Spotlight > By Whistle Category > Escargot Whistle Articles > 024 The Underrated Escargot Whistle
Whistory
In the many years we have been researching, collecting, and trading in whistles, we have found that the least understood whistles seem to be the lowly escargot or snail shaped whistle. The usual feeling promulgated is that it is too common and plain. Some might think that it is even generic looking.
Why the Difference in Thinking Now Regarding the Escargot
To be sure all escargots need to be examined together. This would include button and coin whistles. The 4, 5- and 6-piece whistles of the 1880s, to 90s with cast parts parallel manufactured with light weight handmade escargots of the 1880s – 90s.
And then machine made from 1890s onwards and all other variations cam. In fact, it is our contention that the real action currently in whistle collecting and study is in the escargot arena, perhaps superseding round whistles.
What Types of Escargot Whistles Will be Presented
Described in this SPOTLIGHT is an array of escargots from around the world and the many styles, variations, sizes and workmanship that took years to find. Appreciation comes with scrutiny and we think that you will find that there are quite a few variables, much more discernible than subtle.
Whistle Classification
| Category | escargot |
| Order | see below |
| Type | railway police hunting sports military general service cycling |
| Class | nickel plated brass |
| Sub class | spherical |
Whistle Archeology
The earliest escargots were admittedly the button whistle which were light weight buttons attached to the sides of the barrel. The first solid built escargots were the 6 piece with cast parts. This in turn gave way to 5 piece with cast parts, led by four piece, that continue to this day in some countries and eventually by 1890 the three piece was patented that has never really been improved on.
Whistology
Here to start off is a comparison of a button whistle, made for many years prior to the standard escargot, with a couple of Hudson light weight 1880s. The 4th from the left is stamped McPhereson, possibly by Ward or early DeCourcy pre 1905 period, which lead to the very heavy 6 piece construction typified by Auld. This is just in the UK.
Escargot Whistles in Different Countries
Let’s now jump to Asia … we will be racing around the world — to keep you awake because they are soooo boring and generic.
Korea makes the first mark here with all brass and handmade quality. Then Australia and a 3 piece cast model that was sold for Slazenger made in Australia.
Quickly we move on to Uruguay and a large handmade beautiful brass escargot. It features extended sidewalls from the barrel caps on the sides.
Next after it, from Poland is a post WW2 Police issue with the remarkable dual chambers from the 1950s.
Now we press on to the USA. First a genuine generic escargot made for the military in the 1940s-50s and then a very rare and early escargot made by North Brothers. Note the contrast of workmanship compared to machine made.
What differences can you discern?
Canada brings in a terrific railway escargot that is very heavy and built like a train engine.
Now back to the UK for a hunting escargot unusually large by Hawksley. And a cycling escargot by Ward.
Stepping in is also Scotland with the Sharples… and then a terrific all steel from Germany. The German one has a matching chain.
And of course, Estonia has a light retro model that came in several sizes…
Formerly unknown examples, unique designs, different sizes, models and innovations continue to surface like this long mouthpiece and this VERY heavy built one by an unknown manufacturer…
Here’s a couple out of Mexico. One has very unusual, curved window, the other a rare knop of steel.
And a favorite of ours from India completely handmade down to the filed tooth grip and knop. These were made during the 1940s, when labor was inexpensive. Most have rough stamps, knops and tooth grips.
At this point all the parts appear to be cast.
Conclusions
In the study of vintage metal whistles, escargots may hold the largest category by sheer volume, next to bosun pipes. At the same time, they also compete with rounds for variability. Their span of time was from early 1800s made of military, livery and tunic buttons through light weight handmade ones of the 1880s. Next heavy cast 6 part handmade along with 4-piece machine and cast parts came circa 1890. Eventually completely machine-made 3 piece variations.
TWG
Posted October 2, 2013
Revised September 14, 2020
Revised October 11, 2020
Revised February 13, 2021
Revised December 21, 2021
Revised June 19, 2022
Bibliography
The Whistle Gallery Reference Collection
The Whistle Gallery Archives
© – 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.
