Did you say breaking glass? That’s exactly what it’s supposed to sound like. This is a glass sound effect machine that was donated to Griffin MSI in 1971 along with many other Foley instruments. Foley refers to the reproduction of everyday sound effects such as a breaking window, in the use of radio, films, and other media. The word "Foley" comes from a sound effects artist by the name of Jack Foley who, in the early 20th century, developed many sound effect techniques in filmmaking.

This particular glass sound effect instrument was used by WMAQ AM/FM radio for several of their radio programs during the historic days of early radio. Such programs included the "Fibber McGee and Molly Show" which ran from the 1935 to 1953. This glass shattering device was used in the comedy program “Lum and Abner” that aired from 1931 to 1954. So next time the credits role in a movie, and you see “Foley artist,” you’ll know exactly what that person’s job was in the making of the film.