Topic: Inkwell, lidded trinket bowl or something else..?

[Anne E.B.]

I bought this thinking it was a lidded bowl from a trinket set.  However, it is very heavy and thick walled.  The interior is only 1½" deep and approx. 2" wide, so may be too small for a trinket bowl, and may be an inkwell instead.  It's a quality piece.  There are four seams visible on the lid rim but none on the bowl.  Quite old judging by the wear on the base rim.
What does anyone think please?
TIA 

[Ivo]

I would have thought ink well, part of a two piece desk set - the other one being for sand.

[Anne E.B.]

Thank you Ivo

Would the sand be used for ink spillages or for another purpose?

[Ivo]

Sand was strewn over the letter to absorb superfluous ink.

[Anne]

Like a blotter,  Anne.  

[Anne E.B.]

Thank goodness for blotting paper! 

[Anne]

Yeah, much easier to keep clean - I bet the sand got everywhere!