Spotlight > Specific Manufacturer > United Kingdom > Hudson > 113
A recently unknown Hudson dual tube ‘heavy wall’ whistle surfaced ( sold on eBay 7-16-20 for over 1700 dollars ). Previously only one model by Joseph Hudson had been known. In this subgroup, only four manufacturers have been catalogued ( Henry Ward, Alfred DeCourcy, John Barrall and Joseph Hudson ) all from the UK circa 1890s. Although other heavy wall whistles are known of various designs, this particular straight line design with cast parts ‘top and bottom’ has set them apart for study.
We draw attention to SPOTLIGHT #78 in particular and #79 for background of all four makers and variations.
Here is the previously thought to be monotypic dual ( SPOTLIGHT # 78 ). The stamp on the discs of Hudson Co. – patent indicates the patent #435 1885, by Hudson for strengthening the discs attachment method. The newly described Hudson went to a buyer on eBay and the disc cannot be verified to have the same stamp for dating purposes. However, the whistle body itself is stamped for Hudson’s patent, no doubt the same patent and vintage. This was not found on the previously described whistle.
The design of the mouthpiece is unique among these makers. At first it appears to be ‘rolled’ as in a machine rolled mouthpiece on single tube whistles, that were developed in the mid-1880s. However, on close examination, it is actually cast, with a thin wire/rod wrapped around the front lip edge. In this latest whistle, there is a more typical cast mouthpiece of these other makers, that is cast into a single opening, similar to the other makers. Unfortunately, in this case the wire wrap is missing and just the attachment groove remains.
The top cap and the mouthpiece closely resemble Alfred DeCourcy’s work we see on whistles he manufactured during this same time period. Was it his influence on these at Hudson’s while he was still working as a foreman?? He left to go on his own after 5 years at Hudson’s in 1888. The patent for these two Hudson’s would place them in the stream of time from 1885 to 1899.
Compare a DeCourcy dual tube — the top cap matches, the mouthpiece only somewhat.
Additionally this model uses a unique overlapping top cap on one of the two tubes ( the shorter one ) The lettering is very crisp and sports a great patina of solid brass. Compare it to a couple of Barrall caps.
Lastly the square windows are closer to Barrall windows and points to before Hudson moved to arched windows, marking one thing, that this was an early, perhaps pre 1890 vintage.
It is encouraging that there are still whistles to be found previously not recorded. We hope you have enjoyed this closeup of a new arrival/model with new features to explore and in so doing, looking towards identifying other ‘unknowns’. Although few can afford such high prices, this recorded resource is free and hopefully can serve as a resource for the worldwide fund of knowledge.
TWG
Posted July 17, 2020
