Philadelphia Police Presentation Alarm, 1835, . in the style of a naval alarm, rosewood, approx. 6 x 7.5 in. Brass plate on one end: G.W. Tonkin, Captn. of the City Watch, Philada. to Ezekiel Burk, Captn. of the City Watch, Balto. Jany. 1835 Without electricity and rapid emergency communications, large cities relied on City Watches to keep an eye on the city overnight. One of the greatests risks to 19th century cities was fire, in addition to burglaries, "disturbances of the peace," etc. Many "watches" were also the lamplighters. We have not been able to track either of these gentlemen down or determine the nature of the presentation. It could have been something as simple as "networking" - the 1820s and 1830s saw the "professionalization" of many of these occupations - fire companies, watches, police departments, etc. which previously had been handled on a private or local "volunteer" basis.

Some "dings" on end, as if used as a gavel. A few dings on brass plate, also.