Sweet Old Red Painted Ball in Cage Whimsy document holder All of my research suggests

All of my research suggests that this very fine example--referred to as a blackjack

I sure like this "Jane

with its red tongue confronting you at eye level

Just a nicely shaped old wooden foundry bottle mold with a nice patina

Sweet Old Red Painted Ball in Cage Whimsy document holder All of my research suggestsA little one, but a satisfying one, with the sides of the cage extending a bit on either end, providing little feet to stand on whichever way it is stood, and a nice, gentle arch to the top of the cage. All from one piece of wood and a pretty old one I believe. 2 3 16" t x 1 5 16"w, in very good condition, with a few spots of paint loss as pictured.