Post Office "Escargot" Whistle c.1890

A good and original example of a General Post Office Telegram Messenger's whistle. Known to collectors as an "escargot" or "button whistle", this one is in perfect sleepy condition and loud working order. It was very likely purchased from Hudson's, the main supplier of whistles to the government.

The primary role of the GPO telegram messenger, sometimes called a "Post Boy" was to expedite the delivery of telegrams, which often contained critical news. Typically, these boys ranged in age between 13 - 17 years and had the role of delivering urgent personal information and often death messages in wartime. They were expected to deliver their telegram within one hour of receipt. Despite their young age, this was a common first job for a working-class boy, offering stable employment, a smart uniform and high levels of responsibility, riding bicycles and later, motorbikes.

Code: 51882