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Although this rachet was manufactures for orchestral, theatre band or dance band use, the action is not reversible, so intricate rhythms are not easily playable on it. Most likely it was used to provide novelty sounds.
Ratchet

Instrument Information

Title

Ratchet

Accession Number

2900

Collection

MIMEd; Blades Collection

Date Information

Date Made

First quarter of 20th century

Gallery Information

Gallery

Laigh Room

Case

Jazz band display

Maker Information

No information recorded.

Made In

No information recorded.

Description

Other Information

General usage of type: orchestra or theatre band.

Technical Description

Small orchestral ratchet; two fixed arms, each with two tongues; cog rotated by cranked handle; the four tongues are of such lengths as to sound sequentially not simultaneously; clip for fixing to stand or to bass drum; nickel-plated steel handle. Side plates are non-ferrous nickel finish and retain the wooden cog and tongues.

Provenance

Purchased, 1989.

Classification

Instrument

Ratchet

Instrument Family

Percussion

Hornbostel Sachs Classification

112.24; musical instrument