Despite the name, it has nothing to do with actual snakes. The “rattlesnake” is a simple spring-loaded device designed to mimic the sudden strike of a snake when an envelope is opened.
How It Works:
The gadget is folded flat and tucked inside a standard business-size envelope.
The envelope is sealed normally—often with a note like “Open carefully!” or “Important document inside.”
When the recipient lifts the flap, the tension releases—and the coiled wire springs out with a snap, startling them (and usually making them jump!).
It’s all about timing, surprise, and harmless mischief—a classic practical joke from the pre-internet era.
A Brief History:
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