This item is a TRICK TRAVEL INK. it's fashioned out of a wood encased metal works. The metal portion swivels open to reveal the original glass inkwell encased within. The ink is marked "RANSOMES PATENT, DE LA RUE & Co. This is a British company that exists to this day. Known primarily as a banknote producer, they have ventured into other products since their 1821 beginnings. They claim to have been the inventor of the fountain pen in 1881. This traveling ink measures 3 1/4"by 2 3/4"W. It is in excellent condition.