Whistory
For the collector of vintage whistles this SPOTLIGHT is dedicated to whistles off the beaten path. We are trying not to be confused with handmade whistles of varying degrees of craftmanship and more of a ‘on off’ category. This whole section of whistle collecting, and study is hard to define because so many early whistles bear the marks of being handmade and yet could fall under a separate group or at least have been slightly production made rather than a single attempt, or atypical whistles.
After all, button whistles, coin whistles, 6 piece for example, are all handmade escargots and yet occasionally elegantly designed, but they really deserve their own page. Other hand made are multi-tube and single tubes and many are unique in their own ways. Beyond this singularly know round whistles are known in collections.
However occasionally rough, vintage, even clumsy whistles of singularity have appeared over the years that stand apart as artistically made and somewhat unconventional. Perhaps the clumsiness and/or uniqueness is the most engaging aspect. Yes, this is a subjective qualifier, but none-the-less here we go.
The most popular seems to be hand crafted ‘clumsy’ to exceptional escargots. Close behind are multi-tube, then rounds and other rough and unique designs. Many tube shapes occur from assorted and recycled materials. For certainty, production whistles are a disqualifying factor.
A Hallmark in Atypical Whistles
One of the hallmarks of this category is the very unlikely task of ever knowing who made these whistles. Indeed, they are likely to be ‘one offs’. But that is secondary to the engaging clumsiness, almost bulky nature at times and at odds with those that are well crafted, yet we are grouping them all together.
New Atypical Whistles to Come!
Undoubtable this study will have to be revised with additional whistles for years to come. We have invited examples from major collectors from around the world and will do so even more as pictures are submitted. Blue back ground are from the Whistle Gallery reference collection.
Whistle Classification
| Classification | escargot tube combination round duplex fabricated |
| Order | unknown makers |
| Type | GSW |
| Class | brass nickel silver iron |
| Features | various |
Whistle Archeology
Because of this type of study, there is no patent information and most are singular efforts at making whistles. The best we may find is a country of origin.
Whistology
We will start off with the largest group, that being escargots
Left to right – China – Uruguay – USA
Left to right – China – UK (unusual copper)
Spain
(Photo credit pending)
(Courtesy, Jim Fitch Collection)
(Courtesy, Tackagain Collection)
(Photo credit pending)
(Photo credit pending)
(Courtesy, Craig Busch Collection)
(Courtesy, Craig Busch Collection)
(Photo credit pending)
(Photo credit pending)
(Courtesy, Jim Fitch Collection)
From France, may not be a one off, but no others seen.
(Photo credit pending)
Added :
(Photo credit pending)
(Photo credit pending)
Conclusions:
A combination whistle by design, with multiple capacities for liquids. From mid value to extravagant, a delightful and varietal category put together specifically for experienced collectors who are familiar with typical whistle designs and want to see variety.
At the same time it gives insight into where guidelines can be stretched for those new to collecting and studying vintage whistles.
These types of whistles, although rough in building, still have a rustic charm about them, perhaps because they don’t fit into a preconceived idea of what a whistle should look like.
TWG
First Printing September 24, 2023
Edited December 24, 2024
Posted May 10, 2025
Bibliography
No records have been found.
