Amazing Antique Hitched Horsehair Quirt, C. Late 19th/Early 20th Century masonic sword sheath evocative found language

evocative found language

an old pick axe head I believe

I love this little thing

9 3/8" tall x about 9 3/8" in diameter

9: tall x 5 3/8" wide x 4 1/2" deep (not including quills) and in very good vintage condition

Amazing Antique Hitched Horsehair Quirt, C. Late 19th/Early 20th Century masonic sword sheath evocative found languageI'm quite obsessed with this. I wasn't sure exactly what it was when I found it, but knew it was quite an exquisitely made thing, made entirely of dyed and very finely knotted horsehair, creating glorious patterns, with a leather strip threaded through leather loop at the end. Incredible. With a little research I've learned a bit about the world of quirts: short whips associated with the Southwestern US, used to urge a horse to greater speed, but