A rare 19th c. miniature keeler in original bittersweet paint and gilt highlights.
Produced of eastern white pine wood with five individual staves formed with two protruding ears with pierced handholes. Two hoops made of thinly cut maple wood reinforce the staving and feature an arrow shaped lap joint secured with tiny copper tacks.
The exterior is beautifully painted with bittersweet colored paint and highlighted at its bands and exterior ears with gilt paint. 
Cotton Hersey utilized his signature stamp on the underside of the base producing one of the iconic "CH" impression and is clearly visible. The Hersey family remained to be the most prolific and well-known name in Hingham woodenware and toy manufacturing during the nineteenth century and has remained a highly prized and valued name in the scope of early American treenware. Early keelers produced by Cotton Hersey remain elusive and very scarce in surviving numbers likely being linked to lower production rates.
Remains in superlative original condition with a fine as-descended paint surface which has acquired exceptional oxidized color and patina. 
Hingham, Massachusetts origin. Ca. 1870. 2 7/8"W.