Antique Quest Chronicles: A Rare Metropolitan Police Whistle Uncovered at Below Stairs of Hungerford Antiques

In this episode of Antique Quest Chronicles, I continue my journey through Hungerford, visiting Below Stairs of Hungerford Antiques. Among Stewart Hofgartner’s carefully curated treasures, I discover a rare 19th-century ACME Metropolitan Police Whistle - a true collector's find. While the hunt didn’t yield quantity, the quality of this one piece made the trip more than worthwhile.

Step into a world of beautifully preserved history at Below Stairs of Hungerford, where a single whistle with a rich past stole the spotlight! Join me as I share the thrill of spotting a true antique gem, negotiating for a great deal, and reflecting on how one small object can carry so much significance. Don’t miss this treasure-filled adventure!

There’s something undeniably captivating about antique hunting. It’s not just the thrill of discovery, but the journey itself - a patient unfolding of history, mystery, and craftsmanship, all bound together in a single object. Every trip to a new town offers the promise of finding that hidden gem, the one artifact that holds a story long forgotten but waiting to be told. Hungerford, with its charming streets and centuries-old architecture, feels like the perfect place for such a quest. The atmosphere of this quaint market town is rich with history, making it a haven for collectors and dreamers alike.

My first stop at one of the Hungerford’s antique centers was fruitful—two exquisite finds nestled among the treasure troves. Yet, as any seasoned hunter knows, a true profit requires a balance of rarity, condition, and demand. As lovely as they were, those items weren’t enough to turn this journey into a real success.

Below Stairs of Hungerford – A Step Deeper into Time

But I wasn’t finished yet. There was another stop to make: Below Stairs of Hungerford Antiques. Tucked away with themed showrooms and an impressive online catalogue, this shop specializes in 19th and early 20th-century treasures. It’s an award-winning Antiques Centre, voted the UK's Best Antiques Centre by BBC Homes & Antiques magazine.

Promising only original and beautifully restored items, Below Stairs felt like the perfect place to continue my search. As I stepped inside, I couldn’t help but feel the familiar excitement rise within me. Here, amidst the carefully curated displays, I knew there was still a story waiting to be uncovered. Would this be the place where my quest would finally pay off?

Stewart Hofgartner: The Curator Behind Below Stairs of Hungerford

Stewart L. Hofgartner is the embodiment of an English gentleman - impeccably dressed, with a demeanor as polished as the antiques he offers. A man of exceptional manners and deep knowledge, Stewart has been at the helm of Below Stairs of Hungerford Antiques for nearly 40 years. His expertise in the field is undeniable, and it’s no surprise he’s one of the original dealers on Dickinson’s Real Deal on ITV, where he regularly shares his insight on the hidden stories behind everyday objects. His reputation extends to many other television programs, where he continues to be a trusted voice in the world of antiques.

What sets Below Stairs of Hungerford apart is the sense that you’re not just browsing a shop - you’re stepping into Stewart’s personal collection. Unlike antique centers where items come from various dealers, every piece in the shop belongs to Stewart. This gives the space a uniquely curated feel, with each item carefully selected, restored, and displayed with purpose. His eye for quality and authenticity is evident the moment you enter, and his passion for antiques shines through in every corner of the shop.

At the entrance of the yard, you’re greeted by items that offer potential for restoration projects - pieces full of history, waiting to be brought back to life. Their prices are surprisingly accessible, making it a haven for both seasoned collectors and those just starting out. As you move further into the yard, garden antiques and architectural salvage come into view - each piece carrying the charm of a bygone era.

The main showroom is a treasure trove of beautifully curated items. From delicate porcelain and sparkling crystal to an impressive array of hardware like door handles, knobs, and hinges, everything is meticulously displayed. There’s even an eye-catching collection of whistles, enamel signs, and horse brasses, all reflecting Stewart’s keen eye for objects that tell a story.

One of the shop’s highlights is a separate showroom dedicated to medical antiques. It’s one of the most extensive collections I’ve ever encountered, showcasing items that range from historical medical instruments to antique apothecary jars. The sheer depth of the collection speaks to Stewart’s dedication to preserving these relics of history.

In every room, there’s a sense of care, respect, and passion. Stewart Hofgartner’s vision for Below Stairs of Hungerford is clear - this is more than just a shop. It’s a curated experience, a journey through history, and a tribute to the craftsmanship and stories of the past.

The Hunt Begins: A Whistle Worthy of a Story

As I began my hunt at Below Stairs of Hungerford, my eyes were immediately drawn to a cabinet by the window, its shelves lined with an array of whistles. Among them, I spotted something familiar - a gleaming The ACME Metropolitan Police Whistle. Just a few weeks ago, I had read an article on how to date these iconic whistles, and I remembered a key detail: the thickness of the loop tells the tale. The thinner the loop, the older the whistle. The one in the cabinet had a thick, uniform loop—still a fine piece, but not quite the treasure I was hoping to find.

Curiosity piqued, I turned to Mr. Hofgartner and asked if he had any more Metropolitan Police Whistles in his collection. With a nod and that characteristic twinkle of a seasoned antique dealer, he disappeared for a moment and returned with a box full of them. I couldn’t believe my eyes - a box brimming with an astonishing collection of whistles, each one in near-perfect condition.

Excitement took over as I scanned the loops, searching for the telltale sign of age. And then, there it was - an elegant whistle with a beautifully shaped, thin loop. This was the find I had been hoping for - a rare piece that held decades of history in its design. This was more than just a whistle; it was a tangible connection to the past, a small but significant piece of London's law enforcement history. What a find indeed!

The ACME Metropolitan Police Whistle, produced in 1889 by J. Hudson & Co. of Birmingham, is a key piece of British law enforcement history. Joseph Hudson, the company's founder, revolutionized police communication when he won a competition in 1883 to design an attention-grabbing device for the Metropolitan Police in London. Hudson’s whistle quickly became standard issue, replacing hand rattles and offering a more effective way for officers to signal for assistance. By the late 19th century, J. Hudson & Co. had become the world’s largest whistle manufacturer, and this particular whistle from 1889 remains a fine example of the company’s early craftsmanship.

Priced at £35, the ACME Metropolitan Police Whistle caught my eye as a true gem from the late 19th century. After some polite negotiation with Mr. Hofgartner, he graciously accepted £30 for it. Considering its excellent condition and historical significance, this original whistle could easily be worth around €76 on the market—an exceptional find for any collector.

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Closing the Hunt: A Treasure Found and Lessons Learned

As I continued exploring the shop, I marveled at the diverse range of Stewart Hofgartner’s meticulously curated collection. From lighting, laundry and flat irons to keys and padlocks, kitchenalia, lamp shades, mirrors, and even bells - the variety was astounding. It’s clear that each item was carefully selected, giving the shop an almost museum-like quality, where history feels tangible and accessible.

In the medical antiques showroom, two remarkable items caught my attention: a model of the human head with its anatomy revealed and a large jar from an antique pharmacy. Both were beautifully preserved, and I was impressed by the extent of the medical collection - one of the largest I’ve ever encountered. Sadly, their size and weight meant they wouldn’t fit into my backpack, but they remain vivid in my memory as standout pieces in an extraordinary collection.

Although I left Below Stairs of Hungerford Antiques with just the whistle, I was more than satisfied with the quality of my find. It was an exceptional piece, easy to date and undeniably valuable. My visit to Stewart Hofgartner’s shop was deeply fulfilling, both as an antique lover and as someone who appreciates craftsmanship and history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a passionate antique enthusiast, or simply a curious tourist, this shop is an absolute must-see when visiting Hungerford. It feels more like a museum than a retail space, with the added bonus that you can take home a genuine antique as a souvenir.

This trip to Hungerford gave me more than just valuable antiques - it offered lessons as well. I gained a deeper understanding of the art of dating pieces and learned the importance of a second look. If you revisit a shop or antique center, you're bound to discover items you missed the first time. Plus, the peaceful, charming atmosphere of Hungerford, a small town in South England, added to the experience. Though this was a business trip, it was also a pleasure - a reminder of why antique hunting is more than just a quest for profit.

With this visit, my antique-hunting adventure in Hungerford came to an end. I left with a few valuable finds, edging me closer to breaking even, though still far from turning a profit. But the thrill of the hunt continues! In the next episode, I’ll share my journey to Dorking - Plan B in my quest for treasures. Expect tales of missed train stations and two generous-hearted British ladies who came to my aid. Until then, happy hunting!