Collections Online

The General Service Whistle, trademarked as "The Metropolitan" by J. Hudson & Co. became standard issue for the Metropolitan Police in 1884, and thereafter in many other forces. Prior to this, although there was some limited use of whistles, police used hand rattles. Both rattles and whistles were used to call for back-up in areas where neighbourhood beats overlapped. This whistle was used in the Canton area of Cardiff Police whistles fell into disuse in many countries in 1969, when early hand-held radios were brought into service. With the rise of the motor car, the whistle was no longer usefully audible in urban areas. The whistle is still used by some police forces today, and engraved ceremonial versions are sometimes presented to police officers upon occasions such as their retirement.

J Hudson & Co, founded in Birmingham in 1883, had become the world's largest maker of whistles by 1927. The company continues to the present day as Acme Whistles.

Police General Service whistle. Nickel plated brass. With loop for suspension. Whistle stamped THE METROPOLITAN PATENT CARDIFF POLICE J.HUDSON & Co 131 BARR St BIRMINGHAM and with constable's number 93..