This was my step father's bosun pipe,he was a Boatswain's mate for 24 years.I was also told it was his father's pipe pre WW2.
Beautiful, looks like an East Asian dragon, possibly chasing the pearl of wisdom. The knotwork is great too.
Coming from a maritime background, I have only heard them referred to as a"bosuns whistle" (UK) Nice things to collect.
Yes, my father had a bosuns whistle, served in the Royal Navy for 26 years. which included WW2. He joined the Navy at the age of 15yrs .. under age but they let him stay .. this was way back in the early 1900's, he lived to the ripe old age of 92yrs .. Joy.