Halloween noisemakers probably originated in Germany, and became popular in this country around the 1920's. Early noisemakers were made of wood and made a ratcheting sound when spun. By the 1950's, noisemakers were made of tin, came in all shapes and sizes, and featured colorful Halloween graphics. Although noisemakers went out of fashion in the 1960's, today they're being appreciated anew by collectors, both for their sound and visual qualities.

American noisemakers were mainly produced by three companies: Kirchhof, U.S. Metal Toy and T. Cohn.

Ratchet style, U.S. Metal Toy Mfg. Co. Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Ratchet style, Kirchhof (note wooden handle) Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Ratchet style, printed on all sides, U.S. Metal Toy Mfg. Co. Click here to hear this noisemaker!
Round ratchet style, wooden handle, U.S. Metal Toy Mfg. Co. Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Contemporary plastic whistle, Amescan (?) Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Rattle, wooden handle, no manufacturer listed Click here to hear this noisemaker!
Bell style, no manufacturer shown Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Rattle style, U.S. Metal Toy Mfg. Co. Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Mallet style, Kirchhof (note wooden handle) Click here to hear this noisemaker!
Paddle style, Kirchhof Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Frying pan style, no manufacturer shown Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Horn, states only "Made in USA" Click here to hear this noisemaker!
Clicker, U.S. Metal Toy Mfg. Co. Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Clicker, T. Cohn (note frog shape) Click here to hear this noisemaker!	"Confetti" style ratchet, U.S. Metal Toy Mfg. Co. Click here to hear this noisemaker!
Metal tambourine, U.S. Metal Toy Mfg. Co. Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Metal tambourine with undecorated paper head, T. Cohn Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Kirchhof ratchet Click here to hear this noisemaker!
Classic wooden ratchet known as a "rattletrap" or "horse fiddle", possibly homemade. May have once had a Halloween figure perched on the top. Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Another Kirchhof ratchet Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Contemporary noisemaker - the skeleton's head bangs into his hands and makes a bony noise! Click here to hear this noisemaker!
Ratchet style, T. Cohn Click here to hear this noisemaker!	Mallet rattle, U.S. Metal Toy Mfg. Co. Click here to hear this noisemaker!	This little Kirchhof clicker is only 2" long.
Clapper style, T. Cohn	Witch tambourine by Kirchhof	Pumpkin tambourine by Kirchhof