Bisque Composite Doll - Age? Maker?

I got this last weekend at an auction in the DelMarVa area. I didn't want it, it was combined into a lot that I DID want of a kewpie. I didn't pay much attention to it until yesterday when I noticed numbers on it's head - and now I'm intrigued!

The head is bisque - moves back/forth, body is composite, missing a foot and a finger. It's 5" tall, head is solid, face is painted. What's left of its "clothes or costume" is ivory and pink/red, a bunch of thread/strings intertwined. The legs and arms still have a coating of paint on them, the torso is wood or cork maybe.
Very faint on the back of its head is a " 3 4" and under that is a "9", no other markings.
With the metal loops at its elbows, hips, back, and the "spike" sticking out of the top of its head - I assumed it was some kind of old marionette? Is it? I don't know anything about dolls, if that isn't already obvious, just grab a kewpie when I can because my grandmother left me a few and I think they're cute, that's my doll knowledge...
I looked all over eBay last night where I learned that it was a "Bisque head composite doll" but I'd really like to know how old it is, is it German/French/American made, etc.

Thanks for any info!!

* when I say the head is solid - I mean that it doesn't have a big opening in the top like I saw on others on eBay last night. Just has a metal rod that comes out of a small hole. I guess to hold the head on the body...