Little Brass Squirrel with Nut Pipe Tamper (?) folk art couple transforming its profile and character

transforming its profile and character dramatically in the process

founded in 1894

which I think of as a sort of fantastical architectural tower

and through the box shows plenty of wear

3 15/16" x 4 1/16" x 15/16" deep and in great antique condition

Little Brass Squirrel with Nut Pipe Tamper (?) folk art couple transforming its profile and characterI've had this squirrel for a while, found at at estate sale at some point, and have always loved it as a little thing, holding a nut in its little hands, and with long flat tale as a handle. I'd think it a pipe tamper, but usually the tamping end would be more extended, so perhaps it was meant to press a wax seal, but was never engraved with a stamp? In any case, a sweet little thing, which stands on its own and can be moved around by the tail. 2 1 2"