Betty Wales Metal Ploshkin Character Figurine 1916

Description

Just after the turn of the 20th century, there was a popular book series featuring the chracter Betty Wales.  In one book, she tells a friend about a mythical character, a merman, called a "ploshkin."  The "Betty Wales" name was picked up by a clothing line, and a little promotional figure issued in conjunction with that.  The figurine was usually in plaster but then metal version were made (apparently over the plaster?)
Here is one of those metal figurines.  It is 3-3/4" inches tall, and weighs 7.3 ounces.  A small ding on the top of the upraised hand.  Rough patch on the back of the neck.  Dated August 29,1916, on base, with a U.S. Patent number on the other side of base.
Unusual little figurine.  Postage is .50.