129 Fairchild Compass Whistle
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Whistory
Le Roy Wilson Fairchild, known in fountain pen, pencil and match safe circles, is lesser known for inventing combination compass/whistles. His largest contribution seems to be inventing a way to attach the writing point, called the gold nib, on pens. His company history reveals them to be manufacturers apparently for almost 60 years.
It would seem at the company’s peak they reached 92 employees. Their specialty by and far was of course pens. However, this would include pencils, later designing match safes and certain other sundries.
Occasionally Fairchild branched out into such limited things as corkscrews, button hooks, knives and perhaps more.
Where the Fairchild Compass Whistle Originated
In researching Fairchild, two whistles come to light, one has been found that matches his 1881 patent. Unearthed in whistle archeology and yet to find (if it was indeed made) is a registered design. Both are pendant worn and described here.
It is of note that the patented model has written into the patent text the possible variations of pocket models with tighter compass covers, but also allowing flat construction, double convex(?) or side mounted compass models.
The manufacturing for pens of the day required a high level of quality because of the ornament quality and financial level of the audience. This quality is also found in the current whistle example.
The patent text reads that it was intended to be ‘made of fine materials and …ornamental’, yet additionally stating that it ‘also has reference to those made of coarser materials, to be carried in the pocket, the intention of which is solely that of utility.’
Whistle Classification
| Category | compass whistle |
| Order | L. W. Fairchild |
| Type | ornamental (maiden) |
| Class | gold |
| Subclass | pocket model flat double convex side mount compass |
Whistle Archeology
- Born circa 1830 New York, New York
- Died May 9, 1909
- 1837 Founded as Randall and Fairchild
- 1843 Renamed Leroy W. Fairchild
- 1890 Incorporated
- 1895 Foreclosure
Identifying the Fairchild Compass Whistle, a Fountain Pen
To start, the background is in pen construction and a short focus is on the pen tip itself, the nib.
On fountain pens, the nib, is the actual part of a pen that makes contact with the paper. It is a tapered piece of metal through which the ink flows onto the paper.
These are still used today for many reasons, including handwriting improvements, calligraphy, Asian style lettering etc.
public domain nib examples
public domain – Fairchild’s (3 piece)
Le Roy Fairchild —
11 patents for pens/pencils, plus 1 for corkscrew, 1 for whistle, 1 for button hook, 1 match safe with built in knife.
37 designs ( 21 pencil cases )
3 trademarks
Registered design for an amulet or charm Aug 9, 1881 canteen with compass and whistle.
Close up of the design registration
Whistology
First off, a frontal view. The whistle is small at 1 & 15/16 inches (50mm) by ½ inch (13mm). The material is unmarked, but appears to be rose gold (untested).
Conclusions:
To find the patent, the manufacturer, and the whistle itself is always very rewarding. We call these SPOTLIGHTS the A list. We now look for model variations and the designed compass/whistle so far not known to exist.
A small but high quality whistle, with very interesting background history.
TWG
Posted 3 6 2022
Bibliography:
https://www.americansilversmiths.org/makers/silversmiths/273934.htm
https://www.buchanst.com/fountain-pen-nibs-explained/
https://vintagepensblog.blogspot.com/2016/05/leroy-w-fairchild-miscellaneous-notes.html – comprehensive family history
https://www.penheaven.com/blog/top-5-reasons-to-use-fountain-pen
https://www.jetpens.com/blog/Guide-to-Fountain-Pen-Nibs-Choosing-a-Fountain-Pen-Nib/pt/760