The seller told me that this is a wood carving from British Columbia.
He said the unknown artist "AB", had carved this piece and had it out on a fence during a fire, which cause light scorching. He said it was purchased as much as ten years ago. Not sure I believe this story and help would be appreciated.
item was cast at union manuf. co.prior to 1946. JZH was the owner of the company. he primarily cast in cast iron but occasionally cast in white matal and bronze. JZH is well known for casting trivits. it appears that figures cast in bronze were put in his private stock and given as gifts to guest. i know of 2 of these casting that were made as unlike the ones cast in cast iron they were not for retail sales. i have about 10 pages of information on this item and JZH and could fax to anyone that wished to review.