Charming Travel Desk Set, Leather and Brass, Latter Part of 19th C
Located in Knivsta, SE
Charming Travel Desk Set, Leather and Brass, Latter Part of 19th C, with original Roller, Brush and Boxes, including Ink Wells.
Brass
French Ormolu Bronze, Onyx, and Champlevé Cloisonné Enamel Desk Set, Inkwell
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
French ormolu bronze, onyx, and champlevé cloisonné enamel three-piece desk set, comprising of an inkwell / encrier, a platter / tray, and a candlestick with a female bust, circa ...
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Antique Grand Tour Victorian Classical Marble & Bronze Three Piece Desk Set
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Beautiful 19th Century Classical Marble & Bronze Mounted Three Piece Grand Tour Desk Set Three piece set includes a letter rack, an ink blotter, & an exquisite pen tray with a cen...
Marble, Bronze
English Burl Walnut Desk Set Stationary Box with Inkwells and Pen Holder
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This lovely victorian box opens to reveal fitted compartments and a royal blue moire silk lining inside the top. The base of the desk set is sitting on four turned feet supporting a ...
Brass
American Gilt Bronze Ormolu-Mounted Pink Velvet Desk Set E. F. Caldwell & Co.
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Long Island City, NY
A very fine three-piece gilt bronze-mounted pink velvet desk set by Edward F. Caldwell & Co. Comprising of a folio, ink blotter and letter box.
Velvet
American Gilt Bronze Ormolu-Mounted Pink Velvet Desk Set E. F. Caldwell & Co.
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
A very fine three-piece gilt bronze-mounted pink velvet desk set by Edward F. Caldwell & Co. Comprising of a folio, ink blotter and letter box.
Bronze
Rare Vintage Crocodile Desk Set by Vickery, London.
By Vickery
Located in London, GB
A Rare Large vintage crocodile desk set by Vickery, Regent Street, London c.1910-15.
Glass
Sold|$2,295 / set
Tiffany Studios New York Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Desk Set, Circa 1910
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau period Louis XVI style gilt bronze desk set. The two-piece set includes a notepad holder and a rocker blotter.
Bronze
Antique 19th Century Russian Solid Silver and Enamel Desk Set, circa 1890
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique late 19th century Imperial Russian silver-gilt and cloisonne' enamel desk set, comprising a pen and a letter opener, beautifully decorated with polychrome cloisonne' enamel i...
Silver, Enamel
Art Nouveau Double XX Enameled & Bronze Pattern Desk Set by, Tiffany Studios
By Tiffany Furnaces, Tiffany Studios, Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Englewood, NJ
Literature: Similar pieces are photographed and documented in: "Tiffany Desk Sets by, William R. Holland Schiffer Publishing Ltd ©2008; Chapter 19 - pg. 217.
Bronze
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Five-Piece Desk Set, Circa 1920s
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Art & Crafts period hand hammered copper desk set. The five-piece set includes: calendar frame, inkwell, pen tray, letter opener, and set of four blotter corners with ...
Copper
American Art Deco Desk Set Heintz Art Metal Shop Sterling on Bronze 9 Piece
By Heintz Art Metal Shop
Located in Toronto, Ontario
American Art Deco sterling on bronze 9-piece desk set, Heintz Art Metal Shop, Buffalo, N.Y, circa 1920.
Sterling Silver, Bronze
French Gilt Bronze Ormolu Large Double Inkstand Desk Set Lions, 19th Century
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptionally fine quality stylish heavy gauge gilt bronze inkstand desk set of generous proportions and of french origin.
Bronze, Ormolu
Egyptian Revival Desk Set, Stunning Group of Bronzes for the Desk by Schwarz
By Rudolf Schwarz
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This magnificent bronze desk set -- including a large inkwell in the form of a Pharaoh's head, accompanied by a rocking blotter, paperweight and letter opener, each with Pharaoh or s...
Bronze
Fire-Gilt Desk Set with Clock, France, circa 1925
Located in Greding, DE
Small desk set with fire-gilt bronze clock.
Bronze
A Vibrant and Finely Executed Kashmiri Lacquered Desk Set
Located in San Francisco, CA
A vibrant and finely executed Kashmiri lacquered desk set; comprised of a domed letter box, letter opener, inkwell and portfolio; finely detailed with intricate and colorful lacquere...
Art Deco Black Vitrolite and Brass Desk Set with Pen Rest, Inkwell & Stamp Caddy
Located in New York, NY
This American Art Deco desk set was produced, circa 1925. The set includes a pen rest, an inkwell, a letter holder and a stamp caddy.
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze and Slag Glass Desk Set, circa 1910
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau period "Grapevine" bronze and slag glass desk set. The three-piece set includes: letter rack, inkwell, and pen tray.
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Pattern Silver Gilt Bronze 3-Piece Desk Set
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Art & Crafts or Art Deco period "Bookmark" silver gilt bronze desk set. The three-piece set includes: pen tray, inkwell, and blotter ends with leather desk blotter.
Bronze
1940's Crocodile Desk Set in Cognac with Brass Hardware
Located in Gresham, OR
A near pristine, complete crocodile desk set which includes a letter opener, blotter and note pad.
Amazing 1870 Late Empire Pure Gold Gilded Metal and Crystal Italian Desk Set
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This is an Italian desk set in original box from the Late Empire period, dating to around 1870.
Crystal, Metal
Sold|$710
Leather Desk Set, Early 20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Leather desk pad with fold-out compartments and one etui for pens and pencils. The beige leather is decorated with golden ornaments.
Leather
Sold|$18,000 / set
WPA Industrial Aluminum Artisan 5 Piece Desk Set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
WPA, bespoke, artisan-made, hand tooled, riveted aluminum, desk set with copper hammered pulls, circa 1930’s includes 5 pieces; desk, bench, deskblotter, folder organizer and stamp.
Aluminum, Copper
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Bronze and Slag Glass Desk Set, circa 1910
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau period "pine needle" bronze desk set. The six-piece set includes: inkwell, rocker blotter, and set of four blotter corners.
Bronze
Sold|$4,500 / set
Antique French Ormolu Bronze Desk Set
Located in New Orleans, LA
A handsome file and pen rest comprise this set. Albert Marionnet (1852-1910) was the master sculptor of this work.
Bronze, Ormolu
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Bronze and Slag Glass Seven-Piece Desk Set
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau period "pine needle" bronze desk set. The seven-piece set includes: inkwell, pen tray, rocker blotter, and set of four blotter corners.
Bronze
Sold|$992 / set
19th Century Brass and Pietra Dura Mounted Desk Set
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful antique brass and Pietra Dura mounted desk set, circa 1870 in date. Comprising a delightful pair of circular desk candlesticks, an oval pen tray and a cut-gla...
Brass
Antique French Silver Gilt & Enamel Writing Desk Set c1890 Pen Pencil Clock Seal
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous Antique French Silver and Enamel Writing Set or Desk Set encased in a silver and enamel box shaped like a book.
Enamel
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Bronze and Slag Glass Nine-Piece Desk Set
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Art Nouveau period "pine needle" bronze desk set. The nine-piece set includes: picture frame, inkwell, pen tray, stamp box, rocker blotter, and set of four blotter cor...
Bronze
Antique English Walnut and Cut Brass Desk Set, circa 1860
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful antique desk set comprising a brass bound ink stand with a matching stationery box and blotter, circa 1860 in date and bearing the engraved brass label of the emi...
Sold|$1,609 / set
Antique Brass and Jasperware Desk Set James Howell, 19th Century
By James Howell
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful antique brass and Jasperware mounted desk set, by James Howell, Regent Street, London, circa 1860 in date.
Brass
American Art Deco Desk Set Heintz Art Metal Shop
Located in Toronto, ON
American Art Deco Sterling on Bronze 9 piece Desk Set, Heintz Art Metal Shop, Buffalo, N.Y, C.1920.
Antique Brass and Jasperware Desk Set James Howell 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful antique brass and Jasperware mounted desk set, by James Howell, Regent Street, London, circa 1860 in date.
Austrian Jugenstil Silver-Plated Inkstand & Rocker Blotter Desk Set, circa 1900
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful in its unique Austrian Jugenstil style and very strong masculine streamlined design, this stunning desk set of inkstand and ink rocker blotter was made in Vienna, Austria, ...
Brass
Antique Early 20th Century Desk Set by Thornhill & Co London Circa 1910
By Thornhill
Located in London, GB
Travel back in time with this impressive antique desk set by Thornhill & Co, London, dating back to circa 1910.
Crocodile
Art Deco gilt bronze desk set with parrots by L. Rigot.
Located in Antwerp, BE
Art Deco gilt bronze desk set. ӬA letter opener and a letter seal with parrot in original case by ӬL.
Ormolu
Desk Set Made of Timber from HMS Collingwood England, circa 1890
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A desk set made of timber from HMS Collingwood, in the form of two capstans fitted with ceramic inkwells on a rectangular plinth base with pen well and brass plaque stating 'Made of ...
Teak
Sold|$1,250
Silver Inlaid Tortoiseshell Desk Set
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Comprising an inkwell, a book, a letter opener and tray, the silver fully marked. The inkstand 12 in. Wide, 7in. Deep and 2 1/8in. High.
Silver
Late 19th Century Silver Desk Set, Letter Opener, Fountain Pen, Letter Seal
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This French silver desk set comes in its original box lined with green velvet and ivory silk.
Silver Plate
Antique Malachite Desk Set Inkwell 19th Century 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A superb quality Russian malachite mounted desk set, 19th century, comprising an inkwell and Stand and a fountain pen.
Malachite, Ormolu
Sold|$450
1920s French Marble Desk Set
Located in High Point, NC
A set of marble decorations in light brown, circa 1920s France. Inspired by the forms of Cubism, this 1920s Art Deco set of decorations offers a playful arrangement. A broad slotted ...
Marble
19th Century French Inkwell Bronze Louis XV Style Dore Encrier Desk Set
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Antique French Louis XV style doré bronze inkwell encrier desk set ormolu gilt. An exceptionally high quality early 19th century French Louis XV style bronze ormolu mounted inkwell.
Bronze
Finest Antique French Pink "Boulle" Inkwell / Desk Set, circa 1830
Located in Bath, GB
A truly exquisite and rare antique inkstand / desk set made in France, circa 1830. Made from fine polished brass, it has pink enamel and Mother of Pearl worked into the brass in a bo...
Brass
Sold|$5,150
Louis XVI Style Desk Set
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Beautiful patina and color. Sold together in set.
Antique cold painted Vienna bronze desk set with birds, inkwell & 2 vases 1900
Located in Antwerp, BE
A Vienna bronze desk set, inkwell and two vases with birds. Very fine quality.
Bronze
Antique Jennings & Bettridge Grand Tour Papier Mache Desk Set Inkstand Encrier
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning Heavy Gauge English Grand Tour highly decorative Papier Mache Ink Stand of Museum Quality and generous proportions. First half of the Nineteenth Century. Firmly attributed t...
Crystal
Antique French Sevres Ormolu Gilt Bronze Dore Letters Holder Inkwell Desk Set
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Depth: (4.75” (12.25cm). Set Eur.875.00. Location: Dublin City, Ireland.
Ormolu
Antique French Ormolu Bronze Desk Set Encrier Inkwell Art Nouveau Grand Tour
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Superb example of a French ormolu and patinated bronze heavy gauge twin ink desk stand of rectangular outline, circa 1875, possibly earlier, 19th century. The lavish cast ormolu f...
Crystal, Ormolu, Bronze
Sold|$2,195 / set
English Barley Twist Jacobean Style Desk Set
Located in Southampton, NJ
Solid Mahogany Jacobean style writing desk with three paneled drawers, original brass drop pulls, classic barley twist legs assembled with a perfectly fitting solid wood antique chai...
Brass
Sold|$2,400
14 Piece Gorham Sterling Silver Desk Set
Located in Great Barrington, MA
The most complete Gorham sterling silver desk set with Art Nouveau chased decoration. The set includes 4 blotter corners, blotter, letter holder, letter opener, 3 part stamp box, pap...
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Oak and Brass Smoking and Desks set
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Victorian Oak and Brass Smoking and Desk Set, c. 1870-80
Brass
Antique Malachite Inkwell Desk Set French Inkstand
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Gorgeous French malachite desk inkwell set Love the colour and grain to the malachite which really stands out The gilt fixtures are original and very well cast with great patina Come...
Glass
Black Forest Carved Slant Desk Set 19th Century
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Would make a great desk accessory
Sold|$2,670
A silver and cut-glass desk set
By Asprey International Limited
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A silver and cut-glass desk set comprising a rectangular ebonised pen tray with silver mounts inscribed ‘Asprey & Sons, 166 New Bond Street London’ with a central cut glass inkwell.
Silver
Antique 19th Century Victorian 9-Karat Gold & M.O.P Cased Desk Set, circa 1897
By William Harrison Walter
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Description: Antique 19th century Victorian 9-Karat gold, three pieces desk writing set, comprising of a gold and mother-of-pearl letter opener, pen and pencil, each handle beauti...
Gold
Stunning Art Nouveau Sterling and Mixed Metal desk Set
Located in New York, NY
This set is made of Sterling silver,brass with copper pieces comprising ,a desk blotter,letter rack,inkstand,letter opener,match case,pen tray and ink blotter.This set features a bea...
Spanish Art Deco Alabaster Desk Lamp and Inkwell Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
An unusual alabaster desk set with a working lamp, inkwell and blotter.
Alabaster
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.