Rooster Mallet Paprika Shaker

Hi
I have a question about a paprika shaker I have. It appears to be from the 40's due to the fact it only has "Japan" printed on the bottom in blue, next to the cork that holds in the seasoning. This shaker is in the shape of a mallet, the seasoning part itself is white ceramic or porcelain and the handle is wood and can be screwed apart. It might be about 6 inches in length total, the shaker part about 3 1/3 inches, and maybe 2 in diameter.

It has a painted rooster on it, the rooster has a yellow body and black head and tail with orange feet and red at its neck. the black and orange were painted on after the yellow, also there are black triangles over the yellow to accent feathers I guess. It is almost in mint condition I would say, the handle is a little dirty and I'm not about to wash it in case it is of value.

I was told by an older man at the local mercantile store, who does consignment to quite a few antique and vintage pieces, to hold onto this shaker and not sell it. At least not until I get an estimate, if it's worth anything, and more infomation. He also estimated it was made in or before the 40's.

I searched the internet and the only ones I can find like it (which took me about 2 days to find) someone sold a set of 4 on eBay for $6.49. Even if it's not worth much, and isn't from the 40's it has to be worth more than that just buying something like that at a store new these days, especially for 4 of them (although I only have one.)

Anyways, I hope you can give me some sort of information, I described it as best I could.