Civil War “Battle Rattle”, as in the Gettysburg Museum (SOLD)

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Civil War “Battle Rattle”. Overall, the body measures approximately 6 1/2” x 9 1/2” (no visible markings). The frame of the rattle swings around the handle turning the ratchet which snaps the slat producing a sharp, piercing “rat-a-tat” sound.

In "Small Arms of the Sea Services", by Robert Rankin, he states "All hands were called to repel boarders by a sounding gong and by battle rattles and verbal commands. The battle rattle was often used to call back boarding parties”. There are also reports that these crude devices were used in the field as an alarm for the approaching enemy.

Overall, this unique piece is in nice solid condition and still works. It would be a great addition to just about any Civil War collection. There is a very similar one in the NPS Gettysburg Battlefield (see pictures).