I am trying to find out some information on mast mounted battle rattles. There are many examples of smaller hand held rattle but not those that were mounted on masts, secured with a big spring with a pin holding it in place. Apparently when a ship's crew went to quarters the bo'sun, or the crew member on lookout, would be ordered to "spring the rattle" The Naval Museum in Port Columbus has almost completed the building of a replica of the USS/CSS Waterwitch and the museum dirctor has asked me to find out what I can about these warning rattles. Does anybody have any info or, even better, photo sources..

Many thanks

Peter Barratt