Adar I 14 - Purim Katan

In the first month, that is, the month of Nisan in the twefth year of King Ahasuerus, pur -- which means "the lot" -- was cast before Haman concerning every day and every month, [until it fell on] the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar. Haman then said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people, scattered and dispersed among the other peoples in all the provinces of your realm, whose laws are different from those of any other people and who do not obey the king's laws; and it is not in Your Majesty's interest to tolerate them. If it please Your Majesty, let an edict be drawn for their destruction, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the stewards for deposit in the royal treasury." Thereupon the king removed his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman . . . the foe of the Jews. And the king said, "The money and the people are yours to do with as you see fit." Esther: 3:7-11. The Writings--Kethubim: A new translation of The Holy Scriptures according to the Masoretic text, Third Section, The Jewish Publication Society of America, Philadelphia, 1982. Crayon on cardstock; edited on IrfanView.
This means Haman made his plans nearly one year ahead of time, and he was picking his dates like a lottery -- by casting "pur" -- which is the origin of the name of the holiday Purim. He offered silver which Ahasuerus declined -- why? Wikipedia estimates a talent of silver is worth $11,500 (based on 2007 rates); thus, 10,000 talents would be worth ~$115 million -- if I did the math correctly.

Jewish leap years have an Adar I and Adar II. The 14th of Adar II is Purim (to assure that it falls exactly a month before Passover), the 14th of Adar I is called Purim Katan, little Purim. Some communities celebrate their escape from persectution on this date; a few such celebrations are recounted at this link.
I might have purchased this noisemaker at the place where I used to shop for used furniture in the 1980's. The marking says "PAT.MAY 6-90" meaning 1890. I suspect it was not designed for use on Purim, but that's OK -- it still works for me!
1.25" x 6" x ~0.2"