Beautifully Shaped Old 6 Inch Ball in Cage Whimsy Rattle basketry sheath I'd guess this piece dates

I'd guess this piece dates to the first half of the 20th century

while Stella in profile looks out into the distance rather like a proud figurehead at the bow of a ship sailing to sea

in them hopes of knocking them all down

The piece is signed Herb on the bottom

deputy sheriff

Beautifully Shaped Old 6 Inch Ball in Cage Whimsy Rattle basketry sheath I'd guess this piece datesI 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.