Peg Top

Wooden peg top found in Natchez - Mississippi - USA

An unusual one-piece wooden top acquired in an antique shop in Natchez, Mississippi, USA.

Mississippi, Louisiana, and the Natchez area have long connections with French settlers. The shape of this top actually reminds me more of some French and Belgian tops than of typical American commercial tops.

Of course, that does not mean it came from Europe. It may simply be that the design tradition survived locally. This hand-turned top is carved entirely from a single piece of wood, including its spinning point. Unlike most modern throw tops, which rely on a steel nail for durability and performance, this example demonstrates how careful shaping and balance alone can produce an effective spinner.

Although the wooden point limits spin time compared with metal-tipped tops, the top remains remarkably stable and spins longer than expected, reflecting the skill of its maker and the enduring tradition of folk toy craftsmanship.