Sweet Antique Rattle Whimsy with Lock Shaped End green and cream operates smoothly and spins fast

operates smoothly and spins fast

I love the black hair

A bit of research leads me to believe that most if not all were made from a kit of Strombecker Steam Locomotives dating to the 1920s or 30s

wrapping around the sides of the egg and surrounded by flames

with incised patterns crossing the cheeks to suggest war paint

Sweet Antique Rattle Whimsy with Lock Shaped End green and cream operates smoothly and spins fastA fairly simple but beautifully carved and quite old whimsy rattle, sold as found with string wrapped around one end, perhaps to keep it from rattling! I really like the lock shape of the larger end, which also allows for it to be hung from a nail, and then the other end looking rather like a little acorn. Very sweet, with a great old patina, looks maybe like walnut to me. 5 1 2" x 15 16" x 15 16" and in very good condition. String could be easily