ARP Gas Rattle, Football Rattle
ARP Gas Rattle, Football Rattle
27175
Second World War Wooden ARP Gas Rattle.
An air raid warden's wooden gas rattle, later Boston United football rattle. This gas rattle is made from beechwood with a turned handle and in original working condition. The top is stamped 'Clements and Sons, ARP' with later painted club colours. 'ARP' stands for 'Air Raid Precautions' and 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.
Dimensions:
1900-1949
Circa 1939
Beech-wood
England
Clements and Sons, ARP
Good working order
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