RIC/Garda whistle and badge

"This Police whistle and Garda badge belonged to our Grandfather, who was a serving Garda Sergeant in Co. Meath, up until his death in 1966. The whistle has always intrigued me as it appears to date back to the RIC days in Ireland and possibly found it's way through police hands during the formation of the state. Imprinted on it is 'Metropolitan Patient' - Straits Settlement - Police Force' 'J Hudson & Co. 13 Barr St.'"