Solid Brass F.D. Fire Department Whistle Key Chain

WHISTLE, a solid brass whistle with antique finish and a cork whistle ball. It measures 2 inches long and 3/4 inches wide. It has "F.D." for Fire Department on one side and a raised star on the other. In the mid 1600's fires were prevalent due to wood chimneys and thatched roofs. City elders appointed a "Rattle Watch" these men volunteered to patrol the streets at night carrying large wooden rattles.  If a fire was seen, the men spun the rattles, then directed the responding citizens to form bucket brigades. In later years, whistle were used.