Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze desk pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré and Abalone Pen Brush
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
original vintage condition, with beautiful patina. Several matching desk accessories available. Pairs
Bronze
William IV 19th century table top writing slope
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
William IV 19th century writing slope circa 1835. Elegant and good quality William IV rosewood writing slope. Clean elegant lines, come with original mother of pearl cartouche, nam...
Wood
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze desk letter rack featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Doré Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period gilt bronze desk letter holder rack featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany
Bronze
$130 / set
Collection of Roman Numerals
Located in London, England
Cast metal Roman numerals. Circa 1900 H 8cm x W 5cm x D 3cm
Steel
19th Century French Cast Iron Figurative Servant Bells
Located in Sofia, BG
made in France in the late 19th century. Great accent for your desk or your table and a lovely gift as
Iron
19th Century Empire Style Gilt Bronze and Cobalt Glass Compote
Located in Dallas, TX
The product is a 19th century Empire style compote featuring gilt bronze accents and cobalt glass. This decorative piece would make a stunning addition to any home décor, adding a to...
Bronze
Small terrestrial globe by Joseph Forest, Paris, France, circa 1890 / 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Small terrestrial globe on a blackened and waxed turned wood stand. The globe is made of polychrome printed paper mounted on plasterboard. It bears the inscription “globe terrestre d...
Wood, Paper
Terrestrial globe on foot, Editions E. Bertaux, G. Thomas successeur, circa 1900
By Emile Bertaux
Located in Paris, FR
Pivoting physical globe, in polychrome printed paper mounted on plasterboard. The globe is attached by a brass clamp to a cylindrical base in blackened and waxed turned wood. It’s in...
Brass
Large terrestrial globe by Joseph Forest, Paris, France, circa 1890
Located in Paris, FR
Large swiveling globe in plastered cardboard covered with printed paper. The meridian, attached to each pole, is in engraved brass. The base is in blackened turned wood. The colors a...
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Doré Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period gilt bronze desk letter rack featuring a Zodiac design By Tiffany
Bronze
Richard Ginori Art Nouveau Floral Ceramic Letter Holder, Italy 1910
By Richard Ginori
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Richard Ginori Art Nouveau Floral Ceramic Letter Holder, Italy 1910
Ceramic
$2,707Sale Price / set|48% Off
A Regency Hand Crafted Rosewood Writing Slope With Secret Compartments
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Stunning Regency Era Rosewood Hand-Crafted Writing Slope. With Purple Velvet Interior, Secret Compartments. Befit With The Original Brass Topped Square Glass Inkwells. Decorated ...
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 9.88"W x 3.13"D x 0.38"H Good...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Art Deco 'Greek Key' Bronze Doré Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period gilt bronze desk letter rack featuring a Greek key design By Tiffany
Bronze
19th Century Rosewood Letter Tray
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Attractive And Extremely Good Quality Mid 19th Century Rosewood Letter Tray, Of Unusually Diminutive Proportions, Having Exceptionally Well Figured Top With Studworlk Decorati...
Rosewood
Antique Bronze Plate, Utensil Tray, Bronze Doré, Signed M. Arvisenet
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful desk tray with ornaments of wheat straws. Made of heavy bronze , nicely gilded. Signed
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Art Deco 'Greek Key' Bronze Doré Notepad Holder
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
original vintage condition, with beautiful patina from age. Matching desk accessories including an inkwell
Bronze
Gold Carnelian Armorial Seal with Agate Handle
Located in New Orleans, LA
Gold Carnelian Armorial Seal with Agate Handle A. Croisier, Paris Circa 1880 This exquisite agate, gold and carnelian armorial seal, dating to circa 1880, once belonged to the Marqu...
Agate, Carnelian, Gold
Three Solid Mahogany Display Stands, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Three solid mahogany display stands, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Three Napoleon III period solid mahogany display stands, 19th century, 1 large stand plus two others forming ...
Bronze
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany Studios bronze patinated pen tray form #1000 Arts and Crafts
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Mobile, AL
and would we really expect a century old desk object to look new? A fine addition to any collection
Bronze
Bronze Doré Portfolio Attributed To E.F. Caldwell, New York Circa 1920
Located in Dallas, TX
This exquisite bronze doré portfolio, attributed to the renowned E.F. Caldwell & Co. of New York, is a luxurious example of early 20th century craftsmanship. Featuring ornate bronze ...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Sculptural Hand Painted View of Venice Terracotta Pen Holder
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Early 20th Century Sculptural in Relief Hand Painted View of Venice Terracotta Pen Holder
Terracotta
Rare business card tray, solid bronze around 1900, Jugendstil Art Nouveau France
Located in Wien, AT
catcher, with a perfect patina and is a must-have for a well-appointed stylish desk.
Bronze
$945Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Correspondence Case, Scottish Leather, W & J Milne, Edinburgh, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
, with an appealing concertina form. A useful treat for a reception desk or office, as a gift or in the
Leather
Quality large pair of antique Victorian scales by Parnall & Sons of Bristol
Located in Ipswich, GB
the frame. Accompanied with a set of brass weights. D. 1880
Brass
Antoine Bourdelles, French Belle Epoch, Sculptural Bronze Bookends, Ca. 1910
Located in New York, NY
dramatic scene, where the books they support become part of the stage set, acting as a barrier between the
Bronze
$2,075Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Apprentice Mule Chest, English, Oak, Miniature Coffer, Desktop, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
late Georgian period, circa 1800. Wonderful desk storage box, a great example of apprentice furniture
Oak
Art Deco Silver bowl around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Art Deco Silver bowl around 1920s Only polished
Silver
$2,375Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Dog-shaped bookends made of onyx and bronze
Located in Milano, IT
high-end desks.
Onyx, Bronze
Elegant brass inkstand in Gustavian style from Gusums Bruk, Sweden
By Gusums Bruk
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant brass inkstand in Gustavian style from Gusums Bruk in Sweden. Manufactured during the early 20th Century. Gusums Bruk are known for high-quality brass objects and an unusuall...
Brass
Royal Model O Touch Control Glossy Black Portable Manual Typewriter in Case
By Royal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Royal Model O Touch Control Glossy Black Portable Manual Typewriter in Case. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: Case 6" H x 13" W x 12" D.
Steel
UNIQUE PAIR OF ANTIQUE JOHN STONE'S MINIATURE GLOBES ON CORINTHIAN PiLLED BASES
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
bases These are simply put the finest little pieces of desk art I have ever seen, the are absolutely
Wood
Writing Casket with Steel-Cut Decoration, Biedermeier, early 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Small writing casket with thuja root veneer and surrounding steel-cut decoration. The casket is lockable and features an interior compartment for an inkwell, blotting sand, and a qui...
Steel
Pair of Sing Fat Chinese Export Silver Dragon Placecard or Business Card Holders
By Sing Fat
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique silver figural card holders. By Sing Fat, a highly regarded Chinese silversmith active in both Shanghai & Canton ca. 1880 - 1940. Each holder in the form of ...
Silver
FINE & UNIQUE PAIR OF ANTIQUE 1887 MARYS CELESTIAL GLOBES SKEWING / MALIN & SONs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
little pieces of desk art I have ever seen, the are absolutely exquisite and take you on a ride to
Wood
Italian Ormolu-Mounted Obelisk in Various Marbles, italy, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Italian Ormolu-Mounted Obelisk in Various Marbles including porphyr and rosso levanto, with gilded bronze decorations. Italy, late 19th Century. Very good condition.
Marble, Bronze
$1,036Sale Price / set|20% Off
Tiffany Zodiac large Letter box holder and large blotter ends Arts and Crafts
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Mobile, AL
Tiffany Studios American Arts and Crafts style patinated letter box and blotter ends. This set
Bronze
19th Century French University Teaching Shapes - Collection Of Eight
Located in Hook, Hampshire
19th Century French University Teaching Shapes - Collection Of Eight. We know little of the history or use of this collection but they are from the late 19th Century and came from ...
Beech
19th Century French University Teaching Shapes - Collection
Located in Hook, Hampshire
19th Century French University Teaching Shapes - Collection. We know little of the history or use of this collection but they are from the late 19th Century and came from a French ...
Beech
SUITE OF FiVE ANTIQUE VICTORIAN BUISNESS PRESS / STAMPS FROM BEVAN FUNNELL
By Bevan Funnell Ltd.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
related pieces of stationary These five are all as you can see, they made great decorative desk art and
Metal
Antique Perpetual Calendar, French Table Calender, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique perpetual calendar made from marble with complete and original set of plates for
Marble
$602Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Antique Parallel Rulers, English, Coromandel, Draughtsman's Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
treat for the desk top. Delivered waxed, polished and ready to enjoy. Dimensions: Max Width: 45.5cm
Brass
Italian empire style table stand in finely crafted brass and bronze early 1900s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Table stand in finely crafted brass and bronze, early 1900s Table stand with double display, in brass and bronze. The two brass rod displays are adjustable. The structure is...
Brass, Bronze
French Arts and Crafts Oak Stationary Box with Tambour
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
inside divided for stamps The cabinet is in very attractive condition it will keep any desk tidy and
Oak
Quality antique Victorian oak stationary box
Located in Ipswich, GB
to reveal a fitted interior, bearing a presentation plaque to the inside of one of the doors, set
Oak
$1,540Sale Price / set|40% Off
Victorian Polished Leather Document Box With Leather Lining Stamped GMC
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cherry Red Polished Leather Document Box With Leather Lining & Brass Handle & Black Baize Base Fitted With Hill & Cozens 5 Lever Brass Lock Stamped G M C The Medical A...
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Nautical Bronze Doré Rocker Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze rocker ink blotter in the very rare Nautical pattern By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th C...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Large Inkwell
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Zodiac" pattern gilt bronze large inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 6.3...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Inkwell
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Zodiac" pattern gilt bronze inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.13"W x ...
Bronze
$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
Brass
$822Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Draughtsman's Railway Curves, English, Pearwood, Cartography, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of antique draughtsman's railway curves. An English, pearwood set of drawing
Pearwood
$1,328Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Desktop Specimen Case, English, Miniature Chest of Drawers, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique desktop specimen case. An English, mahogany and brass miniature chest of drawers in Art Nouveau taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Beautiful...
Wood
Exquisite Victorian Walnut & Black Tooled Leather Campaign Writing Slope
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Exquisite Hand-Crafted Victorian Walnut & Black Tooled Leather Campaign Writing Slope SLOPE 58 Brass front shield could be personalised with engraving. The top and front have...
Brass
A Large Victorian Mahogany Gallery or Magnifying Glass, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
A very large Georgian or Victorian mahogany gallery or magnifying glass. The circular glass within a mahogany frame, the baluster handle screwing into a brass bracket in the rim. Eng...
Glass, Mahogany
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Opener
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts and Craft or Art Deco period bronze "Zodiac" pattern letter opener By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10.5...
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.