Thank you Mr. Marconi. If you had not invented the radio back in the late 1800's local police officers might still be carrying these devices. They are pretty big roughly ten inches by ten inches. This is not something that is easy to conceal or put in a pocket.
This contraption is called a "Clacker" or "Policeman's Rattle." It is made of wood and finely cut and shaped into a usable piece of equipment.
The officer would hold this instrument in his hand and whirl it around causing the "wheel" to engage the thin "shaft" to make a click. The faster you turned it the faster the clicks which were loud enough to send signals to other officers.
I remember being issued a "Clacker" as a kid. Mine was made of metal. It had a smaller wood handle. After too many "clicks" it was reassigned for other duties. I think that means my Dad gave it to the garbage collectors.
I never saw or imagined a real "Clacker" until recently. I acquired a smaller version about a year ago, and this one a few weeks ago.
Today Motorola Radios can send signals measured in miles that carries human tones and codes. The "Clacker" could only be heard a short distance, usually a couple of city streets. Consider that this instrument was used around the Civil War it does represent a fine piece of technology from that era. Perhaps it saved a life.
Today this "Clacker," a fine piece of law enforcement memorabilia, joins my fine collection of badges and law enforcement memorabilia.
