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.
Crystal, Brass
Antique Cricket Ball Inkwell
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Rare Novelty Cricket Inkwell. A wonderful leather covered traveling inkwell in the shape of a cricket ball.
Brass
Art Deco Inkwell with Original Inkwell Glass, Vienna, Around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Art Deco inkwell with original inkwell glass vienna around 1920s. Original inkwell glass. Polished and stove enamelled.
Brass
Antique Cut Glass and Brass Crown-Top Inkwell, Early 20th Century
Located in Worcester, GB
Antique Cut Glass and Brass Crown-Top Inkwell, Early 20th Century England, circa 1900–1920 A decorative and well-crafted antique inkwell featuring a heavy moulded glass body with b...
Brass
Antique English Regency Inkwell Mahogany Cristal Glas Brass Mounts
Located in Munich, DE
We see an important regency inkwell crafted out of mahogany with brass decorations in England, circa 1810.
Mahogany
$125Sale Price|28% Off
Petite Classica Crystal Inkwell
Located in Sheffield, MA
Small and elegant crystal inkwell with a brass collar with a square base and faceted lid makes a wonderful accent on your desk or table top.
Crystal, Brass
19th Century English Brass and Milk Glass Dog Inkwell
Located in Southampton, NY
19th century English brass and milk glass dog inkwell.
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.
Brass
Napoleon III Style French Inkwell Made of Wood, Brass and Crystal
Located in Prato, Tuscany
Original and rare French inkwell; the entire large circular frame is made of dark wood, inside it is a brass tray above which is the housing for the ink bottle; the wooden parts have...
Crystal, Brass
Large Antique Cut Glass Inkwell
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Large Victorian Glass Ship's Inkwell. This antique cut-glass inkwell, dating from the Victorian era, is a beautifully crafted writing accessory featuring elegant brass hinged fitting...
Brass
LOVELY ANTIQUE FRENCH BAROQUE REPOUSSE GiLT BRASS CHERUB INKWELL LETTER STAND
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique French Baroque Repoussé gilt brass Cherub ink well letter holder stand A very decorativ...
Brass
$806Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Parisian Ink Tray, French, Pewter Brass, Desktop Inkwell, Art Deco, 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Parisian ink tray. A French, pewter brass desktop inkwell in Art Deco taste, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
Brass, Pewter
Art Nouveau Loetz Styled Green Iridescent Art Glass Inkwell with Brass Top
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique art glass inkwell is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Austria and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Art Nouveau style. The body of the inkw...
Brass
Italian Patinated Brass and Marble Architectural Model Inkwell, circa 1875
Located in Atlanta, GA
Cast in great detail in bronze in the neo-Gothic style, the top lifting to reveal three round openings, lacking glass inkwells, resting on a marble plinth base, raised on cast bronze...
Marble, Bronze
Dated 1896 British Victorian Brass & Hoof Inkwell Mounted by A&N.C.S. Ld
By Army & Navy CSL, Rowland Ward
Located in St. Louis, MO
Keywords: Victorian horse hoof inkwell, 1896 horse hoof inkwell, Army Navy Co-Op Society inkwell, ANCS Ltd taxidermy, Dandy horse inkwell, brass mounted horse hoof, antique equestria...
Brass
Late 19th Century Bronze Desk Accessories Inkwell with lid Bronze Brass Glass
Located in Sacile, PN
Bronze inkwell dated circa 1880, angels subject supported by feline paws. Ink bowl in glass with bronze profile and "alla ruota" engraved base.
Brass, Bronze
English Victorian Mahogany Double Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian mahogany and brass inlaid trim double inkwell with crystal wells having copper top lids and letter holder backrail.
Crystal, Brass, Copper
Art Deco Brass Desk Stand with Three Faceted Glass Inkwells, Circa 1920-30's
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Large Art Deco Brass Desk Stand with Three Faceted Glass Inkwells, Circa 1900-1920 DESCRIPTION A substantial early 20th century brass desk stand fitted with three clear faceted glas...
Brass
Small 1820s Travel Inkwell, France
Located in Greven, DE
Wonderful antique travel inkwell in a cover of red leather. France, early 19th Century.
Brass
Traveling Inkwell Milk Churn Shape
Located in Vienna, AT
We believe it is made of nickel plated brass; some of the plating has worn away to show the brass beneath.
Brass
19th Century French Provincial Desk Inkwell Stand in Marble and Brass
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Brass and Marble Desk Inkwell Stand This is a very attractive desk top inkwell, the stand is made with marble and set with 2 chased brass ink pots, these are lined with glas...
Marble
Erhard & Söhne Jugendstil Inkwell 1910 Austria
By Erhard & Söhne
Located in Den Haag, NL
An early 20th century, Jugendstil period inkwell by Erhard und Sohne. Austria ca. 1910 .Burl wood with Brass inlay .Beautiful crafted piece .
Brass
Antique English Bronze, Brass and Glass Inkstand / Inkwell, circa 1870 Victorian
Located in Bath, GB
There are two polished brass supports to rest a dip pen and two circular shaped cradles to accommodate the unusual circular inkwells.
$232Sale Price|77% Off
Black and White Glass Inkwell
Located in Wien, Au
Black and white glass ink well Brass nickel platend
Brass
Art Déco English Square Shapped Cut Glass/Crystal Inkwell with Brass/Bronze Top
Located in North Miami, FL
Art Déco english square shapped cut crystal inkwell with brass/bronze spherical top By: unknown Material: brass, bronze, cut glass, glass, metal, crystal, copper, zinc Technique: ca...
Crystal, Metal, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Zinc
Chinese style blue & gold ceramic inkwell
Located in London, GB
A Chinese style blue and gold ceramic inkwell, with a hinged brass lid, mounted on a reticulated brass base.
Brass
Victorian Inkwell with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Located in NYC, NY
Fine mid-19th century inkwell with inlaid mother-of-pearl decoration surrounding pen trays, a lidded compartment and two crystal inkwells. The whole raised atop four flattened bun feet.
Brass
Equestrian / Jockey CAP Inkstand / Inkwell, C.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome Horseshoe shaped inkstand, the base made from solid English Oak mounted with a silver plated horseshoe and a square gallery to secure the glass inkwell. The glass inkwe...
Silver Plate, Brass
19th Century Paper Mache and Crystal Inkwell
Located in Water Mill, NY
19th century papier mâché and mother-of-pearl with elaborately carved inkwells.
Brass
Fantastic Gilt Bronze Brass and Cut Glass Horseman & Hound Dog Desk Inkwell Set
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Marvelously detailed French antique desk accessory inkwell made of gilt bronze and nickel plate having sculptural horseman in period outfit accompanied by loyal hound dog at his side...
Bronze, Nickel
French Champlevé Enamel Inkwell, Napoleon III, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A French Champlevé enamel inkwell from the 19th century, created in the opulent Napoleon III style. Crafted from gilded bronze with finely detailed polychrome enamel in shades of t...
Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Antique English Novelty Equestrian Inkwell, Horse, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
This is only the second time in many years of being in the antiques business that I have come across this wonderful figural equestrian inkwell. Beautifully cast in solid English b...
Brass
19th Century French Boulle Inkwell of Large Proportions
By André-Charles Boulle
Located in Dublin, IE
An exceptional 19th century Boulle work inkwell, of rectangular form, fitted with two cut glass ink wells and covers, with dished pen tray, decorated with cut brass arabesques above ...
Brass
Antique English Figural / Novelty Ostrich Inkwell C.1880
Located in Bath, GB
I am including the traditional (modern) dip pen to finish off the look of the inkwell. A hefty piece, cast in solid brass with the inkwell opening at the top revealing the origina...
Brass
Antique English Victorian Boulle Inkwell by JC Vickery
By J. C. Vickery
Located in Northampton, GB
The inkwell with a square base having four faceted faces leading up to a central boulle lidded square glass inkwell with brass collar.
Brass
Unique Antique Cast Brass Double Inkwell from France, Early 1900s
Located in Bastogne, BE
Beautiful handcarved and engraved brass inkwell decorated with cherubs. Inkwell marked under the base: N°3 and a punch.
Brass
Late 19th Century French Treen Inkwell with Pen Holder
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Brass trim with floral & leaf feet. Base newly baized in black.
Brass
Late 19th Century Inkwell with Butterfly and Enamel Decoration
Located in Greven, DE
Inkwell with Butterfly Finial Origin: Probably France Material: Gilded metal with floral engraving and enamel decoration Date: Circa 1870–1890 Dimensions: H × D: 11 x 15 cm Descri...
Brass, Enamel
Antique Art Nouveau Inkwell, Signed Gaston Bigard, 1910s, France
By Gaston Bigard
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional beautiful inkwell by the french artist and sculptor Gaston Bigard.
Brass
Antique Cloisonné-Emaille Inkwell, Bronze Doré, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkwell with Cloisonné-Enamel, France circa 1880.
Brass, Enamel
Antique Cloisonné-Emaille Inkwell, Bronze Doré, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkwell with Cloisonné-Enamel, France circa 1880. Stamped at the bottom "M B 5 9".
Brass, Enamel
19th Century Victorian Lignum Vitae Bulldog Inkwell, c.1860
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The head is hinged and opens to reveal an empty brass and glass ink pot, within an insert compartment.
Brass
Inkwell with Pump Mechanism by A. Bocquet France, circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Inkwell with Integrated Pump Mechanism Origin: France Material: Brass, porcelain, nickel-plated metal Date: Circa 1900 Dimensions: H × Ø: 8 × 14 cm Description: This French inkwel...
Brass
$296Sale Price|50% Off
Antique Inkwell, Bronze D´oré, Desk Utensil, Neogotic, circa 1850
Located in Greven, DE
Antique inkwell from gilded brass. France, 1840-1860.
Gold, Brass
Late 19th Or Early 20th Century Glass Inkwell
Located in Greven, DE
Faceted Amethyst Glass Inkwell with Brass Lid Origin: France Material: glass, brass Date: circa 1900 Dimensions: H × D: approx. 6 × 12 cm Description: Low, circular inkwell with a...
Bronze
Late 19th Century Inkwell with Onyx Marble and Cloisonne-Enamel
Located in Greven, DE
Inkwell with Cloisonné Enamel and Onyx Base Origin: France, probably Paris Material: Gilt bronze, cloisonné enamel, onyx Date: Circa 1880 Description: Oval inkwell with a centrally...
Brass, Enamel
Grand English Bulldog Novelty Inkwell with Glass Eyes, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent English Victorian inkwell made from solid English brass having been professionally polished to gleam.
Brass
French Empire Style Gilt Bronze Inkwell with Borzoi Finial, 19th Century
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is an elegant French Empire-style gilt bronze writing stand, richly cast and ornamented with neoclassical and animalier motifs. The removable domed cover is surmounted by a fine...
Brass
$575Sale Price|27% Off
Papier Mâché Inkstand w/ Drawer & Crystal Inkwells English Jennens & Bettridge
By Jennens and Bettridge
Located in Savannah, GA
This high quality Papier-Mache desk set is beautifully hand painted in a floral motif and features inlaid mother of pearl and the original pair of cut glass inkwells with brass tops....
Brass
Late 19th Century French Inkwell with Enamel Decoration and Onyx Plate
Located in Greven, DE
Inkwell with Enamel Decoration and Onyx Plate Origin: Probably France Material: Gilded metal, champlevé enamel, onyx Date: Circa 1870–1890 Dimensions: H × W × D: 9 × 12 ×13 cm Des...
Onyx, Brass, Enamel
19th Century English Gold Washed Sheffield Silverplate Equestrian Themed Inkwell
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional and highly decorative 19th century English equestrian-themed inkwell, finely crafted in Sheffield silver plate with a richly preserved gold-washed interior. Designed i...
Silver Plate, Brass
Antique English Presentation Inkwell & Desk Set with Horse Jockey Theme
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique desk set has no maker's signature, but is presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1890 and done in the period Victorian style. The set is comp...
Onyx, Brass
Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Black Marble Standish Double Inkwell
Located in Germantown, MD
An exceptional Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Black Marble Standish Inkwell with Cherub playing music.
Marble, Metal, Brass
$425Sale Price|34% Off
Bohemian Czech Art Nouveau Art Glass Inkwell with Water Lily Overlay
By Loetz Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning Bohemian Czech Art Nouveau inkwell with metal water lily overlay in the style of Loetz, circa 1900s.
Metal, Brass
19th Century French Dore Gilt Gold Metal Double Inkwell Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th-century dore gold stag double ink well is an elegant and ornate piece crafted with a sense of luxury typical of the era. The glass Jars with delicate tops make this piece except...
Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf
$2,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Two 19th Century English Walnut Carved Victorian Dachshund Wiener Dog Inkwells
Located in Haarlem, NL
Set of two very cute original 19th century carved wooden Victorian era wiener dogs or dachshund inkwells. The bigger one, which is a dachshund head, has a hinged lid that opens to r...
Brass
Antique 20Thc Lignum Vitae Bulldog Inkwell Jar c.1910
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The inside has a brass lidded inkwell and glass liner. A truly wonderful piece and a must desk accessory for a dog lover.
Glass, Wood
English Inlaid Boulle Inkwell on Chase Feet, Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
English Boulle brass inlaid one-drawer inkwell with original fluted glass brass capped ink bottles, decorative floral carrying handle and resting on original chased ball feet, Mid-19...
Bronze Inkwell Sculpture "Les Moutons à L'abreuvoir" by Jules Moigniez
By Jules Moigniez
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
The group is set on an oval, brass base. Signed on the base: J. Moigniez.
Brass, Bronze
Bronze inkwell and pen holder, a dachshund dog, by Anton Puchegger, Austria 1890
By Anton Puchegger
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze desktop inkwell with pen holder, depicting the head of a dachshund.
Marble, Brass, Bronze
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.
The French sculptor shaped dense blocks into tactile forms meant to be used and held.
After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.