Art Nouveau Bronze Sculpture Vase

I like visiting thrift stores to find my treasures. Things you can't buy at the mall. I find them and, like this one, try to find out who made it and what is its purpose. I don't know much about metal art. I think this 6 1/2" piece is bronze, perhaps gold plated. It does not react to strong magnet. There is a possible signature. I have scanned the Internet for hours and now I turn to my fellow collectors for their expertise. Here are the terms I have searched: Art nouveau, arts and crafts, brutalist, vase, pen holder, desk set to name a few. I would appreciate your help out there, I don't know anything on this one!