LOUD 19thc. Oak NOISEMAKER RATCHET, Ship, Fire, Police or Watchman ALARM

Description

LOUD 19thc. Oak NOISEMAKER RATCHET, Ship, Fire, Police or Watchman ALARM
LOUD 19thc. Oak NOISEMAKER RATCHET, Ship, Fire, Police or Watchman ALARM
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Description
19THC. NOISEMAKER RATCHET
Wonderful antique carved oak wood ratchet noisemaker measuring 9" long by 6-3/4" tall.  Heavy and solid, it is well made and in amazing condition - handle bears decorative scoring and turnings - rachet has flat sides for carrying and correct brass plate on the rachet back.  By holding the handle and swinging the rachet (it takes a strong hand), the wood cog turns, causing the tongue to loudly "clack".  These were used in a variety of professions - by policemen to sound alarms; by factory supervisors to sound end of day; and even on shipboard to signal fires or other emergencies.  Beautifully made, lightly worn and so unusual, it is probably English in origin, dating 1860s to 1880s.
Condition is lovely with a fine hairline in the tongue which does not affect usage in the least - there are two tight hairlines on the very end from how the tongue is inset - I'm assuming from production - they are stable and do not affect performance or detract in the least.  Noisemaker has wonderful folk art appeal and would be a nice addition to any display or collection!
If questions, please contact me - thank
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