Biggest silver ever, and some questions for the experts

[QuarterMaster87]

I found this Sterling Silver whistle today, my biggest piece of silver ever! One side of the whistle has a 7 digit number engraved on it- it's not a social security number, but I am hoping some of you guys can help me out! The other side has a name, Charles E. Smith. Not exactly unique. I'd love to track down the family and return it if possible. Can anyone give me some insight into what I've found?

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Family Maps of Hinds County, Mississippi, Deluxe Edition - Grab it through Amazon!

[Subterranean]

Bosun's whistle? More than likely a pre-SS# military ID number and name of the sailor. Best of luck on returning it to the family! Awesome find, Congrats. Sub

 

[Wildcat1750]

I agree. It looks to me like one of those nautical bosun or boatswain whistles. Looks pretty old too. Nice find. Was it dug?

 

[MadTom]

That is sweet! Looks like an old one. Wonder if the 81 is for 1881. Would be nice to see a follow up if you could find info on the name.

 

[JackalopeZL1]

Nice find! That will make a great addition to any collection!!

 

[retire05]

It is definitely a Bosun Whistle. The number is a service number, which predates the Social Security Number system. I would recommend contacting Navy Archives as they should have the records for service numbers and it is very probable that the person that owned that was a Boatswain Mate in the Navy.

 

[ScubaDetector]

You have a name and a service number. Write to these people and see if they can help.

Angelo's WWII Angels Dog Tag Return Project

 

[BobTheDigger]

That's a great piece. I hope you can track the family down. That would make a great story.

 

[CASPER-2]

 

[QuarterMaster87]

It was dug, came from about 10" down but because of the size of it it rang up loud on my CTX. I also found two Mercs (including a first year 1916) and two Rosies yesterday.

 

[sprailroad]

Now THAT is a great find, kind of has the "WOW" factor to it.

 

[49er4ever44]

That is really really cool! I'd say your digging some good spots!

 

[Trezurehunter]

What a great find. Good luck on your return attempt.

 

[JeffInMass]

That is an awesome and very unique find! Best of luck in your quest to return it- please post a follow up if you do.

-- Jeff --

 

[doninbrewster]

Great find! This is exactly the type of find that keeps people going in metal detecting. You just never know what's coming out of the ground.

 

[CRUSADER]

Agreed, Navy Whistle. Maybe circa WWI (guess).

Good luck tracking the family, they will LOVE its return.

Although the below normally tracks dog-tags I'm sure they could help you on this one, let us know the result?
[email protected]

 

[CRUSADER]

You have a name and a service number. Write to these people and see if they can help.

Angelo's WWII Angels Dog Tag Return Project

Didn't realised you gave a link to the email I just quoted. We are both on the same page, I'm sure she will get a result!

 

[trapperart]

Very nice find congrats

 

[ShovelinDave]

Wow... very cool and unusual find. Good luck on locating the family. Just out of curiosity. Does the whistle still work?

 

[James/Texas]

Super find! I hope you can find the family of the original owner. What a great surprise for them to get it back.