Original Item: Only One Available. POISON GAS! Introduced in WWI, it was not only deadly but among the most terrifying of weapons ever used. There were various different formulae, but the best known is “Mustard” gas. This blinded and burned, there was no escape. Old photographs show columns of blinded soldiers each with his hand on the shoulder of the man in front of him being led back from the front lines. In very short order Gas Masks were introduced and additionally an alarm system was needed that would not be confused with anything else. Whistles of course were an absolute non starter.
What was developed was the “GAS RATTLE”, constructed principally out of wood, they were in fact almost like the Machine gun fire replicators used in training. Basically all one did was to rotate the rattle on the wood grip to achieve the desired result. Once this piercing, actually very annoying sound was heard, every soldier knew that was the time to get into all his anti gas clothing and gas mask.
Our example is beautifully made possibly by a fine furniture manufacturer. The system is basically a wooden “Star” shaped wheel that is rotated past a “Sounding Board” slat fixed at the other end. The resulting noise is harsh, very loud and frankly very unpleasant. This certainly gets your attention.
This example is the smallest we’ve ever seen, it is truly diminutive, possibly for demonstrating or a Salesman’s sample. In an attic since WWI, a very interesting Wooden Gas Rattle.e.