MINT OLD ANTIQUE - HUDSON METROPOLITAN POLICE WHISTLE Start Price GBP 9.99 Current Price GBP 28.04 Time Left - Bid Count 6 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, December 03, 2008 End Time Wednesday, December 10, 2008 Location Middlesex See more about 'MINT OLD ANTIQUE - HUDSON METROPOLITAN POLICE WHISTLE ' Description WELCOME TO MY AUCTION      Most of my lots are offered without reserve, simply because I intend them to sell. Lucky buyers often find that when my auctions end, they are delighted to acquire a genuine bargain. So if you see something you like, have a bid and enjoy the experience of winning!   All to gain - Nothing to lose. I offer a full refund of the purchase price, if for any legitimate reason you are unsatisfied with your purchase.        This whistle really is some 98 years old - Yet looks near new! It was made for the Metropolitan Police by Hudson & Co., at their 244 Barr Street address in Birmingham. Unlike the company's earlier whistles, this 1910 model had ironed out the deficiencies of the inferior first examples. As such, this whistle represents one of the first of the robust and almost indestructable, whistles made for The Met. In my opinion, the best bit is that it is in such amazing condition.   My example, bearing issue number 012220, is in full working order. The body has an excellent and sharp set of property stamps throughout. A superb straight body, '08 Patent dated top cap and an excellent mouthpiece showing little signs of serice use. Basiclly, this whistle is dent free and with no nasty scratches. What tiny surface marks exist here and there, are very light indeed. These could be polished away, but I prefer to leave that to the discretion of the winning bidder. As is, this whistle is amongst the best of its type I have ever seen. Naturally it blows clear and loud to summon assistance.   If you've examined old police whistles, you will have noticed that it is something of a lottery to try and acquire a straight one. Many, or perhaps even most, have manufacturing faults (bent mouthpieces or crooked tops were normal faults, as these were inexpensively produced for police consumption). Of course, many whistles since then have also been messed about with - but genuinely, this one is free of those associated annoying problems. Of course this whistle even comes with its original issue tunic chain which again has no thinning links, all suggesting virtually no wear.   If you are looking for a present and want perfection, this whistle will be hard to improve upon. Just a light clean with soap and water, might be recommended.   My lot is being offered with no reserve.   I like to run a fair auction but, I reserve my right to sell this item and end the listing, prior to any bids being received.      BID WITH CONFIDENCE     PAYMENT OPTIONS    UK BUYERS - Paypal, personal cheques, postal orders and banker's cheques are all welcome.   INTERNATIONAL BUYERS - Paypal, Bank Wire Transfer, UK personal cheques, Sterling postal orders and UK banker's cheques are all welcome.   POSTAGE   Thinking of bidding, or have just made a purchase?... then PLEASE NOTE:   I want to be fair with the postage and combine goods to reduce cost. However, there is an element of educated guess work associated with my international pricing. So, if my quoted shipping cost unfairly exceeds what I actually pay, I reimburse the buyer through Paypal. Of course if I've charged too little (it happens), I won't complain.   I know other sellers are happy to use inexpensive 'regular mail', but please be mindful that, unless goods are sent Recorded, Registered or Signed For, Paypal protection will not be available. These higher specification postal services, which permit tracking and have damage/loss insurance included, represent a price I believe, the collector will be happy to pay to protect their purchase. Although infrequent, damage and loss in transit is a problem the buyer needs to be concious of. In the event of a claim, I always assist and in certain instances I take over the burden of claims made.   Cheaper alternatives can be asked for, but only when Paypal protection is not an issue. Please talk to me before bidding if necessary.      UK POSTAGE Goods within the UK with a value lower than £34, will normally be sent by Recorded Delivery for £1.80. Or Special Delivery at a cost of £4.80.     INTERNATIONAL POSTAGE International winning bidders will also have to pay an additional £6.50 ‘Signed For’ mail. Please enquire if you would like something different, before placing your bid. Other tracked and insured services may be available. **Please be aware that adequate comprehensive insurance may not be available to all destinations – Proof of posting always obtained**   PLEASE SEE ‘SELLER'S OTHER AUCTIONS’ - HAPPY BIDDING!   Place a Bid!