Beautifully Shaped Old 6 Inch Ball in Cage Whimsy Rattle basketry sheath Late 18th or very early

Late 18th or very early 19th century I believe

They each measure 2 5/8" tall x 2 1/2" long x 3/8" thick

in them hopes of knocking them all down

deputy sheriff

The piece is signed Herb on the bottom

Beautifully Shaped Old 6 Inch Ball in Cage Whimsy Rattle basketry sheath Late 18th or very earlyI 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.