Terrific Old Cream Painted Ball in Cage Whimsy with Finial penguin box I've looked and looked

I've looked and looked

and the Munson Steamship line with service from New York to Havana

late 19th century US Army

for all of the reasons this wonderful--Victorian era I believe--reverse glass painting captures

painted on linen gauze

Terrific Old Cream Painted Ball in Cage Whimsy with Finial penguin box I've looked and lookedThis is definitely among my favorite whimsies I've had in the shop wonderful form with tiered finial the topper of which almost feels like a fisted hand softened with age and wear; terrific old cream colored paint, and just a great presence. Late 19th early 20th century I believe, with some paint loss, which I think just makes it better. 4 7 8" t x 1 1 2".