Skip to main content

Antique Brass Inkwell

to
71
269
245
425
149
149
147
58
35
26
25
22
20
15
15
7
7
7
6
5
4
3
3
3
1
1
1
5
3
2
2
2
Sort By
French Brass Inkwell, 19th Century
French Brass Inkwell, 19th Century

French Brass Inkwell, 19th Century

Located in Savannah, GA

A French brass inkwell, 19th century. 8 ¼ inches wide by 4 ¾ inches tall

Category

19th Century French Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Art nouveau Brass inkwell, France, 1900
Art nouveau Brass inkwell, France, 1900

Art nouveau Brass inkwell, France, 1900

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Art Nouveau style brass inkwell, France, circa 1900, with an elegant and symmetrical design typical of late 19th-century aesthetics.

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique French Brass Inkwell, Shoe, Early 20th Century
Antique French Brass Inkwell, Shoe, Early 20th Century

Antique French Brass Inkwell, Shoe, Early 20th Century

Located in Greven, DE

Beautiful brass inkwell, which shows a antique shoe. France, around 1910.

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Art nouveau golden brass inkwell 1900 jugendstil desk accessorie
Art nouveau golden brass inkwell 1900 jugendstil desk accessorie

Art nouveau golden brass inkwell 1900 jugendstil desk accessorie

Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR

Art Nouveau Large jugendstil golden brass inkwell Original 1900 desk accessorie Original good condition Height 13 cm Large 25 cm

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Brass Inkwell & Writing Desk Set, c.1880
19th Century English Brass Inkwell & Writing Desk Set, c.1880

19th Century English Brass Inkwell & Writing Desk Set, c.1880

Located in Worcester, GB

19th Century English Brass Inkwell & Writing Desk Set, c.1880 A charming Victorian-era brass inkwell and writing desk set from c.1880, offering both functionality and decorative app...

Category

19th Century British Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

c. 1930 English Art Deco Brass Inkwell
c. 1930 English Art Deco Brass Inkwell

c. 1930 English Art Deco Brass Inkwell

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1930 Art Deco brass inkwell, English. Cast in 2 parts & hinged.

Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique Ottoman Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with Arabic Calligraphy Writing
Antique Ottoman Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with Arabic Calligraphy Writing

Antique Ottoman Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with Arabic Calligraphy Writing

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Antique 19th C. Ottoman Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with Arabic Calligraphy Writing.An antique 19th century brass decorated Islamic Turkish Qalamdan.An antique Turkish Brass Inkwe...

Category

Mid-19th Century Turkish Islamic Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

c. 1850 Middle Eastern Islamic Brass Inkwell & Pen Case
c. 1850 Middle Eastern Islamic Brass Inkwell & Pen Case

c. 1850 Middle Eastern Islamic Brass Inkwell & Pen Case

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1850 Middle Eastern Islamic brass inkwell & pen case (Qalamden). Solid brass with cast parts.

Category

Mid-19th Century Turkish Islamic Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

English Victorian Bone and Brass Inkwell
English Victorian Bone and Brass Inkwell

English Victorian Bone and Brass Inkwell

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian oval burl wood and ebonized inkwell with decorative brass trim and nail heads holding a large 10 sided crystal well.

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Rare cast brass inkwell, Germany 2nd half 19th century.
Rare cast brass inkwell, Germany 2nd half 19th century.

Rare cast brass inkwell, Germany 2nd half 19th century.

Located in Milan, IT

A rare 19th-century inkwell and dusting pan made of bronze-patinated cast brass, with gilded details, depicting John Falstaff, inspired by Friedrich Wilhelm August Castner.

Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Baroque Style Brass Inkwell Set and Letter Holder Stand
Baroque Style Brass Inkwell Set and Letter Holder Stand

Baroque Style Brass Inkwell Set and Letter Holder Stand

Located in Doylestown, PA

Baroque style solid brass double inkwell set with letter holder, c. 1900-1910.

Category

Early 1900s European Baroque Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Victorian Brass Inkwell In The Form Of A Terrier
Victorian Brass Inkwell In The Form Of A Terrier

Victorian Brass Inkwell In The Form Of A Terrier

Located in Essex, MA

Cast terrier with hinge lid opening to an inkwell. From the estate of the founder of Yankee Candle Co.

Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

French Neoclassic Walnut Veneer & Brass Inkwell, 2nd quarter 19th century
French Neoclassic Walnut Veneer & Brass Inkwell, 2nd quarter 19th century

French Neoclassic Walnut Veneer & Brass Inkwell, 2nd quarter 19th century

Located in Atlanta, GA

the inkwell covered in walnut veneer and trimmed in brass, featuring lion masks at the sides and paw feet, brass covers atop the inkwells and a brass pen tray, with a sneaky side dr...

Category

1830s French Neoclassical Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Moorish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan, 19th Century, Hand-Crafted in Asia
Moorish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan, 19th Century, Hand-Crafted in Asia

Moorish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan, 19th Century, Hand-Crafted in Asia

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

A 19th century Middle Eastern, Asian brass decorated Islamic Moorish Qalamdan. The Qalamdan is an inkwell in solid brass.

Category

19th Century Asian Moorish Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

19th Century Belgian Louis XV Style Repoussé Brass Inkwell with Letter Holder
19th Century Belgian Louis XV Style Repoussé Brass Inkwell with Letter Holder

19th Century Belgian Louis XV Style Repoussé Brass Inkwell with Letter Holder

Located in Dallas, TX

Decorate a gentleman’s desk or study with this elegant antique inkwell and letter holder from Belgium, circa 1880.

Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Louis XV Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass, Metal

Art Deco Black Glass and Brass Inkwell With Letter Rack Desk Set
Art Deco Black Glass and Brass Inkwell With Letter Rack Desk Set

Art Deco Black Glass and Brass Inkwell With Letter Rack Desk Set

Located in Land O' Lakes, FL

The glass is pristine, free from imperfections, while the brass around the inkwell shows some natural tarnish and wear, adding to its vintage charm.

Category

1920s American Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique Middle Eastern Islamic Brass Inkwell Qalamdan, circa 1850
Antique Middle Eastern Islamic Brass Inkwell Qalamdan, circa 1850

Antique Middle Eastern Islamic Brass Inkwell Qalamdan, circa 1850

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Antique Middle Eastern Brass Inkwell Qalamdan. A 19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Islamic Qalamdan.

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Islamic Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Antique French Inkwell in Gilded Brass and Porcelain
19th Century Antique French Inkwell in Gilded Brass and Porcelain

19th Century Antique French Inkwell in Gilded Brass and Porcelain

Located in Bradenton, FL

Beautiful Antique 19th century painted and gilded brass inkwell. Floral motif with pink rose on handle.

Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Brass Antique Engraved and Signed Inkwell Louis XV Style
19th Century French Brass Antique Engraved and Signed Inkwell Louis XV Style

19th Century French Brass Antique Engraved and Signed Inkwell Louis XV Style

Located in Sofia, BG

19th Century small French antique engraved brass Inkwell in Louis XV style signed in the bottom in very good authentic condition.

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Inkwell with Glass Insert
Antique Victorian Inkwell with Glass Insert

Antique Victorian Inkwell with Glass Insert

Located in Stamford, CT

Decorative Victorian brass inkwell with a glass insert a nice size and good conversation piece for any desk.

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

1920s Art Deco Egyptian Revival Brass Pyramid Inkwell With Milk Glass Holder
1920s Art Deco Egyptian Revival Brass Pyramid Inkwell With Milk Glass Holder

1920s Art Deco Egyptian Revival Brass Pyramid Inkwell With Milk Glass Holder

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Original 1920s Art Deco era Egyptian Revival pyramid-shaped brass inkwell with milk glass ink container. The ink well has a top-hinged lid for easy access to ink when needed and is a...

Category

1920s American Art Deco Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Victorian English Brass Figural Pig Inkwell with Articulated Back Lids, C. 1875
Victorian English Brass Figural Pig Inkwell with Articulated Back Lids, C. 1875

Victorian English Brass Figural Pig Inkwell with Articulated Back Lids, C. 1875

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Victorian English Brass Figural Pig Inkwell with Articulated Back Lids, c. 1875 Consists of four pieces, The figural pig, glass inkwell with domed brass cap, A small porcelain cup fo...

Category

19th Century English High Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

French Empire Bronze Inkwell After the Roman Oil Lamps, c. 1815–25
French Empire Bronze Inkwell After the Roman Oil Lamps, c. 1815–25

French Empire Bronze Inkwell After the Roman Oil Lamps, c. 1815–25

Located in Atlanta, GA

A richly detailed French Empire bronze and brass inkwell conceived in the archeological revival manner, after the form of ancient Roman oil lamps.

Category

Early 19th Century French Egyptian Revival Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass, Bronze

French gilt bronze and marble inkstand of a majestic lioness, circa 1850
French gilt bronze and marble inkstand of a majestic lioness, circa 1850

French gilt bronze and marble inkstand of a majestic lioness, circa 1850

Located in Central England, GB

Her head lifts and hinges back to reveal a hidden brass inkwell. The lioness is mounted onto a figured white marble base, which is raised onto four bronze ball feet.

Category

Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Marble, Bronze

English Victorian Brass Owl Inkwell
English Victorian Brass Owl Inkwell

English Victorian Brass Owl Inkwell

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian brass owl inkwell on rectangular tray.

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass Filligree Double Inkwell
Antique Brass Filligree Double Inkwell

Antique Brass Filligree Double Inkwell

Located in Pasadena, TX

This is a beautiful turn of the century brass double inkwell. The detailing is exquisite!

Category

Early 1900s American Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

English Victorian Brass Owl Inkwell
English Victorian Brass Owl Inkwell

English Victorian Brass Owl Inkwell

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian brass owl inkwell on rectangular tray.  

Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

English Victorian Brass and Crystal Inkwell
English Victorian Brass and Crystal Inkwell

English Victorian Brass and Crystal Inkwell

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian brass and crystal shell shaped inkwell with coral design details.

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

English Victorian Brass and Crystal Inkwell
English Victorian Brass and Crystal Inkwell

English Victorian Brass and Crystal Inkwell

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian brass and crystal shell shaped inkwell with coral design details.  

Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Art Nouveau Repousse Brass & Glass Inkwell
Art Nouveau Repousse Brass & Glass Inkwell

Art Nouveau Repousse Brass & Glass Inkwell

Located in Austin, TX

Circa 1900, this antique inkwell exemplifies the Art Nouveau period in decorative arts through the shape of its glass bowl and repousse brass-hinged cover, which has a handsome patin...

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Stately Antique Brass Bronze Inkwell, Around 1880
Stately Antique Brass Bronze Inkwell, Around 1880

Stately Antique Brass Bronze Inkwell, Around 1880

Located in Berlin, DE

Stately antique brass bronze inkwell around 1880 Solid brass bronze inkwell with lid.

Category

1880s German Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

Painted Faience Inkwell With Brass Lids
Painted Faience Inkwell With Brass Lids

Painted Faience Inkwell With Brass Lids

Located in Charlottesville, VA

The inkwell includes removable brass and glass liners, and a central well—likely for quills or sand shaker.

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Faience

Antique English Brass, Cobalt and Porcelain Inkwell
Antique English Brass, Cobalt and Porcelain Inkwell

Antique English Brass, Cobalt and Porcelain Inkwell

Located in New Orleans, LA

A lovely inkwell, typical of the period.

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Inkwell
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Inkwell

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Inkwell

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper inkwell By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 3"W x 3"D x 2"...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass, Copper

Gilt Brass Rococo Inkwell, Napoleon III, 19th Century
Gilt Brass Rococo Inkwell, Napoleon III, 19th Century

Gilt Brass Rococo Inkwell, Napoleon III, 19th Century

Located in Lisbon, PT

A 19th-century French inkwell in gilded brass, designed in the Napoleon III style with Rococo influence.

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Metal, Brass

Blue & white ceramic inkwell with circular brass stand
Blue & white ceramic inkwell with circular brass stand

Blue & white ceramic inkwell with circular brass stand

Located in London, GB

A late 19th century blue and white ceramic inkwell with circular pierced brass stand and brass lid.

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique French Brass Double Inkwell with Foliage Decoration
Antique French Brass Double Inkwell with Foliage Decoration

Antique French Brass Double Inkwell with Foliage Decoration

Located in Sofia, BG

Double inkwell made in brass with detailed and very beautiful foliage decoration.

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Polished Brass Renaissance Style Inkwell
Early 20th Century Polished Brass Renaissance Style Inkwell

Early 20th Century Polished Brass Renaissance Style Inkwell

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

The inkwell has two removable ink wells. The upright support has a penholder.

Category

Early 1900s French Renaissance Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Inkwell Qalamdan
19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Inkwell Qalamdan

19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Inkwell Qalamdan

Located in Toronto, Ontario

A 19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Qalamdan. The Qalamdan is in solid brass, decorated on all sides with middle eastern calligraphy.

Category

19th Century Asian Moorish Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique Inkwell From France, Brass With Glass, 1880s
Antique Inkwell From France, Brass With Glass, 1880s

Antique Inkwell From France, Brass With Glass, 1880s

Located in Greven, DE

Beautiful antique inkwell, made from glass with brass. France, circa 1880.

Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Polished Brass Islamic Moorish Style Desk Inkwells Set
Polished Brass Islamic Moorish Style Desk Inkwells Set

Polished Brass Islamic Moorish Style Desk Inkwells Set

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

This demonstrates the rarity and unique quality of such jar inkwells. Great brass decorative Islamic art object.

Category

19th Century Lebanese Moorish Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Brass Resting Dog Double Inkwell
19th Century English Brass Resting Dog Double Inkwell

19th Century English Brass Resting Dog Double Inkwell

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

19th century English brass resting dog double inkwell, the wells opening to the left and the right.

Category

Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass Qalamdan Inkwell, Moorish Design, Egypt, 1880
Antique Brass Qalamdan Inkwell, Moorish Design, Egypt, 1880

Antique Brass Qalamdan Inkwell, Moorish Design, Egypt, 1880

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

A 19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Islamic Qalamdan.

Category

19th Century Egyptian Moorish Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Large Antique English Brass Owl Inkwell, circa.1890
Large Antique English Brass Owl Inkwell, circa.1890

Large Antique English Brass Owl Inkwell, circa.1890

Located in Bath, GB

A wonderful and rare large figural inkwell, beautifully executed in the form of an Owl with fine detail. The hinged head lifts to reveal a fitted ink chamber which looks to be a ...

Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass Equestrian Inkwell with Horseshoe Base, Circa 1870s
Antique Brass Equestrian Inkwell with Horseshoe Base, Circa 1870s

Antique Brass Equestrian Inkwell with Horseshoe Base, Circa 1870s

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Antique Brass letter holder and inkwell. The base is a horseshoe with a horse & jockey attached.

Category

19th Century English Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Art Nouveau Double Inkwell Brass & Solid Crystal circa 1890
Art Nouveau Double Inkwell Brass & Solid Crystal circa 1890

Art Nouveau Double Inkwell Brass & Solid Crystal circa 1890

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This is the perfect desk accessory for any decor but especially decorative in the Art Nouveau taste. The solid brass and crystal base supports 2 matching crystal inkwells which are s...

Category

19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique German WMF Art Nouveau Copper and Brass Double Inkwell
Antique German WMF Art Nouveau Copper and Brass Double Inkwell

Antique German WMF Art Nouveau Copper and Brass Double Inkwell

Located in Nottingham, GB

The surface is enriched with low-relief decoration composed of radiating arcs terminating in diamond-shaped lozenges at each corner, creating a subtle geometric rhythm characteristic...

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Copper, Brass, Bronze

Antique Inkwell, Baccarat Déposé, Gilded Brass, Late 19th Century
Antique Inkwell, Baccarat Déposé, Gilded Brass, Late 19th Century

Antique Inkwell, Baccarat Déposé, Gilded Brass, Late 19th Century

Located in Greven, DE

Exceptional inkwell with pen tray made of BACCARAT crystal. The rectangular pen tray has a cube-shaped inkwell holder in the center, closed with a gilded brass hinge.

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Inkwell, Circa 1920s
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Inkwell, Circa 1920s

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Inkwell, Circa 1920s

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper inkwell By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 2.5"H.

Category

1920s American Arts and Crafts Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass, Copper

Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell
Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell

Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell

Located in Dallas, TX

An exquisite blend of elegance and functionality, this tortoiseshell double inkwell is a true collector's delight. With its stunning glass inkwells, brass accents, and convenient sto...

Category

1870s English Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique Cloisonne Inkwell
Antique Cloisonne Inkwell

Antique Cloisonne Inkwell

By Inaba Cloisonne Co.

Located in Vienna, AT

This inkwell comprises a base and hinged cover. The base is elaborately decorated with red, gold, blue and white against a green background. The inside of the inkwell is colored red...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique Turkish Etched Brass Qalamdan Inkwell and Pen Case, 1850
Antique Turkish Etched Brass Qalamdan Inkwell and Pen Case, 1850

Antique Turkish Etched Brass Qalamdan Inkwell and Pen Case, 1850

Located in Stamford, CT

Exceptional Turkish etched brass Qalamdan, a traveling scribe's inkwell and pen case.

Category

Mid-19th Century Turkish Islamic Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Hand Crafted Mahogany & Brass Desktop Lamp & Inkwell Set
Antique Victorian Hand Crafted Mahogany & Brass Desktop Lamp & Inkwell Set

Antique Victorian Hand Crafted Mahogany & Brass Desktop Lamp & Inkwell Set

Located in Reading, Berkshire

The Stand Is Fitted Additionally With One Brass Inkwell Pivotable Pen Stand Brass Perpetual Calendar.

Category

Early 19th Century British Victorian Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Leuchars & Sons Brass Inlaid Boulle Inkstand with Spiral Crystal Inkwell
Leuchars & Sons Brass Inlaid Boulle Inkstand with Spiral Crystal Inkwell

Leuchars & Sons Brass Inlaid Boulle Inkstand with Spiral Crystal Inkwell

Located in valatie, NY

19th century English Leuchars & Sons brass inlaid boulle inkstand with spiral crystal inkwell, circa 1850.

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Brass Inkwell

Materials

Crystal, Brass

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Antique Brass Inkwell", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Antique Brass Inkwell For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal antique brass inkwell for your home. Each antique brass inkwell for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and glass. Your living room may not be complete without an antique brass inkwell — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique brass inkwell is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Victorian, Art Nouveau and Regency styles are sought with frequency. Many designers have produced at least one well-made antique brass inkwell over the years, but those crafted by Tiffany Studios, Baccarat and Ecole Boulle are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Antique Brass Inkwell?

Prices for an antique brass inkwell can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $44 and can go as high as $34,028, while the average can fetch as much as $1,223.

Finding the Right Desk-accessories for You

Whether you’ve carved out a space for a nifty home office or you prefer the morning commute, why not dress up your desk with antique and vintage desk accessories? To best tiptoe the line between desk efficiency and desk enjoyment, we suggest adding a touch of the past to your modern-day space.

Desks are a funny thing. Their basic premise has remained the same for quite literally centuries: a flat surface, oftentimes a drawer, and potentially a shelf or two. However, the contents that lay upon the desk? Well, the evolution has been drastic to say the least.

Thank the Victorians for the initial popularity of the paperweight. The Industrial Revolution offered the novel concept of leisure-time to Europeans, giving them more time to take part in the then crucial activity of letter writing. Decorative glass paperweight designs were all the rage, and during the mid-19th-century some of the most popular makers included the French companies of Baccarat, St. Louis and Clichy.

As paper was exceedingly expensive in the early to mid-19th-century, every effort was made to utilize a full sheet of it. Paper knives, which gave way to the modern letter opener, were helpful for cutting paper down to an appropriate size.

Books — those bound volumes of paper, you may recall — used to be common occurrences on desks of yore and where there were books there needed to be bookends. As a luxury item, bookend designs have run the gamut from incorporating ultra-luxurious materials (think marble and Murano glass) to being whimsical desk accompaniments (animal figurines were highly popular choices).

Though the inkwell’s extinction was ushered in by the advent of the ballpoint pen (itself quasi-obsolete at this point), there is still significant charm to be had from placing one of these bauble-like objets in a central spot on one’s desk. You may be surprised to discover the mood-boosting powers an antique — and purposefully empty — inkwell can provide.

The clamor for desk clocks arose as the Industrial Revolution transitioned labor from outdoors to indoors, and allowed for the mass-production of clock parts in factories. Naturally, elaborate designs soon followed and clocks could be found made by artisans and luxury houses like Cartier.

Find antique and vintage desk accessories today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Brass Inkwell
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, antique brass is strong because it is made with zinc and copper. Brass is considered a strong and durable metal crafted to be long-lasting and withstand rust and corrosion. Shop a selection of antique and vintage brass items on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    You can tell if brass is treated to appear antique by looking at the patina. Because real aged brass is often made of copper, the older it gets the more likely it is to have a greenish or bluish patina that you’d expect from copper. Modern brass that’s designed to look antique will have a brownish hue, not a blue-green one. Shop a collection of antique brass from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
    Most antique brass items are solid brass. A great way of identifying solid brass antiques is by using a magnet. If you feel a pull, then the item is brass plated and not solid brass. Additionally, few brass antiques display stamps or maker's marks to depict the place and year of manufacturing. Find antique and vintage brass furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021
    Antique brass color is a shade mix of a rich, deep brown with golden undertones. The warm, low-luster finish is similar to natural brass. Check out 1stDibs for a range of antique brass decorative objects, furniture, pendants, and much more.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    There are a couple points to check in determining if your chandelier is antique. The drops were faceted on both sides, and there also may be daisy-shaped glass buttons. You can also shop a range of chandeliers from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To tell if a candle holder is solid antique brass, you can try placing a magnet on it. Brass is not magnetic, so if there is any attraction, the piece is unlikely to be solid brass. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of candle holders.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    The price of an antique brass bed depends on the period it belongs to. For example, if your brass bed is from the 1970s and has the least amount of ornamentation, it can cost between $300 to $500. Find antique and vintage brass beds on 1stDibs.