These were given to me my my great-uncle in 1970. A family legend, which unfortunately I cannot substantiate, is that they were carved by my great-uncle's brother who allegedly served under Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War (i.e. participated in the charge up San Juan Hill). The figures are about 3.5" tall at the ears, definitely wood. but stained black. and have small nails with rounded heads for their beady little eyes. Just sharing since there's no price on the sentimental value.