That particular carving had a hairline crack which I backed with a slip of wood. I believed it was an invisible repair, so I submitted a photo to the scrutiny of the possie, who were not able to agree on where the crack was, so I guessed it was OK and posted it off with a batch. No comment was made and the ball is on exhibition with the rest of the series.
"We all have flaws, and mine is being wicked." James Thurber, The Thirteen Clocks 1951