Featured Original Billiken Company Chalkware figures

Hi all,
This pair of figures are 6"tall They are titled Billy can and Billy can't. They are sitting on pots lol.
One has the original brass copyright stamp on the bottom.
The finish is what I can't quite figure out. It looks like they were trying to duplicate Raku,
black and gold.
Not sure if it is original or painted over.
Mikey

 

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

Debora

 

Thanks @Debora
What are your thoughts on the finish?
Mikey

 

I think the finish is to imitate bronze. JMHO.

 

I think they had gilding once but it's worn away. Here's another in similar condition.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1561393873...55-0&campid=5338722076&customid=&toolid=10050

Odd little things. I'd never heard of Bilikens before now. And who knew mascot of St. Louis University?

Debora

 

Here are some better pics in the natural light. I found some writing on the backs of them that I can't quite figure out. Other examples of these two don't have any writing on the backs. maybe a previous owner carved their name in them?
Or maybe the artist? I think I see Arthur Sa??
Mikey

 

Arthur something?