Whistle Categories > Steel and Brass Whistles
Where did steel and brass whistles originate?
Almost exclusively did steel and brass whistles come from England, especially Birmingham. Two major whistle producers used these metals many times during the post 1900 period. 95% of this category is filled with their whistles.
So, the origin of them would be Joseph Hudson and Alfred De Courcy, both of these manufacturers were located in Birmingham. Acme whistles remains at 244 Barr Street today.
Two whistles, one from India and one from Bulgaria have been found using escargot or snail shaped models, almost all others are tube shaped.
How are steel and brass whistles identified?
When first manufactured they have a coating covering the metal beneath and are unidentifiable. However, in time the paint deteriorates, oxidizes, and bleeds away. At this time the use of brass, steel, nickel silver, even copper comes through like fall leaves and is clearly seen.
No catalogs can reveal this condition and the Whistle Gallery site is the only one breaking down this category. Pictures have been presented to compare whistles to.
Since they were less essentially required whistles, used for scouts and general public use, they can readily be identified as to use and manufacturer.
Why were they made?
Likely due to lack of materials of the day, perhaps the war effort that ran concurrently, limited the use of all brass construction. In times past button whistles were made of steel on the main body and the button or coin quality surpassed the main body material of steel. These are often found rusted and have to be stripped, it is at that time the contrast manifests itself.
If indeed metals were short during this time, especially brass, there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to which parts were substituted. Mainly the main body was replaced with steel, but not always. At least the mouthpieces remained corrosion free brass.
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