Art Nouveau Brass Ink Extinguishing Cradle, France, Circa 1930
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique Ink Extinguishing Cradle, France, circa 1930. Nicely chiseled depiction of a woman´s face in a typical Art Nouveau manner.
Brass
Antique Ornate Gilt Bronze Pen Rest or Holder with Onyx Base & Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
pillars are set on what we presume to be a polished onyx slab.
Onyx, Bronze
World War II Munition Trench Art Brass "Catch All"
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique military munition trench art, solid brass "catch all", circa 1920s. The piece is in great vintage condition and measures 4.25"D x 3"H. The shell, which I believe is a 75mm, h...
Brass
Art Deco Kodak No 2 Hawkette Marbled Bakelite 120 Roll Film Strut Folding Camera
By Eastman Kodak
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Art Deco Kodak No 2 Hawkette Marbled Bakelite 120 Roll Film Strut Folding Camera With Meniscus Lens & Rotary Shutter Made in the UK 1930's Constructed from brown bakelite moulded co...
Metal
Antique Card Holder, Brass, Parrot, France, Around 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Outstanding brass business card holder with fine ornamentation on the front and a finely crafted parrot stretching its wings for flight. It can hold several memos or business cards. ...
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Rocker Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze rocker ink blotter featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.5"W x 2.75"D x 2"H Good vintage condition, ...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Art Deco Zodiac Pen Brush
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze pen brush or pen wipe featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 3"W x 3"D x 3"H. ...
Bronze
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 one side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 9.88"W x 3.13"D x 0.38"H Good ori...
Bronze
ICA Volta 125 Camera Folding Bed Camera For 9x12cm Plates With Ica Periskop
Located in Reading, Berkshire
ICA Volta 125 Camera Folding Bed Camera For 9x12cm Plates With Ica Periskop "Alpha" F11 Fixed Lens Manufactured by Internationale Camera Actiengesellschaft (ICA) between 1920-1929 ...
Leather
$658Sale Price|20% Off
Late Victorian Chinoiserie decorated Letter rack
By Maple & Co.
Located in Dereham, GB
Late Victorian Chinoiserie decorated Letter rack Black Laquered Background with gold detail Depicting Figures bedside river scenes foliage & leaf decoration urn with flowers, Sitting...
Ormolu
$1,976Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Victorian Gilt Bronze Table Bell
By Gustav Bergmann
Located in Dereham, GB
Rare Victorian Gilt Bronze Table Bell. In the Form of a Circular dining table. The Etched Table cloth decorated with flowers, And frill detail at the bottom of the table cloth. App...
Bronze
Ernemann ROLF II Folding 127 Rollfilm Camera With 75mm F12 Rapid Rectilinear
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Ernemann ROLF II Folding 127 Rollfilm Camera 75mm F12 Rapid Rectilinear Fixed Lens of Dresden, Germany Manufactured by Ernemann between 1924-1926. Folded dimensions: 67 mm x 125 mm...
Leather
$12,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Art Deco Rooster Book Squeezer by Edgar Brandt, France, Circa 1927
By Edgar Brandt
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of book presses with a rooster design, made of iron, made by Edgar Brandt (1880 - 1960). Signed E, BRANDT Reproduced in the books, Joan Kahr, Edgar Brandt: Art Deco Ironwork, N...
Iron
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Rocker Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze rocker ink blotter featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.75"W x 3"D x 2"H. Good...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Rocker Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique bronze rocker ink blotter featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 6"W x 3"D x 2"H. Good o...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10.25"W x 3.25"D x 0.38"H...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10"W x 3.25"D x 0.38"H G...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Rocker Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze rocker ink blotter featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.5"W x 2.75"D x 2"H...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco period gilt bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10"W x 3....
Bronze
$195Sale Price / set|48% Off
Chinese Bookends Hand Carved Figural
Located in Fulton, CA
Hand carved bookends with a marketplace and figures motif. Early 20th Century. Original painted finish.
Metal
19th Century Rosewood & Inlay Stationary Writing Slope With Leather Interior
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century Victorian Rosewood Decorative Inlaid Writing Slope With An Engraved Shield. Stationary Compartments and Storage Space. The item has black ebonised decorative accents &a...
Rosewood
$2,052Sale Price / set|35% Off
Elegant Victorian Flame Mahogany Writing Slope & Stationary Leather Interior
Located in Reading, Berkshire
An Elegant 19th Century Antique Victorian Flame Mahogany Decorative Inlaid Writing Slope With Black Ebonised Accents & Fitted Stationary Compartments With A Tooled Leather Interi...
Leather, Mahogany
$9,500Sale Price / set|20% Off
14-Karat Gold Pen Holder and Tray with Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Handmade tubular pen holder in fourteen karat yellow gold with a tripod design. It is set with four rose
Gold
19th Century Enameled Pocket Watch Stand, Jewelry Stand, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful pocket watch stand, or jewelry stand, France, circa 1880. Brass with enameled ornaments.
Brass
19th Century Enameled Pocket Watch Stand, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful pocket watch stand, or jewelry stand. Brass with enameled ornaments.
Brass
Asprey Art Deco Sterling Silver & Shagreen Magnifying Glass
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent magnifying glass by the creme de la creme of English retailer's, Asprey of Bond Street, London. The silver is fully hallmarked for London 1928 together with the maker'...
Sterling Silver
Unusual antique Victorian quality burr walnut writing box
Located in Ipswich, GB
Unusual antique Victorian quality burr walnut writing box having a quality burr walnut writing box with an unusual shaped box to the top opening to reveal a fitted interior above a b...
Walnut
Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter ends featuring symbols of the Zodiac By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Each measures: 12.25"W...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Doré Rocker Blotter, Circa 1910
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period bronze rocker ink blotter featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.63"W x 2.75"D x 2"H. Good original ...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Doré Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco period gilt bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10"W x 3.25"D x 0.5"H Good origina...
Bronze
Gilded bronze and alabaster letter carrier in the Japanese style, 19th century
Located in NICE, FR
Gilded bronze and alabaster letter carrier in the Japanese style. The bronze tree branch decorations are very delicate. The alabaster plates on the two main sides give a very luminou...
Alabaster, Bronze
A Good Old Oak Stationary or Letter Box, with pen Holder
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Good Old Oak Stationary or Letter Box, with pen Holder This is a very useful piece, the box is made in oak, it has 6 graduated letter compartments inside and a pen or ruler holder...
Oak
RESTORED ANTiQUE ART NOUVEAU STATIONERY WRITING CABINET WITH CALENDAR & KEy
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly collectable, Art Nouveau, fully restored stationary writing cabinet with date func...
Brass
PAIR OF 19th Century French CHENETS Louis XVI Style
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF 19th Century French CHENETS Louis XVI style, in gilded metal. Dim.: 29 x 13 x 5 cm good conditions
Metal
William Hornby - Patented Silver Seal Stamp - Retailed by Asprey in 1902
By Asprey International Limited, WILLIAM HORNBY, LONDON (1898-1913)
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1902 by William Hornby, and retailed originally by Asprey of London, this handsome, Edwardian, Antique Sterling Silver Seal Stamp, is a patented design where ...
Sterling Silver
A Very Good & Large Art Deco Sterling Silver Stamp Box, Hallmarked London 1913
By WILLIAM HORNBY, LONDON (1898-1913)
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome & substantial early 20th century Art Deco sterling silver stamp box. The case richly decorated overall with striking basket-weave & herringbone machined motifs, the t...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco period bronze blotter ends featuring Adam style or Neoclassical style swags By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Each measures: 1...
Bronze
$236Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Brass Letter or Envelope Holder Paper Clip
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique brass letter or envelope holder with two snakes wrapped around a fountain, birdbath or column. Not sure the meaning of it, but it does make you think the symbol for medicine....
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Blotter Ends
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter ends featuring symbols of the Zodiac By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th century Each measures: 1...
Bronze
$3,985Sale Price|30% Off
Paper Knife by Fabergè, Early 20th Century
By Fabergé
Located in Roma, IT
Paper knife with silver swan-shaped handle and precious stones by Fabergè. Original velvet box. Realized in the early 20th century. Length 29 cm. Branding inside and out of...
Onyx, Silver
Antique Regency Campaign Writing Slope Brass Mounts, 19th Century
Located in London, GB
An elegant Regency brass mounted Gonçalo Alves campaign writing slope, circa 1820 in date. The beautifully polished goncalo alves case has a wonderful age-related patina and a key...
Wood
$1,477Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Correspondence Box, English, Leather, Writing Case, Victorian, C.1890
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique correspondence box. An English, leather bound writing case, dating to he late Victorian period, circa 1890. Graced with a suite of features and appealing dark f...
Leather
$325 / set
Pair of Chinese Abacuses by Lotus Flower
Located in Bradenton, FL
A pair of Chinese abacuses dating from 1912 to 1949. A black lacquered frame secured with brass corners houses 13 bamboo rods, each with five and two black wooden beads. The original...
Wood
Chinese Abacus by Lotus Flower
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Chinese abacus dating from 1912 to 1949 with The Abacus book by Jesse Dilson. A black lacquered frame secured with brass corners houses 13 bamboo rods, each with five and two black...
Wood
Antique Initial Stamp F.J, Art Nouveau, circa 1910
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful and authentically preserved stamp for sealing wax with the initials F.J
Brass
Initial Stamp, Art Deco, 1920s
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful and authentically preserved stamp for sealing wax.
Metal
E.F. Caldwell Champlevé Enamel and Jeweled Folio Cover, Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
E.F. Caldwell Champlevé Enamel and Jeweled Folio Cover, Early 20th century.
Enamel
Antique Jewelry Tray, Art Nouveau, Gilded Bronze
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful jewelry tray, Art Nouveau.
Bronze
19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Oval Pen Tray
Located in London, GB
An attractive early 19th century Regency period bronze and Ormolu oval Pen Tray, with thistle, fruit and flower handles, having cut-glass inkwells, quill holders, candleholder and ce...
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Bronze Plate, Signed "D´Aubrée", France, Jewelry Tray, 20th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Antique bronze plate from France. Signed by the artist "D'Aubrée" on the top. Beautiful elaboration of the floral decoration.
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Match Box Holder
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period bronze match box holder featuring symbols of the Zodiac By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 4.5"D x 3.75"H. Good ori...
Bronze
$2,324Sale Price|20% Off
Austrian Clock Holder, Granite and Steel with Picture St Stephans Dome
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful and exclusive clock stand made of steel and granite. Holding a picture of the Stephans-dome. The most famous church in Wienna, Austria. High quality craftsmanship on all...
Granite, Steel
Pair of Victorian Gothic Revival Pressed Brass Letter Racks, 19th C
Located in valatie, NY
A pair of Victorian Gothic revival pressed brass letter Racks, 19th c. B. Days Patent, with the Royal Coat of Arms, both in the form of a Gothic multi-spired cathedral, each spire la...
Brass, Iron
An Ashford (Derbyshire) black marble pen tray
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An Ashford (Derbyshire) black marble pen tray, of rectangular form with two pen trays and a small circular well centred under a bronze handle in the form entwined serpents, the pen t...
Marble
$603Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Nautical Rolling Ruler, English, Maritime, Draughtsman, Captain Field
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique nautical rolling ruler. An English, ebony maritime or draughtsman's instrument of the Captain Field's Improved type, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 190...
Brass
Rene Lalique Black Glass Glass 'Tete D'aigle' Cachet
By René Lalique
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Rene Lalique black glass 'Tete D'aigle' cachet. Engraved makers mark, 'R Lalique France No. 175'. Book reference: 'R. LALIQUE Catalogue Raisonné De L'Oeuvre De Verre', by Felix Marci...
Glass
$10,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Arabian Themed Garniture Made by Franz Xavier Bergman
By Franz Xaver Bergman (Bergmann)
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Arabic themed garniture made by Franz Xavier Bergman (1861-1936). The pieces are made of polychrome bronze. The central one is an inkwell that is hidden among the rocks and a warrior...
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.