Bosun Whistle, 1803 by Bateman

This is a very rare example of a silver bosun call (or boatswain whistle) made by the important Bateman family of silversmiths. It has original ensign engraving to both sides of the keel with one side also scratch engraved with the original owners name and date "J Hocken 1804". The buoy is stamped with the fouled anchor mark of the Royal Navy and there is a retainer ring for hanging from a chain. Most silver bosun whistles date from the Victorian period and so to find a Georgian example made by the Batemans is a great find. The whistle is in fine condition with just a couple of small dents and it blows well! 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