World War 1916 J.Hudson & Co - Birmingham - Military Whistle

An original First World War British military whistle, manufactured by the renowned whistle makers J. Hudson & Co of Birmingham and clearly dated 1916. The cylindrical metal whistle is stamped to the body: J. HUDSON & CO BIRMINGHAM 1916 The suspension loop is additionally stamped “PATENT”. J. Hudson & Co were one of Britain’s principal manufacturers of military and police whistles and supplied large numbers to the British armed forces during the First World War. Whistles of this pattern became an essential piece of field equipment and are particularly associated with officers and Ncos communicating commands above the noise of battle. During trench warfare a whistle could be used to signal troops, including the commencement of an advance from the trenches. Consequently, surviving dated examples have become evocative and increasingly collectable pieces of First World War equipment. This example is particularly desirable because it carries the wartime date of 1916, placing its manufacture during some of the most significant fighting of the Great War, including the year of the Battle of the Somme. The whistle retains its original suspension loop and shows an attractive aged surface with the expected marks, oxidation and wear acquired over more than a century. We have deliberately left it unpolished, preserving its character and patina. A genuine and highly evocative piece of First World War British military history, ideal for a WW1 collection, trench display or cabinet of military curiosities.