Whistle Categories > Pewter Whistles
Where did pewter whistles originate?
Pewter whistles primarily came alive in the early to mid-1800s in the UK. There is evidence of predating these in France and even selling through each other as distributers, then spreading into the USA.
France has an early history of lead soldiers and other small castings. It is not a far jump to pewter whistles being cast. Perhaps these were even ordered from Great Britain for distribution. Catalogs for 1860s show Pewter figurines of French influence.
However, at the same time there are many models shown of Pewter and britannia. Suffice it to say that western Europe would be the impetus behind them at this juncture.
Little is seen in the States until about 1870 onward. Round whistles appeared and especially in the 1880s.
How are pewter whistles identified?
There is a heavy feel to Pewter and Britannia, which falls short of brass or nickel silver. The quality also falls short and can easily deteriorate in the weather where the finish corrodes. So there is a rough loo many times.Pewter and britannia whistles are similar with pewter predating them. Britannia although coming later has the advantage of being plated, yet when eroded is somewhat difficult to differentiate. Peter has a darker patina.
The look of them is as of lead. The patina is charcoal of any of them, but lighter weight than lead. Cast marks help to identify these whistles as well as any stamps which can be relatively rare.
Catalogs always narrow the field. Additionally, models and styles reveal who made them.
Why were they made?
Because they were inexpensive to make by comparison than working with brass and nickel silver they were made in abundance, especially because they could be cast into images.
Solid rod took machining and burnishing, whereas casting took little follow up trimming. Unfortunately, the pewter and britannia whistles were more brittle and softer than brass, easily damaged.
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