I've been really loving diving into new genres of things, especially within the realm of folk art, and one of them is carved wooden whimsies like this chain, carved from one piece of wood. I can't even imagine having the ability first to to envision and then execute something like this, but I am so glad there are carvers out there who have and do! I purchased this piece, and two other whimsy chains, from a dealer in Maine, from whom I understand they were made by a G. Deward Davis, based in Stonington, ME, and date from the 1960s-80s. I especially love the cages on either end of this one, each with a little carved ball inside, which stand on end like little anchors to the 14 link chain.
I think this is especially great hung on the wall with small nails in a few places at different heights so that it slinks across the wall a bit. A visible reminder of what time, skill and patience can enable!
The chain measures 18 1/8" long x approx 3/4" wide and deep and is in excellent condition.