What could this be?

[femme*fatale]

Good morning, I found this handsome dog at a thrift store. It is marked Meriden silver, so I googled that. However, I cannot find any info on this particular piece. The chair opens so I was thinking a ring/trinket holder? Thank you for your help.

[wastingtime101]

@femme*fatale 

Inkwell.

https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/decorative-objects/desk-accessories/inkwells/meriden-silver-plate-...

[universalscreenarts]

Yup. Inkpot.