Gilt metal presentation boatswain's call of Edward Futcher, Chief Boatswain's Mate of HMS 'Superb'.

The barrel-shaped buoy has a crown and anchor device on each side, and the keel is decorated with scrolling foliage and has a ring for attachment to a lanyard. The keel is inscribed: 'Ed. Futcher Ch. B. Mt. H.M.S. Superb Decr 1883 - May 1887'.

The boatswain's call has a long history both as a symbol of office and as a practical instrument for conveying orders at sea. Its distinctive shape has remained practically unchanged from medieval times to the present day. The call's shrill whistle can be varied in pitch to convey a variety of information, and can be heard above the sound of wind and sea. Such instruments were private possessions rather than official equipment and calls like this one made suitable gifts and presentation pieces.