Hand Cranked Portable Air Raid by Carter Nelson, England

A fully working example of a British Portable Hand – Cranked Siren made by Carter Nelson. Although often claimed to be  WW2 vintage, the vast majority are actually from the Cold War. It would appear that Carter sirens carrying the "Home Office Property" or "Scottish Home Office Property" plates were made after 1945

This is example is in very good working with its original paint and Home Office ownership plate.

Following the end of World War Two, the main sirens were retained and integrated into the Three-Minute Warning, to be used in the event of a Soviet nuclear attack. Likewise, the Civil Defence retained their portable sirens for the same purpose. Each nation preferring a different design of hand-operated siren.

Although found on a variety of different mountings, the Siren design remained constant. By utilising what appears to be a carry handle on the top, the shutters on the front could be open and closed in order to create the dual tone. The faster the crank handle is turned, the louder the siren.