Name of Instrument: cog rattle

Maker / Brand:

Stearns Catalog #: 0078

Country of Origin: England?

Region of Origin: Europe

Instrument Category: Idiophone

Date of Fabrication:

Location: IDI A 5

Description: Known in French as crécelles, in Italian as a raganelle, and in German as Ratshen, noisemakers such as this one were used by night watchmen in the 18th and 19th Centuries to alert townspeople in the case of an emergency. This one has a dark-stained oak cogwheel and oak tongue, frame, and handle with decorative turnings. See Stearns #0076 and #0077 for similar instruments.

Research: Prof. James M. Borders and Stearns Staff