Spotlight > Research > 133 Right Angle Loops
Whistory
An obscure and little dealt with subject of whistle study is the perpendicular to windows attachment of loops on top of tube-shaped whistles, whether for general or specific use.
Initial Manufacturer’s Use
In the past, whistles ordered by Benjamin Lilly from Ward, Yates (and De Courcy?) in the UK were assumed to be the only ones with loops set at right angles to the windows, as specified in Collecting Police Whistles by Topman and Gilchrist – see page 75 side notes under 82mm & page 77 side notes under 83mm. These were described as ordered from B. Lilly arranged such.
Additional Whistle Manufacturers Using Right Angle Loops
However, further study has shown other manufacturers, albeit rarely, employing this arrangement, possibly requiring further study. This includes Hudson, Coney ?, B&R and possibly De Courcy (as stated by Gilchrist/Topman).
Hudson apparently typically, used this placement on flat, oval whistles and by all their GSW/Round whistles (with single windows) that were not ordered by B. Lilly. B&R only appears to have used this placement on later models (however B & R were merely distributers, not manufacturers)
There is some confusion in particular with Coney/Yates over the use of the stamp CENTRAL. On page 75 of CPWs, Fig. 81 (middle), displays a whistle stamped CENTRAL and identified it as manufactured by Yates. Then on page 81 fig. 88 (right), displays a larger whistle stamped EXTRA LARGE CENTRAL, but there identified as Coney
Further examination would place the Extra Large Central as manufactured by Yates rather than Coney. The raised top ring, therefore is not an identifying mark of Coney (See SPOTLIGHT 106 Coney Type Whistle Loops).
Whistle Classification
| Category | Tube GSW |
| Order | Hudson De Courcy? Yates B&R (distributor) |
| Type | GSW Police Police/Fire |
| Class | brass nickel plated brass nickel silver |
| Subclass |
Whistle Archeology
No catalogs are available for B. Lilly, indicating that loops were ordered at right angles, only field notes listed in CPWs.
Whistology
Inclusive in this article will be GSW/rounds manufactured by Joseph Hudson, dating back to 1884-5 ( see SPOTLIGHT number 68 ). All of this series with loops, displayed right angle loops to the single windows. However just three earliest ones are pictured here.
Yates, Right Angle Loops
Next we examine two Yates to show the similarities and right angle loop to the half moon window.
Third, we compare the Extra Large Yates next to an unidentified similar whistle. The size corresponds to the Yates. It has a cast mouthpiece and appears to be an earlier whistle with a stepped top cap. The windows are square and the loop is set perpendicularpic
Hudson’s Use of Right Angle Loops
Moving on, are three examples of whistles with oval bodies, necessitating the use of loops mounted matching the oval construction. The Thai whistle differs from Hudson’s Metropolitan with a cast mouthpiece and top loop castings. What role Hudson had in this model remains unknow/verified.
Photo Courtesy of Jim Fitch
B&R, A Whistle Distributor
B&R in the states started distributing tube shaped whistles circa 1910. However they were merely distributers (See SPOTLIGHT 86), however this model with the light weight top cap and thin ring did not come out till circa 1940-50.
None the less, it reveals a loop set at a right angle to the windows.
Now for specific comparisons, a stamped Benjamin Lilly manufactured whistle, next o an unmarked one. Mote these had loops set parallel to the windows when made by B. Lilly.
However, when B. Lilly, as reported by Gilchrist/Topman, whistles ordered through Ward and Yates came with right angled loops.
When Ward or Yates made the same whistle, on their own, they set the loops at parallel to the windows as seen in image three of Yates whistles.
Henry Arthur Ward models, brass, nickel silver, nickel plated brass.
Thomas Yates models of Police Fire
Conclusions
Previously published information on right angle loops ordered by B. Lilly to be mounted on tube shaped whistles is updated. The Extra Large Central is reassigned to Yates.
TWG
Posted July 5, 2022
Bibliography:
Collecting Police Whistles and Similar Types – Gilchrist and Topman
TWG Reference Collection
© – All photos with blue background property of The Whistle Gallery reference collection. Please contact The Whistle Gallery for permission of use of any website content. Spotlight articles are copyrighted. Please contact The Whistle Gallery for permission of use of any website or Spotlight article material written or otherwise. Use of photos without authorization is prohibited.
