Whistle Categories > Bosun whistles (or, Boatswain)
Where did Boatswain whistles (or, Bosun) originate?
‘Typical’ nautical whistles are known to come from the Great Britain dating back to the 1300s? However, sailors apparently dating back for centuries may have utilized different forms of whistles prior to the design settled on for sailing vessels known as boatswain pipes (also called, bosun whistles).
At some point circa 1600, silver smiths took up the production and took command for centuries, eventually enlisting hallmarks. This gave dating them accuracy down to the given year. Furthermore this would serve to reveal the country of origin. The hallmark system was used for silver as well as gold industry and had strict rules.
How are Boatswain whistles (or, Bosun) identified?
For most boatswain whistles (pipes), they will follow the pattern or models with a long tube ( gun ) with a mouthpiece opening on one end and ending in a bowl ( buoy ). Underneath will be attached a flat plate ( keel ) that strengthens the gun to the buoy.
Beyond this the makers are identified by the stamped hallmark for who was the silversmith. Other countries employed their own hallmarks. China developed a double mark system, The hallmark being more of an imitation of the English system and another Chinese mark for the shop or actual artisan under that shop who produced it.
Why were they made?
In the high seas the crashing of the waves can be almost deafening. The ability of a whistle to be heard above this din, could be used to signal orders. Certain seamen were assigned this responsibility called boatswains. The sounds could be translated into orders, warnings, ceremonial signals.
Whistles, since they could be varied sounds to signal others on board, could eventually be used ceremonially for different events such as piping important officers aboard and shore as well as visitors. Additionally, they can be used at funerals, retirement, or other nautical events.
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