A 19th c. miniature size wood carving of a Bible in original condition and surface. 
Carved by Jacob D. Frederick and constructed of a single piece of maple burl wood and hollow carved to accomodate the as shown bone inlaid heart and pointing handto God motifs. 
Jacob Frederick was born in Middletown, Maryland and married Phoebe Chase in Dane County, Wisconsin. Shortly after, in 1865, he enlisted in the 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery Regiment in Company K serving garrison duty to protect Chattanooga, Tennessee from possible Confederate recapture. 
Seeing that the company never saw military battle, Jacob likely carved this wooden Bible between Mar 1st on Company K's mustering and the Sep 27th, 1865 withdrawl from the war. 
An accompanying and not shown paper box  was used to store this little Bible and features script written by his oldest daughter Electa who went by "Jennie" denoting her father Jacob carved the Bible during the "Rebellion".
Carvings such as this were commonplace amongst soldiers during down time in the Civil War with miniatures like this being the uncommon form. Survives in a wonderfully preserved and cheerfully documented state of condition. A charming, endearing and totemistic representation of Civil War life for soldiers on the battlefield. 
Further documentation is avialable by request. 
Acquired many years ago from the original family in IL. Ca. 1865. 1 3/16"T.