WW1 British Canadian Gas Alarm Warning Rattle 1918

Metal body and wood fixture gas warning rattle, measuring 11 1/4 inches in total length with a wood tongue and wood octagonal handle that is maker marked and dated 1918. Brown painted wood with the steel body showing its aged finish. Alarm rattles were preferable because they were lightweight, easy to carry, and had a simple design. The rattle worked by whirling the device overhead, which caused a loud whirring sound that alerted the troops on the battle field to wear their gas masks. SKU: 62678