Deb Amole describes a typical Black Forest whistling man, made
predominantly by Karl Griesbaum.  These contain a small clockwork
movement, very similar to that found in a singing bird, which
very realistically reproduce a tune with a small slide whistle.

Unfortunately, Deb is going to be unlucky as one cannot just go
out and buy new bellows.  The bellows will need to be recovered by
a skilled restorer.

The bellows on a whistler is a single, double acting, feeder with
an adjacent reservoir.  Although their design is similar to other
bellows used in such instruments as fairground organs, their size,
being minute, means that only the highest skilled restorers are able
to carry out a good job.  The only material suitable is zephyr, and
even this must be of the highest, and thinnest quality.

On an old whistler, the valves will also need replacing and this is
also a very delicate job.  Only the most experienced restorer, with
whistler or singing bird experience, should be allowed anywhere near
such a machine.  The price for such work should not be excessive as
the bellows can be recovered in a few hours.

Deb can now ask the appropriate questions before choosing a restorer.

Nicholas Simons, GB