Featured Can anyone tell me about this moving window display(?)

I finally broke down & bought this window display? from my neighbor.
I thought he looked like the little person who was the only person who was trademarked - I think he did ads for a hotel, but I can't remember for sure.
This piece was electrical - but it looks like the motor was removed - and his head would turn, that caused his thumbs up arm to move.
But with no motor & 1 arm broken, is this still collectible?
Any idea of its age?
Or what type of business he tried to attract the attention of passer-bys for?
I paid $50 for him because he's one of the most unusual pieces I've seen in awhile!
Ok, and he's 34 inches tall.
Thank you for any help with this guy!

 

This is the one the guys from American Pickers found!

 

I'd say this is a good mystery item for a $50 admission fee.

Try asking here ...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/animatronicshows

 

Chinese restaurant or laundry?

 

Thank you!

 

I would say you are profiling, but I hought it was a bell boy/bell boy cap!!

 

To me he looks like a workman and the missing arm held the product that he likes. A can of paint or brush would look nice.

Maybe he's a butcher and held a cleaver?

Wall paper hanger and a brush?

A baker and a pie?

???

 

He strikes me as a caricature 'Chinaman' type, dressed for work in a steamy place like a kitchen or a laundry, stereotypical Chinese businesses. I don't know if the face is simply yellowed with age or original.

Victor Sen Yung as Hop Sing on Bonanza:

 

Baker's cap, I think -

 

He's wearing a wife beater. I see a pizza joint.

Debora

 

I agree, pizza pie man.

 

He's wearing jeans, isn't he? That would make him post-World War II.

Debora

 

I thought wife beaters were pointy shoes?
Learn something new every day here!

 

Those are winklepickers.

Debora

 

Suspect the American is sh*tkickers. Most Americans haven't a clue what winkles are, or what it means to winkle something out of someone.

 

Think sh**kickers more like these. Designed for their purpose.



vs. winklepickers



Debora

 

Also known as "Beatle boots".

 

That was exactly what I thought, but didn't know if I should mention the wife-beater shirt. . My ex is Italian and my son has started wearing these t-shirts.

 

Jeans were invented in 1873 so it doesn't have to be post WWII.

 

Nope. Sleeveless t-shirts.