Civil War “Soldier Art” wood-carving, “Ball-in-Cage” (SOLD)

This is an interesting piece being offered: it is a hand-carved piece which is often referred to as a “Ball in Cage”. It measures 8" x 1 1/2” and was carved from a single piece of wood around the round ball.  There is a possibility that it was whittled by a soldier or even a POW to pass the time.

Whittling did not become a prevalent hobby in the United States until the Civil War began, when soldiers with skilled hands and idle hours whittled to pass the time. It became a popular diversion that enlisted men, commanding officers, and even General Ulysses S. Grant partook.

Most soldiers carried folding pocket knives and in turn became proficient whittlers. They turned wood into walking sticks, figurines, sculptures, smoking pipes, fans, whistles, and ball-in-cages. After the war many of the veterans continued their leisure pursuit.

This unique piece remains solid, and the ball still floats back and forth. In the “Civil War Collectors Encyclopedia”, by Francis Lord, there is a similar piece which belonged to a Civil War officer. Also, I go into more detail about this practice in my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items” (see pictures).