A mid 19th Century bronze and ormolu Encrier, having lid mounted with seated spaniel enclosing inkwell and sander, raised on Gothic fret border ending on short “bell” feet.
 
Encrier, a French term for an inkwell.  This is a whimsical example which would usually be found on a writing table or pedestal desk.  Usually these objects were after the 'Antique' but there is humour in this as it is topped by a chirpy spaniel.