*British, WW2, Original Gas Alarm Rattle, Marked “Sect III Gas Alarm”, Dated 1939, Made by W. Clements & Sons*
Stamped on the top: “A.R.P. W.Clements & Sons, 1939”
Marked on the front: “Sect III Gas Alarm”
Written on the bottom: “Sec III Shelter 216”
This is an air raid warden’s wooden gas rattle in good working order, known for its loud and distinctive sound. Made from beechwood with a turned handle, it is stamped ‘Clements and Sons, ARP’—’ARP’ standing for ‘Air Raid Precautions’. Used during WWII to warn of gas attacks or during gas mask drills, the rattle was spun to emit a strong clacking sound. The ‘all clear’ signal was given by ringing a hand bell. After the war, these rattles became popular at football matches.
During WWII, the Nazis developed sarin gas, a deadly nerve agent, by accident. In 1938, German scientist Gerhard Schrader, working for I.G. Farben, created it while trying to invent a cheaper pesticide. Despite producing 12,000 tons of sarin, Hitler, possibly influenced by his WWI experiences and the horrors of chemical warfare, refrained from using it as a weapon. Though Germany was the first to unleash chlorine gas on French troops during the Second Battle of Ypres in April 1915, Britain and France would also employ chlorine and mustard gas during the Great War.
*Condition*
Excellent used condition., One wooden prong broken. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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