Antique Carved Wood Fireplace Mantel (oak?)

My father was given this by a neighbour aprox 30 yrs ago who had had it for a while. We live in London, in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. When he received it, it looked like a simplistic white box-like mantel, but after removing the layers of the mantel, he realized this wooden mantel was underneath. He carefully restored it (painstakingly using Q-tips over a period of six months!) until all of the carved detail was revealed. We think the wood is oak, although we're unsure. We know nothing about its origin, maker, etc and have yet to come across a similar one. The wood carvings depict ducks, fruit, corn plants and popply-like flowers. There are two holes on the top (I imagine it had a mirror at one point?). Any help on the history of this or similar pieces would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!