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?

 

[Doubter in MD]

So we're/are you a naval Quartermaster or land based military Quartermaster?

 

[Carolina Tom]

Killer find. A couple of years ago, a guy on TNet found one like that. I don't believe it was engraved though.

That item has a lot going for it: Military, personalized and silver.

Congrats on a sweet find sir!

 

[treblehunter]

Very cool find, I hope you get to return it to the owner or family. Did you check the mint marks on your 1916 Merc's?

 

[fyrffytr1]

I would put that number around the WW2 range. My number was B22-01-23 and I got it in 1968. The actor Paul Fix had a 150 83 54 number and he served in WWI. Carl Brashears number was 288 08 15 and he enlisted in 1948. He was the diver portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the movie "Men of Honor".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_number_(United_States_Navy)

 

[XP Shooter]

Some of the original soldering has come loose, but after I cleaned it out, it whistled loud and clear!

 

[XP Shooter]

You bet I did! Philly........��

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Beautiful relic recovery! Good luck in the return.