LOW TECH RADIO

This item is from the N.P.D. It is an early low tech "radio." It carries the number 75 on its wood stock.

I think it is kinda cool as my Dad was one of the first real radio operators in the Newark Police Dept. He had a license to operate radios, but He probably never saw this type. It was used long before he was born.

In reality this item is really a signal Rattle. It was used in the 1800's. It was definitely made and used before Marconi, broadcasting at 77.7 clickohertz.

It has no electric cords. It has no batteries. It has no "On" or "Off" switch, or volume control. The Darn thing is made of wood, and now that wood is very old and dry. It requires a lot of TLC when handling.

The Rattle is roughly 8 inches top to bottom. It has some weight to it. So it might have had a "secondary use" which could explain some of the scratches and little dents here and there. I guess that makes it a "fun" tool too.

When the man in Blue was patrolling the streets of Newark, and had a need to communicate he would make the rattle emit a click. That sound could be heard by other officers in the same area. The sound could be received a block away. A response message could also be sent out by another officer using his Rattle.

This was an important tool back in the 1800's. The "clicks" were actually real time status reports. These sounds could alert other officers when help was needed. To this collector this early form of communication is very interesting. It is the roots of modern day communication.

Rattle #75 is now a nice supplement to my badge collection. It is proudly displayed along side of other treasures that have retired to Florida.