Whistle Categories > Flat Whistles
Where did flat whistles originate?
Although making their real impact because of the scout movement beginning circa 1907-8, they were already being manufactured in France, Germany and the UK, circa 1900.
However, it was not unusual for manufacturers to supply each other as distributers, perhaps saving money on tooling. This makes tracing the origins difficult and greater study required.
Certain catalogs picture models with characteristics that can reveal the country that manufactured the actual whistle, although in another country’s catalog.
How are flat whistles identified?
Easily identified by having a flat body with a single window, sometimes having a stop hole. Occasionally having a compass incorporated.
In turn they are a smaller whistle, unmistakable compared to escargot or snail whistles, as well as beaufort or conical whistles.
Identification is not difficult by any means, but the classification is set apart just because they are so distinct. Although J. Hudson Company rallied to produce these in quantity, many of the flat whistles that have surface for scouting have been whistles by Alfred De Courcy, with and without stop holes.
Why were they made?
To thwart the bulky size of a round, escargot or other larger in size type body, the flat vesta or pocket design type body was developed to fit well into a pocket and is indeed sometimes called a pocket whistle.
Another reason is that they were more petite. This in turn could be marketed for ladies’ necklaces. However, the most obvious use from existing models does indeed appear to be specifically for the scouting movement.
There is a two-piece flat whistle with unusual windows, one at each side. This whistle comes from France and was stamped for a semi police use. It has a case that slides onto the whistle, both being flat.
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