Pocket Flute - Gold Rush

[IMAUDIGGER]

Found this tonight. Located in an area that was occupied by California Gold Rush miners in the 1850's then again in the 1930's. I believe this to have been from the 1850's.
It's rolled metal..Zinc coated maybe?

I know harmonicas and jew harps were popular during this time.
This would be the first flute I have found. I've been wrong before.

I don't know if this was home made or something that was picked up in San Fransisco or something completely different.

Maybe someone will say it's not a flute..who knows.
If I hold it just right it whistles fine. Kind of tricky though


Native Americans also lived in this same area.

 

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[IMAUDIGGER]

What I can't figure out is what it's called and if it's missing a mouthpiece.

EDIT:it's suggested it's called a tin whistle. Probably missing mouth piece.

 

[washingtonian]

Nice relic! I hope they left you some gold too

 

[A2coins]

Anything from the gold rush era to me is freakin cool. Thats really cool!!!!!!

 

[Inspector]

Very cool relic, great save, congrats

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Very cool relic, congrats!