During World War 2, gas rattles were essential items used by the British civil defence forces to warn of gas attacks. These devices were part of the broader air raid precautions (ARP) efforts to protect civilians from chemical warfare.

This one here has been fitted with a metal shroud, painted green and attached with four flat head screws to act as a crude sort of amplifier. The rest is made from a strong wood. Not only does it work as it should, it’s in excellent condition. All fasteners (screws, pins and bolts) are present and none are loose. While variations of these rattles do exist, the ones with the metal shrouds are rarer.