Whistory
A monotypical whistle sold on eBay 8-13-23, setting a new record of 2,650.00 with 17 bids. A new level of competition for the rarest whistles is worthy of note.
However, the real story is a whistle previously unknown by Richard A. Walton, who only made whistles for 6 years on his own. Many know him for having been a foreman at Hudson’s before starting his own company and yet returning after closing.
This SPOTLIGHT is unusual because no pictures are presented of the actual whistle. Unfortunately, the seller would not release the pictures used on the auction site of eBay. However, it can be searched on eBay and the pictures pulled up. eBay reserves the rights indefinitely.
Linking Whistle Description to R.A. Walton
So, we will endeavor for posterity to create a description and thereafter offer a link to the eBay auction archives kept at eBay, which are excluded from copyrights upon auction.
What is so unusual about this whistle? Several factors. Its design sets it apart by itself and is unlike any other Walton whistle. The stamp, although a common Walton City Police stamp, is accompanied with a specific tunic police force ( Birmingham ) button top.
Why this Whistle Stands Out for R.A. Walton
Although Walton did make whistles in pure nickel silver, which would be a higher quality whistle, with this particular very rare whistle he used plated brass, which is surprising.
Whistle Classification
| Category | conical/beaufort |
| Order | R.A. Walton |
| Type | police |
| Class | nickel plated brass |
| Subclass |
Whistle Archeology
Typically, Walton did not stamp his whistles for a particular force. He used City Police most often. In this case, he did stamp this whistle with City Police also.
City Police – curved in a circle
R.A. Walton
14 Hunters Road
Hockley
Birmingham
Patent
The measurements are 6.5cm by 2.2cm. The patent is for 10492 1898, for a diaphragm which was provisional.
The top tunic button is stamped Birmingham Police around the edges with a coat of arms symbol in the middle ( pictured below in Whistology )
The mouthpiece is angled, and doubtless was as was typical cast, not rolled. Perhaps he took his inspiration from being at Hudson, such as the whistle pictured on page 28 of CPWs.
Because of the top button cap, the attachment ring was moved to the side midway, more often seen in railway whistles.
The body design is conical and similar to the De Courcy Assistance body but lacking the curved windows, this one being shorter and with standard rectangular windows. The assistance is caught between a beaufort and tube shaped whistle as well as this Birmingham Police issue.
Whistology
Here is a picture of the top cap/button design from the Kelly Badges website that matches the top.
Photo Courtesy of Kelly Badges
Next a picture of the body design, which is a conical tube shape.
Compare to the Assistance by A De Courcy
Now a back picture to see the attachment ring.
Finally, a close up to see that the mouthpiece is angled.
Conclusions:
A surprisingly unique whistle design from Walton with a conical/beaufort body and midway attachment ring. Combined with a police button top and angled mouthpiece. Surprising because no other whistles similar were made by him and this is the only one known.
While Walton whistles are uncommon to begin with, this whistle was unknown by this maker or in fact any other maker and is monotypical.
It is encouraging to think there may be others by Walton unknown as well as future unique whistles by other manufacturers.
TWG
First Printing August 14, 2023
Posted August 15, 2023
Bibliography:
The Whistle Gallery Reference Collection
Sketches by Whitney of The Whistle Gallery team
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