Clear glass hippopotamus figurine, appears to be Baccarat (not authenticated)

This is a molded clear glass or crystal figurine depicting a hippopotamus in a resting, recumbent position with its head slightly raised. The physical characteristics include a glossy, transparent finish with smooth, rounded contours that capture and reflect light across its body, emphasizing the animal's bulk, facial features, and folded limbs. The craftsmanship displays clean casting lines and polished surfaces consistent with mid-to-late 20th-century luxury art glass production, bearing strong stylistic similarities to known animal sculptures produced by Baccarat, though no maker's mark or signature is directly legible from the visible angle in this photograph. The item appears to be in overall good condition with no glaring chips or cracks apparent on the surface, though minor microscopic surface scuffs cannot be ruled out without physical handling. The identification of the maker rests entirely on stylistic execution, weight appearance, and form, and should be treated as an unverified hypothesis pending a physical inspection for etched signatures or acid stamps.

Based on what I can see in the photograph, this clear glass hippopotamus figurine exhibits the clean casting lines, polished surfaces, and aesthetic styling consistent with luxury art glass production, bearing strong stylistic similarities to animal sculptures historically produced by Baccarat. However, I cannot verify from a photo alone whether this piece was manufactured by Baccarat, as stylistic execution alone is insufficient for a definitive attribution, and I can't verify the presence or legitimacy of any acid stamp or etched signature without physical handling. My value estimate of $300 to $500 assumes that the attribution to Baccarat is correct and that the piece is in overall good condition with no major chips or cracks. Luxury crystal animal figurines of this type generally attract steady interest from collectors of mid-to-late 20th-century art glass, though secondary market demand can fluctuate. If this piece were to turn out to be a reproduction, replica, copy, or produced simply in the style of the maker rather than an official work, the value would decrease significantly, likely falling into the $50 to $100 range as generic decorative glass. To confirm authenticity and solidify the value, I would need an in-person examination to inspect for faint signatures or acid marks, alongside an evaluation by a qualified specialist or formal expert appraiser.