J. Hudson and Co

J. Hudson and Co (Whistles) Ltd, of Barr Street, Hockley, Birmingham, manufacturer of Acme whistles.

1870 Company established by Joseph Hudson. Made an improved Boatswain's call

1883 Made the first police whistle, "The Metropolitan", for the Metropolitan Police.

At one time Charles Hudson was Works manager.

1884 Moved to 131 Barr Street

1884 Made the world's first sports whistle, The ACME "Thunderer".

1888 Took over the business of Nash, Bond and Co

1895 Introduced the ACME Siren (nicknamed "the cyclist’s road clearer")

1897 Introduced the brass reed Adjustable Duck Call

1904 Made whistles for W. Dowler and Sons

1909 The World’s first Airfast (no pea) Referee Whistle

1917 Self-Locating Tank whistle

1925 Stentor Megaphones

1927 Submariner's whistle

By 1930 the product range included just over 300 different whistles.

1935 Introduced the "Silent" Dog whistle

WWII The ACME "Cricket" for D-Day landings

1949 J. Hudson and Co (Whistles) Ltd was incorporated

1949 The World’s first waterproof lifesaving whistle

1950 Special working-dog whistle

1960 ACME Pressure Warning Whistle

1970 Adjustable Finger-Grip Whistle

1980 Tornado Airfast Whistle

1986 Hand Operated Mine Rescue Whistle

1990 Multi-sound effect air whistle

2000 Tornado 2000 Whistle

2009 Gem-set jewellery whistles

2014 Hellova Safety & Marine Whistle.

2021 The company is still trading. Produces the ACME "Thunderer".

Sources of Information

Birmingham’s Industrial heritage by Ray Shill. Published by Sutton Publishing 2002. ISBN 0-7509-2593-0