This ratchet noise maker is from the popular American radio comedy program, “Fibber McGee and Molly" that aired from 1935 to 1959. One of the show's signature gags was Fibber's cluttered closet, which, when opened, would unleash a loud and chaotic cascade of items that created comedic sound effects. These sound effects were created by Foley artists during the broadcast using a wide range of props and materials (like this one) to simulate everyday sounds.

The term "Foley" comes from Jack Foley (1891-1967), a pioneering sound effects artist who worked in the early days of sound film. "Fibber McGee and Molly" played a significant role in the development of radio comedy and influenced many subsequent shows. It was one of the pioneering radio sitcoms and both reflected and satirized American life which included the periods during the Great Depression and World War II.