Police whistles
2025-01-22
In 1883 tests were carried out in open country with favourable wind conditions, at the Rifle Range, Hunslow Heath. A regulation rattle competed against a Manchester City Police whistle. The official tests showed that the rattle could be heard faintly at 500 yards and not at all at 800 yards. The whistle could be clearly heard at 900 yards but was ill-defined at 1000 yards.
In the late 1800s, the Metropolitan Police Service in London introduced the first standardized police whistle, designed by Joseph Hudson, a Birmingham-based toolmaker. Hudson's whistle ‘The Metropolitan’ became the iconic symbol of British policing with many other forces adopting the design to equip their officers.
Beyond their functional purpose, British police whistles have also played a significant role in popular culture. They have been featured in numerous films, television shows, and literature, often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia and authority. The distinctive sound of the whistle has become synonymous with British policing, evoking images of bobbies on the beat.
Many antique and vintage police whistles are now desirable collector's pieces and can fetch substantial sums depending on type, manufacturer and force. We often have whistles listed on our website. Check out our "Police Equipment" category for our latest stock.
|
PO-341 |
£60 |
|
|
PO-342 |
£55 |
|
|
PO-343 |
£50 |
|
|
PO-344 |
Warwickshire Constabulary 'The Metropolitan' Patent Police Whistle & Chain | £55 |
|
PO-345 |
Metropolitan Police 'The Metropolitan' Patent Numbered Whistle & Chain | £75 |