I’m sure there are people who have heard of a whistle that’s been in use for years. How old is the oldest one you play on a regular basis? Do the wooden ones hold up for decades?
I have 4 that are purported to be over 80 years old. I know they are definitely over 60 years old. Still play perfectly.
Teri
I have a Feadan whistle that was evidently made in the early 80’s. Still in brand new condition, and I treat it gently. Generation-style whistle.
I still have my first whistle…a brass Generation Eb that I bought sometime around 1975. It still plays great, despite the fact that my daughter did some teething on the mouthpiece when she was a little tyke 
Anything made of metal and plastic should last a good long time, unless you run over it with a train.
Redwolf
I have an early model Thin Weasel, probably early '80s vintage. I can’t tell you exactly how old, but I can tell you that in those days, the thing cost $125, including the wooden case which was an extra cost option at the time. Still plays just fine-- wooden whistles take just a wee bit extra TLC, but in my book it’s worth it.
I bought my first generation C whistle in a music shop in Brighton (England) 20 years ago, it still sounds identical.
My Clarke is about 10 years old, but I’don’t play it much…Burke is from 2000.
My oldest whistle is seven months.
Still founds fine!
I have at least two from the late 19th century, a couple almost as old. Playability varies, although the little lead-fippled high G is the best I’ve ever seen in that key - dents and all.
My Clarke C and D are about 13 years old and in as new shape; my Gens and Waltons are between 8 - 10 yeras old; Sweets in maple and blackwood are about 6 - 8 years old; I have a TW cocabolo D that’s about 10 years old; all others are between 1 and 5 years old; some I bought used so I don’t know; oh, and a Susato set that’s about 10 years old.
Everyone’s just fine.
Philo
Well, I have an old Feadog that I learned on; got it in Oct. 2000…
My Susato I’ve had since… oh… 2001?
My Clarkes Origs and my Doolin I’ve had since early this year. (I play my Clarkes most.)
They all sound like they did when I got them.
My oldest whistles are a Gen Eb nickle,a Brass Gen C, and a Clarke sop D(with the gold diamond design). They are all about 20 yrs old and I play the Gens on a regular basis.(I just don’t like the sound of a Clarke as a personal preference so don’t play it but kept it around because it’s different looking).