This all wooden rattle measures nine inches long, four inches wide and has a handle 6 ¾ inches long; most likely it is made from white oak or a similar type of wood. There are no markings on the rattle.
Rattles were used by the navy aboard ships to call the crew to their posts during emergencies or to battle stations. The sound is best described as many muskets being fired at one time.
Rattles were also used by night watchmen and others before and after the war for various alarm purposes, such as summoning volunteer firefighters or local militia.
Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 32564
