Antique Rare Cast Setter Hunting Dog - See description for full story

Description

Setter Hunting Dog Statue
This appears to be a bronze statue of an Irish or Gordon Setter hunting dog.  It could be used as a desk paper weight.  Base does not attract magnets, but underside will hold a magnet.   Underside is hollow and has a thin sheet of ferrous metal with thin felt to protect a desktop.  As noted below, this item was probably made over 100 years ago.
Since the bottom is slightly detached at one end, a person could imagine this object was used for smuggling diamonds out of Germany sometime in the 1930's.  This is purely speculation, but given the lack of any markings, except for the one on the underbelly, this object might have an unknown interesting history.  What could it tell a person if it could talk?
Size of base = 6.25" x 2.5" x 0.75"
Height with dog is approximately 3.75"
Dog length from tip of tail to nose is approximately 5-3/4"
Weight (including base) is 1 lb. 12.5 oz.
This appears similar to vintage cast iron pointing dogs or hunting dog statue figurines on eBay which could be used as paperweights.  Testing with a strong magnet showed that this is not cast iron.  The statue is almost black, but also has small areas of a green patina (see photos).
There are no markings on the base which would indicate that this was some person's pet dog or favorite breed.  The underbelly of the dog contains a single word that is part of the casting - "GERMANY."  There is nothing to indicate the date of the casting.
Research on the internet showed passage of protectionist tariff legislation - the McKinley Tariff in 1890.  Articles that were imported to the U.S. were marked with the Country only.  In 1914, the U.S. added the requirement of the words "Made in" to the Country of origin marking.  This casting could have been made prior to 1914 based upon that single word.  That does not preclude the item having been made and kept in Europe for several years before being brought as personal property with some family from Europe.
Most paperweights would have a polished stone, wood, or cast base.  This does not.  The base has not been repaired such that a person can readily see this might have had a specific use.
Contact seller if you have questions, comments, or would like to discuss further.