Original Item: Only One Available. Made in approximately 1940, this is a World War II German hand-crank air raid siren (Handsirene). The chopper, stator, rear housing and handle are made of Bakelite, while the horn is steel, and the other components are aluminum. It constructed from a wonderful dark brown bakelite and still functions by emitting a classic air raid siren screech when cranked. The sound damper moves correctly, returning to the closed position by spring action. There is oxidation to the steel “horn” and aluminum body, as well as some paint loss. There is also deformation to the siren “dish” or horn around the main body.
However, there are no parts missing on this example, something we rarely see! The only issue besides the deformation of the dish is that one of the two “horns” on the crank handle retainer has broken off.
The reverse is maker marked HELIN in a circle, however the rectangle below it where a date might be is blank, which we have seen before. The folding bakelite handle is marked Ziehen (Pull) next to an arrow. The bakelite parts are of the most desirable red/brown variety.
This is a very rare hard to find piece offered in fully operational condition. The handle turns with some effort, and the siren is quite loud. Definitely a great addition to any WWII collection!