Beautifully Shaped Old 6 Inch Ball in Cage Whimsy Rattle basketry sheath deputy sheriff

deputy sheriff

Late 18th or very early 19th century I believe

13" long x 9 1/4" deep x 4 1/2" tall

The piece is signed Herb on the bottom

They appear to be made out of some sort of granular stone--not especially heavy

Beautifully Shaped Old 6 Inch Ball in Cage Whimsy Rattle basketry sheath deputy sheriffI would guess this whimsy was made as a rattle for little one, to be shaken on one end and chewed on the other (though fortunately there are no tooth marks!) I think the elongated, slightly undulating form is really elegant, and also pretty unusual, and the loop end is perfect for hanging from a nail, though it does stand up on its own. I think the wood is walnut, and it definitely has a fair amount of age to it. 6" long x 1 3 8" wide x 1 1 8" deep.