Mid-Century Italian Brass "Question Mark" Magnifying Glass
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mid-Century Italian brass "Question Mark" magnifying glass.
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Brass "Question Mark" Magnifying Glass
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Mid-Century Italian brass "Question Mark" magnifying glass.
Brass
Fratelli Toso Murano Glass Paperweight, Bullicante and Silver, 1960s
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Fratelli Toso Murano glass paperweight, dating from the 1960s, combines bullicante decoration with red and green glass and silver inclusions. Of tall cylindrical form, the pape...
Silver Leaf
Millefiori Glass Paperweight by Perthshire, Crieff Scotland, circa 1970's
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful handmade Millefiori collectors Paperweight, made by the Scottish maker, Perthshire of Crieff, Circa 1970's. This paperweight is handmade with a mixed Millefiori...
Glass
$396Sale Price|20% Off
1930s French Art Deco Spelter Owl & Book Form Scholar’s Desk Inkwell
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 1930s French Art Deco style silvered spelter desk inkwell with wise owl motif. It has the original porcelain insert. The architectural form depicting wonderfully detailed r...
Spelter
English Edwardian Brass Fish Letter Rack Holder
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb English Edwardian repoussé brass letter rack, circa 1930. It has a charming fish and stylized foliate design with two slots for letters and correspondence and would be a han...
Brass
English Pencil Holder, Tin Desk Accessory Mid Century, Hunting Scene by L. Clare
Located in Andernach, DE
Luxuriously designed English pencil holder or waste paper bin in a dark chocolate brown finished metal, decorated with a print of an antique country hunting scene. Both rims of the h...
Sheet Metal
Antique French Sterling Silver Vase Centerpiece Cranberry Glass pos Baccarat 19C
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning French heavy gauge Sterling Silver Centerpiece of ovoid outline, complete with its original firm fitting Cranberry Glass liner, late Nineteenth Century. The circular body ...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Art Deco burl wood letter holder, 1940's, France
Located in BELFORT, FR
French Art Deco letter holder in burl wood.
Wood
Victorian Silver-Plated Tea Caddy with Hinged Lid, 20th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Silver-Plated Tea Caddy with Engraved Decoration, England, 20th Century An elegant silver-plated tea caddy featuring a finely engraved body and a hinged lid, beautifully executed in...
Metal, Silver Plate
Gucci Leather Desk Notepad with Gilded Equestrian Motif, circa 1970
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Enhance your private workspace with this rare Italian designer Gucci modernist desktop accessory, a stunning blend of luxury and virtuosity. Created in Italy circa 1970, this exquisi...
Metal, Brass
Large Antique Campaign Brass Mounted Writing Box. English C.1840
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful solid tropical hardwood writing box or slope Fabulous colour and figure in the wood Fine brass hardware 3 secret drawers shown in the last image* Replaced leather The ...
Brass
Owl Bronze Figurine by Walter Bosse, Vienna Austria for Opera Ball 1953
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s - 1960s Austrian Walter Bosse Figurine made for Opera Ball Vienna, 1953 An elegant early 1950s figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze ...
Bronze
Tesla T65S Rotary Telephone from Czechoslovakia 1966
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
A distinctive Tesla T65S rotary telephone, model 3FP 120 43, dating from November 1966 and produced in former Czechoslovakia. The telephone features an elegant ivory-colored plastic ...
Metal, Chrome
Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener
By Edgar Brandt
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau bronze paper knife, circa 1905. Decorated with mistletoe, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 14.5 cm Width: 3.2 cm Thickness: 0.3 cm Weight: 35 grams Ed...
Bronze
Large Antique Campaign Burr Walnut Writing Box. English. Dated 1871
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful burr walnut writing box or slope Fabulous colour and figure in the wood Fine brass hardware Expertly restored Original brass topped inkwells Working secret drawers* R...
Brass
David Rosales Gemstone Pen Native American Southwest Turquoise Lapis Ruby
Located in Somis, CA
An exceptionally handsome ballpoint pen, attributed to the celebrated Native American jewelry designer David Rosales, renowned for his intricate gemstone inlay work and distinctive S...
Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Multi-gemstone, Metal
Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Antique Vintage Sweden
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming mid-century Swedish tin bank issued by Postverket (the Swedish Postal Service), known as the "Sparlåda" (Savings Box). Designed to encourage regular saving, these colorful...
Metal
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, qual...
Brass
Vintage Lerche Solingen German Desk Set with Scissors, Letter Opener and Stand
Located in San Diego, CA
A sophisticated vintage desk accessory set by Lerche of Solingen, Germany, comprising a pair of precision scissors, a matching letter opener, and the original cylindrical stand. Exec...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Set of 4 Midcentury Stackable Solid Brass Austrian Ashtrays After Adnet, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful and unique set of four stackable ashtrays in solid brass. This stylish and versatile set was produced in Austria during the 1950s after Jacques Adnet. Fully original and i...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Fish Bottle Opener in Teak, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Fish Bottle Opener in Teak, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1950 to 1959 Additional information: Materials: Metal, Teak Color: Brown Style: Mid-Ce...
Metal
Cartier 18ct Gold Plate Trinity Ribbed Ballpoint Pen With A Red Cartier Box
Cartier 18ct Gold Plate Trinity Ribbed Ballpoint Pen With A Red Cartier Box & Paperwork. Stunning Example of a Must De Cartier ballpoint pen, featuring the classic trinity rings...
Gold Plate
Brass paperweight in the shape of a leaf, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Vintage solid brass paperweight depicting a stylized leaf with organic lines. The wavy, textured shape evokes a natural leaf while maintaining a decorative aesthetic typical of 1970s...
Brass
Georgous Big Dolphin and Fish Sea Murano Italian Art Glass Aquarium Paperweight
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown aquarium Italian art glass paper weight. Showing some blue dolphins and fishes with a Coral Reef inside, floating on controlle...
Murano Glass
$264Sale Price|20% Off
Murano Glass Bullicante Paperweight by Cenedese, Italy, 1980s
By Cenedese
Located in Glasgow, GB
This large Murano glass and gold bullicante paperweight by Cenedese was crafted in Italy around the 1980s and exemplifies the technical precision associated with the Venetian glass t...
Gold Leaf
Antique Victorian Gold Pocket Penknife with Sheffield Steel Blades, 1899
Located in Nottingham, GB
A fine late Victorian 9ct gold penknife, hallmarked in Birmingham in 1899, combining practical design with the craftsmanship and quality materials characteristic of the period. The ...
Gold
Art Deco Royal KHM Standard Typewriter c.1935
By Royal Typewriter Company 1
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Royal KHM series standard typewriter with black high gloss finish and gull wings. The nickel keys are glass with black and gold letters. Completely cleaned with ne...
Metal, Steel, Nickel
Antique Hubley Art Deco Cast Iron Modernist Black Cat Doorstop Paperweight 10"
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique Art Deco Hubley cast iron modernist black cat door stop. Dimensions: 5.25" x 4.5" x 10" (W x D x H)
Metal
Antique 1920s Silver & Tortoise Shell Page Turner by Grey & Co. London, England
By Asprey International Limited, Grey & Co., Chester
Located in Andernach, DE
Antique English page turner from sterling silver and tortoise shell. Most rare piece, made and stamped by Grey & Co. London, possibly for Asprey London. The Stamp is the London Lion,...
Sterling Silver
$238Sale Price|46% Off
Antique Italian Brass Letter Opener With Pewter Dog Handle
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Dagger style letter opener featuring leaf-shaped blade and a handmade pewter handle depicting a hunt dog. It was made in Italy in the mid-late 19 th century by an unknown jeweler or ...
Brass, Pewter
Greta Garbo Fountain pen by Montblanc, Swiss ca 2005
By Montblanc
Located in Delft, NL
Greta Garbo Fountain pen by Montblanc, Swiss ca 2005 The MONTBLANC Greta Garbo fountain pen is a women's pen. The chic profile of the pen, that slightly curves. The fountain pen wit...
Resin
Adorable, Pedigree French Poodle, Toffee Glaze Ceramic Figurine, Vallauris 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Sporting a 'Dutch Cut' to his coat, this adorable ceramic poodle stands tall and proud Collar and feet are gilded, the glaze is a delicious toffee caramel colour and the eyes are pin...
Ceramic
$2,695Sale Price|30% Off
Russian 88 Silver And Jade Amethyst Letter Opener
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Russian Neoclassical paper knife or letter opener in the style of a Roman gladius sword. The blade is made of polished nephrite jade stone. Pink guilloche enamel handle with gilt a...
Jade, Silver
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Trefoil Hammered Brass Over Copper Letter Opener
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period trefoil brass finished hand hammered copper letter opener By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: ...
Brass, Copper
Hermes, Paris - Equestrian Horse Head Magnifying Glass c.1960
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent and grand vintage desk-top magnifying glass / loupe made with it's beautifully cast Hermes Horse head handle, lovely quality to be expected from this most famous of lux...
Silver Plate
Thermometer, 1950s for Tables, Vienna, Around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Thermometer, 1950s for tables, Vienna, around 1950s. Original condition.
Brass
$662Sale Price|20% Off
Murano Aquarium Art Glass Paperweight with Fish, Italy 1960s
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Exceptional Murano art glass paperweight featuring an aquarium-style underwater scene with suspended tropical fish and richly colored abstract marine décor. Handblown in Italy during...
Art Glass
Magnifying Glass Seashell Handle Victorian
Located in New York, NY
A metal magnifying glass with seashell handle, circa early to mid-20th century. Piece has a metal frame with what appears to be a 'Richer's amalda' seashell, a rare deepwater species...
Metal
Light-Bronze Desk Set designed by Just Andersen, 1920s - 1930s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant three-Piece Desk Set in Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the late 1920s and 1930s. * Desk set in light bronze constituted of a pen holder, pen tray, and lette...
Bronze
Rare Minimal Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen, Tiffany & Co signed Angela Cummings
By Angela Cummings, Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A sleek embodiment of refined minimalism, this Modernist Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen, signed by Angela Cummings and dating to circa 1990, is an outstanding example of late 20th-cen...
Sterling Silver
Diminutive Vase By Jean Gerbino, Vallauris, France, Ceramic Neriage Terracotta
By Jean Gerbino
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Sweet and diminutive vase using the Neriage technique by Jean Gerbino for Vallauris, France Ceramic glazed shaped vase, with mosaic patterning and terracotta accents Circa 1960's Sig...
Ceramic
Dice Metal Statue Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Super cool Art Deco design sculptural "High Roller" dice paperweight. Nice dice atop a nickel base. The best addition to your desk or every room.
Metal
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully...
Brass
$1,200Sale Price|33% Off
Huge Malachite Box 7" Gemstone Jewelry Box Hinged 4.5 lb
Located in Somis, CA
This magnificent, large 4.15 lb malachite box is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship and the inherent beauty of fine-grade gemstone malachite. The carefully selected stone displ...
Malachite
Pierre-Adrien DALPAYRAT French Art Nouveau Stoneware Inkwell, 1890
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Nouveau Inkwell by Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, France, circa 1890. A rare and exquisite Art Nouveau inkwell by renowned French ceramist Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910). This finely crafted piece showcases Dalpayrat’s signature red copper-glazed stoneware, especially rich and luminous near the base. Elegantly mounted in pewter, the design exemplifies the organic flow and refined detail of the Art Nouveau period. Dimensions: Height: 3.54 in. (9 cm) Diameter: 5.12 in. (13 cm) Materials: Stoneware with pewter mount Condition: Excellent+++++, museum-quality preservation Markings: Incised signature "Dalpayrat 1500" under the base (see photo) This inkwell is a collectible example of French ceramic art at the turn of the century—perfect for collectors of Art Nouveau, 19th-century French ceramics, or the works of Dalpayrat. Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910): A Pioneer of French Ceramic Innovation Adrien Dalpayrat was a French ceramicist and researcher who played a key role in the revival of stoneware at the end of the 19th century. Born in 1844 in Limoges, Dalpayrat studied drawing and porcelain painting in his hometown before beginning his professional career at the Jules Vieillard faience factory in Bordeaux. There, he met his wife, Marie Tallerie, with whom he had two sons—Albert and Adolphe—who would later become his primary collaborators. Throughout his early career, Dalpayrat worked for several major ceramic manufacturers, including Ashwin (Valentine), Fouquet (Toulouse), François Blanc (Monaco), and Léon Sazerat (Limoges). In 1889, seeking greater independence, he moved to the Paris region and established his own studio in Bourg-la-Reine. Collaborations and Artistic Evolution Dalpayrat’s creative vision expanded through his collaboration with sculptor Alphonse Voisin-Delacroix. Together, they explored neo-Gothic and Palissy-inspired motifs, creating a remarkable ceramic bestiary. Following Voisin-Delacroix’s death in 1893, Dalpayrat partnered with Adèle Lesbros, which marked a shift in his work toward simpler, more refined vase forms influenced by Japonism. Japanese art had been introduced to France during the 1867 Universal Exhibition, but it wasn’t until the 1878 Exhibition, particularly through the ceremonial stoneware used in the Japanese tea ceremony, that Japonism truly captivated French artists. This influence led Dalpayrat to create vessels with organic, vegetal, and animal-inspired forms. Technical Mastery: The Secrets of Copper Red Among all the ceramists of his time who sought to replicate the elusive Chinese “sang de boeuf” (oxblood) glaze, Adrien Dalpayrat was arguably the most successful. He didn’t simply reproduce the legendary copper red—he transformed it. By manipulating glaze thickness, firing temperature, atmosphere, and copper oxide content, he developed a unique palette of flamed and mottled red glazes that became his signature: the renowned Dalpayrat red. He further enriched his pieces by introducing streaks and inclusions of turquoise, blue, green, and yellow—freeing the red glaze from monochromy and turning it into an expressive, living surface. His work pushed stoneware beyond function into expressive art, merging form and glaze in bold, sculptural harmony. Beyond Ceramics: Bronze Mounts and Architectural Works Dalpayrat also collaborated with renowned jewelers such as Ernest Cardeilhac and Keller to produce pieces mounted in gilt bronze, blending ceramics with decorative arts at the highest level. In an effort to make his work more accessible, he opened a second faience workshop focused on simpler, more affordable pieces inspired by Nevers and Rouen ware. However, this venture faced financial difficulties and closed by 1900. The main family studio followed in 1906 as the popularity of Art Nouveau declined. Dalpayrat then returned to Limoges, devoting his final years to painting and drawing until his death in 1910. Legacy and Recognition Despite financial struggles during his lifetime, Dalpayrat’s ceramics were widely acclaimed at major international exhibitions: Bronze medal, World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago (1893) Silver medal, Antwerp International Exhibition (1894) Gold medal, Exposition Universelle, Paris (1900) Today, his work is part of prestigious museum collections. In 2020, the Petit Palais in Paris acquired a large bird motif vase created in collaboration with Voisin-Delacroix, now on view in Room...
Pewter
Brass Four Leaf Clover Paperweight with Inscription
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage brass four leaf clover paperweight with inscription, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 4.5"W x 4.5"D x .25"H. A very cool and unique piec...
Brass
Swatch Twin Phone 'Gutemberg' Memphis Style, Vintage 1989, Excellent
Located in Milano, IT
1980s (1989) Gorgeous Swatch twin phone "Gutemberg" in excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design. The motif of this phone is aweso...
Plastic
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
Carl Auböck Midcentury Lucky Charm Pig Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist pig keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Aus...
Brass
Vintage Villeroy & Boch Clear Glass Panda Bear Paperweight
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage Villeroy & Boch paperweight features a delightful sitting panda bear design. The clear glass material is cut-to-clear and gives the paperweight a charming cuddly appearance. This modern original is a perfect addition to any collection of decorative pottery and glassware, and would make a lovely gift for anyone who loves bears...
Art Glass
Sellier & Bellot Antique Mechanical Pencil Sharpener, Czechoslovakia, MidCentury
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare and highly collectible Sellier & Bellot (S&B) mechanical desk pencil sharpener, manufactured in Prague, Czechoslovakia. This substantial vintage pencil sharpener features a rob...
Metal
Paperweight in bronze from the late 18th Century in the shape of a cannon barrel
Located in Knivsta, SE
Paperweight in bronze from the late 18th Century in the shape of a cannon barrel. Beautiful patina. Wear consistent with age and use
Bronze
Tapio Wirkkala Stainless Steel Puukko Knife with Leather Sheath Hackman Finland
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala Puukko Knife by Hackman Finnish Design This vintage Puukko knife, designed by renowned Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala and produc...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Antique Vintage Lady's Gentlemans Ebonised Wooden Walking Stick Dress Cane 1980s
By Swarovski
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stylish Solid Polished Ebonized Wooden and Sterling Silver Lady’s or Gentleman’s Walking Stick with Traditional Crook shaped handle in Art Nouveau style, of French or English origin,...
Crystal
Murano Glass Paperweight With Swirl Tornado Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass paper weight. A beautiful nice addition to your desktop. Found at an estate sale in Verona, Italy....
Murano Glass
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Gilt Bronze Sphinx Paperweight on Marble Base, France, Early 19th Century A charming Empire-period paperweight featuring a finely cast gilt bronze sphinx resting on a rectan...
Marble, Bronze
Intricately Hand Carved, Vintage Asian Midcentury Heavy Wooden Square Printing
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Splendid intricately hand carved large heavyweight wooden square printing block from Asia Traditionally used for hand held block printing ink or dye to textiles and paper Fully fun...
Hardwood
Italian Alabaster Marble Sphere
Located in New York, NY
An Italian moss green and black alabaster marble decorative object sphere, Italian Midcentury Modern to '70 Modern design periods, circa mid to late 20th century, 1960s, 1970s, Italy...
Alabaster, Marble
Montblanc 75th Anniversary Fountain Pen – “Passion and Soul Since 75”
Located in Vienna, AT
Montblanc 75th Anniversary Fountain Pen – “Passion and Soul Since 75" with leather case. A very special Montblanc 75th Anniversary fountain pen featuring the commemorative engraving ...
Gold, Gold Plate
Millefiori Paperweight Murano Italian Art Glass Paperweight, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Murano midcentury modern 1960s Millefiori flower, green, blue, red, white murine Italian Art Glass paperweight.
Art Glass, Murrine
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.