Lot 3087: BOSUN'S CALLS (Boatswains Whistles), English

BOSUN'S CALLS (Boatswains Whistles), English Calls, George III, London 1804, maker Edward Lowe, three plain bands on gun, pierced decoration on keel, barrel shaped buoy with incised anchors on ends, 115mm, 26.4g.

Of great antiquity, bosun's calls are still used for the passing of Naval Orders and information. The high pitched note can be readily heard above the noise of the waves and storm, or the sounds of battle. It is said they were used in this way as far back as in the galleys of the Roman Empire. It is certain that they were in use in the Royal Navy from the earliest times. They were subsequently adopted by most of the navies of the World.