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Marshall Field & Co. Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter, Circa 1910
Marshall Field & Co. Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter, Circa 1910

Marshall Field & Co. Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter, Circa 1910

By Tiffany Studios, Marshall Field & Co. 1

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous set of four Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period "Viking" collection bronze blotter corners

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk
Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk

Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk

Located in Philadelphia, PA

. Antique American Industrial Iron and Maple Childs School Writing Desk. Item features a lower cubby storage

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Industrial Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Iron

Tiffany Studios Zodiac Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios Zodiac Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios Zodiac Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

symbols of the Zodiac with a custom green leather desk pad By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Pasture and Pen: A Charming 19th-Century Hand-Painted Lap Desk
Pasture and Pen: A Charming 19th-Century Hand-Painted Lap Desk

Pasture and Pen: A Charming 19th-Century Hand-Painted Lap Desk

Located in New York, NY

This 19th-century painted wood lap desk, likely of French origin, is of rectangular form with a

Category

19th Century French Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Italian Old World Desk Top Globe With Figural Brass Base 19thC
Italian Old World Desk Top Globe With Figural Brass Base 19thC

Italian Old World Desk Top Globe With Figural Brass Base 19thC

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Italian desk globe, dating to the 19th century, featuring an 'Old World' style map and

Category

19th Century Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Desk Calendar Frame
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Desk Calendar Frame

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Desk Calendar Frame

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper desk calendar frame or picture

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Copper, Brass

EDWARDIAN 1900 Mechanical Perpetual Desk Calendar With Painted Hunting Scene
EDWARDIAN 1900 Mechanical Perpetual Desk Calendar With Painted Hunting Scene

EDWARDIAN 1900 Mechanical Perpetual Desk Calendar With Painted Hunting Scene

Located in Miami, FL

An Edwardian perpetual desk calendar. This is a very unusual and beautiful mechanical desk

Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver Plate, Steel

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Silver Finished Copper Desk Tray With Double Pen Holder
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Silver Finished Copper Desk Tray With Double Pen Holder

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Silver Finished Copper Desk Tray With Double Pen Holder

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period acid silver finished hand hammered copper desk tray with double pen

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver, Copper

Art Nouveau Figural Double Sided Hotel Front Desk Call Bell
Art Nouveau Figural Double Sided Hotel Front Desk Call Bell

Art Nouveau Figural Double Sided Hotel Front Desk Call Bell

Located in Milan, IT

Splendid Art Nouveau Young Boy Figural Double Sided Hotel Front Desk Call Bell Marked Dep.

Category

1920s French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Antique Gentlemen English Travel Writing Desk in Wood, Restored
Antique Gentlemen English Travel Writing Desk in Wood, Restored

Antique Gentlemen English Travel Writing Desk in Wood, Restored

Located in Milano, IT

Antique English man's portable desk early 800. RESTAURED. Precious travel writing box in walnut

Category

Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Large Horn Handle Magnifying Glass desk Accessory
Antique Victorian Large Horn Handle Magnifying Glass desk Accessory

Antique Victorian Large Horn Handle Magnifying Glass desk Accessory

Located in Chicago, IL

Antique Large Horn Magnifying Glass. This was purchased from an estate and appears to be early. Uncertain to maker and origin. The brass rim is bent in slightly in one small are...

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Glass

Apollo Studios New York Arts & Crafts Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Apollo Studios New York Arts & Crafts Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Apollo Studios New York Arts & Crafts Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

ends with verdigris green patina and a custom brown leather desk blotter In the manner of Tiffany

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

French Copper & Wood Desk Art Nouveau Ink Blotter, circa 1920
French Copper & Wood Desk Art Nouveau Ink Blotter, circa 1920

French Copper & Wood Desk Art Nouveau Ink Blotter, circa 1920

Located in Labrit, Landes

To be placed on a desk or a side table. Good antique condition

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Copper

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

, with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the underside

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Pattern Bronze Doré Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Pattern Bronze Doré Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Pattern Bronze Doré Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

, with a custom brown leather desk pad By Tiffany Studios (each blotter end signed to the underside

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Zsolnay Pecs Green Eosin Iridescent Glazed Deer Mounted Desk Stand
Zsolnay Pecs Green Eosin Iridescent Glazed Deer Mounted Desk Stand

Zsolnay Pecs Green Eosin Iridescent Glazed Deer Mounted Desk Stand

By Zsolnay

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A rare and unusual Hungarian art nouveau art pottery desk stand mounted with deer and decorated in

Category

Early 1900s Hungarian Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Antique French Ecritoire Desk in Burled Elm, circa 1830
Antique French Ecritoire Desk in Burled Elm, circa 1830

Antique French Ecritoire Desk in Burled Elm, circa 1830

Located in Dallas, TX

desk with interior compartments to hold writing materials, such as pens and ink. While in use, the

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass, Metal

Walker & Hall Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver and Glass Desk Standish
Walker & Hall Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver and Glass Desk Standish

Walker & Hall Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver and Glass Desk Standish

By Walker & Hall

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver and glass desk

Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

French Belle Epoque Bronze Desk Tidy with Pen Rest, Art Nouveau Design
French Belle Epoque Bronze Desk Tidy with Pen Rest, Art Nouveau Design

French Belle Epoque Bronze Desk Tidy with Pen Rest, Art Nouveau Design

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Beautiful Turn of the Century Decorative French Belle Epoque / Art Nouveau Bronze Desk Tidy. With

Category

19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

Zodiac, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

of the Zodiac with a custom green leather desk pad By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Faience Quimper Inkwell Pen Tray, circa 1900
Antique French Faience Quimper Inkwell Pen Tray, circa 1900

Antique French Faience Quimper Inkwell Pen Tray, circa 1900

By Henriot Quimper

Located in Pearland, TX

A charming antique French faience Quimper double inkwell and pen tray desk set, circa 1900. This

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Faience

Industrial Restored General Electric Cast Iron and Brass Desk Fan
Industrial Restored General Electric Cast Iron and Brass Desk Fan

Industrial Restored General Electric Cast Iron and Brass Desk Fan

By General Electric

Located in Fort Collins, CO

This turn of the century General Electric desk fan has been fully restored both mechanically and

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass, Iron

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

Zodiac, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

of the Zodiac with a custom green leather desk pad By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Perpetual Desk Calendar, Circa 1910
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Perpetual Desk Calendar, Circa 1910

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Perpetual Desk Calendar, Circa 1910

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period "Zodiac" pattern bronze perpetual desk calendar holder or

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

English Walker and Hall Silver Plated Ink Stand Desk Stand, Sheffield 1880s
English Walker and Hall Silver Plated Ink Stand Desk Stand, Sheffield 1880s

English Walker and Hall Silver Plated Ink Stand Desk Stand, Sheffield 1880s

By John Edward Bingham (Walker and Hall)

Located in High Peak, GB

bun feet. This antique desk stand has been cleaned and polished and is in home ready condition

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter with Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter with Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter with Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

or Neoclassical style swags, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios New York

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

custom green leather desk blotter By Tiffany Studios (each blotter end signed to the underside) New

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

Zodiac, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

custom green leather desk blotter By Tiffany Studios (each blotter end signed to the underside) New

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Antique Victorian English Bramah Leather Fold-out Correspondence Writing Desk
Antique Victorian English Bramah Leather Fold-out Correspondence Writing Desk

Antique Victorian English Bramah Leather Fold-out Correspondence Writing Desk

By Joseph Bramah

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Beautiful & Luxurious Handcrafted Victorian Bramah Hardwood Fold-out Travelling Writing Companion With Fitted Leather Interior, Ceramic Blotting Tablets. Complete with Beautifu...

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous set of four Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter corners featuring symbols of

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Partner's Inkwell With Desk Tray
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Partner's Inkwell With Desk Tray

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Partner's Inkwell With Desk Tray

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze partner's inkwell with desk tray

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Antique English Victorian Bramah Leather Fold-out Stationary Writing Desk
Antique English Victorian Bramah Leather Fold-out Stationary Writing Desk

Antique English Victorian Bramah Leather Fold-out Stationary Writing Desk

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Beautiful & Luxurious Handcrafted Victorian Bramah Fold-out Travelling Writing Companion With Fitted Leather Interior, Ceramic Blotting Tablets. Complete with Beautifully Desi...

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Pair Dore Bronze Chinese Pattern 1751 Tiffany New York Desk Blotters
Pair Dore Bronze Chinese Pattern 1751 Tiffany New York Desk Blotters

Pair Dore Bronze Chinese Pattern 1751 Tiffany New York Desk Blotters

By Tiffany Studios

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1751 and are a beautiful and rare Chinese pattern. Ready for any desk slits on the sides allow for

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

the Zodiac, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Perpetual Desk Calendar, Circa 1910
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Perpetual Desk Calendar, Circa 1910

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Perpetual Desk Calendar, Circa 1910

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique bronze perpetual desk calendar or memorandum featuring symbols of the Zodiac By

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Arts & Crafts Roycroft Hammered Copper Desk Top Envelope Holder Early Mark
Arts & Crafts Roycroft Hammered Copper Desk Top Envelope Holder Early Mark

Arts & Crafts Roycroft Hammered Copper Desk Top Envelope Holder Early Mark

By Roycroft

Located in San Diego, CA

early mark hand hammered desk top envelope holder nice detail and patina rare piece from 1910, hard

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Copper

Tiffany Studios New Grapevine Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New Grapevine Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New Grapevine Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

with a custom blue leather desk blotter By Tiffany Studios (each blotter end signed to the underside

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

Zodiac, with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

Zodiac, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios 'American Indian' Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios 'American Indian' Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios 'American Indian' Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

ends, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios Graduate Pattern Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios Graduate Pattern Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios Graduate Pattern Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

in verdigris finish, with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (signed to the

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous set of four Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter corners featuring symbols of

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze and Slag Glass Desk Calendar Frame
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze and Slag Glass Desk Calendar Frame

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze and Slag Glass Desk Calendar Frame

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze and slag glass "Grapevine" pattern desk

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

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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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.