Whistle Categories > Kings Whistles
Where did Kings whistles originate?
The Kings whistle was designed by Joseph Hudson in Birmingham, UK circa 1883-4. Although it is a very large, almost massive, beaufort or conical whistle, it was preceded by others of comparable size by Yates Barrall and possibly by Hudson itself. Yet with the Kings whistle special concept the Kings whistle took on new impetus and clarification as the flagship, for a series that lasted 50 years of manufacturing.
Interestingly it was as the beaufort or conical whistle was waning, contrasting with the emerging tube-shaped whistle of the day, that this huge model beaufort or conical whistle emerged and was solidified into production for decades to come.
How are Kings whistles identified?
All Kings whistles do not have the word Kings stamped on them; however, they match in construction as the largest Beaufort or conical shaped whistle that Hudson’s manufactured. Early ones had the name Kings stamped on them, however later dropping it.
This is a huge unmistakable beaufort or conical whistle. As the flagship whistle, no other Hudson whistle nor any other competitor may have approached it.
J. Hudson did manufacture very large beauforts or conical whistles, yet they would only be comparable in size, not matching the rather idiosyncratic and overall design of the Kings whistle, especially because of the lack of a cast mouthpiece. These cast mouthpieces were made particularly for the Kings whistle, long after their use had ceased on all other of their whistles, but the oval tube-shaped whistles.
Why were they made?
The earliest one seen was aimed at the fire brigade. After this, no certain service is known, in actuality they would then fall into the general use category. It remained generic throughout its further history. Perhaps it was thought to be used by the railway, not many other forces could have man handled it on the job. At almost 4 inches it is also heavy. This remains a mystery still to this day and it eventually fell out of production.
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