This super sweet, super old little whimsy made me realize I am often describing things are carved when I should be saying whittled, meaning made using only a knife--and if there were ever an object that would seem to embody the act of whittling, I think it might be it! I really like its rustic-ness and the simplicity of the form--like a cheerio on a barbell!--and can almost picture its maker with their knife in hand sitting at the end of the day whittling away, perhaps making this little rattle as a gift for their child or grandchild. 

Well more than 100 years old I believe, with a really great patina. A few dings to the surface of the balls on the ends, as pictured. 2 7/8" l x 7/8" d.