Bird on a stand relic

[Golden]

Hello all. Found this relic a little while ago, but I've been meaning to post it, to see if someone might know what it was used for. On either sides of the base, there are holes which tells me the object might have been nailed or screwed onto a bench, table, or whatever. My mum has a similar looking thing made of plastic, and the bird dips down and retrieves match sticks from inside the slot on top. I'm wondering if this is a same relic of the bygone days. it was found on an old 1800's site, where there is no modern rubbish to be found.
Any thoughts? Thanks!
Golden

 

[John 'n' W.Va]

At first I was thinking it was a door knocker. Maybe the way the beak is shaped it could be a tooth pick dispenser. The bird bends down and retrieves the tooth pick in its beak.

 

[Anonymous]

I grew up with one at my Grandmothers house. It was one of my favorite things to play with as a young child every time I visited her. When she passed away, I inherited it along with the matching salt and pepper shaker. They are painted enamel. Resembles a Pileated Woodpecker. Cool find Golden and a vintage collectable. You may want to get it restored by a professional. Contact Kovel's and ask them who can do this. Good hunting, David@Dixie

 

[Golden]

for your replies! I went to the library yesterday and borrowed a book titled: Bygones of Yesteryear" and as I'm browsing throught it, on page 75 a photo of the same relic jumps out at me! I was surprised and thrilled to say the least. It confirmed what we thought. So here is a photo of the relic in question, with a caption under it. Thanks again! Golden
ps. going to buy some mollasses to soak it in, and see how it scrubbs up.