Distressed world war two era brass whistle on white background
Video with sound of Acme distressed brass 60.5 air ministry whistle on white background

Acme Thunderer 60.5 Air Ministry Whistle

$24.00
Acme Whistles

A solid brass whistle based on the original Flight Jacket whistle worn by RAF & USAAF aircrews during World War II. Nicknamed the “Ditch” Whistle, it was used by pilots who had been shot down over the ocean to signal passing ships.

This Acme Thunderer features an antiqued finish, marked with the original WWII-era stamping dies from 1939 to 1945—reflecting its long, storied history. It emits a bright, piercing tone with a clear, commanding call that carries over long distances.

Want to hear it in action? Visit our video on the second slide. Or, click play here. (Warning: It's loud!)

Materials

distressed brass, cork pea
Specifications
  • approx. 1.8" long
  • made in England
Further Reading

With roots in Birmingham, England since 1870, Acme Whistles has set the standard for enduring quality and expert craftsmanship. Renowned for their reliability and distinct sound, each whistle is forged from solid metal and hand-finished by skilled artisans—reflecting a heritage of excellence passed down over five generations. 

For more English-made whistles and signaling tools, explore our full Acme collection.
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A vintage poster is displayed in a frame next to a photo of Acme's founder. Vintage machine parts are displayed on a surface beneath.
A technical drawing showing whistle components is displayed near photos of Acme's founders and factory.

A Family Legacy

Founded in 1870 by Joseph Hudson, Acme Whistles made history with the invention of the Metropolitan whistle, a police whistle that replaced traditional wooden rattles and became standard equipment for police forces around the world. During World War II, the company's Birmingham factory was damaged by a bomb, but the Hudson family rebuilt and resumed production after the war. More than 150 years after its founding, Acme remains family-owned and continues to make whistles in the very same factory where it all began.

A machinist uses pliers to craft a brass Acme whistle.
A large vintage machine in a workshop, with stacked metal drawers on the right.

A Tradition of Craftsmanship

At the Acme factory, traditional manufacturing techniques remain at the heart of production. Brass is stamped, shaped, and assembled through a series of specialized processes, many using machinery that has been in service for decades. Each whistle passes through the hands of skilled workers whose knowledge and attention to detail help carry on more than 150 years of craftsmanship.

The Secret to the Sound

The distinctive trill of many Acme whistles comes from a surprisingly simple component: a tiny ball of cork known as a pea. Before assembly, the cork peas are soaked in water to soften them, allowing them to be squeezed through the narrow opening of the whistle. Once inside, they return to their original shape and move freely within the chamber, producing the whistle's familiar rolling sound.