Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a typical example of a British Victorian era Police wooden "Alarm Rattle", used along with the police whistle to raise the alarm and summon other officers. Later many of these were used in both WWI and WWII to alert an oncoming air raid.
It still retains the original oval marking plate on the rattle, which reads:
PUBLIC OFFICE
14
BOW ST
Known as the "Bow Streetrunners", this office was first established in 1749 by Judge Henry Fielding of the Bow Street Magistrate's Court. The group existed until 1839, when they became part of the Metropolitan Police Service. Judge Henry Fielding was also a well published author, who died in 1754 and was succeeded by his brother John Fielding. Possibly originally dating to the early 1820s, this is very rare!
The rattle features two handles for maximum sound production ability. The rattle measures about 10 12" wide, 12 inches tall, and is 2 1/2 across at the rattle gears. Condition is very good, though the wood does show age and has some cracking from decades of service. The two wooden flaps that make the noise have some cracking around the securing screws, so we do not recommend using the rattle, lest they break.
Full of history, ready to research and display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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