Antique Chinese Export Trade  Bosun's Call - Pipe 19th Century

Presented is an exotic Bosun's "call" or "pipe" which is sometimes referred to as a Boatswain's whistle by landlubbers. This one is larger in size than the one used when I was a non-commissioned petty officer back in the early 1950's. It is embellished by having an artfully worked dragon on both sides with one of the front tallions having hold of a fish. It is unmarked, but likely of Sterling Silver as evidenced by its dark patination.

5 1/4" L x 7/8" W, The bouy or bowl 7/8" Dia        Weight 3/4 oz

 

IN LITERATURE: See "Marine Arts & Antiques, Jack Tar, A Sailor's Life, 1750-1910" by J. Wells Henderson and Rodney P. Carlisle, Published by Antiques Collectors Club, Ltd, England, 1999, page 48.

 

NORTHEAST AUCTIONS: In August, 2008, this up-scale auction house sold the Henderson pipe in Lot 550 for $5148.00 which included the buyer's premium. It was described as "Chinese Export Silver Bosun's Whistle, Nineteenth Century: The ball chamber chased and engraved on each side, with dragon's head applied and streams of flame continuing down each side, the body marked sterling. Length 5 5/8". Literature: Jack Tar, p. 48" 

 

COMPARISON; THIS ANTIQUE TO MY KOREAN WAR PIPE: The length of this relic which likely dates back to the late 1800's is 5 1/4" compared to 4 1/2" for my Navy one. Its width at the widest point is 7/8" compared to 5/8". The bowl is 7/8" compared to 3/4". This is a major difference in size and certainly in appearance as shown in the second picture from the top.

BOATSWAINS'S CALL OR PIPE:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  (Redirected from Bosun's whistle)

 

A boatswain's call is a pipe used on naval ships by a boatswain. It is also spelled "bosun's call". It is never called a "whistle" except by landlubbers (added).

The pipe consists of a narrow tube (the gun) which directs air over a metal sphere (the buoy) with a hole in the top. The player opens and closes the hand over the hole to change the pitch. The rest of the pipe consists of a keel, a flat piece of metal beneath the gun that holds the call together, and the shackle, a keyring that connects a long silver or brass chain that sits around the collar, when in ceremonial uniform.

History and usage

Historically the boatswain's call was used to pass commands to the crew when the voice could not be heard over the sounds of the sea. Because of its high pitch, it could be heard over the activities of the crew and bad weather. It is now used in traditional bugle calls such as Evening Colours/Sunset, and in other ceremonies in most modern navies. It is sometimes accompanied by other auditive features such as ruffles and flourishes, voice commands and announcements, or even a gun salute.

Commands

• Haul: The most basic of calls. Crews of warships were not allowed to sing work songs or shanties, so the pipe coordinated the sailors. The low note was for the pause and preparatory; the high for pulling on the line.
• The Side or Away Galley: Descends from the tradition of hoisting officers aboard ship in a chair. It is a combination of haul, and then a command to lower. This call remains in use as an honor given to officers when embarking or disembarking.
• Away Boats: Used to order a ship's boats to leave the ship's side.
• Call the Boatswain's Mates: The boatswain's gang to report.
• All Hands on Deck: Crews were split into two rotating watches that stood for four hours at a time. This call signals the entire crew to assemble on deck.
• Word to be Passed: Command for silence, an order to follow.
• Pipe Down: Dismissal of all the crew not on watch.
• Dinner or Supper: Calls the crew to a meal.
• Still: Used to call the crew to attention.
• Carry On: Used after the still, to dismiss the crew back to their duties.
• General Call: Piped before an announcement.

GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION: You must be fully satisfied with your purchase on arrival and that our description is entirely accurate or your money back. The only conditions are that an email authorization be obtained within three days, and that the instrument is returned in its original condition and packaging, and insured for its full value. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless we are at fault.

SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our very special packing and shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers, no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.

This relic is of exceptional quality and rarity and belongs in a collection of only the finest. It represents a large savings over the Henderson pipe, but still requires someone of subtance to appreciate it.

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