$5,827 / set
Seal and coat of arms design - 18th century
Located in Porto, PT
Seal and coat of arms design - 18th century. Portuguese; 18th century with wooden hand; brass die and design painted in watercolor and gold of the Arms of Doctor António Luís de Sá P...
Brass
$685 / set
Silver - Two table cartridges
Located in Porto, PT
Silver - Two table cartridges. Made of silver and glass, with two fountain pens. With warranty markings. Length: (pen) 20 cm.
Silver
Rare Antique Italian Ptolemaic Armillary Sphere 1920s Gilded Celestial Globe
Located in Nottingham, GB
A rare and highly decorative Italian Ptolemaic armillary sphere, dating to circa the 1920s and presented on an impressive turned hardwood stand. This fascinating piece features a cen...
Metal
Antique Brass-Mounted Hardwood Writing Slope with Secret Compartments
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A handsome antique portable writing slope crafted in richly figured hardwood and finished with decorative brass mounts, stringing and escutcheons. The exterior has a warm, polished s...
Brass
Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Writing Slope Tooled Leather Skiver
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Writing Slope With A Tooled Black Leather Skiver Slope will include A Single Glass Inkwell A modern notepad A key with gold silk swing-tag...
Brass
$1,028 / set
Pens - Parker silver pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Parker silver pens. Case containing 925/1000 silver pens; with guilloché decoration; one with an 18kt gold nib; and one blue marker. With French 'eagle and crab' hallmarks. Di...
Gold
Women's office pencil case
Located in Porto, PT
Women's office pencil case. Europe, first half of the 20th century; made of white metal and horn-like material; composed of: mechanical pencil, letter opener, nib, and monogrammed se...
Metal
Montblanc Fountain Pen 149 Meisterstuck; 18K Gold nib
Located in Porto, PT
Montblanc Fountain Pen 149 Meisterstuck; 18K gold nib. Resin body with gold-plated applications; 18kt gold nib (750/1000). With case and box.
Gold
Bronze seal - 18th century
Located in Porto, PT
Bronze seal - 18th century. Europe; possibly French; from the 18th century; with a handle decorated with Rocaille and arms with an oval shield; with a sheaf of wheat on a sickle and ...
Metal
Cast Iron Tripod base with adjustable height telescoping post
Located in Ljubljana, SI
A striking piece of industrial character. This substantial stand features a heavy cast-iron three-legged base, tall vertical metal post, and an adjustable sliding collar with tighte...
Cast Iron
Cast Iron Tripod base with telescoping post WIEN Cast Iron
Located in Ljubljana, SI
A striking piece of industrial character. This substantial stand features a heavy cast-iron three-legged base, tall vertical metal post. Originally designed for laboratory use, sta...
Cast Iron
$342 / set
Pens - Four Parker pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Four Parker pens. Cases containing: one 'Frontier' model fountain pen; with a green and black barrel; one Chinese lacquer pen with gold lacquer; with an 18 kt nib; one ballpoi...
Gold
Pens - Waterman 'Expert Blue' Pen
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Waterman 'Expert Blue' pen. France; early 20th century; blue Chinese lacquer nib with gold plating. With box, no papers. Max. dimensions: 14 cm.
Gold
$342 / set
Pens - Five Sheaffer pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Five Sheaffer pens. Cases containing 3 nib pens and 2 ballpoint pens; with metallic elements; lacquered and enameled; America. One with. Dimensions: 14 cm.
Metal
$239 / set
Pens - Two Waterman pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Two Waterman pens. France; early 20th century; two ballpoint pens; both in black Chinese lacquer; with gold plating. One with; with box without documents. Max. dimensions: 13....
Gold
Pens - Waterman Pen; Laureate
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Waterman pen; Laureate. Box with one F nib pen, plated; in grey marble-effect lacquer. France. Dimensions: 13 cm.
Marble
$548 / set
Pens - Three Parker pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Three Parker pens. Cases containing 3 gold-plated fountain pens; two tortoiseshell Chinese lacquer (nibs IIL and YL) and one gold-plated; and one blue and black ballpoint pen....
Gold
$274 / set
Pens - Four pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Four pens. Case with 2 'Ronson' pens with nibs; one with Chinese lacquer and a 14kt gold nib, and the other with pink celluloid and an iridium nib. And a case with two ballpoi...
Gold
$411 / set
Pens - Three Sheaffer pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Three Sheaffer pens. Cases containing 3 vintage pens; two with nibs and one ballpoint pen; with metallic and lacquered elements; America. Max. dimensions: 13.5 cm.
Metal
$274 / set
Pens - Waterman Pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Waterman Pens. Case containing one fountain pen and one ballpoint pen; made of steel with a matte finish. France. Dimensions: 13.5 cm.
Steel
$274 / set
Pens - Two Delta pens in silver
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Two Delta silver pens. Italy; early 20th century; in 925 sterling silver with incised decoration; with 'eagle' hallmark dated post-1985; one notable plus. Both without box or ...
Silver
$342 / set
Pens - Eight Hero and Lamy pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Eight Hero and Lamy pens. Case with 3 'Hero 330 and 336' fountain pens with gold caps and paper box; with a '612' fountain pen; both with bakelite barrels from the 80s Chuna. ...
Gold, Steel
$411 / set
Pens - Two Waterman pens; Concorde
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Two Waterman Concorde pens. Case containing two pens with 18k gold nibs; vintage with fluted decoration and silver and gold plating. France. The black one has a defect. Dimens...
Gold, Silver
$411 / set
Pens - Sheaffer Pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Sheaffer Pens. Case with mechanical pencil and ballpoint pen; in matte metal; America. Max. dimensions: 13.5 cm.
Metal
$274 / set
Pens - 4 Recife Depose and Marksman pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - 4 Recife Depose and Marksman pens. Case with a 'cristal' model cellulose nib pen in shades of green; new and 3 ballpoint pens from the Marsmant brand; from France. Dimensions:...
Crystal
Pens - Waterman 5 Pen
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Waterman 5 Pen. Case with two nib pens in translucent lilac and orange bakelite; with refill; France. Dimensions: 13.3 cm.
Bakelite
Pens - Sheaffer Pen
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Sheaffer Pen. Case with orange lacquered pen with gold-plated nib; America. Dimensions: 13.6 cm.
Gold
$822 / set
Pens - Three Parker 51/61 pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Three Parker 51/61 pens. Cases containing 2 vintage nib pens; from the 60s/70s and a mechanical pencil; both with 12 and 14 kt gold leaf caps; and black barrel. USA and Englan...
Gold, Gold Leaf
Pens - Pilot and Tombo Pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Pilot and Tombo pens. Tin case; with Knight fountain pen and BC-ZSDS ballpoint pen. Japan. Max. dimensions: 13.5 cm.
Tin
Pens - Waterman Pen
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Waterman Pen. Case containing one 18kt gold nib pen; Cognac Marble Lacquer model; with tortoiseshell-like lacquer. France. Dimensions: 13 cm.
Gold
$479 / set
Pens - Five Parker pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Five Parker pens. Cases containing: 1 matte black lacquered ballpoint pen; one blue fountain pen with gold-plated 'Insignia' cap and 3 vintage pens; with matte steel cap; with...
Gold, Steel
$1,028 / set
Pens - Four Parker 51/61 pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Four Parker 51/61 pens. Cases containing 3 vintage pens; from the 60s/70s with nibs and a mechanical pencil; both with caps in 12 and 14 kt gold leaf. One with a blue barrel i...
Gold, Gold Leaf
$411 / set
Pens - Four Parker pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Four Parker pens. Cases containing: 3 gold-lacquered pens; two fountain pens and one ballpoint pen, and one brushed steel fountain pen. USA and UK. Max. dimensions: 13.5 cm.
Gold, Steel
$685 / set
Pens - Twelve Waterman pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Twelve Waterman pens. One pen with a 14kt gold nib and the rest with metal nibs; various models in steel; with plating; lacquers and other materials. France. Max. dimensions: ...
Gold, Steel
$342 / set
Pens - Three Rotring pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Three Rotring pens. A black 'Art Pen' model with a 1.1 mm nib; in its original tin case with documents and 4 refills; a double India ink pen; 'Variate' model with 0.04 and 0.5...
Aluminum, Tin
$342 / set
Pens - Five Parker pens
Located in Porto, PT
Pens - Five Parker pens. Cases containing: 2 blue fountain pens; one lilac lacquer ballpoint pen and one brushed steel fountain pen; in a colored lacquered fountain pen. USA and UK. ...
Steel
$632Sale Price|20% Off
19th C. French Mother of Pearl & Brass Chair Pocket Watch Stand Holder
Located in Honolulu, HI
A breathtaking 19th-century French "Porte-Montre" (pocket watch holder) whimsically designed in the form of a miniature chair. Crafted during the Napoleon III / Palais Royal era, th...
Brass
Antique English Butler’s Wolverhampton Ales Brass Pub Counter Bell, circa 1900
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique English Butler’s Wolverhampton Ales Brass Pub Counter Bell, circa 1900 Antique English Butler’s Wolverhampton Ales brass pub counter bell, dating to approximately 1900. This...
Metal, Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze pen tray or desk tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10"W x 3.25"D x 0...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Rocker Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze "Zodiac" pattern rocker ink blotter By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: ...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Pattern Bronze Doré Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Neoclassical or Adam style gilt bronze desk letter holder rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 9.5"W x ...
Bronze
Victorian Military Campaign Walnut Writing Slope Black Leather Skiver
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Writing Slope With A Tooled Black Leather Skiver Slope will include A Single Glass Antique Inkwell A modern notepad A key with gold silk s...
Brass
Wavecrest Letterholder
Located in Tampa, FL
A decorative Wavecrest letter holder, crafted in the early 20th century and showcasing the refined artistry for which American Wavecrest glass is known. The piece features delicately...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Pattern Bronze Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze and Favrile slag glass "Grapevine" pattern pen tray By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20t...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Pattern Bronze Doré and Enamel Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts period "Bookmark" pattern gilt bronze and enamel desk letter rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century M...
Bronze, Enamel
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Doré Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze "Zodiac" pattern desk letter holder rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Cent...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Doré and Favrile Slag Glass Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Grapevine" pattern gilt bronze and Favrile slag glass pen tray or desk tray By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New Yo...
Bronze
Collection of 9 Napoleonic figures, 19th century. Priced per figure.
Located in Buchanan, MI
Collection of 9 Napoleonic figures, 19th century. Great accessory for gentlemens library. German Porcelain Napoleonic Commanders, 6@4", 3 @ 4.5" X 4" 9 PCS. Priced per figure nine...
Porcelain
Vintage Smith Trust & Savings Bank, Morrison, ILL. Teller Endorsement Stamp
Located in San Francisco, CA
On offer is a vintage desk stamp, known as a teller, endorsement or signature stamp, dating from the early 20th century. The bottom engraving is intentionally mirrored so it will rea...
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Pattern Bronze and Favrile Glass Stamp Box
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze and Favrile slag glass "Pine Needle" pattern desk box, stamp box, jewelry box, or decorative box By Tiffany Studios (signe...
Bronze
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Rocker Blotter
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper rocker ink blotter By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 4.5"W x 1....
Brass, Copper
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Letter Rack
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper letter rack By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 5.5"W x 1.5"D x 2...
Brass, Copper
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Letter Opener, Circa 1920s
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper letter opener By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 7.75"W x 1.25"D...
Brass, Copper
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Silver Finished Hammered Copper Rocker Blotter
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period acid silver finished hammered copper rocker ink blotter By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 6"...
Silver, Copper
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Pattern Bronze Blotter Ends
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period patinated bronze blotter ends in the "Grapevine" pattern, with a custom brown leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter e...
Bronze
$667Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Cast Iron Bookbinding Press, Circa 1900, Continental European
Located in Praha, CZ
Exceptional antique cast iron bookbinding press dating from around 1900, featuring a highly decorative cast-iron frame, substantial screw mechanism and traditional crossbar handle. ...
Metal, Cast Iron
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Doré Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze "Zodiac" pattern desk letter holder rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Cent...
Bronze
Apollo Studios New York Arts & Crafts Grapevine Pattern Bronze Card Holder
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Arts & Crafts or Art Nouveau period "Grapevine" pattern bronze and slag glass card holder with verdigris green patina In the manner of Tiffany Studios By Apollo Studios...
Bronze
Apollo Studios New York Arts & Crafts Grapevine Pattern Bronze Rocker Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Arts & Crafts or Art Nouveau period "Grapevine" pattern bronze and slag glass rocker blotter with verdigris green patina In the manner of Tiffany Studios By Apollo Stud...
Bronze
Antique Rare Rosewood Decorative Writing Slope With Secret Compartments
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Stunning & Rare Victorian Hand-Crafted Rosewood Decorative Inlaid Writing Slope With Secret Compartments Decorated throughout with beautiful decorative inlay with a blue toole...
Brass
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.