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Desk Accessories For Sale
Style: Victorian
Style: Industrial
Magnifying Glass on Stand, 19th Century
Located in Vosselaar, BE
Magnifying glasses are already recorded as far back as the Ancient Greeks. Troughout history they were reserved for scientists, nobility and monks. During the Renaissance and culmina...
Category
19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Softwood, Walnut
Small Vintage Table Fan, 1950's, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Small table fan design by Josef Pokorný in the 1950's.
Made of plastic and metal and produced in company Strojsmalt n.p. in Czechoslovakia.
The fan has two speeds.
In original condit...
Category
1950s Czech Industrial Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
American Victorian Walnut Cased Standing Magnifying Glass
Located in Hudson, NY
This large American Victorian standing magnifying glass is encased in a carved and turned walnut frame and is adjustable to height with a wooden screw set device. Made circa 1880 the...
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Inkstand / Desk Standish
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver inkstand / desk standish; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection
This magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian inkstand...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
English Antique Ink Eraser/Letter Opener with Sterling Handle
Located in Sheffield, MA
Although the purpose was once for "erasing" ink, this antique English piece can very well be used as a letter opener. It probably did serve a dual purpose way back when. The eraser...
Category
1880s English Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver, Steel
19th Century Rosewood Letter Tray
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A Very Attractive And Extremely Good Quality Mid 19th Century Rosewood Letter Tray, Of Unusually Diminutive Proportions, Having Exceptionally Well...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Rosewood
19th Century Victorian Sterling Silver Gilt Posy Holder
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver posy holder; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection.
T...
Category
1860s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Gilt Bronze and Marble Inkwell
By G. None
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage 19th century inkwell is beautifully designed with a detailed sculpted doré' bronze reminiscent the poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The figure is costumed in a draped g...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Bronze
French Victorian Green Marble Inkwell with Tiger
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian green marble double inkwell with bronze trim and centered figure of tiger.
Category
19th Century French Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Bronze, Gold Leaf
Desk Organizer with Perpetual Calendar by Fabio Manlio Ciocca for Guzzini, 1980s
By Guzzini
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Stylish desk organizer with perpetual calendar made of plexiglass, designed by Fabio Manlio Ciocca and produced by Guzzini in the 80s.
This lovely vintage piece has a rigorous squar...
Category
1980s Italian Industrial Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Plexiglass
1960s Table Fan by OMNIA type VS20, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage industrial table fan
Made of metal and plastic
Fully functional.
Category
1960s Czech Industrial Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Antique Tiffany Wave Edge Sterling Silver Inkstand
Located in New York, NY
Wave Edge sterling silver inkstand. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1884. Square with corner scroll-mounted supports. Centrally mounted bowl with hinged cover. Applied reeded a...
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
19th Century English Gold Washed Sheffield Silverplate Equestrian Themed Inkwell
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Unique Victorian English silverplate inkwell in the form of a horseshoe with hooves and lids with riding caps. Apparently unsigned. I unique collectible in ...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Victorian Slate Paperweight of Hand style of Odd Fellows Hands Offs Sculpture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful very old professional office relic with a cheeky message; Hands off! Private papers. Reminiscent of the odd fellows Victorian Era designs.
Category
1890s American Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Slate
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Glass Inkstand / Desk Standish
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver and glass inkstand / desk standish; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection.
This magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian silver inkstand / desk standish, has a rectangular shaped form.
This Victorian inkstand is plain and embellished with an applied moulded border to the rim.
The surface of this exceptional example of antique silverware incorporates two elongated oval recesses, composing pen wells.
This antique hallmarked silver inkstand is supported by four impressive cast bracket style feet embellished with scroll and leaf decoration.
The body of the inkstand incorporates two circular ink bottle receivers protruding from either side and conjoined with a central rectangular stamp box via two impressive elevated scrolling leaf decorated brackets.
The impressive large glass ink bottles each have a compressive spherical form, ornamented with cut glass decoration.
The lower portion of each bottle is fitted with a hallmarked sterling silver mount/foot, accented with a screwfit attachment, allowing the piece to stand securely in situ; this fitment is a fine feature and indicates the high quality of the piece.
The upper portion retains the original hallmarked mount and hinged cover encircled with chased volute scrolling leaf motifs.
Each ink bottle is surmounted with an impressive cast finial modelled in the form of two opposing masks.
The central sterling silver stamp box...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
French Victorian Bronze Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian bronze square inkwell with 2 cornucopia pen holders.
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Antique British Nautical / Maritime Brass Parallel Ruler by Kelvin & Hughes
By Kelvin & Hughes 1
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique British nautical / maritime solid brass parallel ruler by Kelvin & Hughes, circa 1900. The ruler is in very good vintage condition with a great patina and measures 24"W x 5.7...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Late Victorian Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
A Blue John Paperweight, late 19th century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The parquetry Blue John Pattern within a rectangular black stone surround
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Quartz, Marble
1930s Chrome Diamond Plate Paperweight Curiosity Desk Object Architect Sculpture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful desk relic from a captain of industry.
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Victorian Novelty Silver Mounted Owl Inkwell By Sampson Mordan & Co London 1896
Located in Norwich, GB
Victorian novelty silver mounted owl head and cut glass inkwell by Sampson Mordan & Co. London - 1896. Hallmarked.
The hinged lid modelled as an owl with glass amber eyes, and a cut...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
1920s Dental Paperweight Sculpture Glass Slab Temperature Gauge Thermometer
By S.T. Dupont, Honeywell
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare item from the L.D. Caulk Co. of Milford Delaware. New old stock, New in box. A true Relic from yesteryears building technics. A beautiful desktop sculptural object. Temp rises w...
Category
1920s American Industrial Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Victorian Edwardian 1900 Desk Inkwell Box in Faux Tortoise Shell and Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian Edwardian inkwell box
Beautiful and very attractive inkwell, created in England during the Victorian and the Edwardian periods, back in the 1...
Category
1890s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Victorian English Sterling Silver Meat Skewers / Letter Openers
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, large pair of antique Victorian English sterling silver letter openers/meat skewers; an addition to our Victorian silv...
Category
1840s Great Britain (UK) Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian Era Inkstand with Boulle Marquetry in Ebonised Wood and Brass
Located in London, GB
Victorian era inkstand with Boulle marquetry in ebonised wood and brass
English, dated 1853
Measures: Height 17cm, width 38.5cm, depth 27.5cm
This 19th Century English inkstand ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
1890s Yellow Gold and Enamel Parasol Handle and Rib Tips
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique yellow gold and enamel parasol handle and rib tip set; an addition to our diverse enamelwork collection.
This exceptional antique parasol handle...
Category
1890s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique Italian Triptych Sorrento Ware Walnut Crutch Oval Folding Mirror 19th Ct
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An Imposing Hand Carved Sorrento Ware Walnut or Olivewood Folding Standing Mirror, mid to late Nineteenth Century.
The hinged fretwork panels superbly inlaid with Italian figurativ...
Category
19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Mahogany, Walnut
Antique Cloisonné-Emaille Inkwell, Bronze Doré, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkwell with Cloisonné-Enamel, France circa 1880.
Stamped at the bottom "M B 5 9".
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Victorian Staunton Chess Pieces Set + Italian Marble Giltwood Chessboard
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this extremely rare original Victorian Staunton chess set with fine Italian marble giltwood chessboard
A trul...
Category
19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Victorian Sterling Silver Inkstand
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver desk standish; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection
This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver desk standish has a naturalistic-shaped form.
The surface of the stand is embellished with impressive bright cut engraved scrolling leaf and floral ornamentation, incorporating a scroll bordered cartouche bearing the contemporary bright cut engraved crest of an elephant's head.
The stand is further ornamented with scrolling designs encompassing an oval recess, composing a pen well.
The rim of the body of the sterling silver inkstand...
Category
1840s British Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Desk Box - Bayley's England
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique desk box. Made of wood, covered with leather with beautiful gold details. Fine copper fittings.
The interior has two small boxes, ...
Category
1890s English Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper
Antique Victorian Cut Glass and Sterling Silver Desk Inkwell
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian cut glass and English sterling silver mounted desk inkwell, part of our antique silver and gl...
Category
1890s British Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Cranberry Glass Inkwell
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, antique Victorian English sterling silver and red cranberry glass inkwell; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection
This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver inkwell has a circular shaped domed form.
The body of this exceptional antique inkwell is embellished with impressive pierced and embossed scrolling leaf decoration, accented with pensile, baluster style bead motifs.
The ornamentation to the body incorporates five oval cartouches; four are ornamented with an embossed male profile: two bearded males and two in a soldier's helmet.
The cartouche to the anterior surface of the inkwell features the contemporary engraved crest of a stag encompassed with a garter and the motto 'God and my Honour'.
The intricate sterling silver body of the inkwell incorporates five conical shaped pen receivers.
The swept waisted upper portion of this antique inkwell is fitted with a hinged hallmarked cover, ornamented with engraved simplified leaf decoration.
The cover is surmounted with an impressive embossed three-dimensional bust of a male figure in robes.
This antique inkwell retains the original and substantial red cranberry glass ink bottle liner, with a cut glass star motif to the underside; the cranberry glass liner is highly desirable.
This exceptional silver and glass inkwell is supported by five swept feet, ornamented with a continuation of scrolling leaf and circular motif decoration from the body.
This exceptional example of Victorian silverware, crafted by the renowned London silversmith Joseph Angell II, is the finest example of its type
Condition
This antique ink bottle...
Category
1850s British Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Old Vienna Bronze Cold-painted Figure of a small Lion, Franz Bergmann
Located in CHARLESTON, SC
Superb Old Vienna bronze cold-painted figure of a small lion
Has an impressed maker's mark which is attributed to Franz Bergmann, Vienna (possibly the mo...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Victorian Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Victorian Sterling Silver and Glass Inkstand / Desk Standish
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver and glass inkstand / desk standish; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection
This magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian silver inkstand / desk standish, has a rectangular shaped form.
This Victorian inkstand...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Lovely 19th Century Antique Italian Venus De Milo Grand Tour Bronze Statue
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning late 19th century Italian grand tour Venus De Milo statue
A very good looking and decorative piec...
Category
19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Elkington & Co. Silver Inkwell Of Henry Morton Stanley
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional sterling silver inkwell was presented to Henry Morton Stanley, the famed Welsh-American journalist, politician and explorer, on the occasion of his marriage to Dorothy Tennant. The inkwell was a royal gift from the Prince of Wales, the future King George V, and the Princess of Wales. The charming inkstand was designed by Walter & John Barnard for the royal silversmiths Elkington & Co., and no detail was spared in its creation. Each inkwell bears Stanley’s monogram, while the crest of the Prince and Princess adorns the delicately pierced tray. The inscription reads, “To H. M. Stanley on the occasion of his marriage / From the Prince & Princess of Wales / July 12th, 1880.”
Born in Wales, Henry Morton Stanley’s lifetime of adventure began at the young age of 15 when he crossed the Atlantic aboard a merchant vessel and jumped ship in New Orleans. The young orphan was taken in by a local merchant named Henry Morton Stanley, whose name he took as his own. Stanley began a career as a journalist and was commissioned by the New York Herald to go to Central Africa in search of the famous missionary David Livingstone...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
19th Century French Dore Gilt Gold Metal Double Inkwell Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
19th-century dore gold stag double ink well is an elegant and ornate piece crafted with a sense of luxury typical of the era. The glass Jars with delicate tops make this piece except...
Category
1890s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf
19th Century Large Gorham Inkwell
By Gorham
Located in High Point, NC
19th century marked Gorham inkwell with a sterling top and collar and handblown base. It retains the original handblown ink pot.
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
FINE & UNIQUE PAIR OF ANTIQUE 1887 MARYS CELESTIAL GLOBES SKEWING / MALIN & SONs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare one of a kind matched pair of signed Mary's Celestial Globes Skewing / Malin & Sons 1887 and...
Category
1880s English High Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
19th Century Victorian Large Silver-Mounted Glass Match Striker, c.1876
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique 19th century Victorian rare & unusual jumbo sized silver mounted and textured glass match striker. Of round shape, mounted with a plane silver collar. Hallmarked English silv...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Iconic Kartell 4672 Dark Brown Plastic Paper Basket - Ufficio Tecnico Design
By Kartell
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Paper basket in dark brown plastic model 4672, designed by Ufficio Tecnico Kartell and produced by Kartell in the 70s.
This square base basket has rounded edges, a signature of the ...
Category
1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Antique Sterling Silver Inkstand, London 1901, Gallery Border
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1901 by Ernest Damant, this striking, Victorian, antique sterling silver ink stand, features shaped and pierced gallery borders, and two glass ink wells...
Category
Early 1900s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Judd Cast Iron Glass Inkwell and Pen Stand
Located in Greer, SC
Wonderful antique Victorian cast iron inkwell holder with glass inkwell. The glass ink well has the company name JUDD on the bottom and the bottom of...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Iron
Stunning Antique French Bronze Statue on Inkwell Stand, circa 1880
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely 19th century French bronze ink well stand
A good looking we...
Category
1880s French High Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Antique Underwood Typewriter and Table
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this antique underwood typewriter and table. Both items were found in a place where time stopped. The machine is working perfectl...
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Iron
19th Centry Austro-Hungarian Bronze Lizard Desk Dish
Located in London, GB
A fantastic quality Austro Hungarian bronze lizard, realistically modelled on a polished oyster shell, the lizard has beautiful coloured glass inset eyes.
Category
Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Antique Travel Inkwell, Silvered, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful travel inkwell with a silver plated lid and a bottom of black leather.
On the lid are the initials of a former owner grounded in.
Several stamps are on the side of the lid....
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique English Onyx, Brass and Velvet Twin Photo Frame
Located in London, GB
This elegant photo frame was created in England in the late 19th century, during the reign of Queen Victoria. The item stands on three brass legs, forming an easel support. The frame...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Onyx, Brass
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Ink Stand / Inkwell with Taper Stick 1851
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Antique Victorian solid Silver Inkstand with two fitted glass lined Inkwells and a removable taper candlestick. The body of the inkwell has an elegant pierced design on the sides mirrored on the bodies of the inkwells. The base of the Inkstand has an ornate engraved design and a sunken recess to hold pens. Each Inkwell has an engraved crest on the hinged lids and on the back of the inkstand.
Made in London, England in 1851 by E & J Barnard and retailed by Widdowson & Veale (Strand, London).
Approx. gross Weight incl glass - 1440 g
Approx. Length - 34.5 cm
Approx. Width - 22.2 cm
This Victorian Inkstand...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique English Wood & Brass Travelling Lap Desk and Document Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique lap desk and document box is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1825 and done in the period...
Category
Early 19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Walnut
Antique lacquered wooden inkwell with matching glass inkwells
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
A late Victorian wood and bronze double inkstand with a molded ogival base and two carved quill rests.
Category
1890s Argentine Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
A Very Good 19th Century Cut Glass & Sterling Silver Inkstand / Capstan
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The robust globular shaped & cut glass body is fitted with a sterling silver collar & hinged lid, the interior retains its original removable glass reservoir.
The inkwell sits withi...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Mid 19th Century Page Turner in the Form of a Monkey
Located in London, GB
What a wonderful page turner. Realistically carved in the form of a monkey, the turner has that beautiful smooth patina from years of handling.
Probably French CIRCA 1840.
Category
1840s French Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Hardwood
Victorian Tortoise Shell Desk Box W/ 3 Italian Faux Tortoise Leather Books
Located in Kennesaw, GA
Holiday Gift Idea! This is a late 19th century English tortoise shell desk box paired with a set of three Italian faux tortoise leather notebooks. The notebooks have not been used. T...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Tortoise Shell, Leather, Paper
Important Russian silver paper knife, Edward VII as a child, English royalty
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Rare and extremely important Russian silver paper knife, it was probably made as a presentation gift to someone in the royal family, either the British or the Russian, the knife was ...
Category
Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Antique Cloisonné-Emaille Desk Set, Bronze Doré, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional Enameled Desk Set of a box, seal stamp and a pocket watch stand, France circa 1880.
Beautiful Cloisonné- enamel work in bold blue, turquoise, red and beige colours.
Meas...
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Large Antique English Brass Owl Inkwell, circa.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful and rare large figural inkwell, beautifully executed in the form of an Owl with fine detail.
The hinged head lifts to reveal a fitted ink chamber which looks to be a ...
Category
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Handsome Antique Horn and Silver Plate Inkwell Dated 1897
Located in Bath, GB
An outstanding late Victorian inkwell made from two cattle horns and mounted with silver plated fittings, a stunning combination and always highly sought-after; I haven't had one of ...
Category
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique, New and Vintage Desk Accessories
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.