Spotlight > Whistle Categories > Boatswain-Bosun > 131 De Courcy Boatswain Pipes, Special Edition
Whistory
The De Courcy boatswain pipes appeared on the scene after Alfred De Courcy left Hudson’s in 1888 after being a foreman there for 17 years. Finally setting up shop Police Whistle Works in 1904-1905 with his brother, he patented a boatswain whistle in 1909, just four years later.
De Courcy Boatswain Pipes Entry into the Market
Also called a boson pipe or whistle, the Alfred De Courcy’s Boatswain pipes were quite different than his other whistles. He and his brother had already sent in patents and registrations for whistles, and they set out to simplify for marketing this type too.
How Many De Courcy Boatswain Pipes Have Surfaced?
Only four variations/models have been recorded under this patent. Did he make other bosons ? Perhaps if so, they will surface for entry into this SPOTLIGHT.
Each is stamped with his patent number. There are several patterns used. With half a dozen scroll patterns and few variations in construction we would hope more will arise. Only two sizes have been recorded here in the reference collection.
Whistle Classification
| Category | Boatswain Pipe |
| Order | Alfred De Courcy |
| Type | military |
| Class | nickel silver |
| Subclass |
Whistle Archeology
In 1909 August 12, patent 10035 was granted for “Improvements in Boatswain Pipes, Pea Whistles and the Like“.
Whistology
5 distinct variations have been recorded. Presented here are 4 of them. ( The 5th is the small model, but with a solid mouthpiece rather than one with a line circling it and the buoy has an anchor instead of the broad arrow. )
De Courcy Boatswain Pipes Model Comparisons
First, we do a comparison of the larger model at 119mm including the tube-like mouthpiece, with the shorter mouthpiece model at 117mm.
As can readily be seen, the only distinction is the mouthpiece.
The rings on the gun (2x) match, as well as the broad arrows ( reversed is all ) and the scrolled patterns match.
The next variation has a smooth round buoy rather than one with a recessed ring with cross lines. It still has a broad arrow for government issue of the navy. 117mm.
Notice the different scrolled patterns on both sides.
Last ( 4th ) is a smaller model at 111mm.
However, we see two more scroll patterns.
Here are the two mouthpieces up close.
Lastly a close look at the patent stamps used on all of Alfred De Courcy boatswain pipes.
Conclusions
Although not well known, Alfred De Courcy did make boatswain pipes. Only six different scroll patterns are known on the sides of just three pipe keels.
Accordingly, these are stamped on merely five variations that are currently described on two model sizes.
Alfred De Courcy patented a design for construction of a boatswain pipe in 1905 at his new shop, along with other patents of whistles by himself and his brother.
TWG
Posted May 5, 2022
Bibliography:
The Whistle Gallery reference collection
Espacenet
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