An 'Acme Thunderer' make police whistle made from an early type of plastic known as Bakelite. Despite its terminology, the 'pea' ball inside the whistle is actually made of cork.

These whistles were often fitted with a police force button. This one has been fitted with buttons of the Merthyr Tydfil Borough Police.

The date of manufacture and of its use is not known but judging from the type of chain and its material of construction, I would estimate it to be from the 1930's/1940's.

Still in good working order and very 'loud'!

The Ross Mather Police Memorabilia Collection of Wales.