English Victorian horseracing desk set
Located in London, GB
Antique English Victorian horseracing desk set. A lovely set on stamped leather covered base with horse bridle decoration and jockeys cap inkwell in cut glass and ormolu.
Ormolu
Vintage Asian Cloisonné Desk Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Don't miss this opportunity to acquire a rare and beautifully crafted antique. Add this remarkable desk set to your home today!
Bronze, Enamel
19th Century Rare Coromandel Desk Set
Located in Dublin, IE
A very rare 19th Century well figured coromandel desk set of exceptional quality with rich patination and grain, finely hand carved with highly decorative studded brass mounts and st...
Brass
Antique Victorian quality ebonised and brass desk set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Antique Victorian quality ebonised and brass desk set having a quality ebonised and ornate brass desk set with a pen tray and the original glass ink well with a brass top
Brass
Brass jugendstil desk set with lion heads
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Brass jugendstil desk set with lion heads. inkwell 28,5x18,5x6cm clock 24,5x13x8cm match stand with ashtray 14x13x11,5cm
Brass
$4,800 / set
19th Century Bronze and Marble Desk Set
Located in Long Island City, NY
This rare four-piece bronze and marble desk set includes a pen holder, inkwell stamper, and letter holder.
Marble, Bronze
Outstanding Antique Victorian Brass Desk Set
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding antique Victorian brass desk set having two brass inkwells with lift up lids.
Brass
Stunning quality antique Victorian Papier-Mache Desk Set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Stunning quality antique Victorian Papier-Mache Desk Set, having a quality Victorian papier-mache desk set inlaid with stunning mother of pearl detail raised on four bun feet, having...
Silver Plate
Antique Victorian Quality Papier-Mache Desk Set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Antique Victorian Quality Papier-Mache Desk Set inlaid with mother of pearl, pair of original glass ink wells and pen tray standing on bun feet
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass
Vienna Secession Desk Set
Located in Vienna, AT
Vienna secession desk set in original condition. Black glass and brass (the watch was restored).
Brass
$1,182Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Ormolu and Mahogany Desk Set
Located in Martlesham, GB
A lovely 19th Century French ormolu and mahogany desk set on ormolu claw feet, there are two ink well holders and a pen holder, in the centre is a carved wood column holding Napoleon...
Ormolu
Wonderful antique Victorian ornate brass desk set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Wonderful antique Victorian ornate brass desk set having a quality ornate brass ink stand with a tray to the front, wonderful ornate detail with two brass ink wells with lift up lids...
Brass
Beautiful quality antique Victorian papier-mache inlaid desk set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Beautiful quality antique Victorian Papier-Mache Desk Set, having a quality Victorian papier-mache desk set inlaid with stunning mother of pearl detail with a shaped edge raised on f...
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass
A Regency tortoiseshell and ivory desk set
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Regency tortoiseshell and ivory desk set, of shaped rectangular form with two glass inkwells, an ivory pot and two ivory pen holders above a curved pen tray with a single frieze dr...
Ivory, Tortoise Shell
Stunning quality antique Victorian French Ormolu desk set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Stunning quality antique Victorian French Ormolu desk set, having a figure to the top on a desert island surrounded by foliage, having a shaped tray with two detachable inkwells.
Ormolu
Rare Silver Plated Novelty Boat Inkstand Desk Set
Located in Northampton, GB
Late 19th Century Circa 1880 From our Silver collection, we are delighted to introduce this superb Silver Plated Novelty Boat Inkstand Desk Set. The Desk Set of novelty form modelle...
Silver Plate
Stunning quality antique Edwardian ornate brass desk set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Stunning quality antique Edwardian ornate brass desk set, having a letter rack to the back, with the original glass and brass topped square inkwell to the front, raised on an brass o...
Brass
A Louis Philippe bronze and ormolu desk set
By Louis Philippe
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Louis Philippe bronze and ormolu desk set, comprising two ink wells and a powder shaker in the form of crenelated urns with anthemion-bud finials, all set on a rectangular base wit...
Bronze, Ormolu
$9,609Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Viennese Empire Desk Set, Granite & Polished Steel, Circa 1815
Located in Greding, DE
Seven-piece desk set from Vienna in granite with polished steel mounts.
Granite, Steel
Large antique Victorian quality mahogany and glass desk set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Large antique Victorian quality mahogany and glass desk set having a large quality mahogany stand of a rectangular shape with pen trays and the original pair od glass ink wells.
Glass, Mahogany
Fine Regency Period Rosewood and Brass Desk Set
Located in Harrodsburg, KY
A superb quality desk set in rosewood with brass trim. The brass handles is an ornate design with acanthus motif and is flanked by crystal inkwells which sit into shallow recesses.
Crystal, Brass
Black Forest Claw & Horn Desk Set and Candle Holders, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A Black Forest chamois horn and claw desk set with candle holders, 19th century. The desk set includes pounce pot and dish, quill holder and inkpot.
Horn, Ebony
Art Nouveau Brass and Marble Desk Set after Herman Eichberg
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Art Nouveau brass and green marble desk set with two original moulded white porcelain inkwells, repair to one, in the manner of Herman Eichberg, circa 1900.
Marble, Brass
Art Deco Desk Set Inkwell In Alabaster and Bronze Elephant
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Beautifull Art Deco desk set in Alabaster and Bronze with large decorative Elephant, inkwell and carved area as penholder.
Alabaster, Bronze
Antique Tiffany Studios Zodiac 6-Piece Bronze Doré Desk Set
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This lovely 6-piece bronze doré desk set was made by Tiffany Studios of New York.
Bronze
Antique Cloisonné-Emaille Desk Set, Bronze Doré, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional Enameled Desk Set of a box and a seal stamp, France circa 1880.
Brass, Enamel
Antique Quality 19th Century French Cast-Brass Desk Set
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality 19th century antique French cast-brass desk set with a very attractive inkstand having twin inkwells and beautiful pierced gallery.
Brass
Venetian Model Desk Set by Tiffany & Co., Gilded Bronze, Art Deco
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Desk set made of gilded bronze (Ormolu) composed of 14 “Venetian” model pieces, made by TIFFANY & Co, (1837 - present).
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Six Piece Brass Zodiac Desk Set, Circa 1900
By Tiffany Studios
Located in San Antonio, TX
The desk set consists (2) pair of blotters, (1) ink well with glass liner, (1) tray, (1) stamp box, and (1) a clip.
Brass
Small Italian 1860s Painted Ceramic Floral Desk Set with Ink and Sand Containers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A petite Italian painted ceramic desk set from the mid-19th century, with two floral containers for ink and sand.
Ceramic
Onyx and Bronze Inkwell Desk Set
Located in Stamford, CT
Onyx and bronze inkwell desk set depicting Louis Pasteur. A nicely cast bronze with double ink holders on an onyx pen and pencil base.
Antique Cloisonné-Emaille Desk Set, Bronze Doré, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional Enameled Desk Set of a box, seal stamp and a pocket watch stand, France circa 1880.
Brass, Enamel
Desk Set W.M.F figure of justice
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Desk set W.M.F figure of justice Inkwell and bell (bell) Electroplated metal Circa 1900 Origin Germany Very good general condition Business cards are placed in the front cab Art Nouv...
Metal
Tiffany Studios New York 7-Piece "Pond Lily" Desk Set
By Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany Studios
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany Studios’ Pond Lily Desk Set is a rare model, with only three extant sets known.
Bronze
$360Sale Price / set|20% Off
Five Piece Art Deco Desk Set by Silver Crest Bronze Co.
By Silver Crest Bronze
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice five piece Art Deco desk set in sterling silver coated bronze by Silver Crest Bronze Co., circa 1930s.
Sterling Silver, Bronze
American Craftsman Hand-Hammered Copper Desk Set by Craftsman, Set of 3, Stamped
By Craftsman
Located in San Diego, CA
American Craftsman Hand-Hammered Copper Desk Set by Craftsman, Set of 3, Stamped 625 on Letter Opener, circa 1925.
Copper
Magnificent Quality Antique 19th Century French Cast-Brass Desk Set
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality 19th century antique French cast-brass desk set with a very attractive inkstand having twin inkwells and a beautiful pierced gallery.
Brass
Very Rare Edwardian Sterling Silver & Shagreen Desk Set, London, 1910
By Samuel Jacob
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1910 by Samuel Jacob, this incredible antique sterling silver & Shagreen desk set, comprises a pair of candlesticks, an ink stand and a pen tray, all featurin...
Sterling Silver
Russian Antique Desk Set in Guilloche Enamel with Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Russian desk set features glittering rose diamonds and silver gilt.
Enamel, Silver
Beautiful Desk Set in brass and crystal from late 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Desk Set in brass and crystal from late 19th Century.
Crystal, Brass
English Art Deco Period Blue Shagreen Desk Set of a Folder and Inkwell
Located in Montreal, QC
English Art Deco Period Blue Shagreen Desk Set of a Folder and Inkwell. Silver Hallmark George Betjemann & Sons dated 1928.
Shagreen, Shagreen Stingray
Small naturalistic desk set with rabbit and barrels made of patinated metal
Located in Greven, DE
Desk Set with Hare and Barrels Origin: Probably Germany or France Material: Patinated and partially gilt bronze Date: Late 19th century (c. 1880–1900) Dimensions: H × W × D: approx...
Metal
Fine Quality Antique Victorian French Freestanding Inlaid Boulle Desk Set
Located in Suffolk, GB
Fine quality antique Victorian French freestanding inlaid boulle desk set having a quality ornate shaped brass handle flanked by a pair of original cut glass inkwells with inlaid bou...
Brass
Arts & Crafts Cased Steel Desk Set of Book Mark, Seal and Pen
Located in London, GB
Arts & Crafts cased steel desk set of book mark, seal and pen. Three lovely pieces and in their original silk lined box.
Steel
A Champlevé Enamel Three Piece Desk Set, Attributed to Barbedienne
By Ferdinand Barbedienne
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Champlevé Enamel Three Piece Desk Set, Attributed to Barbedienne. Comprising a gilt-bronze pen tray and a pair of candleholders all finely decorated in Champlevé enamel.
Bronze, Enamel
Art Nouveau Desk Set by Tiffany Calendar, Ink Dryer, Box and Clip
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Art Nouveau desk set by Tiffany calendar, ink dryer, box and clip Sizes: Measures: Perpetual calendar 16 x 16 cm Box 10 x 7 x 4 cm Clip 6 x 10 x 3 cm Ink dryer 14 x 7 x 5 cm.
Brass
Art Deco Desk Set, By George Betjemann for Aspreys, London 1921
By George Betjemann & Sons
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Art Deco Onyx, Lapis & Silver Desk Set, By George Betjemann for Aspreys, London, 1921 This beautiful and rare Onyx and Lapis Lazuli desk set is a luxurious ensemble by George Betjem...
Onyx
Asprey Desk Set and Document Holder, English, circa 1875
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Incline Village, NV
Also included as part of the desk set is a hinged, fold over, double sided document holder with a blotter lined interior.
Brass
Antique French Cloisonné Enamel & Gold Bronze 7 Piece Inkwell Desk Set, Ca. 1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Cloisonné Enamel & Gold Bronze 7 Piece Inkwell Desk Set, Circa 1890. Includes: Inkwell, Pen Holder, Drip Box (with pencil sharpener and shavings compartment), Letter ...
Enamel, Bronze
$2,100Sale Price|30% Off
Rosewood desk set with silver accents: pen stand, blotter, calendar and more
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Desk set in rosewood and silver applications consisting of a pen holder, letter holder, blotter, calendar, stamp box and ruler.
Silver
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Four Piece Writing Desk Set With Butterflies
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Japanese four piece desk set with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor.
Enamel
Circa 1900 Cast Iron Gold Gilding Moose Desk Set
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Neat gilded moose desk set with original inkwell, circa 1900. Made of cast iron with gold gilding.
Iron
$3,165Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th Century Classical Marble & Bronze Grand Tour Desk Set, Six Pieces
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful 19th Century Classical Marble & Bronze Mounted Three Piece Grand Tour Desk Set Six piece set includes a letter rack, an ink blotter, & an exquisite pen tray with...
Marble, Bronze
Chalcedony and Gilded Bronze Desk Set from the Duke of St. Albans
Located in London, GB
A finely cased desk set in Chalcedony and the very finest gilt bronze.
Bronze
Playing Cats or Kittens, Gilded Bronze Desk Set, c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A rare and magnificent English desk set made from gilded bronze in superb condition.
Bronze
$10,000 / set
Tiffany Studios Bronze Gold Dore Desk Set
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Greer, SC
9-Piece Tiffany Studios Bronze Desk Set which includes: Letter Holder, Notepad Holder, Letter Opener, Stamp Box, Pen Tray, Blotter, Ink Well, Vase Base, Nut Bowl with Scalloped Edges
Bronze
Art Nouveau Foliage Silver Overlay Black Glass Inkwell Four Piece Desk set
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Rare silver overlay on black glass desk set containing an inkwell (2 pieces), blotter, double pen holder and letter opener.
Metal, Silver
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.