Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
POLITOFSKY Whistle |
Object Name |
Whistle, Steam |
Catalog Number |
PS818.1 |
Date |
Circa 1862 |
Description |
Whistle from the Russian steamer POLITKOFSKY, built in 1864-1865 at Sitka, Alaska. Mounted on wood display base; pipe fittings permit the whistle to be sounded with compressed air. In 1909, it had blown for the opening of the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. In 1959 it was blown again for the 50th anniversary. The POLITKOFSKY was the last ship built in Russian America. It was launched in 1862, and was acquired by the US with the purchase of Alaska. It was soon sold and became a Puget Sound tugboat, serving the Bainbridge Island sawmills at Port Madison and Port Blakely until the 1890s. By 1915 the hull had mostly submerged in Alaska. A written history of the whistle by Michael Burwell is located in the Politkofsky file in the Williamson photo collection. |
Place of Origin |
Russian Alaska |
Material |
Brass |
Dimensions |
H-19 W-10.5 inches |
Source |
Herrett, Lloyd C. |
Search Terms |
POLITKOVSKII POLITOFSKY Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition Whistle |