Antique death rattles - AmericaNowNews.com

Antique death rattles

This rare military collectible might look like a party favor, but it's really a valuable piece of history.  Here's why you don't want to toss a "death rattle" in the toy bin.

The Encyclopedia Britannica traces the first use of chemical warfare to the German army in World War I.

As soon as an attack was detected, a soldier would crank a wooden device called a "gas rattle." When other troops heard the rattling sound, they would quickly don their gas masks. The gas rattle helped them survive clouds of chlorine, mustard gas or other deadly toxins.

Michael Roman has been collecting military memorabilia for over 30 years. He says some of the best and most valuable pieces are those that never actually made it to battle.

"They were meant to be heard for 100 yards around, so would often be the last sound you heard if you were too close to the gas," says Roman.

Michael says authentic antiques that came back from the war can be fragile.

"Unfortunately, it's so old that its spokes have started to break off, and that's why I don't really sound it," says Michael. "An original one like this is probably in the $200 to $300 range."

Ironically, the gas rattle evolved into small, celebratory noise-makers.

"These days, most people of this generation knows this as a party favor that's used on New Year's Eve to ring in the New Year," says Michael. "So it's very light-hearted and light-spirited."

Today, most nations around the world have banned the use of chemical warfare. While times have changed, the historic significance of the antique gas rattle is everlasting. And that's the sign of a true treasure!

Copyright 2012 America Now. All rights reserved.

  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • A recent investigation revealed telemarketers and direct-mail companies sometimes receive 90 percent or more of the money people donate to charities.
    A recent investigation revealed telemarketers and direct-mail companies sometimes receive 90 percent or more of the money people donate to charities. The non-profit organizations end up with just pennies on the dollar raised through solicitation campaigns, and it's all legal. 
  • Every pet owner knows a dog can get into just about anything around the house. One woman found that out the hard way when her dog ate a bunch of grapes! Turns out, that's one of the most dangerous foods
    Every pet owner knows a dog can get into just about anything around the house. But these common snacks could be fatal for Fido.
  • Sometimes, smaller retailers charge a check-out fee -- or a "swipe" fee -- to use a credit card instead of cash.
    Sometimes, smaller retailers charge a check-out fee -- or a "swipe" fee -- to use a credit card instead of cash.
Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and America Now. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.