I'm always looking for carved whimsies but distinctive old ones seem increasingly hard to come by. Three today though, each special in its own way, and this my favorite, including for how the top evinces the beginnings of a heart. With old sticker bearing the name of the maker still stuck on it--a bit hard to decipher the last name and there is a bit of ink bleed/stain there, but my best guess is G. W. L. Benedict. Found in Maine, and I believe of Maine, maybe carving itself a bit older than the sticker--I'd guess later 19th c. on the carving.  Rich patina, lots of character, very nice.

4 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1 1/4". Very good condition, sturdy and sound. One of the balls has a small carved-in recess on one side, I'm not sure why!