Best Old Painted Face on Post with Excellent Patina and Unknown Function (Carnival?) Coney Island souvenir Absolutely the most beautiful example

Absolutely the most beautiful example of one of these--typically referred to as Amish puzzle balls or Amish sewing balls--I've ever seen

Perhaps it is actually Kegel (German 9 pin bowling) that he is playing

with white paper numbered squares adhered to the surface long ago and hooks I would guess repurposed from something else nailed into the surface to catch the rings

twists upon twists and a great objecthood about it

and which gives the piece a terrific immediacy

Best Old Painted Face on Post with Excellent Patina and Unknown Function (Carnival?) Coney Island souvenir Absolutely the most beautiful exampleI have no real idea what function this once served maybe some sort of a carnival knock down? Whatever the case, it has seen some knocking around, adding up to a perfect patina on that marvelous painted face, which in no world could I resist. Just an excellent thing with just the best old painted surface. 11" t x 3 1 4" w (face is 3 1 4" in diameter) x 2" deep. Perfect patina, structurally super sturdy and sound, with a loop on reverse for hanging.