What is an antique Davenport desk?

An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What are antique desks called?

What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.

What's the difference between an antique desk and a vintage desk?

Antique desks are generally 100 years or older, while vintage desks are at least 20 years old and often reflect a specific design era.

How do I identify an antique tea set?

To identify an antique tea set , look closely to determine who the manufacturer is. Locate the hallmark on the bottom of a saucer, teapot or cup. A maker’s mark on one of these items is the best indicator of the set’s origin. If you snap a photo with your smartphone or tablet, you can conduct a reverse image search to jump-start your research. Professionals recommend consulting auction catalogs, books and trusted online resources such as museum exhibition materials. With some research, you may be able to match the marking to the manufacturer's name and, from there, identify the pattern and age. In 17th-century England, Chinese tea began to arrive at ports in London. Mass production of porcelain tea sets took place in the 18th century, and during the early 1800s, tea became widely affordable, and the concept of teatime took shape all over England . Reputable soft-paste porcelain makers include Sèvres , Capodimonte and Chelsea , while Meissen was the first European maker of hard-paste porcelain. Bone china manufactories of note include Spode , Minton and Derby , which was later called the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company .Generally, a tea set is considered vintage if it’s at least 20 years old, while antiques are at least 100 years old. Although a maker’s mark is generally a helpful indicator of a given manufacturer, forgeries have occurred over the years. Look for other signifiers of a material, time period or style if you are uncertain of your piece’s origin. For help with identification, seek out a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer.Find antique tea sets on 1stDibs.

How much is my antique secretary desk worth?

An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.

How do I know if my antique roll top desk?

A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.

How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?

To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.

What's the difference between a general antique desk and a mid-century modern desk?

Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader category, while a mid-century modern desk specifically features the tapered legs and clean lines of 1940s-1960s design.

Antique Desk Sets

Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Match Box Holder

$995

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...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Austrian Clock Holder, Granite and Steel with Picture St Stephans Dome

$2,228Sale Price|20% Off

Austrian Clock Holder, Granite and Steel with Picture St Stephans Dome

Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län

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...

Category

Early 19th Century Austrian Empire Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Granite, Steel

Pair of Victorian Gothic Revival Pressed Brass Letter Racks, 19th C

$1,450 / set

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...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass, Iron

An Ashford (Derbyshire) black marble pen tray

$1,839

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...

Category

1850s English Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Marble

Rene Lalique Black Glass Glass 'Tete D'aigle' Cachet

$2,091

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...

Category

1910s French Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Glass

Arabian Themed Garniture Made by Franz Xavier Bergman

$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...

Category

1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Italian Shelf Depicting the Roman Emperor from the Early 20th Century

$1,023

Italian Shelf Depicting the Roman Emperor from the Early 20th Century

By Midcentury Italian school

Located in Madrid, ES

Title: Decorated wood shelf Date/Period: 20th century Dimension: 50cm x 45cm 35cm Materials: Wood Additional information: Italian shelf depicting the Roman emperor from the early...

Category

Early 1900s Italian Rococo Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Bronze and Tortoiseshell Blotter

$650

Bronze and Tortoiseshell Blotter

Located in Tampa, FL

An 1890s English blotter. Bronze, tortoiseshell inside with a leather bottom. In very good condition especially the tortoiseshell.

Category

1890s English Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Celeste Globe by Charles Dien 19th Century

$3,638

Celeste Globe by Charles Dien 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Celeste globe by Charles Dien it is signed Charles Dien 1840 in very good general condition measurements: 36 cm high and 15 cm in diameter very good condition.

Category

19th Century French Baroque Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Silver Table Center 20th Century

$2,614

Art Deco Silver Table Center 20th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

ART DECO SILVER TABLE CENTER In silver with relief and pierced decoration with central body with two removable baskets and two bases with mirrors, 'boar II' contrast, 833 thousandth...

Category

Early 20th Century Portuguese Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

Letter Rack or Stationery Rack in Leather from the 19th Century, France

$682

Letter Rack or Stationery Rack in Leather from the 19th Century, France

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Elegant 19th centuryletter rack or stationery rack from France It is unusual to find them with their original key. Very nice interior beautiful patina and in very good condition. ...

Category

19th Century French Aesthetic Movement Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Leather

19th Century French Letter Holder in Palisander with Frieze Inlay

$709Sale Price|35% Off

19th Century French Letter Holder in Palisander with Frieze Inlay

Located in Sofia, BG

Letter holder in palisander wood with freeze inlay made in late 19th century in France. Measures: 52/15/6 cm. France, circa 1890.

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Palisander

19th Century French Pair of Bronze Cachets Depicting Female Figures

$829 / set

19th Century French Pair of Bronze Cachets Depicting Female Figures

Located in Sofia, BG

19th century French pair of cachets made of bronze depicting two figures of beautiful female. Already engraved "CH" and "LD" and could become a perfect gift! France, circa 1870.

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

French Pair of Bronze Cachets Depicting a Bagpipe Player and a Drummer

$613 / set

French Pair of Bronze Cachets Depicting a Bagpipe Player and a Drummer

Located in Sofia, BG

19th century French pair of cachets made of bronze depicting two figures one of a bagpipe player and one of a drummer. Ready to be engraved and could become a perfect gift! France, ...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Burgundy Leather Bound Writing and Stationery Box with Fitted Brass Handle

$6,812

Burgundy Leather Bound Writing and Stationery Box with Fitted Brass Handle

Located in London, GB

A burgundy leather bound writing and stationery box Of the very highest quality, the carcass constructed from Cuban flame mahogany; the lockplate of shaped elliptical escutcheon f...

Category

19th Century English Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

George III 18th Century Mahogany Letter Box. Circa 1790

$4,500

George III 18th Century Mahogany Letter Box. Circa 1790

Located in Incline Village, NV

Fine quality circa 1790 Georgian letter box, with three compartment fitted interior (see image). Exterior has original double brass hinged slope top with serpentine shaped front, and...

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Mahogany

Pair of Bronze and Marble Bookends, Signed H.M. White, England, circa 1920

$6,000 / set

Pair of Bronze and Marble Bookends, Signed H.M. White, England, circa 1920

By Mabel White

Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Pair of bronze and marble bookends, signed H.M. White. England, circa 1920. With Chinese children studying.

Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Rare Chinese opium smoking tray in Cloisonné Bronze with Black Enamel

$2,614

Rare Chinese opium smoking tray in Cloisonné Bronze with Black Enamel

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Rare Chinese opium smoking tray in cloisonné bronze with black enamel. Divided into three compartments plus the wick deposit. 19th century.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Fine French Cartonnier, 19th Century, Attributed to Paul Sormani, circa 1865

$9,500

Fine French Cartonnier, 19th Century, Attributed to Paul Sormani, circa 1865

By Paul Sormani

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Fine French Cartonnier, 19th century, attributed to Paul Sormani Paris, circa 1865, bois de Violette, satine quarter-veneer and six gilt-tooled brown leather faceted drawers height ...

Category

1860s Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Italian Grand Tour Stamp Box, Siena Marble and Bronze, 19th Century

$1,200

Italian Grand Tour Stamp Box, Siena Marble and Bronze, 19th Century

Located in Spencertown, NY

Italian Grand Tour stamp box, 19th century.

Category

19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Siena Marble

Sevres Style "Silvered" Rectangular Pink-Ground Box and Cover, Pen Tray

$1,200

Sevres Style "Silvered" Rectangular Pink-Ground Box and Cover, Pen Tray

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A Sevres style "Silvered" rectangular pink-ground box and cover, pen tray painted with pink and silvered cabbage roses beneath a silvered rim; the front painted with a "romantic" sc...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Sèvres

Antique Big Tirolean Hand-Carved Chestnut Wood Basin Bowl, Nice How Centrepiece

$1,023

Antique Big Tirolean Hand-Carved Chestnut Wood Basin Bowl, Nice How Centrepiece

Located in Vigonza, Padua

An early 20th century tirolean hand-carved "Cirmolo" wood basin bowl, nice how centrepiece. Restored and finished shellac An important antique piece of rural life in South...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Rustic Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

1920s Art Deco Modernist Desk and Armchair Set in Solid Oak

$7,390 / set

1920s Art Deco Modernist Desk and Armchair Set in Solid Oak

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Magnificent and rare Art Deco Modernist desk with matching armchair. Design in the style of Frits Spanjaard.

Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Leather, Macassar, Oak

Antique Carved Ornate Japanese Export Hard Rosewood Writing Desk and Chair Set

$3,995

Antique Carved Ornate Japanese Export Hard Rosewood Writing Desk and Chair Set

Located in Chicago, IL

Antique Carved Ornate Japanese Export Hard Rosewood Writing Desk and Chair Set This writing desk and chair set are carved with beautiful dragon designs.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Rosewood

Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Chinese Scholar's Writing Desk and Chair Set

$7,475 / set

Late 19th Century Hand-Carved Chinese Scholar's Writing Desk and Chair Set

Located in Dekalb, IL

Hand-carved hardwood desk and matching chair set featuring intricate bas-relief carvings throughout.

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Glass, Wood

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, Desk Office Suite, Set of 3!!

$9,679 / set

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, Desk Office Suite, Set of 3!!

Located in Austin, TX

Extraordinary Set of 1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, Desk Office Suite, Set of 3!!

Category

19th Century French Other Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Quality Antique Desk Clock & Barometer Set

$1,132

Quality Antique Desk Clock & Barometer Set

Located in Ipswich, GB

This is a quality antique desk clock and barometer set having a quality oak case with ornate brass mounts.

Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

1950's French Folding Tripod Base Metal Table

$470

1950's French Folding Tripod Base Metal Table

Located in Hook, Hampshire

Konstantin Grcic desk and chair set, manufactured by Thonet for Muji.

Category

1920s British Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, 3-Piece Set, Desk, Office Suite!!

$9,968 / set

1800s Antique French Oromlu-Mounted, Burlwood, 3-Piece Set, Desk, Office Suite!!

Located in Austin, TX

Extraordinary Set, truly outstanding quality, monumental! Antique Desk, Office Suite, French Ormolu-Mounted Burlwood, 3-Piece Set, 1800's, 19th Century!!

Category

19th Century French Other Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Set of Desk and Writing Instruments in Fitted Leather Box, 19th Century

$1,800 / set

Set of Desk and Writing Instruments in Fitted Leather Box, 19th Century

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This lovely three-piece 19th century writing set consists of a pen with silver tip, letter opener of mother of pearl with agate handle and silver connector and a detailed intaglio en...

Category

19th Century French Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Agate, Silver

Antique Writing Desk and Chair Set circa 1920s, Moorish Style Inlaid Desk

$9,250 / set

Antique Writing Desk and Chair Set circa 1920s, Moorish Style Inlaid Desk

Located in Miami, FL

Transport yourself to a bygone era with this captivating Moorish-style writing desk and chair set, handcrafted in circa 1920s.

Category

Early 20th Century Lebanese Moorish Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Antique Pair of Continental Porcelain Pierrot and Pierrette Figural Inkwells

$674

Antique Pair of Continental Porcelain Pierrot and Pierrette Figural Inkwells

Located in Nottingham, GB

Surviving as a decorative desk set, both figures display expected signs of age and handling.

Category

19th Century Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Highly Ornamental Carlo Bugatti Desk & Chair Set, c.1910

$65,373

Highly Ornamental Carlo Bugatti Desk & Chair Set, c.1910

By Carlo Bugatti

Located in EVERDINGEN, NL

The desk showcases six small drawers bearing enigmatic, glyph-like script, while lacquered oak acorn handles add a charming, whimsical note to the desk’s rich material vocabulary.

Category

1910s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Copper, Pewter

Antique Japanese Meiji Export Hardwood Mt. Fuji Dragon Carved Desk and Chair Set

$2,800 / set

Antique Japanese Meiji Export Hardwood Mt. Fuji Dragon Carved Desk and Chair Set

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Japanese Meiji Export Hardwood Mt. Fuji Dragon Carved Desk and Chair Set. Listing includes (1) chair, (1) desk, Mt.

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

French Neoclassical Office Set by Mercier Frères – Desk, Cabinet & Chair

$88,563

French Neoclassical Office Set by Mercier Frères – Desk, Cabinet & Chair

By Mercier Freres

Located in King's Lynn, GB

An exceptionally rare and complete French Neoclassical office suite by Mercier Frères, dating from the Belle Époque period (circa 1890–1900). Comprising a impressive pedestal desk, b...

Category

Late 19th Century British Neoclassical Revival Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Set of 2 antique English captain's chairs/desk chairs from the 19th century

$1,193 / set

Set of 2 antique English captain's chairs/desk chairs from the 19th century

Located in Harderwijk, NL

These beautiful antique English captain’s chairs have developed a wonderful patina over the years. Dating from the early 1800s, the chairs feature beautiful warm colours, spindle bac...

Category

Early 19th Century Classical Roman Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Fantastic Gilt Bronze Brass and Cut Glass Horseman & Hound Dog Desk Inkwell Set

$1,400

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...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze, Nickel

Desk Arts and Crafts , 1890, England

$18,000

Desk Arts and Crafts , 1890, England

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Personalized Quotes: We would be delighted to advise you and provide a quote for any intervention according to your personal taste. The set includes, armchair, desk and desk accesso...

Category

1890s English Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

19th Rectangular Bouillotte Louis XVI Desk Table with Bronze Mounts

$6,575

19th Rectangular Bouillotte Louis XVI Desk Table with Bronze Mounts

Located in Miami, FL

The desk is set with superb gilt bronze mounts throughout, including ornate intertwining foliage adorning the sides.

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Small Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in Brown

$1,318Sale Price|20% Off

Small Ladies' Writing Desk From the Early 20th Century in Brown

Located in Opole, PL

The desk is set on long, straight legs.

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Antique Victorian Desk Accessories Writing Set Carved Sardonyx Banded Agate

$886

Antique Victorian Desk Accessories Writing Set Carved Sardonyx Banded Agate

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Very pristine and elegant Victorian writing set comprising a sardonyx pencil, a sardonyx ruler and a letter opener. The ruler measures 0.8 cm x 0.8 cm, length 16.5 cm. The length o...

Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Agate, Mixed Metal

Unusual Transition Style Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Double Sided Writing Desk

$47,688

Unusual Transition Style Marquetry and Gilt Bronze Double Sided Writing Desk

Located in London, GB

The veneered wooden surfaces of the desk are profusely adorned with floral marquetry, while the desk is set with a host of fine gilt bronze mounts, including foliate frames around th...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Ormolu

Spanish Antique Small Wooden Desk w/Unique Carved "Trunk" Appearance from Front

$2,653

Spanish Antique Small Wooden Desk w/Unique Carved "Trunk" Appearance from Front

Located in East Point, GA

The working side of this desk houses four drawers set down either seated side- with drawers on right being slightly larger in size than the drawers to the left.

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Russian Lapis Lazuli, Silver-Gilt and Gem-Set Paper Weight Desk Clock

$10,000

Russian Lapis Lazuli, Silver-Gilt and Gem-Set Paper Weight Desk Clock

Located in New York, NY

This magnificent old desk clock is an antique collector's dream. The details on this desk clock are beautiful. It is designed with Russian Lapis and Gilt-silver, paired with a white ...

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Ruby, Silver, Gilt Metal

Desk Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty , Sign: G. Keller Orfevre, 22 rue Joubert

$128,000

Desk Jugendstil, Art Nouveau, Liberty , Sign: G. Keller Orfevre, 22 rue Joubert

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Personalized Quotes: We would be delighted to advise you and provide a quote for any intervention according to your personal taste. The set includes, armchair, desk and desk accesso...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Scottish Terrier Bronze Desk Ornament on Hardwood Base

$225

Art Deco Scottish Terrier Bronze Desk Ornament on Hardwood Base

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

Originally part of a decorative desk accessory or writing set, the sculpture now serves as a delightful standalone object, appealing to collectors of Scottish Terrier memorabilia, Ar...

Category

Early 20th Century American Classical Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Spelter

Silver - Six-piece set

$341Sale Price / set|50% Off

Silver - Six-piece set

Located in Porto, PT

Silver - Set of six pieces. In hallmarked silver and metal, comprising: inkwell and mug; shoehorn; and three paper cutters. In original cases. Dimensions: (largest) 7x20x11 cm

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

19th Century Walnut Partners Desk

$35,000

19th Century Walnut Partners Desk

Located in Savannah, GA

The Solid Brass handles are of the finest quality. The desk has it's original set of keys. There is a cross cut molding around the top and the base.

Category

1890s English George III Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Finely Carved Renaissance Study Set, Late 1800s

$17,054 / set

Finely Carved Renaissance Study Set, Late 1800s

Located in Montelabbate, PU

Neo-Renaissance studio, late 1800s early 1900s, carved on solid walnut. Lombard origin. Origin Villa Campari. Study sideboard 224x62x121H, serving sideboard 183x50x132h, table 185x8...

Category

1890s Italian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Walnut

Boucheron Antique Miniature Oil Painting Set in a Silver Desk Frame Paris c 1870

$1,280Sale Price|55% Off

Boucheron Antique Miniature Oil Painting Set in a Silver Desk Frame Paris c 1870

By Boucheron

Located in Aspen, CO

Frederic Boucheron small ornate frame holding a fine miniature oil painting. Probably designed by Jules Debut, a major designer for Boucheron in the late 19th century. 1988. He des...

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

1880 Arts & Crafts Mahogany Desk Chair with X-Frame and Leather

$1,083

1880 Arts & Crafts Mahogany Desk Chair with X-Frame and Leather

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Arts & Crafts X-frame mahogany desk chair. The chair is set on X-framed Legs, a very strong design, it has elegant arm rests and double bar rack rest This roomy and stylish chai...

Category

Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Mahogany

JOHN GRINSELL & SONS 1904 Edwardian Cut Crystal Inkwell Desk Tray In .925

$1,750 / set

JOHN GRINSELL & SONS 1904 Edwardian Cut Crystal Inkwell Desk Tray In .925

By John Grinsell & Sons

Located in Miami, FL

An inkwell desk tray designed by John Grinsell & Sons. This is a very elegant desk inkwell tray set created in London England by the silversmith company of John Grinsell & Sons, bac...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Set of 2 Terra Cotta neogothic ornaments

$1,250

Set of 2 Terra Cotta neogothic ornaments

Located in MILL, NL

Set of 2 decorative terracotta ornaments. A fine pair of neo-Gothic terracotta ornaments, originally intended as a finial or decorative element on a façade, roof edge or interior fe...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Terracotta

Set of 7 Brass Bell Form Weights

$350Sale Price / set|41% Off

Set of 7 Brass Bell Form Weights

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

An assembled set of 7 brass bell form weights, c.1860. 4lb, 2lb, 1lb, 8oz, 4oz, 2oz, 1oz. Whitehall Antiques is a family business that has been a major source for the selective buye...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Set of 1920s Carved Soapstone Bookends

$1,250 / set

Set of 1920s Carved Soapstone Bookends

Located in Tarrytown, NY

Set of 1920s carved soapstone bookends.

Category

1920s Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Soapstone

Rolltop Desk after Jean-Henri Riesener Attributed to Maison Beurdeley

$17,872

Rolltop Desk after Jean-Henri Riesener Attributed to Maison Beurdeley

By Maison Beurdeley

Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

The desk is set on four tapered legs. Attributed to Beurdeley, one of the most important dynasties of furniture makers in the 19th century (1818-1895), particularly famous for the ...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Italian Siena Marble Ink Set

$1,591

19th Century Italian Siena Marble Ink Set

Located in Esbeek, NL

Italian Siena marble ink set, 19th century or earlier.

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Siena Marble

Set of 2 Antique Glass Paperweights, Belgium

$898 / set

Set of 2 Antique Glass Paperweights, Belgium

Located in Oud Beijerland, NL

Very beautiful set of 2 glass paperweights. This set is made in Belgium in the 19th century. They were also used as a hat or hairpiece pedestal. Now they are used for decoration. T...

Category

19th Century Belgian Louis XVI Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Blown Glass

Enamel Miniatures Living Room and Piano Set

$2,240Sale Price|30% Off

Enamel Miniatures Living Room and Piano Set

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Enamel miniatures living room and piano set Origin Vienna, Austria Circa 1900 Enamel and bronze materials The piano is a music box (it works) The general condition is very good. ...

Category

Early 1900s Austrian Rococo Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Enamel

Antique Drawing Instrument Set, German, Cartographer, Technical, Richter

$425Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Drawing Instrument Set, German, Cartographer, Technical, Richter

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique drawing instrument set. A German, brass cartographer's or architect's technical drawing set, by Richter, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.

Category

Early 20th Century German Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Nickel

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Antique Desk Sets For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique desk sets is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, bronze and wood, all antique desk sets available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of antique desk sets available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique desk sets bearing Victorian or Art Nouveau hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Many antique desk sets are appealing in their simplicity, but Tiffany Studios, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Platerías Martínez produced popular antique desk sets that are worth a look.

How Much are Antique Desk Sets?

Antique desk sets can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,766, while the lowest priced sells for $95 and the highest can go for as much as $74,861.

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 Desk Sets

What is an antique Davenport desk?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A Davenport desk is a type of small desk with a distinct inclined desktop. The desktop covers a large storage compartment meant for keeping paper and other writing materials. Popular in the 19th century, Davenport desks are still sought after today. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
What are antique desks called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.
What's the difference between an antique desk and a vintage desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Antique desks are generally 100 years or older, while vintage desks are at least 20 years old and often reflect a specific design era.
How do I identify an antique tea set?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 5, 2024
To identify an antique tea set, look closely to determine who the manufacturer is. Locate the hallmark on the bottom of a saucer, teapot or cup. A maker’s mark on one of these items is the best indicator of the set’s origin. If you snap a photo with your smartphone or tablet, you can conduct a reverse image search to jump-start your research. Professionals recommend consulting auction catalogs, books and trusted online resources such as museum exhibition materials. With some research, you may be able to match the marking to the manufacturer's name and, from there, identify the pattern and age.

In 17th-century England, Chinese tea began to arrive at ports in London. Mass production of porcelain tea sets took place in the 18th century, and during the early 1800s, tea became widely affordable, and the concept of teatime took shape all over England.

Reputable soft-paste porcelain makers include Sèvres, Capodimonte and Chelsea, while Meissen was the first European maker of hard-paste porcelain. Bone china manufactories of note include Spode, Minton and Derby, which was later called the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company.

Generally, a tea set is considered vintage if it’s at least 20 years old, while antiques are at least 100 years old. Although a maker’s mark is generally a helpful indicator of a given manufacturer, forgeries have occurred over the years. Look for other signifiers of a material, time period or style if you are uncertain of your piece’s origin. For help with identification, seek out a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer.

Find antique tea sets on 1stDibs.
How much is my antique secretary desk worth?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.
How do I know if my antique roll top desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
What's the difference between a general antique desk and a mid-century modern desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader category, while a mid-century modern desk specifically features the tapered legs and clean lines of 1940s-1960s design.