Whistle Questions

[johnjk]

Stumbled across this gem and brought it home. What I know is it is from the Daniel’s’ Brewery in Manistee MI and was used for time notifications from around 1884 up to the early 1930’s. Not sure the manufacturer of the whistle, more research needed there. I have questions on the fittings from the whistle to the valve. From what I can tell without disassembling it is the whistle has a 3/4 NPT and reduces to a 5/8 OD NPT. The valve moves freely and has good spring rebound. I have not inspected the seat yet. The valve is marked Crane 125 and what looks to be a number /8. Thinking that is 5/8. On the lever it is stamped 15221. The mount for the lever is stamped 35465. On these my thought is both of these refer to the casting part and can be individually replaced if they got broken. Not coming up with much on specs on the Crane valve.
I’d like to get some air through it and see how she sounds so I’ll remove that bottom T and hit the hardware store. Everything I have for pipe is 3/4 or 1/2. I need to rig a way to get an air line attached and stand made to mount it. Any whistle enthusiasts amine the Orange?

 

[ken erickson]

Cool find with some historical info to make it that much neater!

Side note, that first paragraph reinforces my choice to pop a top on a brewski once in a while!

 

[skeets]

If you get it working,, make a video if you can I would love to hear it

 

[johnjk]

Got the T off easily. Low amount of rust buildup left in it. I can see the valve actuate and that is all brass so no rust. Hopefully it is making music by Saturday

 

[Henro]

Cool find with some historical info to make it that much neater!

Side note, that first paragraph reinforces my choice to pop a top on a brewski once in a while!

It sure is a cool item!

And given its history, if all else fails, it would surely make a great handle for a beer tap!

 

[Tughill Tom]

Too bad your not local, someone here could help you out.

 

[fried1765]

Got the T off easily. Low amount of rust buildup left in it. I can see the valve actuate and that is all brass so no rust. Hopefully it is making music by Saturday

I have two similar whistles, but by different makers.
Put some air to it,.......and hold your ears!
Your neighbors will hate you!

 

[johnjk]

Too bad your not local, someone here could help you out.
View attachment 136969

We have the Miami Valley Steam Thresher Show down the road in July. I’m not gonna get to NY this weekend. Looks like a cool event though

 

[johnjk]

It sure is a cool item!

And given its history, if all else fails, it would surely make a great handle for a beer tap!

neat idea. I bet someone could 3D print up something to look like it.

 

[RCW]

@johnjk - - looks like a great find.

@Tughill Tom - - looks like a cool event. Have to keep that in mind for the future.

 

[ctfjr]

Too bad you just missed their last weekend:
Antique engine museum

 

[CGMKCM]

Might want to contact these folks and ask about the casting numbers. Kberg They are great people.

 

[Motion]

I believe it's a 3/8" valve, that's the only pipe size that's an eight. The Brewery was probably using steam.

 

[johnjk]

Finally got it outside and hooked up some air. My compressor is woefully undersized to blow this. I need an unrestricted 3/8 line and a ball valve to and then it will sing. Next stop….. compressor shopping

 

[JRHill]

I believe it's a 3/8" valve, that's the only pipe size that's an eight. The Brewery was probably using steam.

I was wondering that - whether it was air or steam. Surely the sound is different.

I'm gonna be thinking about this thread the next time the city people come out here and start blowing off their tannerite.

 

[fried1765]

Finally got it outside and hooked up some air. My compressor is woefully undersized to blow this. I need an unrestricted 3/8 line and a ball valve to and then it will sing. Next stop….. compressor shopping

I have a 1/2" line (with ball valve) from my 20cfm at 175psi compressor.
You will need good quality ear muffs!

 

[johnjk]

I was wondering that - whether it was air or steam. Surely the sound is different.

I'm gonna be thinking about this thread the next time the city people come out here and start blowing off their tannerite.

Most likely steam in the late 1800’s. That old have been in place for brewing and heating. The sound of the whistle is different on compressed air vs saturated steam. Personally I think it loses some of its soul on compressed air.

 

[WFM]

My dad was a boiler tender in the Navy.
After he got out he continued with high presser boiler licenses and worked at a couple different companies. He had two of the steam whistles different sizes and makers he left to me.
About ten yrs ago I was cleaning out 'stuff' and put them one at a time on feeBay. One went for $200.
And one for $300. , both went to buyers in California. A bidding war on each one , starting bid was $50.
So lots of collectors I think.

 

[skeets]

Out here in the higlands there is a steam club and every year they have their get together,, always impressive. Some of those guys pay, to me at least, ungodly prices for whistles and steam things.

 

[RCW]

Most likely steam in the late 1800’s. That old have been in place for brewing and heating. The sound of the whistle is different on compressed air vs saturated steam. Personally I think it loses some of its soul on compressed air.

Never thought of some of these being steam, but certainly makes sense in an industrial setting with a steam plant. I just thought of the locomotive whistles being steam.

I can imagine they do sound much different on air.