Look at these:
What’s that long one with the ‘plunger’ thing in the end?
Yeah, I had my eye on those. Now the whole world’s seen them. 
I assume you are talking about the uppermost instrument. That looks like a tin flageolet and the tube at the top with the fins is part of the mouthpiece. At least that’s my assumption.
I haven’t found anything about Tin Whistle Pete yet though. Anyone else know about this guy?
Feadoggie
What’s that long one with the ‘plunger’ thing in the end
… total guess, but I remember seeing a fitting for a rubber hose on a bunsen burner or similar that looked something like that. As it was part of a vaudeville act, I wonder if that whistle was operated “remotely”, maybe part of a simulated bagpipe … 
Nah, the flageolet-style head was not uncommon on some older whistles.
The taped holes do look like a set-up for the old multi-whistle trick.
Yes, that was my guess too. Hmm, that longish whistle with the tubular mouthpice would fit in the nose easiest too. Maybe I don’t really need this set of relics after all.
I don’t think so. 
Harpo Marx had some contraption like that, now that you mention it. I don’t think it was for his whistle ( the man could play whistle!), more likely for his horn. Now I’m gonna hafta watch old Marx Bros movies 'til I find it. Could be a long night.
Feadoggie
So Far at one heck of a steal. To bad I can’t bid right now.
Any thoughts that the mouthpiece was designed to help regulate air pressure. Either to help keep the player from over blowing, or to help the player get through the next octave easier/cleaner.
The only Marx brothers movie that I remember Harpo playing whistle in was “A Day at the Races”, if that makes your quest any easier.
Sorry Fea …
Just yanking the chain, no worries! This is an interesting auction item. It would be nice to know more about Burtson Ford.
I assumed it is an interpretation in metal of a classic wooden flageolet. Many of those incorporated a chamber or barrel which acted in part to equalize pressure but also as a moisture separator and was frequently equipped with a sponge.
I have never seen a flageolet quite like that in the auction so we can only bid or speculate.
Feadoggie
IMO it’s just cosmetic, an imitation of the classic flageolet design but with no functional value, sponge etc. But I don’t know for sure. Back then, referring to the pennywhistle as a flageolet was more common than now, and the design would reinforce the “cachet” of association with the humble whistle’s more prestigious cousin. The term “flageolet” always included both the bulge-and-bocal style instrument, and the simpler whistle-like design - as represented by the two photos on the current wiki page.
Just an FYI…the small whistles are in F, two of the whistles are in B and the one with the mouthpiece is in D.