Cog rattle with ratchet mechanism. Wooden frame with swivel attachment to handle. Two wooden tongues, which are screwed into the frame, engage with two five-toothed cogs on the handle shaft to create the rattle sound when the body spins.
During the Second World War, Air Raid Precaution (ARP) Wardens were the cornerstone of the UK's Civil Defence system. The wardens were trained to detect gas and to sound a rattle such as this one as a warning signal for people to put on gas masks. Wardens were often stationed at designated Warden's Posts, which would hold other items of equipment such as an 'All Clear' signal bell, a first-aid box, anti-gas clothing and a telephone. ARP wardens were almost all unpaid part-time volunteers who also held day-time jobs.
