162 Barrall Conical, Special Edition

Whistory

A monotypical conical by John Barrall surfaced as of this posting, which has never been recorded before. John Barrall is known for innovative designs and this one is extraordinary.

What sets this Barrall apart?

It is the top that is especially unique to him and any other manufacturers for that matter. The owner states it was in his family for over 50 years in the Birmingham area, John Barrall’s back yard.

It also features a Barrall ivory mouthpiece with male threading. This would be so that the mouthpiece unscrews for cleaning out lint or dirt.

Why are Barrall whistles scarce?

No catalogs are known for Barrall’s whistles and perhaps so because he made whistles in low amounts, apparently customized singular models. Whistles unique to him continue to appear, which admittedly are very few unique or not. Perhaps they were made to order.

His whistles were manufactured in the 1890s and ceased just before 1900. His company disappears with him after that. See SPOTLIGHT number 39 on John Barrall.

Whistle Classification

Typeconical
MakerJohn Barrall
Categorycivil
Materialsplated brass
ivory
Featuresthreaded mouthpiece
unique top

Whistle Archeology

No catalogues exist for John Barrall as well as any advertisements. Furthermore, Barrall did not apply for any patents or registration of his whistles.

Very few records exist for John Barrall.

Whistology

Here for recording is the latest newly described conical whistle.

We note the high rising hourglass top, drilled right through the neck.

It also has milling around two rims.

Barrall conical
Uncredited, By Permission

Pictures are with the permission of the seller, and the actual whistle now resides in the J. Fitch collection

Compare the conical whistle (left), newly described, with another of John Barrall’s at TWG.

Barrall conicalBarrall conical
Uncredited, By Permission

The Barrall Top Cap

What sets this whistle apart for a special edition? It is the design of the top cap. Its design has an hourglass shape, top narrower than the bottom part where it attaches to the main body.

Then it is milled around the edges and lastly drilled through the center for the split ring. A view of the underside edges appears to be iron which would have been very unusual.  

It turns out to ne plated brass.

Barrall conicalBarrall conical
Uncredited, By Permission

Barrall’s Diaphragm Wedge

The wedge used as the diaphragm is set back and much like a Dowler that is truncated. Barrall used 3 types of wedges, including the truncated one. Sometimes John Barrall’sconical whistles can have a much sharper wedge.

Barrall conicalBarrall conical
Uncredited, By Permission

Barrall Side-by-Side Comparisons

Here are a couple pictures of hands-on comparisons

Barrall conicalBarrall conical
Credited: Jim Fitch, By Permission

Conclusions

As of this posting, a recording of a conical whistle with a unique top cap, heretofore unknown and thus described.

We have seen over half a dozen monotypical whistles by John Barrall over the past few years surface. It may not be a stretch to view John Barrall as an artist who created not paintings, but whistles, each perhaps standalone creations.

Whistles that stand the test of time as works of art.

TWG

First Printing February 7, 2026
Edited March 2, 2026
Posted March 10, 2026

Bibliography:

  • TWG Archives
  • TWG Reference Collection
  • Contributed Photos