Silver boatswain's call used by Mr Reynolds, Boatswain of Royal Yacht 'Victoria & Albert'.

The call is on a long silver chain, attached with a swivel. It has a plain spherical buoy, curved gun with three reinforcing bands, and the keel is engraved with wrigglework designs. It was acquired from the owner's son, together with Mr Reynold's silver watch presented by the Czar of Russia (JEW0255).

The boatswain's call has a long history both as a symbol of office and as a practical instrument for conveying orders at sea. Its distinctive shape has remained practically unchanged from medieval times to the present day. The call's shrill whistle can be varied in pitch to convey a variety of information, and can be heard above the sound of wind and sea. Such instruments were private possessions rather than official equipment and silver calls like this one made suitable gifts and presentation pieces.