This is a very interesting traveling inkwell. it is covered with leather and has a sterling silver top. The ink bottle is inside, and the lid fits tightly, and I guess this would keep the ink in. I can't even imagine, in all the traveling I do, not having a cheap ball point pen, but having to get out a dip pen and a traveling inkwell every time I needed to write something! Anyway, this was most likely owned by a member of the aristocracy, because of the coronet on the front. The piece is in excellent condition, and is circa 1820. It measures 1 and 3/4 inches tall , an measures 1 and 3/4 inches North to South, and about the same East to West.