Harlequin Patterned, Hand-painted, Lined Antique Wooden Box with Handwritten Inscription Griebel Instrument co as there are two small

as there are two small holes in one of its paws

It is actually the dowel with tip that sold me on this

Wood backing and wired for hanging

and I'd bet was used by a few generations of kids as a rattle (or bat

Photographed in two different light conditions to try to give a best sense

Harlequin Patterned, Hand-painted, Lined Antique Wooden Box with Handwritten Inscription Griebel Instrument co as there are two smallA whole lot of love and care went into the creation of this little box, from the harlequin patterning on all four sides (carved then painted rather than inlaid), to the roses and vines painted on the lid, to the turning arm with arrow pointer that would have (it no longer holds tension) made it open like a puzzle box, to the pretty fabric lining on the interior. And, finally, a handwritten inscription on the underside: "Forget me not forget me never