German pieces, especially antique ones, are highly desired by collectors because of their quality, and their style.  All the antique German pieces have a slight bit (sometimes more than slight) of scary to their characters.  Even when they are smiling (see my Shuco clown) they have an edge to their look.  They were masters of molded paper pulp, using it for candy containers, for calendar tops, and all kinds of ornaments.  BUYER BEWARE, there are knock offs out there.  The reproductions are often as old, or just about as old as the German pieces, but are just not the same quality.  I have a knock off Mr. Toad clapper for sale in a different listing, as well as a German Mr. Toad, and you can really see the difference, when you look at them side by side.  These German pieces are almost always marked Germany.  This fellow is a clapper on both sides.  There are rubs to his paint, and a rough spot on one ear, on one side. There is some wear aong the edges of the paddle, and the piece, when shaken, "claps".  It is stamped "Missouri Gas & Electric Service Co. on one side on the handle.