For your consideration is this World War I British Officer's trench whistle made by William Horstmann Company circa 1900-1920s. Established in 1815, William Horstmann Co. was a military equipment specialist, specializing in woven textiles. Eventually, they branched out beyond garments to produce swords (apart from the blades) and other tools that allowed them to produce whistles. The British were the first to use whistles in World War I trenches to help soldiers overcome the noise of artillery shells and bullets. Whistles were used to coordinate troop movements, signal the infantry to leave the trenches, and warn artillery men when their gun was about to fire. The whistle is constructed from bronze and shows the Horstmann stamp on the top near the loop reading, "Horstmann Phila". The whistle features a long chain with a hook on the end for securing the whistle to garments or equipment. Overall the whistle shows good condition and produces a nice whistle sound. It shows wear from its age and use over the years, as well as a nice patina on the bronze. No obvious signs of damage is noted. The whistle measures 3 1/2" L (14 7/8" with chain) x 3/4" W.

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