Whistles are an important part of everyday life. They are found
in the pockets, on the key rings or around the necks of virtually
everyone at some point or another. And like the wheel, whistles
have been around so long, that no one gets credit for inventing
them. We can almost imagine cave man Dad blowing on a hollow
bit of tree limb to get the attention of teenage cave boys!
Whistles made of bone or wood have been used for thousands
of years for spiritual, practical and entertainment purposes.
One of the most distinctive whistles is the boatswain's pipe
used aboard naval vessels to issue commands and salute dignitaries.
It has evolved from pipes used in ancient Greece and Rome to
keep the stroke of men in the galley. A medieval version was
used during the Crusades to assemble English crossbow men on
deck for an attack.
The modern era of whistle use began in 1878 when a whistle
was first blown by a referee during a sporting event. An English
toolmaker - who was fascinated with whistles - fashioned a brass
instrument that was used in a match at the Nottingham Forest
Soccer Club. This device was found to be superior to the usual
referee's signal of waving a handkerchief. The following year,
the "pea whistle" was invented. Movement of a small
ball enclosed in the whistle's air chamber produces the familiar
trilling effect now commonly associated with American police
and referee whistles. The pea whistle remains the world's largest-selling
type. Although whistles come in many sizes and types, they must
deliver a consistent shrill blast to be heard in difficult situations
and under adverse conditions. Whistles are used extensively
to promote safety for individuals of all ages.
American Whistle Corporation's contribution to the world of
whistles is an important one. We play a role in the market's
continuity by providing high-quality and affordable whistles
to users across the globe. We are proud of being the only manufacturer
of metal whistles in the United States and plan to continue
this tradition long into the future.
