Anyone know about this whistle? Who made this? What’s the story?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2551175491&category=624
Looks roughly like a cheap pakistani whistle sold at the local celtic shop here in town. I’d want more info from the buyer before bidding. Anytime there isn’t a name brand listed, you’re likely to be bidding on junk though. The eBay jungle is a wild place…be careful grasshopper! 
B~
Amen to what Brian said. When I first came aboard C&F I fell prey to one of those piece of crap whistles from Williamsburg, VA, on eBay.
~Larry
Actually, I think you’re wrong on this one. It isn’t an old generation but methinks that it dates from the same period (latre nineteenth to early twentieth century).
They’re generally nice whistles and highly desirable - though with a price tag already over fifty bucks it does give one pause.
And no, I’m NOT one of the bidders.
It does say “london made” but that’s no guarantee it was made in London I suppose.
I wish age alone was the prime factor in determining quality in many things. Unfortunately, people were just as easily bamboozled then as now. Old junk is still junk. I hope for the winner, this isn’t. That’s a lot of coin to throw down for an unplayable tube if my instincts on this one are true.
Looking at the fipple as well, possible lead plug there? (can’t see it, just a guess from the design) and what’s with the blade? Doesn’t look like more than a punch was used to open the window. But who knows…here’s to optimism. I’ll save my pennies for a pint!
B~
Actually, the blade looks fairly sophisticated. I see not a square, punched out edge, but a bevel that’s been filed or machined to the edge. I do a similar operation on Shaws that I tweak, and it strengthens and sweetens the upper register. I’m inclined to think this is a real whistle and not a toy, though there’s only so much that can be told from pictures.
Best wishes,
Jerry
I agree with Chuck. This whistle appears to be an antique, and not a cheap “Pakistani” or Williamsburg (Cooperman brand) whistle. I have gained a little knowledge regarding regarding vinatge whistles because I have a modest collection of them, and keep an eye on older whistles being auctioned on ebay.
This whistle in probably reasonably in tune with itself, but may not be tuned exactly to pitch. The price is already over $50, and for that much you could get a modern whistle that probably would play better. The attraction to me for this whistle is that it is an antique.
This particular whistle may have a lead fipple/plug in the mouthpiece. If it does, the person who purchases it may want to coat the fipple with someting to prevent lead poisoning.
Rob S
This whistle is very similar to others that I’ve purchased via E-Bay-I have ‘D’ whistles marked ‘H&I’ and ‘The Best ALL British’,which look more or less the same, give or take an engraved line.I also have a neat brass soprano ‘G’ whistle marked ‘IN TUNE’ but the badge bears a Harp device,the words’J-H’ ‘LONDON’ and ‘British made’.
I am pretty positive that this IS a vintage model.
I did consider bidding on it.but was in two minds,as it was already up to $46 with three hours to go before I went to off bed (work this morning),and I thought it was probably going to go for more than it eventually did.
It DOES have a lead fipple-I asked the seller.
Nice looking whistle though-I hope the new owner is pleased with their purchase.
I actually had no designs on bidding, but was just curious about it. $50? For something you have to guess at? Well, maybe if the winner is on this board, we’ll get a review!