Cast Iron Inkwell
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Iron
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Iron
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Iron
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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.
- What are cast iron columns?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Cast iron columns are vertical supports produced out of cast iron, a material made from iron and alloys with a carbon content of more than two percent. During the 19th century, cast iron columns were used in architecture. Today, they primarily function as decorative objects. Shop a range of cast iron columns on 1stDibs.
- When were cast iron beds made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Cast iron beds were made starting in the 1850s. These types of beds were handmade until World War I through the use of molds.
- Does cast-iron furniture rust?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Yes, cast-iron furniture rusts.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Cast iron is frequently used for fireplaces due to its properties. The metal is highly durable, allowing it to hold up to the effects of frequent use. It also readily conducts heat to help warm up interiors. You'll find a variety of cast iron fireplaces on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Cast iron is often used for benches because of its characteristics. Its strength makes it well-suited to support the weight of two or more adults, and its hardness allows it to resist damage due to weather exposure. Shop a range of cast iron benches on 1stDibs.
- Are cast iron columns hollow?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Whether cast iron columns are hollow depends on the piece. Most cast iron columns are hollow due to the manner of crafting, but some are solid. On 1stDibs, find a selection of columns.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A cast iron fireplace insert is a firebox that fits into an existing fireplace surround. The insert is made of cast iron, a type of iron that is more than 2 percent carbon. Cast iron is highly durable and very resistant to the effects of heat. You'll find a selection of cast iron fireplace inserts on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Cast iron trivets are used for many things but are especially ideal for slow cooking meat. They can prop up food in Dutch ovens to prevent burning and increase heat distribution.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023Yes, you can generally use cast iron as a planter because the material is durable and sturdy. However, you may need to drill drainage holes in a cast iron piece that wasn't intended to function as a planter to allow excess water to exit the vessel. On 1stDibs, find a selection of cast iron planters.
- Do cast iron Firebacks work?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021Yes, cast iron firebacks are quite sturdy and work really well. As they are made of solid iron, it's a challenge to move and place them. Given that, cast iron firebacks are the best protection for the back wall of the fireplace. Find a variety of firebacks on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
To keep a piece made of cast iron from rusting, place it in a cool, dry space with good air circulation.
- How do I hang a cast iron bell?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How to hang a cast iron bell depends on the style. Some cast iron bells have loops at the top that you can hang from a hook anchored onto your desired mounting surface. Others have brackets or frames that you can secure with mounting screws. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron bells.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Cast iron is stronger than steel.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Cast iron doorstops originated in the late 18th century. Osbourn Dursey invented the first doorstop in 1878. Decorative cast iron stops became popular in the 1920s and remained so throughout World War II. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique cast iron doorstops.
- Do cast iron tables rust?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Yes, cast iron tables can rust. Pieces are more likely to develop rust when exposed to humidity, such as in bathrooms or outdoor living spaces in coastal areas. Wiping surfaces clean regularly and touching up scratches and chips can reduce the risk of rust. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron tables.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Unlike cast iron, wrought iron is not brittle and will bend rather than break. Wrought ironwork is produced with a hammer and anvil and tends to be more intricate than cast ironwork, which is characterized by repetitive designs that can be carved into a wooden pattern and cast.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Whether cast iron is good for outdoor furniture is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, many people prefer cast iron due to its strength, durability and timeless Old World charm. On 1stDibs, find a collection of cast iron outdoor furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023To tell if a cast iron doorstop is valuable, always look for original paint. Any that have been repainted or repaired will have diminished in value. You can also use online resources to try and research items, but the best way to find out if a cast iron doorstop is worth anything is to consult a certified appraiser. An experienced professional can evaluate the condition, determine the maker and research the piece to assign an approximate value. On 1stDibs, find a range of doorstops.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, cast iron umbrella stands and anything made of cast iron can rust. Keeping your cast iron umbrella stand away from moisture and humidity is the best way to keep it from rusting. However, because it is designed to hold wet umbrellas that may be impractical. Some people like to paint cast iron to protect it from rusting. You’ll find a variety of cast iron and other umbrella stands from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The weight of a cast iron bench depends mainly on the size of the bench and whether other materials, such as wood are used in it. Cast iron weighs 0.26 pounds per cubic inch, making it quite a heavy material, and ideal for outdoor furniture that you want to ensure can weather heavy winds and precipitation. Shop an array of cast iron benches on 1stDibs.
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