This item is from the Newark P.D. It is an early low tech radio. It carries the number 75 on its wood stock. It pre- dates the actual radio by a hundred or so years.
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 I am sure, he probably never saw this type. It was used long before he was born.
In reality this item is a signal rattle or Clacker. It was used in the early 1800's. It was definitely made and used, well before Marconi. 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.
This Rattle 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.
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 the hand held rattle is very interesting. It is the roots of modern day
communication.
Today Rattle #75 is a nice supplement to my badge collection. It is
proudly displayed along side of other treasures that I display at local Shows.
