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Old World Desks

Italian Old World Desk Top Globe With Figural Brass Base 19thC
Italian Old World Desk Top Globe With Figural Brass Base 19thC

Italian Old World Desk Top Globe With Figural Brass Base 19thC

$360Sale Price|20% Off

H 6.75 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in

Italian Old World Desk Top Globe With Figural Brass Base 19thC

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Italian desk globe, dating to the 19th century, featuring an 'Old World' style map and presented on a decorative figural brass base.

Category

Antique 19th Century Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century
Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century

Italian Rococo Revival Writing Desk, Late 19th Century

Located in Southampton, NY

Cabriole legs and hand-painted floral designs complete the look, adding a touch of whimsy and old-world charm. The desk bears a "Made in Italy" tag, suggesting its origin which look...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Rococo Revival Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood, Paint

Superb Period 1780s era Italian Tombstone Paint Decorated Secretary Desk
Superb Period 1780s era Italian Tombstone Paint Decorated Secretary Desk

Superb Period 1780s era Italian Tombstone Paint Decorated Secretary Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Featuring its original hand-painted floral motifs and decorative trim, this desk exudes old-world charm and timeless elegance.

Category

Antique 1780s Italian Rococo Secretaires

Materials

Walnut

Edwardian Maple & Co Pedestal Writing Desk Distressed Brown Embossed Leather
Edwardian Maple & Co Pedestal Writing Desk Distressed Brown Embossed Leather

Edwardian Maple & Co Pedestal Writing Desk Distressed Brown Embossed Leather

By Maple & Co.

Located in Pulborough, GB

Its distressed brown embossed leather top adds an old-world charm to the desk, and the quality craftsmanship is evident in the detailing.

Category

Antique 19th Century British Edwardian Pedestals

Materials

Hardwood

Recent Sales

19th Century Louis XV Hardwood Desk with Hidden Drawers
19th Century Louis XV Hardwood Desk with Hidden Drawers

19th Century Louis XV Hardwood Desk with Hidden Drawers

Located in Lakewood, NJ

This 1875 unique Antique executive desk with hidden drawers, is a superb example of old world craftsmanship and royalty.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Hardwood

19th Century French Faux Leather Book Ink Well
19th Century French Faux Leather Book Ink Well

19th Century French Faux Leather Book Ink Well

Unavailable

H 1.58 in W 6.7 in D 3.94 in

19th Century French Faux Leather Book Ink Well

Located in Antwerp, BE

Imagine this book used in this way on a library shelf or a desk. Perfect old world elegance. Also the perfect gift for the person who has everything.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Inkwells

Venetian Decoupage Table SATURDAY SALE
Venetian Decoupage Table SATURDAY SALE

Venetian Decoupage Table SATURDAY SALE

Unavailable

H 31 in W 44 in D 32 in

Venetian Decoupage Table SATURDAY SALE

Located in West Palm beach, FL

fabulous decoupage table in its original Venetian red paint with old gilt trim. Interesting panels of characters, landscapes and foliage Great table for library or old world table de...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Center Tables

Materials

Wood

Garcia Natural Carved Pine Executive Office Desk Library Table Rustic Old World
Garcia Natural Carved Pine Executive Office Desk Library Table Rustic Old World

Garcia Natural Carved Pine Executive Office Desk Library Table Rustic Old World

Located in Dayton, OH

Garcia Imports executive desk. Made from pine with European architectural elements. Features fluted and acanthus accents, two lower files drawers and five upper drawers. This desk is...

Category

Late 20th Century Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Pine

Brass Desk Globe
Brass Desk Globe

Brass Desk Globe

Sold

H 11 in W 9 in D 8 in

Brass Desk Globe

Located in San Diego, CA

Unique old world brass desk globe, circa 2000s. Made of solid brass for long lasting visual appeal, this eye-catching golden globe is set atop of a dark platform with a dragon suppor...

Category

Late 20th Century Indian More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Iron

Brass Desk Globe
Brass Desk Globe

Brass Desk Globe

Sold

H 11 in W 9 in D 8 in

Brass Desk Globe

Located in San Diego, CA

Unique old world brass desk globe, circa 2000s. Made of solid brass for long lasting visual appeal, this eye-catching golden globe is set atop of a dark platform with a dragon suppor...

Category

Late 20th Century Indian More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Iron

English Made Mahogany Three-Drawer Writing Desk on Legs Library Table
English Made Mahogany Three-Drawer Writing Desk on Legs Library Table

English Made Mahogany Three-Drawer Writing Desk on Legs Library Table

Located in Atlanta, GA

This brand new, Georgian style, mahogany reproduction has just come off the boat from England where it was hand crafted by a third generation furniture maker. Using Old World methods...

Category

2010s English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

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Navagero Murano Glass Mirror
Navagero Murano Glass Mirror

Navagero Murano Glass Mirror

$3,035 / item

H 39.38 in W 27.56 in D 1.97 in

Navagero Murano Glass Mirror

By Fratelli Tosi

Located in Milan, IT

Bold yet feminine, this exceptional mirror handcrafted by Venetian master glassmakers will be a splendid focal point in classic or eclectic decors. The indented frame in golden cryst...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Murano Glass

Italian Hand Painted Venetian Style Cabinet, C1960
Italian Hand Painted Venetian Style Cabinet, C1960

Italian Hand Painted Venetian Style Cabinet, C1960

$1,014Sale Price|40% Off

H 30.71 in W 29.14 in D 16.54 in

Italian Hand Painted Venetian Style Cabinet, C1960

Located in Trensacq, FR

Italian hand-painted Venetian style cabinet, C1960 Beautiful Venetian style painted cabinet c1960s Italy. Simple neoclassical style, wonderfully complimented by the delicate figurati...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Revival Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Paint

Chinoiserie Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase Union National
Chinoiserie Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase Union National

Chinoiserie Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase Union National

By Union National

Located in Bradenton, FL

Large Scale Union National Chinoiserie Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase. Hand-painted and signed by artist. Union National was a prestigious high-end furniture company in Jamestown,...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Large Solid Oak French Louis XV Style Breakfront Bookcase Vitrine, circa 1980
Large Solid Oak French Louis XV Style Breakfront Bookcase Vitrine, circa 1980

Large Solid Oak French Louis XV Style Breakfront Bookcase Vitrine, circa 1980

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This impressive French Louis XV style breakfront bookcase vitrine, crafted in solid oak circa 1980, is a striking example of fine European craftsmanship. The substantial design featu...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Louis XV Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk
Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

$5,750

H 37.75 in W 30 in D 15.5 in

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

Located in Pembroke, MA

A stunning, petite French slant-top desk or "bureau de pente" in the Louis XV style, turquoise and gold polychromed with Chinoiserie detailing, and red under-body. Desk opens to rev...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Desks

Materials

Bronze

Louis XV Style Writing Desk with Serpentine Legs Painted with Gold Highlights
Louis XV Style Writing Desk with Serpentine Legs Painted with Gold Highlights

Louis XV Style Writing Desk with Serpentine Legs Painted with Gold Highlights

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

Louis XV style writing desk made by La Maison London. Painted in a French grey with gold highlights. mounted on Serpentine legs with decorative bronzes ornaments . there is two dr...

Category

2010s British Louis XV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Antique Swedish Red Painted Baroque Secretary
18th Century Antique Swedish Red Painted Baroque Secretary

18th Century Antique Swedish Red Painted Baroque Secretary

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

A two-tiered wooden cabinet from the 18th century Swedish Gustavian period. The top door opens to reveal a decorative top shelf and three other shelves. The top of the bottom shelf c...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Cupboards

Materials

Wood

19th Century Italian Blue-Painted Cherrywood Wardrobe with Original Hardware
19th Century Italian Blue-Painted Cherrywood Wardrobe with Original Hardware

19th Century Italian Blue-Painted Cherrywood Wardrobe with Original Hardware

Located in Atlanta, GA

A charming 19th-century Italian wardrobe crafted in solid cherrywood and finished in a softly aged blue lacquer. Of smaller, well-proportioned scale, this piece is distinguished by i...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Wardrobes and Armoires

Materials

Wood

Painted Venetian Florentine Style Credenza
Painted Venetian Florentine Style Credenza

Painted Venetian Florentine Style Credenza

$1,450

H 32 in W 42 in D 12 in

Painted Venetian Florentine Style Credenza

Located in New York, NY

Florentine Style Credenza, with Painted, Gold Gilt and Crackle Finish. One drawer and one door with original key. Some wear to finish from age and use. Good overall condition.

Category

20th Century Credenzas

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique Italian Library Cabinet, Handcrafted Pinewood, Circa 1860
Antique Italian Library Cabinet, Handcrafted Pinewood, Circa 1860

Antique Italian Library Cabinet, Handcrafted Pinewood, Circa 1860

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A large antique Italian library cabinet made of hand crafted Pinewood, in good condition. This stunning bookcase library from Tuscany has a grey antique patina with light grey painte...

Category

20th Century Italian Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Antique French Rococo Gold Giltwood Carved Wood Italian King Size Bed Headboard
Antique French Rococo Gold Giltwood Carved Wood Italian King Size Bed Headboard

Antique French Rococo Gold Giltwood Carved Wood Italian King Size Bed Headboard

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique French Rococo Gold Giltwood Carved Wood Italian King Size Bed Headboard. Item features solid wood construction, stunning relief carved acanthus leafy scrollwork, cream and go...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Rococo Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Antique Harrods Green Lacquered Cocktail Cabinet on Stand Mid 20th Century
Antique Harrods Green Lacquered Cocktail Cabinet on Stand Mid 20th Century

Antique Harrods Green Lacquered Cocktail Cabinet on Stand Mid 20th Century

Located in London, GB

A fabulous polychromed Green lacquered and gilt japanned cocktail cabinet-on-stand, retailed by Harrods and bearing their ivorine label, circa 1940's in date.   The two-door cabinet ...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Chippendale Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

19th Century Signed Meissen Porcelain Artwork
19th Century Signed Meissen Porcelain Artwork

19th Century Signed Meissen Porcelain Artwork

$526

H 2.37 in W 7.88 in D 8.67 in

19th Century Signed Meissen Porcelain Artwork

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Roma, IT

A wonderful late 19th-Century Meissen blue onion square hand painted porcelain dish. Printed and impressed "Meissen" mark on reverse. This fine blue onion platter exhibits excellen...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Louis XV Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage French Provincial Blue Painted Bookcase Tall Secretary Desk by Danby
Vintage French Provincial Blue Painted Bookcase Tall Secretary Desk by Danby

Vintage French Provincial Blue Painted Bookcase Tall Secretary Desk by Danby

By Danby

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage French Provincial Blue Distress Painted Bookcase Tall Secretary Desk by Danby. Item features shell carved accents, working lock and key, solid wood construction, great style ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown French Provincial Secretaires

Materials

Wood

Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London
Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London

Louis XVI Style Bunk Beds/Matching Pair of Single Beds Made by La Maison London

By La Maison London

Located in London, Park Royal

Louis XVI style bunk beds, hand carved and hand finished in an off-white, antique finish. Takes a mattress size: 90cm x 200cm (3ft x 6ft6'). The beds come with an extra set of legs, ...

Category

2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

French 18th Century Louis XV Painted & Gilt Queen Bed
French 18th Century Louis XV Painted & Gilt Queen Bed

French 18th Century Louis XV Painted & Gilt Queen Bed

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A quality Louis XV Period carved and gold gilt queen bed frame. The four piece frame has classic carvings of Rococo influenced Louis XV style with flamboyant carvings and gold gilt c...

Category

Antique 18th Century French Louis XV Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Gold

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Old World Desks For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of old world desks for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, metal and walnut, all old world desks available were constructed with great care. We have 73 antique and vintage old world desks in-stock, while there are 78 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of old world desks available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of old world desks to choose from, but at 1stDibs, modern, mid-century modern and Baroque old world desks are of considerable interest. Dessie Studio, Stephane Lebrun and Jaime Tresserra each produced beautiful old world desks that are worth considering.

How Much are Old World Desks?

Old world desks can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $6,099, while the lowest priced sells for $68 and the highest can go for as much as $775,000.
Questions About Old World Desks
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The best way to refinish an old metal desk is to start by cleaning the desk. Ensure that the surface is free of dust and rust, then prime the desk with one to two coats of primer. And dependent upon its condition, a coat of any metal paint can freshen up an old metal desk. Browse a wide selection of vintage metal desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    What an old-fashioned writing desk is called varies by design. Pieces with drop-down fronts are secretary desks (these are typically made of two parts: a chest of drawers on the bottom and a hutch or cupboard with shelves on the top), while ones that rest on two pillars, cabinets or bookcases are pedestal desks. A desk with a small writing surface positioned in front of drawers and cubbies is a bureau à gradin. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of desks.