Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in Dorchester has the opportunity to acquire a rare silver whistle dated between the years 1500-1700, which was most likely used by a boatswain or falconer.
The item was found locally in Wootton Fitzpaine and is currently going through the Treasure accreditation process.
The object has been valued at £500, with half having already raised by the museum with thanks to the V&A Purchase Fund. The museum is now looking to raise the remaining £250 with all funds going towards its acquisition, conservation and display.
The item is a complete example of a hawking whistle or boatswain’s whistle and measures just 65.5 mm in length. At one end is 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.
According to the museum, 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.
The object is of significance to the museum because whistles of this kind from the Medieval and Tudor period are very rare and this type of object is not well represented in the museum’s vast collection. Acquiring this object would therefore help the museum to present information about pastimes and professions that it is currently unable to.
A spokesperson for the museum said: “It offers insight into past craftsmanship and daily life. This piece will enhance our collection, filling a crucial gap. If we exceed our target, extra funds will support the conservation of other artefacts in the Museum’s collection.”
If you would like to contribute to this appeal, you can donate at cafdonate.cafonline.org/27831.
In the event that the museum achieves and exceeds its target, extra funds will go towards supporting the conservation of other artefacts in the Museum’s collection.
For more information, visit dorsetmuseum.org/medieval-silver-whistle/.
