Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
92.7.1 |
Object Name |
Rattle |
Date |
19th century |
Description |
Watchman's Rattle, 19th Century This large wood rattle is composed of a flat rounded end and board with a pair of square projecting tines, probably American. Applied to the board, between the times, are two narrow oblong wooden splints. The splints are held in place by a rectangular brass plate secured by four iron screws. At the end of each splint there a s six-pointed star-shaped gear secured by a wooden rod that intersects the tines and gears. The rod continues downard and attaches to a single planly turned handle. When swing and twirled, makes a loud noise. Rattles like these were used before fire alarm systems to alert people to fire. Simplier versions were used in the trenches of WWI to warn soldiers of the presense of gas. |
Dimensions |
W-11.125 L-4.25 inches |
Place of Origin |
American |
Material |
wood, metal |