Spotlight > By Whistle Category > Bell Whistles > 135 Early Bell Whistle, Special Edition
Whistory
Bell whistles hold a special spot in the vintage whistle registry. Of the known makers, this recent find appears to be a very early one possibly made by J. Stevens from the UK.
Features of the Early Bell Whistle
What sets it apart? Several aspects. First it is the smallest of those previously described in collections and pictures, almost petite. Then there is the mouthpiece that is metal instead of ivory, hard rubber or wooden, as seen in all other descriptions.
To date none have surfaced like this one, so it is currently monotypical. Unfortunately, the mouthpiece could not be detached from the body. It appears to be separable, but age is working against that. This is unfortunate, as the interior looks to be very roughly designed and would be insightful.
At the same time there are screw in or thread marks inside the mouthpiece that are unaccounted for.
Although there is quite a bit of patina, it appears to be nickel silver in totality which would be a departure from brass that Stevens used. Could it by another maker, unknown at this time?
Whistle Classification
| Category | bell whistle |
| Order | unknown Stevens (possibly) |
| Type | railway |
| Class | nickel silver |
| Subclass | metal mouthpiece |
Whistle Archeology
Presently 6 described makers of bell whistles are known.
Stevens – several sizes, different collections – see footnote 1
Hawksley – monotypical – see footnote 2
Hudson – monotypical – Hudson – see footnote 3
Unknown maker – flared synthetic mouthpiece – see footnote 4
Unknown maker – wooden mouthpiece – ( no picture )
Unknown maker – metal mouthpiece ( current SPOTLIGHT )
See SPOTLIGHT number 35 — https://thewhistlegallery.com/spotlight/035-bell-whistles
Comparisons to the Early Bell Whistle
Circa 1860s, are still the earliest known bells and these were designed by Richard Porteous for railway use, or possibly hunting and modeled after the steam whistle it is also circumferential in window design.
It was either very early on, manufactured by Stevens who already specialized in railway equipment or possibly was first made by another maker and then Stevens took over production in brass models, as this model possibly predates Stevens. The interior shaft and top ring attachment looks in many ways like Stevens first productions.
Whistology
A comparison of two other Stevens to show the small size comparison.
This small one measures 2 5/8 inch long ( 67mm ) and ½ inch ( 15mm ) wide.
Currently the whistle comes apart into three pieces, perhaps four.
It is not stamped with a maker’s mark.
Conclusions
A smaller early bell is a remarkable find. Bell whistles are rare to find at any time, but a new model adds to our fund of knowledge.
Another model and possible maker has added to our fund of knowledge and reveals that a subject is never closed when it comes to rare, vintage whistles.
TWG
Posted October 5, 2022
Bibliography:
https://thewhistlegallery.com/spotlight/035-bell-whistles
https://thewhistlegallery.com/spotlight/whistle-makers-by-country-of-origin/united-kingdom-whistle-makers/spotlight-hawksley/027-hawksley-bell-special-edition
Hudson Display Case at Acme in Birmingham
https://thewhistlegallery.com/spotlight/033-usa-bell-special-edition
Whistle Gallery Reference Collection
More Whistles by Gilchrist
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