I 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 screaming at the top of one's lungs. It's also a great looking object I think, standing sturdy on its legs, but also with a mounting bracket on one side which would allow for one hand alarm sounding. One could definitely use it to summon the wake the house, summon the kids from the neighbor's yard, or to call everyone to dinner.

6 3/4" tall x 5 " (leg to leg) x 4 1/4" from end of handle to bracket. Excellent structural condition with a really nice patina.