Name/Title
TNS Independence [Boatswain Call]Description
The pipe consists of a narrow tube (the gun) that directs air over a metal sphere (the buoy) with a hole in the top. The player opens and closes the hand over the hole to change the pitch. The rest of the pipe consists of a "keel", a flat piece of metal beneath the gun that holds the call together, engraved INDEPENDENCE on one side and TEXAS on the other. The "shackle", a keyring that connects a long silver or brass chain worn around the collar when in ceremonial uniform. Both sides of the bulb are decorated with a five-pointed star and T-E-X-A-S between the points. Made of coin silver.Context
Historically the boatswain's call was used to pass commands to the crew when the voice could not be heard over the sounds of the sea. Because of its high pitch, it could be heard over the activities of the crew and bad weather. It is now used in traditional bugle calls, such as Evening Colors/Sunset, and in other ceremonies in most modern navies.
Note: this whistle was made of melted Mexican silver coins as the United States did not have silver ore until the discovery of the Comstock Lode in Nevada in 1859.