Wooden Badlands "Do Nothing" Machine native craft This varnished one

This varnished one

I've found one similar set online (selling for $1500 for a set of 6) purchased in Venice in the 1960s

See detail photos

And he reminds me of a Carl Aubock sculpture in his simple but just-right form and weight

Wooden Badlands "Do Nothing" Machine native craft This varnished one"The perfect gift for that Special DO NOTHING Friend that Useless Necessity a Husband that Absolute Necessity a Wiife Designed for Those Who are Going in Either Direction and a Reduction Gear for Big Wheels!!! Don't Underestimate the Psychological Value of this Do Nothing." So reads the text on the back of this handheld amusement, produced by Pickles Gap Creek Crafts in Conway, Arkansas. And, indeed, it is pretty satisfying to turn the handle round