File:Post medieval Hawking Whistle (FindID 137095).jpg

English: Cast copper alloy ‘hawking’ whistle of probable post medieval or very early modern date (1500 – 1800). The whistle is irregular (broadly conical) in plan and sub-circular in cross section. It is formed from three elements; the conical shaped body, a circular end plate, and an iron ball (pea) contained within the whistle. The outer body of the whistle has an irregular shaped terminal; which is rectangular with rounded edges in shape. This terminal is knop like and then expands into the conical shaped body. The body is decorated with four cast lines that run around the entire edge dividing the body into five distinct ribs. Below the fifth rib the body tapers and an irregular D shaped incision is present. The body then expands towards the mouth piece. The widest end of the body has a stepped appearance. This forms the mouth piece. The end plate is fitted into the open end of the whistle and is similarly shaped (stepped). The upper edge of this end plate has an angled 45° edge which funnels the air into the whistle. The end plate also contains the pea within the body of the whistle. The pea is made of iron and is broadly lentoid in plan and profile. It has corroded slightly and its surface is cracked and pitted. The whistle measures 34.6mm length, is 13.8mm in diameter and weighs 17.37 grams.

The whistle is a mid green colour with a deep well formed patina. There is very little evidence of corrosion present on the whistle and abrasion has only affected the outer edges. A number of whistles have been recorded by the PAS, however a direct parallel has not been found. The overall form is similar to the cannon shaped whistles; although the decoration on this example is similar in form to a beehive. The cannon shaped whistles have been dated to the post medieval and early modern periods (1500-1800). A similar date is suggested for this example.