$2,111Sale Price / set|40% Off
Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Brass Bound Writing Slope With Key
Located in Reading, Berkshire
gold silk swing-tag Antique lap desks had hinged writing surfaces, often covered in leather, felt, or
Brass
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
Bronze
$575Sale Price|27% Off
Papier Mâché Inkstand w/ Drawer & Crystal Inkwells English Jennens & Bettridge
By Jennens and Bettridge
Located in Savannah, GA
This high quality Papier-Mache desk set is beautifully hand painted in a floral motif and features
Brass
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Arts & Crafts Bronze Native American War Chief Bookends c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Arts & Crafts Bronze Native American War Chief Bookends C1920 Measures - 6 1/4" x 4 1/4" x 4 1/4"
Bronze
Italian Hand-Painted Leaded Glass Pharmacy Canister, Cobalt Blue and Gold Apothe
Located in Dallas, TX
This old Italian pharmacy canister is a beautiful example of traditional apothecary glassware, crafted from substantial leaded glass and adorned with meticulous hand-painted detailin...
Glass
French Arts and Crafts, Copper Wall Hanging Letter Rack
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
holders set on an Oak frame, the copper plates and the arts and crafts style depicting 2 old kitchens, one
Copper
Art Nouveau Pierced Brass Folding Book Slide A very attractive piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Art Nouveau Pierced Brass Folding Book Slide A very attractive piece with decorative brass ends which both fold flat and extend to hold more books securely The Slide is 6” high and...
Brass
Handsome Letter Opener, Magnifying Glass with Alligator Handles, Sterling Mounts
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome letter opener, magnifying glass with alligator handles, sterling mounts.
Silver, Stainless Steel
Extensive Collection of 19th Century Leather Bound Books Priced Per Book English
Located in Buchanan, MI
Extensive collection of 19th century leather bound books, priced per book, various colors, sizes, most with embossed gilt decoration. This is just a partial offering of what we have,...
Leather
Handsome Collection of 16 19th Century English Walking Sticks, Some with Daggers
Located in Buchanan, MI
Handsome collection of 16 19th century English walking sticks, some with daggers. Priced Per walking stick.
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Doré Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
, Arts & Crafts, or Art Nouveau decor. Several matching desk accessories available separately.
Bronze
French Victorian Bronze Filigree Pen Holder
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian bronze pen holder with filigree design and winged heads on sides.
Bronze
French Louis XV Style Bronze Roll Blotter
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19/20th Century) bronze scroll design roll blotter with scroll top open handle.
Bronze
English Art Deco Chrome Plated Shears
Located in Queens, NY
English Art Deco large chrome plated shears.
Chrome
English Georgian Style Bronze Pen Tray
Located in Queens, NY
English Georgian-style (19th Century) bronze rectangular pen holder tray with filigree edge.
Bronze
Art Deco Brass and Steel Shears
Located in Queens, NY
Art Deco brass and steel shears.
Brass
French Gothic Revival Iron Roll Blotter
Located in Queens, NY
French Gothic Revival-style (19th Century) wrought iron roll blotter with X design and nailheads (Related items: 035057A, 035057B, 048571D)
Iron
$1,557Sale Price / set|35% Off
Antique Georgian Brass Mounted Double Inkwell Stand With Two Hand-Blown Inkwells
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Rare Set of 19th Century Antique Georgian Mahogany & Brass Mounted Double Inkwell Stand With
Brass
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
Bronze
English nautical aneroid barometer decorated with nautical elements late 1800s
Located in Milan, IT
English-made aneroid barometer, mounted on a brass frame richly decorated with multiple ornaments of a marine character, in late 19th-century style. The structure, made by lost-wax c...
Brass
Smart Antique Magnifying Glass by P H Vogel & Co. c.1920
By P.H. Vogel & Co.
Located in Bath, GB
A smart and elegant magnifying glass with polished nickel and brass fittings and an attractive dark cognac coloured and textured leather covered handle to emulate crocodile skin. Th...
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré & Abalone Blotter Corners With Leather Pad
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze and abalone blotter corners
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze "Zodiac" pattern desk letter holder rack
Bronze
Antique George III Campaign Writing Slope Brass Mounts 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A elegant burr walnut George III Military Campaign writing slope with brass bound corners and cartouche to the top, circa 1820 in date The beautifully polished burr walnut case has ...
Brass
Vinyl Record Stand by Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
This orange vinyl record stand was produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden during the second half of the 20th century. Executed in molded plastic, the piece reflects the functional yet gra...
Plastic
Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
style swags, with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the
Bronze
Rare 19th Century Russian Ormolu, Hand-Diamond Cut Crystal and Jeweled Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
prong-set, round-cut red gemstones. The base rests on four ormolu paw feet. Two cylindrical crystal
Crystal, Ormolu
Bronze Dore Blotter Holders in the Graduate Pattern signed Tiffany & Co.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
. Perfect for enhancing a desk or collector's display, they are as practical as they are refined. Dating to
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze "Zodiac" pattern desk letter holder rack
Bronze
$1,200
19th Century Laptop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 19th century laptop is also known as a writing slope, or a lap desk! It became wildly popular
Metal
$1,198 / set
Pair of Egyptian revival desktop brass obelisks
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
black marble stepped bases. Perfect decoration for the desk or bookshelf. Small losses to marble bases
Marble, Brass
French Empire Gilt Bronze and Marble Standish
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire Gilt Bronze and Marble Standish 19th Century. The bust inscribed on the reverse Baril 1830. The rectangular green and white marble platform supporting a bust of Napole...
Bronze
Empire Cast Iron Pocket Watch Stand with Martial Decoration, circa 1820
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Cast Iron Pocket Watch Stand with Martial Decoration, circa 1820 Striking Empire-period pocket watch stand in cast iron, dating from the early 19th century, circa 1820. A po...
Iron
English Victorian Ebonized Seal Presser
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian ebonized and gilt corporate seal presser with stenciled floral design.
French Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Pen Tray
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau sterling silver rectangular pen holder tray with floral corners.
$700Sale Price|30% Off
Block holder in rosewood with silver application
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Notepad holder in rosewood with silver application in relief with Portuguese symbols, cut-out crown and reference to D. Manuel II King of Portugal. Metal: Silver. Origin...
Silver
$1,575Sale Price|30% Off
Rosewood letter holder with silver applications, monogram card
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Rosewood letter holder with silver applications, monogram card and rectangular base with pearly frieze. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight...
Silver
$420Sale Price|30% Off
Silver tower-shaped pen holder resting on a base with four half-ball feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver tower-shaped pen holder resting on a base with four half-ball feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Javali II. Title: Weight: 64.92 grams. Dimensions: 1...
Silver
$420Sale Price|30% Off
Stone block holder with red tones, silver appliqués, and raised flower lid
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Stone block holder with red tones, silver applications and a raised flower on the lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 855.74 grams. D...
Silver
$210Sale Price|30% Off
Silver Libra holder with reliefs
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver pound holder with reliefs. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: Birmingham. Weight: 19.51 grams. Dimensions: 3x1.5cm. Content: 925/1000. Assay Mark: Yes, 1910. ...
Silver
$1,653Sale Price / set|25% Off
A Beautiful Victorian Japanned Writing Slope With Decorative Enamel Inlays
Located in Reading, Berkshire
quill pen set. Antique lap desks had hinged writing surfaces, often covered in leather, felt, or other
Brass, Enamel
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco or Arts & Crafts gilt bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures:...
Bronze
American Country Style Oak Gavel
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style oak judges gavel.
Oak
American Country Style Wood and Brass Gavel
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style wood and brass judges gavel.
Brass
French Bronze Card Holder Ashtray
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian (19th Century) bronze card holder / ashtray in the form of an open woven basket with 2 handles.
Ash
English Victorian Reception Bell
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian-style receptionist bell with a square black metal base supporting a brass harp holding the bell.
Brass
Silver blotter with engraved plant motifs, raised handle and surrounding frieze
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver blotter with engraved plant motifs, raised handle and surrounding frieze. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 146.62 grams. Dimensi...
Silver
Tiffany Studios New York Bronze and Abalone Rocker Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Nouveau or Art Deco period gilt bronze and inlaid abalone rocker ink blotter By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measu...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
, desk tray, or ashtray By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Bronze
Silver paper clip with King Luiz for the Lisbon Agricultural Exhibition
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver paper clip with the figure of King D. Luiz and alluding to the Lisbon Agricultural Exhibition. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: ...
Silver
$256Sale Price|65% Off
Silver blotter with cutout handle and stone Art Nouveau base
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver blotter with cutout and relief on the handle, on a stone base in the Art Nouveau style. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Javali II Title. Weight: 444.12 ...
Silver
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
Bronze
$525Sale Price|30% Off
Rosewood calendar with silver fittings and side adjustment
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Calendar in rosewood with tremolos, silver applications, lateral operation for adjustment. Metal: Silver and Wood. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: boar II Title. Weight: 321....
Silver
$525Sale Price|30% Off
Wooden stamp box with silver applications on the casing and hinged lid
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Wooden stamp box with silver applications on the casing and on the hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 290.61 grams. Dimension...
Silver
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
Silver doorbell with relief capsule on the bell
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver table bell with relief capsule and circular base. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 317.28 grams. Dimensions: 9x11.5cm. Content: ...
Silver
$1,196Sale Price|52% Off
Silver opening bell with mosaic reliefs on three half-ball feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver opening table bell with relief mosaic applications and resting on three half-ball shaped feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: French. Brand: Boar's Head. Weight: 166.93 g...
Silver
$598Sale Price|65% Off
Silver table bell with reliefs and cutouts
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver table bell with reliefs and cutouts. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 264.18 grams. Dimensions: 9.7cmx9.3cm. Content: 833/1000. ...
Silver
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.