Antique Cast Iron Ink Well??

I believe this to be an antique ink well but I'm not sure so I decided to share. It's not as glorious as some others by any meens that I've seen here. I got a surprise when I removed the top and this powder got on my hands an all of a sudden I'm covered in ink. The base is stamped and made of cast iron. I'm curious if anyone has information on this piece.