Dorset Museum & Art Gallery has the opportunity to acquire a silver whistle dated to c. 1500 - 1700, likely used by a boatswain or falconer. The item was found in Wootton Fitzpaine and is currently going through the Treasure process. 

The object has been valued at £500 with £250 having already been raised with thanks to the V&A Purchase Fund. The Museum is now looking to raise the remaining £250 with all funds going towards acquisition, conservation and display.

What is the object?

The item is a complete example of a hawking whistle or boatswains whistle (other names include boatswains call/pipe or bosun's whistle). Measuring just 65.5 mm in length, at one end you can see the oval sounding chamber, which comprises two deep hemispheres with flanged edges which have been soldered together with a ridged girth band over the join. There is a large, circular sounding hole in the top.

Whistles like this one were often worn as jewellery, sewn onto the owner’s garments. In maritime contexts, whistles were practical instruments used to give commands and convey messages to crew members during sailing manoeuvres and emergencies. In hawking or falconry, whistles were used by the falconer to communicate with the bird and control them in flight.

Why is the object significant?

Whistles of this kind from the Medieval and Tudor period are very rare and at this time, this type of object is not well represented in the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery collection. Acquiring this object would therefore help us to present information about pastimes and professions that we currently aren't able to.

How can people donate?

If you would like to contribute to this appeal, you can donate at cafdonate.cafonline.org/27831, by bank transfer or by sending a cheque made payable to Dorset Natural History & Archaeological Society. For more information (including bank details for donations, visit dorsetmuseum.org/medieval-silver-whistle/

Image: © Somerset County Council