Featured Weird Object - Paperweight (?) - Any Ideas ??

Hello !!

I've recently come across this slightly bizarre object, the like which I've never seen before.
It was advertised as possibly being a paperweight, with the upper part being root wood (?) and the lower part being made of bronze.

Has anyone seen anything similar or perhaps have a better idea as to it's purpose might be ?

Thanks to all !!!!!!!!!

 

Is that a screw on the side? Does it come undone? Maybe it's a box of some sort.

 

Burl wood paper weight without brass base, dead link on Ruby Lane but photo on Google images. https://www.google.com/search?q=bur...l87XIAg&bih=726&biw=1428&client=firefox-b-1-d

 

If that's the case, you don't want to undo that screw; it's just holding the base in place.

 

I'm thinking the bronze piece was used to provide some weight. I would expect that the wood alone wouldn't be heavy enough in this case.

 

here is the link to the Ruby Lane one, it sold so you have to scroll way, way, way down to see the listing. It has had part of the base hollowed out and lead put inside, it sold for $145US
https://www.rubylane.com/item/704791-QS-F0657/Circa-1810-Bur-Burl-Wood-Desk

 

Excellent ! Problem solved ! Many thanks indeed for all your time and help.
Much obliged for the super-speedy replies !!

PS Happy New Year to All !!!