Whistory
Whistles made by John Linegar are rare. However, whistles stamped with his logos and name are even rarer. Very few are known and of these the stamped beaufort/conical whistle is perhaps the scarcest. On August 20th the auction ‘ended because there was an error in the listing’ but in reality it sold for 1000gbp to the usual buyer.
Only 3 Linegar Models Have Surfaced
To date only 3 different models have surfaced with his stamp of Linegar, between a star and crown. One is a small flat model, the second is a large round and the third is a conical whistle.
There are several aspects to this example that deserve special examination. Each will be discussed in viewing the pictures. The seller has given permission in this case, and we are grateful.
Common Wedge Diaphragm Used in Linegar Conical Whistle
It appears from the photo that a typical ‘wedge’ diaphragm was used, common for the day. Dowler used a truncated wedge and later Hudson flattened it to a disc under patent 435.
Whistle Classification
| Category | conical/beaufort |
| Order | John Linegar |
| Type | general service |
| Class | nickel silver |
| Subclass |
Whistle Archeology
Little is known about John Linegar the whistle maker and his whistles. He resided in Birmingham in the middle of the whistle capital of Great Britain.
A silver mark of J.L. was registered for Jan 1865.
Gilchrist lists only two stamps, them being Linegar and J L.
Three whistles are pictured on page 47 of More Whistles. Others have surfaced that bear his whistle features.
Whistology
Of the 6 pictures used on auction, only two are needed for study as follows and we will note:
- The neck
- The knop
- The top cap
- The window ring
- The mouthpiece
- The stamp
1) From other suspected ( unstamped ) Linegar conical whistles it is seen that he used longer necks than typical of Dowler, Hudson, Walton, De Courcy, Dixon and most major whistle makers (with exceptions)
2) The full-sized round knop utilizes a grooved ring such as De Courcy preferred.
3) Note the top cap, that it wraps around the top edge. Indeed two other conical whistles known with stamps did not use this top cap design.
4) The grooved ring around the body bisecting the windows is reminiscent of Dixon.
5) The mouthpiece edge is slanted in much like later Hudson whistles.
6) The stamp is upside down, reminding us of Dowler’s approach to conical whistles.
Conclusions:
This is a new model of conical whistle and stamped by John Linegar. Certain features set it apart from previously known ‘standard’ or more generic models.
TWG
First Printing August 21, 2023
Posted August 22, 2023
Bibliography:
https://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Makers/Birmingham-JH-JM.html
More Whistles, Gilchrist
Collecting Police Whistles and Similar Types, Topman and Gilchrist
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