Boatswain Call with engraved ship, 1820

An extremely rare silver boatswain call with an engraved scene to both sides of the keel showing a three masted sailing ship. Most silver bosun whistles date from the Victorian period and so to find a Georgian example in such good condition is a great find. The shipping scene is an additional bonus and the hallmarks remain legible. Fine condition, rare piece and it blows!

Boatswain calls were used to pass messages around navy ships and because of their high pitch were particularly effective during storms or battles. They were also used to pipe flag ranking officers or important guests aboard ship.