Reproduction of the "cricket" issued to US Army Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division for their jump into Normandy during operation Overlord. These were used to signal one another in the dark during the confusion of the first hours of the invasion. Brass and steel construction. There is also a hole in the lip provided to attach a "dummy cord".

Imported

History: The "Acme 470 clicker" was designed and produced by the J. Hudson and Company firm in Birmingham, England in the 1920's as a keeping device for band and orchestra leaders. General Maxwell Taylor of the 101st Airborne Division is credited with introducing them in 1944 as a signaling device for troops in the dark. A rush order was placed with J. Hudson in the Spring of 1944 to supply the entire division before D-Day. The majority were brass, but some nickel plated examples exist as well.

Note: There are other reproductions out there featuring a very sexy "U.S." stamp which is beyond FARB. Crickets were NOT government issue! Originals NEVER had such markings.