I found this at a large local antiques market here in upstate New York called Stormville. The woman said she'd take $15 for it. I think it was a steal; I love it, though, no matter how much it's worth. Does anyone know more about this, particularly the marking that says PRIV. and the bird (I think it's an eagle and almost looks like a Napoleonic eagle...?) in the third photo? Thanks! By the way, I believe it's missing a closing mechanism for the leather box portion but the lid to the actual well operates via an ingenious spring mechanism, at least I think it's pretty ingenious considering the probable age of the inkwell. http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee513/betweenthelens/IMG_4846_zpsff548596.jpg http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee513/betweenthelens/IMG_4848_zps05dc9325.jpg http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee513/betweenthelens/IMG_4849_zps1bb5b79f.jpg http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee513/betweenthelens/IMG_4850_zps656aab55.jpg http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee513/betweenthelens/IMG_4853_zpsd6e115a3.jpg