Biggest silver ever, and some questions for the experts

[XP Shooter]

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?

 

[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]

 

[XP Shooter]

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?
dogtag73@gmail.com

 

[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.