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Antique 20thC Royal Solid Silver Desk Compendium, William Hurcomb c.1904
Antique 20thC Royal Solid Silver Desk Compendium, William Hurcomb c.1904

Antique 20thC Royal Solid Silver Desk Compendium, William Hurcomb c.1904

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique early 20th Century Edwardian solid silver desk compendium, rectangular form, the four sides

Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

19th Century Oak Desk Book Trough, Arts and Crafts Style, Dark Finish
19th Century Oak Desk Book Trough, Arts and Crafts Style, Dark Finish

19th Century Oak Desk Book Trough, Arts and Crafts Style, Dark Finish

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Oak Desk Top Book Trough A useful piece made in dark oak and ideal to hold a few books on your

Category

19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Oak

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Doré Desk Calendar or Picture Frame
Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Doré Desk Calendar or Picture Frame

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Doré Desk Calendar or Picture Frame

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze "Graduate" pattern desk calendar

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Antique Desk Top Marquetry Book Tidy, Fruitwood, Arts and Crafts, 1900
Antique Desk Top Marquetry Book Tidy, Fruitwood, Arts and Crafts, 1900

Antique Desk Top Marquetry Book Tidy, Fruitwood, Arts and Crafts, 1900

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Desk Top Marquetry Occasional Book Tidy The Bookcase is double sided with very attractive

Category

Early 20th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Fruitwood

Art Deco Black Glass and Brass Desk Pen Holder with Crest
Art Deco Black Glass and Brass Desk Pen Holder with Crest

Art Deco Black Glass and Brass Desk Pen Holder with Crest

Located in New York, NY

An Art Deco period black glass and brass desk pen holder with crest, circa 20th century. Piece

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Victorian Tortoise Shell Desk Box W/  3 Italian Faux Tortoise Leather Books
Victorian Tortoise Shell Desk Box W/  3 Italian Faux Tortoise Leather Books

Victorian Tortoise Shell Desk Box W/ 3 Italian Faux Tortoise Leather Books

Located in Kennesaw, GA

Holiday Gift Idea! This is a late 19th century English tortoise shell desk box paired with a set of

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Tortoise Shell, Leather, Paper

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

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

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

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

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 New York, USA, Early 20th Century

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 New York Graduate Bronze Doré Desk Calendar or Picture Frame
Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Doré Desk Calendar or Picture Frame

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Doré Desk Calendar or Picture Frame

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze "Graduate" pattern desk calendar

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Bronze Blotter Ends & Leather Desk Pad
Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Bronze Blotter Ends & Leather Desk Pad

Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Bronze Blotter Ends & Leather Desk Pad

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

Indian" pattern, with a custom brown leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (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 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

Rare English Regency Writing Desk With Decorative Brass Trim by Wells & Lambe
Rare English Regency Writing Desk With Decorative Brass Trim by Wells & Lambe

Rare English Regency Writing Desk With Decorative Brass Trim by Wells & Lambe

By John Lambe

Located in Reading, Berkshire

writing desks (writing boxes, as we know them today) and dressing cases. Antique lap desks had hinged

Category

19th Century British Regency Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Pen Tray Desk Accessory, circa 1910
Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Pen Tray Desk Accessory, circa 1910

Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Pen Tray Desk Accessory, circa 1910

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

patina from age. Matching desk accessories including an inkwell, calendar holder, desk box, and rocker

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Greek Key Bronze Desk Calendar or Stationary Holder
Tiffany Studios New York Greek Key Bronze Desk Calendar or Stationary Holder

Tiffany Studios New York Greek Key Bronze Desk Calendar or Stationary Holder

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique gilt bronze desk calendar holder or stationary holder featuring Greek key

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Pad
Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Pad

Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Pad

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

desk pad By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Each blotter end measures: 2.13"W x

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 black leather desk blotter By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios Greek Key Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios Greek Key Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios Greek Key Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

symbols, with a custom black leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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 Adam Bronze Doré Desk Calendar Frame or Picture Frame
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Desk Calendar Frame or Picture Frame

Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Desk Calendar Frame or Picture Frame

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique gilt bronze Neoclassical or Adam style desk calendar frame or picture frame By

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

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

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

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

Zodiac with a custom brown leather desk pad By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Each

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

A Very Fine 19th Century Gilt Brass & Silver Mounted Desk Seal, Circa 1850
A Very Fine 19th Century Gilt Brass & Silver Mounted Desk Seal, Circa 1850

A Very Fine 19th Century Gilt Brass & Silver Mounted Desk Seal, Circa 1850

Located in Ottawa, Ontario

The figure of a warrior in classical Roman attire, poised contrapposto with one hand resting upon a shield, the opposing hand clutching a club slung over & behind his shoulder. M...

Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Rock Crystal, Silver, Brass

TIFFANY & CO. 1905 Charles T. Cook Desk Magnifier Glass In .925 Sterling Silver
TIFFANY & CO. 1905 Charles T. Cook Desk Magnifier Glass In .925 Sterling Silver

TIFFANY & CO. 1905 Charles T. Cook Desk Magnifier Glass In .925 Sterling Silver

By Tiffany & Co., Charles Cooke

Located in Miami, FL

A desk magnifier glass designed by Tiffany & Co. This is a desk magnifier glass created in 1905 at

Category

Early 1900s American Edwardian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver, Silver

Bronze Ink Set Around 1900
Bronze Ink Set Around 1900

Bronze Ink Set Around 1900

$960Sale Price|20% Off

Bronze Ink Set Around 1900

Located in Berlin, DE

Bronze ink set around 1900 Solid bronze, in the middle an inkwell with original glass insert

Category

1890s German Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

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

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

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

19th Century French Tantalus Liquor Set
19th Century French Tantalus Liquor Set

19th Century French Tantalus Liquor Set

Located in Mérida, YU

Very rare French 19th Century Ormolu Tantalus-Liquor Set in the shape of a globe. The Crystal Globe

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Ormolu

Bronze Writing Set, 19th Century
Bronze Writing Set, 19th Century

Bronze Writing Set, 19th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

containers that make up the desk. The sandbox or salvador, the duster and the inkwell present clear lines and

Category

19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century Edwardian Double Inkwell with Horseshoe Pen Holder
Early 20th Century Edwardian Double Inkwell with Horseshoe Pen Holder

Early 20th Century Edwardian Double Inkwell with Horseshoe Pen Holder

Located in Middleburg, VA

Early 20th century Edwardian double inkwell with horseshoe pen holder This double inkwell desk set

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Glass, Wood

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

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

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

Art Deco Egyptian Revival Desk Stand, Two Cut Glass Inkwells With A Pen Tray
Art Deco Egyptian Revival Desk Stand, Two Cut Glass Inkwells With A Pen Tray

Art Deco Egyptian Revival Desk Stand, Two Cut Glass Inkwells With A Pen Tray

Located in Reading, Berkshire

An Impressive Art Deco Egyptian Revival Desk Stand With Two Cut Glass Metal Topped Inkwells With A

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Chrome

Kerr Set of 4 Sterling Silver Blotter Corners
Kerr Set of 4 Sterling Silver Blotter Corners

Kerr Set of 4 Sterling Silver Blotter Corners

By William B. Kerr & Co.

Located in New York, NY

Kerr set of 4 sterling silver blotter corners, from the late 19th or early 20th century

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

French Art Déco Metal Desk Tidy with Woman Horseriding and a pair of Inkwells
French Art Déco Metal Desk Tidy with Woman Horseriding and a pair of Inkwells

French Art Déco Metal Desk Tidy with Woman Horseriding and a pair of Inkwells

Located in North Miami, FL

Early 20th century french Art Déco metal desk tidy with woman horseriding, pen holder and a pair of

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Sake Set
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Sake Set

Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Sake Set

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese copper sake set with cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. A

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Broom and showel set vienna around 1920s
Broom and showel set vienna around 1920s

Broom and showel set vienna around 1920s

Located in Wien, AT

Broom and showel set vienna around 1920s Polished and stove enameled Showel: H: 3cm W: 15,5cm D

Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Art Deco Greek Key Bronze Doré Pen Tray Desk Accessory
Tiffany Studios New York Art Deco Greek Key Bronze Doré Pen Tray Desk Accessory

Tiffany Studios New York Art Deco Greek Key Bronze Doré Pen Tray Desk Accessory

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

, with beautiful patina from age. Matching desk accessories including an inkwell and notepad holder also

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Brass, Walnut and Ebonized Double Inkwell Set
Brass, Walnut and Ebonized Double Inkwell Set

Brass, Walnut and Ebonized Double Inkwell Set

Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL

English Victorian inkwell set. This walnut set has been accented with an ebony color and an overall

Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Shagreen Card Case And Scissor Case, Circa 1800 - Two Piece Set
Shagreen Card Case And Scissor Case, Circa 1800 - Two Piece Set

Shagreen Card Case And Scissor Case, Circa 1800 - Two Piece Set

Located in Dallas, TX

An elegant early 19th century shagreen set comprising a card case and matching scissor case, both

Category

Early 1800s English Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Shagreen

19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool
19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool

19th Century English Cased Drawing Set Length of Longest Tool

Located in Buchanan, MI

An 19th century English cased drawing set length of longest tool. Measures: 6 1/4 inches.

Category

19th Century English Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Lovely set of antique Edwardian postal scales & weights
Lovely set of antique Edwardian postal scales & weights

Lovely set of antique Edwardian postal scales & weights

Located in Ipswich, GB

Lovely set of antique Edwardian postal scales & weights, having a lovely pair of antique Edwardian

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Rare jugendstil writing set by Erhard & Sohne Germany
Rare jugendstil writing set by Erhard & Sohne Germany

Rare jugendstil writing set by Erhard & Sohne Germany

By Erhard & Söhne

Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK

Rare jugendstil writing set by Erhard & Sohne Germany including letter holder 10x13x6cm, letter

Category

Early 1900s German Jugendstil Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Rare Antique Asprey & Co. London Oak & Tooled Green Leather Writing Desk 1920s
Rare Antique Asprey & Co. London Oak & Tooled Green Leather Writing Desk 1920s

Rare Antique Asprey & Co. London Oak & Tooled Green Leather Writing Desk 1920s

By Charles & George Asprey

Located in Reading, Berkshire

leather desk set also from Aspreys. It's a very attractive item befit with an aluminium desk calendar

Category

1920s English Edwardian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Leather, Mahogany, Oak

Antique Victorian Hand Crafted Mahogany & Brass Desktop Lamp & Inkwell Set
Antique Victorian Hand Crafted Mahogany & Brass Desktop Lamp & Inkwell Set

Antique Victorian Hand Crafted Mahogany & Brass Desktop Lamp & Inkwell Set

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Notepad, Modern Inkpen, And A Quill Set. With Storage Drawer Underneath, Raised On Turned Brass Feet

Category

Early 19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Antique Shopkeeper's Sign & Price Rubber Ink Stamp Set Kit c.1920
Antique Shopkeeper's Sign & Price Rubber Ink Stamp Set Kit c.1920

Antique Shopkeeper's Sign & Price Rubber Ink Stamp Set Kit c.1920

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT Antique sign and price rubber stamp markers set that comes in its original wooden box case

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Rubber, Wood

Antique Asprey Miniature Reference Book Set and Boulle inlaid rack
Antique Asprey Miniature Reference Book Set and Boulle inlaid rack

Antique Asprey Miniature Reference Book Set and Boulle inlaid rack

Located in New York, NY

Finest Quality Antique Art Deco period miniature book set and original tortoise shell Boulle brass

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Tortoise Shell, Leather, Wood

A Set of 4 Neoclassical Style Polished Stone Spheres, Early 20th Century
A Set of 4 Neoclassical Style Polished Stone Spheres, Early 20th Century

A Set of 4 Neoclassical Style Polished Stone Spheres, Early 20th Century

Located in ARMADALE, VIC

A Set of 4 Neoclassical Style Polished Stone Spheres, Early 20th Century Description: Resting on

Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Stone

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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.