Silver boatswain's call used by Mr Reynolds, Boatswain of Royal Yacht 'Victoria & Albert'. The boatswain's call has a long history both as a symbol of office and as a practical instrument for conveying orders at sea. Its distinctive shape has remained practically unchanged from medieval times to the present day. The call's shrill whistle can be varied in pitch to convey a variety of information, and can be heard above the sound of wind and sea. Such instruments were private possessions rather than official equipment and silver calls like this one made suitable gifts and presentation pieces.

F6236-001

Silver boatswain's call used by Mr Reynolds, Boatswain of Royal Yacht 'Victoria & Albert'. The boatswain's call has a long history both as a symbol of office and as a practical instrument for conveying orders at sea. Its distinctive shape has remained practically unchanged from medieval times to the present day. The call's shrill whistle can be varied in pitch to convey a variety of information, and can be heard above the sound of wind and sea. Such instruments were private possessions rather than official equipment and silver calls like this one made suitable gifts and presentation pieces. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: PLT0411 Artist: Hilliard & Thomason Date: 1876-1877 Medium: silver Size: 25 mm x 90 mm x 15 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.