Not a penny toy as they were tin,& not more than 5 in tall. reread it-sorry, it looks more like a bank, does it have a slot for money anywhere? Otherwise I don't have any listing for animated toys or wooden. Does look German tho. Might try Googling"German antique animated wooden toys" & see if you get anything.

I've been into wood carving since I got my girl scout pocketknife. A good knife is really all you need, but X-acto makes a great wood carving kit that you can get at any craft store. Recently I got a Dremel rotary tool and a huge collection of bits for it. Haven't really figured out how to use everything yet. I've never tried carving birds or tikis, though I have seen some great tikis in Florida carved in palm trees. They uproot the tree and leave the roots on for hair. They were probably carved with a chainsaw. Dover Publishing has an incredible online catalog of craft books, and they're not too expensive, either. Sunset Books may publish one on woodcarving, too.

Most likely hide glue. Vinegar will soften it....but won't be good for the stain. See if there is some way you can soak the glue off while protecting the rest....maybe with masking tape and saran wrap?

Thanks, lazy gardens. I was recently in touch with someone familiar with this type of furniture, and he told me he believes these pieces were finished with a colored linseed oil. Would you suggest I used a little bit of uncolored boiled linseed oil over the pieces, which might help bring moisture back to the very dry areas? I've also heard good things about tung oil. What would be your opinion on that for these pieces? Thanks.