Victorian Era Police or Fireman's Hand-crank Alarm Rattle with Mounting BracketI understand that this particular steel encased model of standing noisemaker was standard at police and fire stations in the late 19th and early 20th century, designed to be heard at long distances to signal distress or in the event of a fire or gas leak. When you turn the crank, the wooden cog wheel moves slats on each side, making a super loud clacking sound, which is must say is incredibly satisfying, and a great way to release stress, kind of like