This is one that you really want to see up close and hold in your hands to fully appreciate the warmth and charm it is dripping with!  The little whittled figure at the rear of the barge is very lovingly done, with pins at the shoulders to allow one to move his arms (gently) up and down, and curiously, a snap glued to the top of his head, I assume just as a hat! I have a feeling the rudder beside him was the maker's proudest accomplishment, carefully whittled, with a long handle, and attached to the rear of the boat by wire, such that it can be rotated a full 180 degrees. 

I'm guessing the two framed cages at the center of the barge, animated with densely pencil drawn circles, are meant to carrying coal. There are more pencil-drawn details all over, and then at the bow a nicely carved cleat to round things out. 

8 3/4" long x 3" tall x 1 3/4" wide. Excellent antique condition, I'd guess earlyish 20th century, with a terrific patina. Really a special thing.