Amazing Antique Hitched Horsehair Quirt, C. Late 19th/Early 20th Century cigar box Just 2 7/8" t x

Just 2 7/8" t x 1" w x 1/8" d

configured in different ways

with some wear to the black stain across the nose

It appears to be April 2

There is a good amount of scratching to the surface and a little roughness around a few edges as pictured--signifiying that this is a tool meant to be used

Amazing Antique Hitched Horsehair Quirt, C. Late 19th/Early 20th Century cigar box Just 2 7/8" t xI'm quite obsessed with this. I wasn't sure exactly what it was when I found it, but knew it was quite an exquisitely made thing, made entirely of dyed and very finely knotted horsehair, creating glorious patterns, with a leather strip threaded through leather loop at the end. Incredible. With a little research I've learned a bit about the world of quirts: short whips associated with the Southwestern US, used to urge a horse to greater speed, but