Recently I acquired an antique and when looking it over we found what appears to be 8 large seed pods. Each is larger than a hen's egg, round on one end and to a point on the opposite end like a walnut. It has longated ridges running from end to end over the entire pod, and feels woody and fiberous. When shaken it has a dull rattle. The color is a medium brown mixed with black, but cannot tell if this is the original color. Over all it gives the apperance of a fist size woody/fibrous-brown/black walnut. Any ideas in what type of plant this is? Thanks for your assistance!