosun's whistle. The barrel shaped buoy is embossed with the fouled anchor and the keel has an engraved scroll pattern, complete with shackle ring. Stamped England on reverse side. Circa 1910. Length 10 cm / 4 inches SORRY THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SOLD.

A nickel plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. The barrel shaped buoy is embossed with the Royal Navy broad arrow mark, the gun has two, double banding decoration, plain keel complete with shackle ring. Circa 1930. Length 12 cm / 4.75 inches

A nickel plated Royal Navy design Bosun's whistle. The barrel shaped buoy is embossed with the Royal Navy broad arrow mark, the gun has three, double banding decoration, plain keel complete with shackle ring. Circa 1950. Length 11.5 cm / 4.5 inches