What is an antique Davenport desk?

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.

What are antique desks called?

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.

What's the difference between an antique desk and a vintage desk?

Antique desks are generally 100 years or older, while vintage desks are at least 20 years old and often reflect a specific design era.

How do I identify an antique tea set?

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.

How much is my antique secretary desk worth?

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.

How do I know if my antique roll top desk?

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.

How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?

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.

What's the difference between a general antique desk and a mid-century modern desk?

Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader category, while a mid-century modern desk specifically features the tapered legs and clean lines of 1940s-1960s design.

Antique Desk Sets

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Rack

$1,595

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 By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Rosewood Writing Slope Decorated With Beautiful Inlay Throughout

$1,537Sale Price / set|35% Off

19th Century Rosewood Writing Slope Decorated With Beautiful Inlay Throughout

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Antique lap desks had hinged writing surfaces, often covered in leather, felt, or other material, that flip up to reveal storage space for papers.

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Antique Campaign Writing Slope, English Correspondence Box, Book Rest, Victorian

$3,908

Antique Campaign Writing Slope, English Correspondence Box, Book Rest, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique campaign writing slope. An English, mahogany and brass correspondence box with leather skiver and book rest, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1840. A re...

Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Viennese Bronze Pen Wipe Pig Figurine, circa 1900s

$360

Early 20th Century Viennese Bronze Pen Wipe Pig Figurine, circa 1900s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Beautiful bronze pig figurine as a Pen Wipe, early 20th century – patinated This finely crafted, unpainted Viennese bronze or brass figurine is believed to date from the early 20th ...

Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Rare Nude Goddess Art Nouveau Celluloid Straight Razor by Ern. C. Friedr

$325

Rare Nude Goddess Art Nouveau Celluloid Straight Razor by Ern. C. Friedr

Located in Van Nuys, CA

Rare nude Art Nouveau celluloid handle Straight Razor. This is a great antique straight razor with a detailed Art Nouveau Nude standing in a greek setting leaf carved into the handle...

Category

1910s German Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Steel

Early 20th Century Viennese Bronze Pen Wipe Figurine, circa 1900s

$380

Early 20th Century Viennese Bronze Pen Wipe Figurine, circa 1900s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Beautiful bronze wild boar figurine as a Pen Wipe, early 20th century – patinated This finely crafted, unpainted Viennese bronze figurine is believed to date from the early 20th cen...

Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century

$950

French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century A richly ornamented French champlevé enamel and gilt bronze letter rack, dating to the late 19th century. This jewel-...

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Ormolu

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Doré Letter Rack

$1,595

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...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Brass Bound Writing Slope With Key

$2,096Sale Price / set|40% Off

Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Brass Bound Writing Slope With Key

Located in Reading, Berkshire

19th Century Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Brass Bound Writing Slope With A Tooled Black Leather Scriver Slope will include A Single Glass Inkwell A vintage pen S moder...

Category

19th Century British Campaign Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Modeled Greek Key Bronze Blotter Ends

$1,295

Tiffany Studios New York Modeled Greek Key Bronze Blotter Ends

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of Arts & Crafts period "Modeled" Greek Key pattern bronze blotter ends, with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the und...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Antique Georgian Brass Mounted Double Inkwell Stand With Two Hand-Blown Inkwells

$1,545Sale 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 Original Handblown Glass Inkwells Brass Topped Inkwells With Hinged Brass Collar Moun...

Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Blotter

$1,295 / item

Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze blotter ends featuring Adam style or Neoclassical style swags, with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany S...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Pattern Bronze Blotter Ends

$1,295

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Pattern Bronze Blotter Ends

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze blotter ends in the "Graduate" pattern, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (signed to the un...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré & Abalone Blotter Corners With Leather Pad

$1,295

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, with a custom blue leather desk blotter.

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Doré Letter Rack

$1,595

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...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Papier Mâché Inkstand w/ Drawer & Crystal Inkwells English Jennens & Bettridge

$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 inlaid mother of pearl and the original pair of cut glass inkwells with brass tops.

Category

1840s English Early Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Table lectern of Garcilaso de la Vega. Spain, circa first third of 16th c.

$16,724

Table lectern of Garcilaso de la Vega. Spain, circa first third of 16th c.

Located in Madrid, ES

Table lectern of Garcilaso de la Vega. Spain, iron, circa first third of the 16th century. Bibliography: MARQUÉS DE SIERRA BULLONES, “Garcilaso: Four Notes on the Occasion of Commem...

Category

16th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Iron

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Rack

$1,595

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 By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Letter Rack

$595

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Letter Rack

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period hand hammered copper letter rack By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 7.75"W x 2.5"D x 4"H. Go...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Copper

Jugendstil bronze relief around 1907

$400

Jugendstil bronze relief around 1907

Located in Wien, Au

Jugendstil bronze relief around 1907 Original condition

Category

Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Doré Pen Tray

$895

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Doré Pen Tray

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze "Zodiac" pattern pen tray By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

A Beautiful Victorian Japanned Writing Slope With Decorative Enamel Inlays

$2,188 / set

A Beautiful Victorian Japanned Writing Slope With Decorative Enamel Inlays

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Item is sold with a new notepad & a new quill pen set. Antique lap desks had hinged writing surfaces, often covered in leather, felt, or other material, that flip up to reveal s...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Blotter

$1,295

Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of Art Deco period gilt bronze blotter ends featuring Adam style or Neoclassical style swags, with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter e...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Henry Chawner Georgian Sterling Silver Ladies Inkstand

$2,236

Henry Chawner Georgian Sterling Silver Ladies Inkstand

By Henry Chawner

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver and glass ladies inkstand; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection This exceptional antiqu...

Category

1780s English George III Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Rack

$1,595

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 By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Saint-Louis Bedside Water Carafe & Pair of Bottles

$2,200

Saint-Louis Bedside Water Carafe & Pair of Bottles

Located in Atlanta, GA

Saint-Louis Bedside Water Carafe comprising of a plate, carafe and glass, with finely chiseled ormolu fittings. Additionally, a pair of matching bottles with faceted crystal stoppers...

Category

1870s French Napoleon III Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Pattern Bronze Doré Magnifying Glass

$1,895

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Pattern Bronze Doré Magnifying Glass

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional antique Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze Graduate pattern magnifying glass By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Cent...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Bookends, Circa 1910

$1,695

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Bookends, Circa 1910

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze bookends featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (each signed on the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th cen...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Rare 19th Century Russian Ormolu, Hand-Diamond Cut Crystal and Jeweled Inkwell

$6,500

Rare 19th Century Russian Ormolu, Hand-Diamond Cut Crystal and Jeweled Inkwell

Located in New York, NY

The outer edge is lined with prong-set, round-cut red gemstones. The base rests on four ormolu paw feet.

Category

1820s Russian Empire Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Antique Correspondence Box, Irish, Walnut, Writing Slope, Austin, William IV

$3,627Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Correspondence Box, Irish, Walnut, Writing Slope, Austin, William IV

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique ladies correspondence box. An Irish, walnut and brass writing slope case, dating to the William IV, circa 1833. A desirable, quality example with fine hidden stora...

Category

1830s Irish William IV Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Royal Leather Presentation Portfolio with Watercolor and Silver Mounts

$1,450

Royal Leather Presentation Portfolio with Watercolor and Silver Mounts

Located in San Francisco, CA

This elegant leather document holder, ornamented with a romantic inset watercolor, contains a formal presentation address written in a decorative 19th-century German script. The docu...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Romantic Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Pattern Bronze Pen Tray

$795

Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Pattern Bronze Pen Tray

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "American Indian" pattern bronze pen tray By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measu...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Dore Blotter Holders in the Graduate Pattern signed Tiffany & Co.

$1,245 / set

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.

Category

1910s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Doré Letter Rack

$1,595

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...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Rocker Blotter, Circa 1910

$795

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Rocker Blotter, Circa 1910

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Art Deco period bronze rocker ink blotter featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.5"W x 2.75"D x ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Egyptian revival desktop brass obelisks

$1,189 / set

Pair of Egyptian revival desktop brass obelisks

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Pair of egyptian revival desktop brass obelisks circa 1920. Here we have a pair of art deco period decorative items. Polished brass obelisks decorated each side with egyptian hiero...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique Brass Mortar and Pestle, Austria-Hungary, Circa 1890, Historicism

$441

Antique Brass Mortar and Pestle, Austria-Hungary, Circa 1890, Historicism

Located in Praha, CZ

Antique solid brass mortar and pestle manufactured in Austria-Hungary around 1890 in the Historicism period. Originally used in pharmacies and apothecaries for grinding herbs and med...

Category

1890s Austrian Industrial Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

French Arts and Crafts, Copper Wall Hanging Letter Rack

$530

French Arts and Crafts, Copper Wall Hanging Letter Rack

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

French Arts and Crafts, Copper Wall Hanging Letter Rack 2 Hand Beaten Copper wall pocket letter holders set on an Oak frame, the copper plates and the arts and crafts style depicti...

Category

1920s Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Copper

Wonderful Late 19th Century Letter or Napkin Holder in White Painted Cast Iron

$773

Wonderful Late 19th Century Letter or Napkin Holder in White Painted Cast Iron

Located in Meer, VAN

Wonderful Late 19th Century Letter or Napkin Holder with Lilies and Foliage in Patinated White Painted Cast Iron A wonderful letter or napkin holder in cast iron. Europe, late 19th ...

Category

Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Iron

Tiffany Studios New York Louis XVI Bronze Doré Letter Rack

$1,595

Tiffany Studios New York Louis XVI Bronze Doré Letter Rack

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Art Nouveau period Louis XVI style gilt bronze letter rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 9"W x 2.5"D ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray

$795

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Art Deco period gilt bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10"W x 3....

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Pen Tray

$595

Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Pen Tray

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze Neoclassical or Adam style pen tray, desk tray, or ashtray By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Ea...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Rack

$1,595

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 By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

18th Century French Solid 750 Gold (18K) Necessaire

$12,600Sale Price|55% Off

18th Century French Solid 750 Gold (18K) Necessaire

Located in Porto, PT

Description: 18K gold and ceramic utensil with floral motifs, allegorical figures in a chased gold structure, interior with two perfume bottles, knife, tweezers, toothpick, pencil, w...

Category

18th Century French Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Gold

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Louis XVI Pen Tray

$895

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Louis XVI Pen Tray

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts Nouveau period Louis XVI style bronze pen tray, ashtray, or catchall By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 8.75"W x 3.25"D...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Laptop

$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 in the 19th century because a "laptop" provided an expansive flat writing surface t...

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Antique Admiral Bust Pencil Holder in Patinated Metal

$211

Antique Admiral Bust Pencil Holder in Patinated Metal

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A Toby Jug pencil holder fashioned in patinated metal as an admirals head. Made in England circa 1880-1920s. Strong and rich patina. No markings. Measurements: H: 11 cm, Diameter: ...

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Letter Rack

$395

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over 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, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.75"W x 2...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass, Copper

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Inkwell

$495

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Inkwell

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper inkwell By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass, Copper

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Letter Opener

$250

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Letter Opener

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, Early 20th Century Measures: 7.75"W x...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass, Copper

feather duster in the shape of a pig, made of solid Viennese bronze 1900

$252

feather duster in the shape of a pig, made of solid Viennese bronze 1900

Located in Wien, AT

Antique feather duster in the shape of a pig, made of solid Viennese bronze, manufactured around the turn of the century (approx. 1900). Model without tail (see detailed photos).

Category

Early 1900s Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Vintage Petrified Wood Catch-All Bowl

$275

Vintage Petrified Wood Catch-All Bowl

Located in San Diego, CA

A very nice vintage petrified wood catch all / bowl, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good condition with wonderful brown and tan colors and measures 6.5"W x 6.5"D x 2"H. Cool piec...

Category

15th Century and Earlier Mexican Mid-Century Modern Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Petrified Wood

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Doré Letter Rack

$1,595

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Doré Letter Rack

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze Graduate pattern desk letter holder rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Cent...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Pattern Bronze Doré Bookends, Circa 1910

$1,595 / set

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Pattern Bronze Doré Bookends, Circa 1910

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Graduate" pattern gilt bronze bookends By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Circa 1910 Each measures: 5...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Antique English Coromandel Wood Writing Slope with Satinwood Interior Circa 1890

$5,300

Antique English Coromandel Wood Writing Slope with Satinwood Interior Circa 1890

Located in New Orleans, LA

Very fine antique English coromandel wood writing slope with fitted satinwood interior, circa 1890's. Made by Halstaff & Hannaford of Regent Street, London.

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Satinwood, Ebony

Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Pattern Bronze Doré Letter Rack

$1,495

Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Pattern Bronze Doré Letter Rack

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period "Bookmark" pattern gilt bronze desk letter rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, 1918 Measures: 9.25"W x 2.25"D x 5.38"H...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Doré Box, Circa 1910

$1,095

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Doré Box, Circa 1910

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze Graduate pattern desk box, jewelry box, or decorative box By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Pattern Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Pad

$1,295

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Pattern Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Pad

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze blotter ends in the "Graduate" pattern, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (signed to the un...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Pen Tray

$395

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Pen Tray

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper pen tray By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 7.13"W x 2.75...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Copper, Brass

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Inkwell

$495

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Inkwell

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper inkwell By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 3.25"W x 3.25"...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Copper, Brass

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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

What is an antique Davenport desk?
2 Answers
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.
What are antique desks called?
1 Answer
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.
What's the difference between an antique desk and a vintage desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Antique desks are generally 100 years or older, while vintage desks are at least 20 years old and often reflect a specific design era.
How do I identify an antique tea set?
1 Answer
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.
How much is my antique secretary desk worth?
1 Answer
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.
How do I know if my antique roll top desk?
1 Answer
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.
How do I know if my roll top desk is antique?
1 Answer
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.
What's the difference between a general antique desk and a mid-century modern desk?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2026
Any desk at least 20 years old falls under this broader category, while a mid-century modern desk specifically features the tapered legs and clean lines of 1940s-1960s design.