Spotlight > Whistle Categories > GSW > 089
WHISTORY:
The series of Kinglet whistles, were so named by Joseph Hudson from the UK, starting sometime during the 1890s. They progressed for as much as 50 years ?? We will present a small series of just five whistles. They are in the general service category, although touching on Scouts.
What sets them apart is their length. Perhaps their name is due to this being longer as a class than ‘standard’ size police and general purpose models. The King whistle appears to be so named because it is quite large for a beaufort and it also is manufactured by Hudson as far back as the 84 Bucks street address, circa 1883-4.
In the series shown below by dates of manufacturing, they measure 89 mm ( first two whistles ) then they change in the series to 92 mm. — comparably they are 5 mm longer than say a typical GSW like the Nazer used for comparison.
The construction used is similar, however the metals varied from nickel silver, plated brass, brass and steel/brass ( combined ).
WHISTLE ARCHEOLOGY:
Here is a group picture:
MODEL 051 FROM THE 1910 AND 1935 CATALOGS
Now we can separate out some pictures of the one piece cast top, nickel plated brass.
Next a two piece patented top, all brass with an oxidized brown finish.
…….and lastly a stepped top of nickel silver.
The mouthpieces stayed substantially the same throughout production.
The Acme Scout Master Gamage is a kinglet sized whistle. No other whistles other than this scout are found of the Kinglet class of whistles. There may be variations though yet to be found, either of another class like the scout or of the series itself. Pictures sent in are welcome and will be included.
A group picture of graduated model sizes made by Hudson.
- 048 – 70 mm
- 015 – 82 mm ( ‘standard’ length )
- 051 – 92 mm( 1910 catalog, 1935 catalog )
- 051 ½ – 106 mm
The 1935 catalog lists model 051 ½ the Kinglet at 4 1/8 inches ( or 106 mm ) and this is one we have not found with the Kinglet stamp yet. We did find here an unstamped Hudson udson
of that model.
-TWG
Posted June 5, 2018
Addendum: Posted June 23, 2018
Nickel silver model. Photo submitted by Pete Owen.
