Original Item: Only One Available. This instrument lived a double life as not only a chemical gas attack alarm, but a gas leak alarm as well. While aboard US Naval vessels, in the event of a gas leak, this alarm would be manually spun in the air creating a loud rattle noise, alerting the crew. In the event of an enemy gas ATTACK this device would have been used in the same manner and not necessarily by US Navy personnel, these were also used by ground forces.

Gas Warfare, now banned by International Treaty, was first introduced in WWI on the Western Front, and the results were devastating. Soon everyone was issued with a gas mask and was required to carry one at all times. The wooden "Gas Rattle", which looks as if it should be a Crow Scarer, was introduced as it created a unique battlefield sound so everyone who heard it knew that a Gas Attack was imminent. By the time WWII came along, as once again everyone was issued a Gas Mask, though gas was not used by any of the warring parties. The WWI-made gas rattles, still perfectly usable, were reissued as well.

This example is somewhat simple, and looks to have been made with parts on hand. The top of the rattle is marked U.S.N. GAS ALARM.

Still in great working condition after more than 100 years, ready to display or frighten your Crows!