Peter:
Thanks
Gary:
Early to mid 1890s time-frame. Another net54 member PM'd me, stating he'd seen this very Pairpoint item featured on an 1894 Silver Catalogue. Still searching for that catalogue image, but safe to say the timing is correct.
As to scarcity, it's pretty darned rare. There was one in REA about 7-8 years ago, and Hunts has perhaps had one or two. There was another on ebay roughly 4 years ago, but the seller wanted 2 - 3 times its actual worth, and I doubt it ever sold. The only other one I've seen had an arm that was broken off, but it still sold for close to 4 figures.
It's worth noting that the same pillbox-hatted figural player was also featured on a few other Pairpoint Silver pieces of the era. I actually have the matching Thermometer, and have also seen this figural atop an ornate 1890s Baseball Trophy. So it's a very nice piece to pick up, if you're into this type of thing...