Can any one identify this character?

I have had this for sale on etsy for a long time. I have three question 1) who is he? I know I have seen him but can not put a name to him. 2) would he have been a salt or an ashtray?3) age? The bottom has a faint red mark that reads czech - slovakia . Thanks. I was hoping he would sell better if i knew who he was. He has a baton behind his back

 

When the Czecho-Slovak Republic was established in 1918 it was spelled with the hyphen, but in 1921 the government renamed the country Czechoslovakia.

Reminds me of a Keystone Cop but I'm sure he is another character
Maybe a search for cartoon characters during those years will turn up something?

 

Here's one on eBay called "Good Soldier Svejk" for what its worth.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good_Soldier_Švejk

Debora

 

All of that...in only 20 minutes! You folks are amazing, y'know?

 

Thanks for the dating. I had it in the 1930's so early 1900's is better.

 

This one appears to be more of a police officer with the hat, uniform style and baton. I will check Švejk out more.

 

Thank you all! I looked at images of Švejk and in some the hat is very similar and when wears a peacoat the coat is similar.