158 Francis Barker Siren

Whistory

Francis Barker & Son were scientific instrument manufacturers. A gold siren came up for auction with hallmarks for 1884 (labeled for this article, the Francis Barker siren). This predates the 3 patents of handheld sirens for 1895 by 11 years and falls just behind a small, hallmarked silver siren – see SPOTLIGHT on variety sirens TWG.

Was it an obtainable price for the Francis Barker Siren?

Unfortunately, the 10.2g x 18ct gold alone is worth 450 GBP., so bidding for it was held back as a plain siren.

The few sirens predating the triple patents of 1895 are reaching back close to the 1870s now. How much further will have to be revealed in time.

How were we able to see the picture record for the Francis Barker Siren?

We were able to see this one by permission in all its parts and is hereby recorded for research and comparisons.

The rotor and adjustment are crude, but the case is very well made. It would have been helpful to hear a sound bite if it wobbled or not.

Whistle Classification

Categorysiren
OrderFrancis Barker & Son
Typecivil
Classgold
Subclass

Whistle Archeology

Francis Barker Siren

Francis Barker – Born 1819 – dies 1875. Helmet Court, St Luke, Old St. Finsbury
Francis Barker (son) Born 1845 – dies 1920.

Established in Clerkenwell, London 1848 as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments.

Partners with Richard Groves 1849.

1932 taken over and becomes F. Barker & Son

Whistology

Here is a breakdown of the parts:

Francis Barker Siren

Francis Barker Siren

Francis Barker Siren

Francis Barker Siren

Francis Barker Siren

Francis Barker Siren

Francis Barker Siren

Francis Barker Siren

Conclusions
An 18-carat gold siren of crude parts but fine exterior craftmanship. Sound quality was not ascertained.

The hallmarked date makes it the 2nd oldest hand-blown siren to date.

TWG

Initial Research December 28, 2024
First Printing December 28, 2024
Edited August 4, 2025
Posted October 11, 2025

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