Terrific Old Cream Painted Ball in Cage Whimsy with Finial penguin box for all of the reasons

for all of the reasons this wonderful--Victorian era I believe--reverse glass painting captures

painted on linen gauze

and a fun one to actually play on--though it seems curious that the numbers are oriented toward the short sides rather than long ends

late 19th century US Army

15 1/2" l x approx

Terrific Old Cream Painted Ball in Cage Whimsy with Finial penguin box for all of the reasonsThis is definitely among my favorite whimsies I've had in the shop wonderful form with tiered finial the topper of which almost feels like a fisted hand softened with age and wear; terrific old cream colored paint, and just a great presence. Late 19th early 20th century I believe, with some paint loss, which I think just makes it better. 4 7 8" t x 1 1 2".