Antique Inkwell Desk
1920s Louis XVI Antique Inkwell Desk
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwell Desk
Crystal, Metal
19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwell Desk
Brass
Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Inkwell Desk
Ebony
Early 20th Century French Antique Inkwell Desk
Crystal, Bronze
Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwell Desk
Glass, Wood
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze
19th Century Unknown Regency Antique Inkwell Desk
Wood
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze, Ormolu
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwell Desk
Onyx, Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze, Enamel
1890s French Gothic Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze
19th Century Rococo Antique Inkwell Desk
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze, Ormolu, Brass
Early 19th Century Antique Inkwell Desk
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwell Desk
Marble, Bronze
19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Antique Inkwell Desk
Glass, Resin
Early 20th Century French Empire Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Inkwell Desk
Glass, Wood
Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwell Desk
Glass, Wood
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwell Desk
Wood
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwell Desk
Wood
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwell Desk
Wood
Early 1900s French Islamic Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze
Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Inkwell Desk
Glass
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Antique Inkwell Desk
Silver, Sterling Silver
19th Century French Provincial Antique Inkwell Desk
Marble
1880s Arts and Crafts Antique Inkwell Desk
Steel
1890s French Empire Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze
19th Century Moorish Antique Inkwell Desk
Brass
1890s British Victorian Antique Inkwell Desk
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Antique Inkwell Desk
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwell Desk
Gold, Bronze
Early 1900s German Arts and Crafts Antique Inkwell Desk
Pewter
Early 20th Century Unknown Renaissance Antique Inkwell Desk
Silver Plate
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Inkwell Desk
Pewter
Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze
19th Century English High Victorian Antique Inkwell Desk
Pottery
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Inkwell Desk
Glass
19th Century British Antique Inkwell Desk
Brass
Mid-19th Century French Antique Inkwell Desk
Gold, Brass
1890s French Antique Inkwell Desk
Porcelain, Wood
1860s Antique Inkwell Desk
Fruitwood
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwell Desk
Malachite, Silver
Early 20th Century Empire Antique Inkwell Desk
Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze
19th Century Antique Inkwell Desk
Crystal, Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwell Desk
Gold, Bronze
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwell Desk
Marble, Gold, Bronze
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwell Desk
Marble, Gold, Bronze
1870s English Antique Inkwell Desk
Brass
Early 19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Inkwell Desk
Brass
1920s American Antique Inkwell Desk
Brass
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze
Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Antique Inkwell Desk
Silver Plate
19th Century Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Inkwell Desk
Brass
1880s English Antique Inkwell Desk
Porcelain
1840s French Napoleon III Antique Inkwell Desk
Bronze
1920s British Antique Inkwell Desk
Brass
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Antique Inkwell Desk For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Antique Inkwell Desk?
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 antique desks called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023What 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 is an antique Davenport desk?2 Answers1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An 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, 2022A 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021An 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 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.
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