Stag Inkwell
Antique 1890s Scottish Inkwells
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Inkwells
Silver Plate
Antique 1850s British Victorian Inkwells
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Animal Sculptures
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century English Victorian Platters and Serveware
Silver Plate
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Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Inkwells
Enamel
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Inkwells
Bronze
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Inkwells
Crystal
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Opaline Glass
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Bronze
Vintage 1910s Scottish Inkwells
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Decorative Baskets
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1910s Scottish Art Nouveau Inkwells
Brass
Late 20th Century American Modern Decorative Bowls
Blown Glass
Early 20th Century Victorian Serving Bowls
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century South American Animal Sculptures
Wire
Antique 1880s American Sterling Silver
Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Italian Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Danish Porcelain
Porcelain
Early 20th Century Edwardian Centerpieces
Porcelain
Antique Late 19th Century French Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Recent Sales
Antique 1840s Empire Inkwells
Brass
Antique Mid-18th Century British Art Nouveau Inkwells
Silver Plate
Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Inkwells
Silver Plate
Antique 1890s English Victorian Inkwells
Silver Plate
Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Inkwells
Silver Plate
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Inkwells
Silver Plate
Antique 19th Century English Inkwells
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century English Inkwells
Antique 19th Century French Inkwells
Crystal, Bronze
Antique 19th Century Austrian Inkwells
Horn
Antique 19th Century British Regency Inkwells
Bronze, Brass
Antique 19th Century Scottish Inkwells
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century British Inkwells
Silver Plate
Antique 19th Century Animal Sculptures
Bronze, Brass
Antique 19th Century Austrian Desk Accessories
Horn
Antique Late 19th Century Scottish Victorian Inkwells
Agate, Carnelian, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Inkwells
Antique 1890s European Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
Finding the Right inkwells for You
Now that we no longer need vintage, new or antique inkwells for written communication, these elegant desk accessories make for a distinctive decorative touch in any home office or study.
Prior to the 19th century, the inkwell was an integral part of the writing process. The first fountain pen was patented in 1827. Typewriters found acceptance during the 1880s, and the ballpoint pen, which replaced the inkwell on most desks and writing tables of the era, modernized the way we write. (Later, it would transform how some of us make art.) Today, a well-designed antique or vintage inkwell is a fun, decorative accent for any work area.
If you find yourself working from home today more often than not, why not freshen things up a bit? Small changes can help elevate your workspace: Incremental edits to your interior, such as rethinking your shelving, swapping out your wall decor and adding a touch of the past to your modern-day desktop, can actually make a big difference. Alongside an ornate Art Deco–era desk lamp and an antique paperweight, your inkwell will look right at home and can support your effort to create a happy home office.
Find a collection of unique metal inkwells to suit any taste on 1stDibs or shop by style. Browse a range of Art Nouveau inkwells, Victorian inkwells, Art Deco inkwells and more. Search our selection of inkwells to find the perfect piece for any space.
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