Curious

This Christmas gift came to me all the way from Maine.

It was dug out from the bottom of a basket full of letter balls found at an antique store.

Another T for my collection.

But we are all stumped, including the lovely that spent time digging until she found a T!

Does anyone out there have an idea what its original purpose might have been?

UPDATE: I think we may have our answer. My first hunch, based on the weight and feel and the chips on one side, was that it was some sort of a game or lottery ball. Then Debbie left a comment telling us that she is sure that it is a "Carpet Bowl". I have done some searching online, and have yet to find a carpet bowl with letters on it, but everything else about it seems to fit the description. So, for now, I am the proud owner of a "Letter T Carpet Bowl". If anyone else finds more information, please let me know!

UPDATE UPDATE: Well, now it is growing clear... my beloved "Letter T Carpet Bowl" appears to be a reproduction, possibly made by Ballard Designs, Pottery Barn, or Coldwater Creek. All three had sets for sale a few years ago. They look fabulous all gathered together. But I think I'll keep mine just the way it is. Regardless of whether mine is original or a copy, I love having it as part of my mantle arrangement.