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 Burr Walnut Writing Box. English. C.1870
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful burr walnut writing box or slope Fabulous colour and figure in the wood Fine brass hardware and ebony stringing Working secret drawers* Replaced leather No Key Free U...
Brass
Antique Burr Walnut Gentleman's Dressing Box. English. Dated 1865
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful burr walnut gentleman's dressing box or case Fabulous colour and figure in the wood Original patina. Not re-polished Almost complete interior Silver plated topped bottl...
Brass
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
French Art Deco Bakelite / Catalin Desk Writing Set in Box, France c.1930
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Elegant Art Deco desk writing accessory set from France, dating to the 1930s. The set consists of five coordinated pieces crafted from richly marbled Bakelite in warm amber, caramel,...
Metal
Antique Chinese Claw Dragon Ladys Gentleman's Wooden Walking Stick Dress Cane
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Very Stylish Fine Quality polished banded dark brown Malacca Chinese Qing Lady’s or Gentleman’s Walking Cane with a highly decorative embossed Sterling Silver Grip. Last quarter o...
Hardwood
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
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
Antique French Art Nouveau Nude Girl Bronze Letter Opener, 1910s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece ...
Bronze
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
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
French Art Deco Mahogany and Brass Letter Stand, 1920s
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Art Deco Mahogany and Brass Letter Stand, 1920s An elegant and finely crafted letter stand executed in richly grained mahogany (Swietenia mahogoni), accented with refined bra...
Brass
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
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
Antique French Signed Art Nouveau Bronze Duck Figure Letter Opener by Frecourt
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique French bronze letter opener by the sculptor Maurice Frécourt. Circa 1900. It is signed "Frécourt". This piece is in goo...
Bronze
Antique Gentlemans Ladys Gadget Measuring English Bamboo Walking Stick Cane RARE
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Superb Rare Polished Victorian Bamboo Wood Ladys or Gentlemans Walking Stick of outstanding quality by Charles Cook who also worked for renowned Stick makers Brigg & Sons in Lond...
Brass
Richard Rohac figurine glass holder around 1950s ( signed )
Located in Wien, AT
Richard Rohac figurine glass holder around 1950s ( signed ) Original condition The glasses are included
Brass
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
Dragon Motif Fountain Pen, Gold Overlay on Black, Acura, Mint in Box Circa 1990
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Acura Dragon Motif Fountain Pen, Gold Overlay on Black, Mint in Box, Late 20th Century A bold and highly decorative vintage fountain pen by Acura, featuring an elaborate high-relief ...
Resin
Edgar Brandt Bronze Paper Knife/Letter Opener
By Edgar Brandt
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau letter opener, circa 1905, in bronze. Decorated with ginkgo biloba leaves, stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Length: 20 cm Width: 3.3 cm Thickness: 1 cm Weight...
Bronze
Seguso Murano Italian Art Glass Sommerso Green Bunny Rabbit Figurine Sculpture
By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Archimede Seguso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Summers emerald tree and golden honey color Italian art glass bunny rabbit figurine sculpture. The piece is attributed to designer Archimede Segus...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Art Deco Remington Portable Noiseless Typewriter and Case c.1937
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT This beautifully preserved Art Deco 1937 Remington Rand portable noiseless typewriter features a striking black high gloss finish with original gold lettering and black and ni...
Metal, Nickel, Bronze
Modern Lucite Desk Organizer by Guzzini
By Guzzini
Located in San Diego, CA
Very functional modern lucite desk organizer by Guzzini of Italy, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good condition and measures 5.75"W x 2"D x 3.75"H. Great little organizer! #5079
Lucite
Art Nouveau green iridescent art glass inkwell, ca 1900
Located in Delft, NL
Art Nouveau green iridescent art glass inkwell, ca 1900 An inkwell with green iridescent blown glass with gilded Art Nouveau decorations. The patina on the sides of the decorations ...
Art Glass
Danish Postmodern Wall Calendar, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Postmodern Wall Calendar, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. Additional information: Materials: Plastic Style: Postmodern Country of Origin: Germany Color...
Plastic
Antique Regency Brass Bound Traveling Desk Wooden Mahogany Writing Slope Regency
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An Exceptionally Fine Quality English Well Figured Solid grained Mahogany Officers Campaign Style Traveling Writing Slope of outstanding quality and unusually large size. First quart...
Brass
Vintage Letter Holder/In-Out Tray Combo Organizer - Refinished in Orange
Located in Alhambra, CA
1960s desktop organizer refinished in a gloss Orange (OG 1) powder-coat finish by our workshop in Alhambra, CA. This vintage steel unit features a combo of 3 standing and 3 flat slot...
Steel
MCM Bright Red Modular Desk Organizer by Karl Deyhle of Germany
Located in San Diego, CA
Sculptural mid-century modern modular desk organizer by Karl Deyhle, produced in Germany circa the 1960s. Executed in vibrant red molded plastic, the set comprises multiple cylindric...
Metal
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Doré and Favrile Slag Glass Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Grapevine" pattern gilt bronze and Favrile slag glass inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Ce...
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Solid Oak Waste Basket / Magazine Bin, Architectural Frame De
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully constructed Mid-Century Modern waste basket or magazine bin, executed in solid oak with a warm, honey-toned finish that highlights the natural open grain. The design is...
Oak
Tiffany Studios New York Bronze and Abalone Blotter Ends With Leather
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter ends with inset abalone, together with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (signed to the unde...
Bronze
Annemarie Davidson & Blaine Rath Walnut & Enamel Letter Tray, California, c.1970
By Annemarie Davidson, Florence Knoll
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Annemarie Davidson & Blaine Rath Walnut & Enamel Letter Tray, California, c.1970
Enamel
Swatch Twin Phone "Candy" Model, Memphis Style, Vintage 1980s Design
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Swatch twin phone 1st model in production called Candy. It's in excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design. A true p...
Plastic
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
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
George Petersen Danish Modern Rosewood Desk Organizer / Letter Tray, 1960s
By Georg Petersens, Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Danish midcentury modern desk organizer designed by Georg Petersens and crafted in richly figured rosewood veneer. The piece features three horizontal letter trays and a series of ve...
Rosewood
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
Beautiful Fish Murano Italian Art Glass Aquarium Paperweight
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown aquarium design Italian art glass paper weight. Showing two fish inside, in orange colors. Colors are orange, blue, ...
Murano Glass
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
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
Chinese Enamel and Jade Inkwell with Pen, 19th/20th C. Ric#JD014
Located in Norton, MA
19th/20th century Chinese enamel and jade, inkwell with pen. Stone carved and pierced. Pen 7.5 in length.
Gold Plate, Silver
Midcentury Brown Italian Leather Decorative Wastepaper Basket, Nova Tecno, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular Mid-Century decorative wastepaper basket, entirely crafted from full-grain curved Italian leather. This incredibly elegant piece was produced in Italy during the 1950s an...
Leather
$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
Erik Höglund Art Glass Medallions - Sculptural Ashtrays or Paperweights, Sweden
By Erik Höglund
Located in Bochum, NRW
Erik Höglund Art Glass Medallions - Sculptural Ashtrays or Paperweights, Sweden, 1960s A striking pair of hand-cast glass medallions by renowned Swedish artist Erik Höglund, circa 19...
Art Glass
$1,202Sale Price|20% Off
Antique English Novelty Equestrian Inkwell, Horse, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
This is only the second time in many years of being in the antiques business that I have come across this wonderful figural equestrian inkwell. B...
Brass
Aimara Large Alpaca Silver Tray by Workshop AIREDELSUR, Hand-Crafted
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design of alpaca boxes and picture frames of this family, whose name comes from the tribe that dwelled in the North Argenti...
Metal, Sheet Metal
Set of 4 Pedestal Boxes in Shagreen, Shell and Bronze-Patina Brass by Kifu Paris
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by skilled artisans, ultimately making each piece unique, designed in Paris and produced in the Philippines. The set of 4 pedestal boxes are the perfect home accents to add elegance and functionality to your space. These can be used as a vanity set for your bathroom, in your office to store desk...
Brass
$274Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage French Ceramic Vase by Raymonde Leduc 'circa 1970s', Small
Located in London, GB
Vintage ceramic vase (or pencil holder if you prefer) by Raymonde Leduc (circa 1970s). Sandstone coloured small vessel with plant motifs inlaid on all four sides. In good overall con...
Ceramic
$192Sale Price|30% Off
English Wedgwood Jasperware Jewelry Dish Neoclassical Design
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware sage green and white round jewelry dish with neoclassical design, circa 20th century, 1979, England...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Original Mid-Century Modern Vintage Western Electric Rotary Telephone
Located in San Diego, CA
Original Western Electric rotary telephone, incredible vintage piece, not a replica, dating to 1968. Featuring a beautiful wooden box casing with gold accents and black rotary dial,...
Leather, Walnut
Solid Carved Malchite Head Sculpture or Paperweight
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Very heavy Solid carved Malchite head sculpture Paperweight.
Malachite
1930's Pair of Native American Chief Brass Bookends
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930s Indian brass bookends. Native American Chief bookends. Three dimensional Indian Chief. Brass is signed/ inscribed in the back of the bookends.
Brass
Handmade Big Decorative Paperweight Cube in Black Marquina Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Big decorative paperweight cube full in black Marquina marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Italian artisans sp...
Marble
Italian Lucite Pen Pencil Desk Holder By Designer Rede Guzzini
By Rede Guzzini
Located in New York, NY
An Italian Lucite pen, pencil, marker and small paper desk organizer/holder, Postmodern period or Modern style, by designer Rede Guzzini, circa 1980s, Italy. A great desk accessory a...
Lucite
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Murano White Latticino Filigrana on Pink Glass Paperweight, Vintage
Vintage Murano glass paperweight features white filaments intricately superimposed and intertwined within the coral pink glass in filigrana or latticino technique. Controlled bubble...
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Tronador Square Blue Onyx Box by AIREDELSUR, Hand-Carved Design
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Stone, Onyx
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Shell Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist shell keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Length including...
Brass
Smoke Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Se...
Resin
MCM Green Singer Sewing Machine in Cabinet
Located in Norton, MA
Quality made with elegant design from the Mid-Century Modern Singer Sewing Machine and Table Cabinet, all original components and all in good condition with the good working function...
Wood, Machiche
Vintage Red Swivel Desk Storage Organizer by Rino Pirovano for Art 900
By Rexite
Located in East Quogue, NY
This vintage red swivel desk organizer, designed by Rino Pirovano for Rexite in the mid-1970s, is a celebrated example of Italian design. Made of ABS plastic, it features four rotati...
Plastic
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.
