tin whistle CU

Not strictly banjo - But I thought some of the Civil War era- music specialists in the group might have an opinion on this. I picked up this old tinwhistle at an estate auction. It has what looks like a "government issue" type stamp on it. Below that, in the circle is a "C" (the key it's in) It's not a band instrument. Would the army ever have actually issued or sold something like this? It still plays nicely but has a lead fipple (the part you put in your mouth) so I don't play it all that much! See other shot as well.