Ww2 Arp Gas Rattle / Rochdale Football Club Rattle

 Second World War Wooden ARP Gas Rattle. An air raid warden's wooden gas rattle, later Rochdale  football rattle. This gas rattle is made from beechwood with a turned handle and in original working condition. The rattle was used to give warning of a gas attack or during gas mask drills. During the Second World War the British government passed the Air Raid Precautions Act, requiring local authorities to ready themselves in case of an air attack, with the air raid warden being at the for front. The warning was given by holding the handle and spinning the rattle around, emitting a strong distinctive clacking sound, the 'all clear' signal was given by ringing a hand bell. After the war the rattles became a common sight in the hands of supporters at football matches. Rattles were also used as bird scarers. CONDITION ISSUES:- Age related marks but no chips/cracks and painted in the 1950's by the owner when a child ie badly which is part of its charm. Most were actually WW1 issue dragged from storage and given to the ARP but being 'Mrs Picky' on the description