I just picked this up. The seller tells me the whistle is in playable condition. Based on the size stated, I’m guessing that it’s somewhere around key of B. I wouldn’t buy such a whistle simply to collect or have as a playing instrument; I’m getting it as part of my ongoing research into whistles of various vintages that have been part of the tradition. I’ll keep you posted.
I would appreciate any insights you might be able to offer as to the approximate time of its manufacture. I’ve searched the board, so I have a rough sense that it should be middle 1800’s since it doesn’t include “and son” on the mark. If you can confirm, refine or correct my guess, I would be most appreciative.
“This is a lovely old penny whistle made by Barnett samuel London its got a band with trade mark Dulcet Barnet samuel London embossed on it made from solid brass almost 14 inches long ideal for collecter of vintage musical instruments.”
Best wishes,
Jerry
Jerry, ask Clauss von Weiss. I know he’s picked up several antiques, and goes by musicalpriest on eBay.
You can find his info here: http://www.morris-open.de/kontakt.html
With a little help from a friend who saw this thread, I was able to find a few references to Barnett Samuel (I had been thinking the name was Samuel Barnett, and had actually found a couple of his whistles referenced that way). Here’s one that clearly dates the whistle between 1861 and 1872 (assuming “and Sons” doesn’t appear on the label):
"In 1861 Henry Solomon sold the musical instrument side of his business to Barnett Samuel, who had married his sister Caroline in 1849. Barnett Samuel lived in Sheffield and manufactured tortoiseshell (doorknobs, knife handles and combs) but the musical instrument business appeared to offer him better prospects so he moved to London with his family and took over the warehouses at 31 Houndsditch and 27a Duke Street.
“In 1869 Nelson Samuel (Barnett’s third son) entered the business and eventually took a great part in the prosperity of the firm. The selling of musical instruments seems to have been a paying business, for by 1872 Barnett’s eldest son was taken into partnership and the title of the firm became Barnett Samuel & Sons.”
Best wishes,
Jerry
Mack Hoover and Ralphw Sweet are also collectors of and authorities about old whistles. Both can be easily reached with an e-mail question.