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Desk Accessories For Sale
Italian Leather Desk Tray Organizer
Italian Leather Desk Tray Organizer

Italian Leather Desk Tray Organizer

Located in New York, NY

An Italian all leather desk tray organizer, Minimalist design, circa late-20th century, Italy. A well-made piece: metal wrapped leather; black leather interior and orange leather ext...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Minimalist Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Onyx Catchall
Onyx Catchall

Onyx Catchall

Located in New York, NY

A substantial green and brown onyx marble catchall, circa mid-20th century. Use to hold pens, jewelry, etc., on a desk, vanity, nightstand, walk-in-closet, etc. Dimensions: 2.63" Hei...

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Modernist English Solid / Sterling Silver Letter Opener - Brian Leslie Fuller
Modernist English Solid / Sterling Silver Letter Opener - Brian Leslie Fuller

Modernist English Solid / Sterling Silver Letter Opener - Brian Leslie Fuller

By Brian Leslie Fuller 1

Located in Bath, GB

A superb mid-century modern letter opener made by the highly collectable silversmith, Brian Leslie Fuller. Made from solid English silver fully hallmarked for London 1979 together ...

Category

1970s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Parakeet Perch Inkwell Candlesticks: Ink 'n' Perch Delight!
19th Century Parakeet Perch Inkwell Candlesticks: Ink 'n' Perch Delight!

19th Century Parakeet Perch Inkwell Candlesticks: Ink 'n' Perch Delight!

Located in New York, NY

These exquisite 19th-century bronze parakeet on perch candlestick inkwells showcase the fine craftsmanship of the era. Each inkwell features a beautifully designed parakeet with a hi...

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Walnut Inkwell German Antique, 1890s
Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Walnut Inkwell German Antique, 1890s

Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Walnut Inkwell German Antique, 1890s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Classic early 1890s Black Forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a walnut on a leaf. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and gl...

Category

1890s German Black Forest Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Rare Bronze Paperweight Celebrating 500th Anniversary of Leipzig Univ, 1909
Rare Bronze Paperweight Celebrating 500th Anniversary of Leipzig Univ, 1909

Rare Bronze Paperweight Celebrating 500th Anniversary of Leipzig Univ, 1909

By Max Lange

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Depicting two male nudes lifting a garland framing Medieval images of the two patron saints of Leipzig University -- St. Laurentius and John the Baptist -- this rare and beautiful br...

Category

Early 1900s German Beaux Arts Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Wood, Fur and Leather Desk Accessory, 5 Pieces by Dan Karner France
Art Deco Wood, Fur and Leather Desk Accessory, 5 Pieces by Dan Karner France

Art Deco Wood, Fur and Leather Desk Accessory, 5 Pieces by Dan Karner France

By Dan Karner 1

Located in Atlanta, GA

This exquisite desk set by Dan Karner (also known as Daniel Karner) showcases the beauty of French Art Deco design. Crafted with genuine pony skin fur, rich cognac leather, intricate...

Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Passione di Gioco Walnut Mahjong
Passione di Gioco Walnut Mahjong

Passione di Gioco Walnut Mahjong

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Mahjong in matt Canaletto walnut with brass parts in ruthenium finish.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Walnut

Tusk Candle, Medium, Black Beeswax
Tusk Candle, Medium, Black Beeswax

Tusk Candle, Medium, Black Beeswax

By UMÉ Studio

Located in Oakland, CA

100% beeswax, organic hemp wick and coloring, unscented. The tusk candle takes its inspiration from natural motifs: Ivory, tusks, canines, teeth and oth...

Category

2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories

Materials

Hemp

Victorian Rosewood Writing Slope with Brass & Leather Inlay, 1880 UK
Victorian Rosewood Writing Slope with Brass & Leather Inlay, 1880 UK

Victorian Rosewood Writing Slope with Brass & Leather Inlay, 1880 UK

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Elegant Antique Victorian Rosewood Ladies Writing Slope With Inlaid Brass & Red Leather Interior With Brass Swing Carry Handles Finished With A Tooled Red Leather Interior C...

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Pedersen & Hansen Desk Organizer
Pedersen & Hansen Desk Organizer

Pedersen & Hansen Desk Organizer

By Pedersen & Hansen

Located in San Francisco, CA

Pederen & Hansen design teak desk top organizer. High quality materials and execution perfect for keeping an organized desk or work space. In very good original condition.

Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

19th Century Belgian Blue Stone Doorstop
19th Century Belgian Blue Stone Doorstop

19th Century Belgian Blue Stone Doorstop

Located in High Point, NC

19th Century Belgian Blue Stone Doorstop. This sculptural doorstop, crafted from dense Belgian blue stone in the 19th century, embodies the understated strength and natural beauty of...

Category

19th Century Belgian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone

World Globe Art Glass Paperweight by Steven Correia
World Globe Art Glass Paperweight by Steven Correia

World Globe Art Glass Paperweight by Steven Correia

By Steven Correia

Located in San Diego, CA

Spectacular "World / Globe" art glass paperweight by Steven Correia, circa 1990s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 4"D x 4.25"H; it is signed on the undersid...

Category

Late 20th Century American Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Art Deco Diskometal Bookends designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
Art Deco Diskometal Bookends designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark

Art Deco Diskometal Bookends designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark

By Just Andersen

Located in Værløse, DK

Elegant Art Deco Bookends made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Set (2) of diskometal bookends picturing Sct. George & the Dragon * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1626 * Year: 1...

Category

1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Card tray "Architect" series by POPCORN
Card tray "Architect" series by POPCORN

Card tray "Architect" series by POPCORN

By POPCORN

Located in 加須市, 11

Card Tray  Material: Iron Series inspired by architectural elements Continuity of roofs and stairs Light structure is the theme of this series.

Category

2010s Japanese Bauhaus Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Natural Burl Wood Magnifier
Natural Burl Wood Magnifier

Natural Burl Wood Magnifier

Located in Montreal, QC

Unique desk or tabletop hand magnifying glass featuring a large round looking glass mounted to a fabulous burl wood handle, circa 1950s. A strang...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Large English Antique Brass Desk Magnifying Glass / Paperweight c.1910
Large English Antique Brass Desk Magnifying Glass / Paperweight c.1910

Large English Antique Brass Desk Magnifying Glass / Paperweight c.1910

Located in Bath, GB

Always very popular and a very useful desk-top accessory, this one is one of the larger examples, quite an imposing size. These large circular magnifiers actually are the condenser o...

Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Hermès Black Alligator Agenda with Pen & Pages, 1961
Vintage Hermès Black Alligator Agenda with Pen & Pages, 1961

Vintage Hermès Black Alligator Agenda with Pen & Pages, 1961

By Hermès

Located in Chicago, IL

Vintage Hermès black alligator agenda with attached pen and original blank pages for the first Trimester of 1961. Spiral bound pages and unused.

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Alligator

Small Memphis Style Postmodern Mirror
Small Memphis Style Postmodern Mirror

Small Memphis Style Postmodern Mirror

Located in San Diego, CA

Very cool Memphis style small wall mirror signed Hill Brin, circa 1990s. There is a lot of intricate pottery detail and image overlap on the frame of the handmade mirror.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Red Swivel Desk Storage Organizer by Rino Pirovano for Art 900
Vintage Red Swivel Desk Storage Organizer by Rino Pirovano for Art 900

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...

Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Tusk Candle, Set of Two, Black Beeswax
Tusk Candle, Set of Two, Black Beeswax

Tusk Candle, Set of Two, Black Beeswax

By UMÉ Studio

Located in Oakland, CA

Set of two candles, small and medium. 100% beeswax, organic hemp wick and coloring, unscented. The tusk candle takes its inspiration from natural mo...

Category

2010s American Minimalist Desk Accessories

Materials

Hemp

Pair of Art Deco Bronze Bird Figures on Black Marble Bases
Pair of Art Deco Bronze Bird Figures on Black Marble Bases

Pair of Art Deco Bronze Bird Figures on Black Marble Bases

Located in Barcelona, ES

Unmatching pair of bronze dove bird sculptures or paperweights. France, 1930s Art Deco sitting dove bird and standing dove bird figurines on black marble pedestals. Measures: Sta...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Carl Aubock Horn Letter Opener, Paper Knife, Vienna, Austria, 1960s
Carl Aubock Horn Letter Opener, Paper Knife, Vienna, Austria, 1960s

Carl Aubock Horn Letter Opener, Paper Knife, Vienna, Austria, 1960s

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A decorative and rare minimalist Mid-Century letter opener from the 1960s, designed and handcrafted by the Werkstätte Carl Auböck workshop in Vienna. Handmade from a single piece of ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Horn

Imperial Russian Silver-Gilt and Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell
Imperial Russian Silver-Gilt and Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell

Imperial Russian Silver-Gilt and Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell

Located in Media, PA

This exquisite piece is a Russian Imperial-style Silver-Gilt and Cloisonné Enamel Inkstand, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century (late Tsarist period). At 9 x 4 inc...

Category

1880s Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Hafod Grange 1997 Dandelion Paperweight – Nature Encased in Crystal Sphere
Hafod Grange 1997 Dandelion Paperweight – Nature Encased in Crystal Sphere

Hafod Grange 1997 Dandelion Paperweight – Nature Encased in Crystal Sphere

Located in Bad Säckingen, DE

This exquisite 1997 Hafod Grange paperweight beautifully encases a delicate dandelion seed head within a perfectly clear crystal sphere, creating a stunning display of nature's fragi...

Category

1990s English Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Murano Glass Paperweight by A. Seguso, Italy, 1960s
Murano Glass Paperweight by A. Seguso, Italy, 1960s

Murano Glass Paperweight by A. Seguso, Italy, 1960s

By Archimede Seguso

Located in Palermo, PA

This fantastic spherical paperweight is made of hand-blown Murano glass and features air bubbles trapped within. A rare piece, it was designed for a special occasion in Italy during ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Brass-Tipped Cedar, Large Size
Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Brass-Tipped Cedar, Large Size

Wooden Christmas Tree Set – Brass-Tipped Cedar, Large Size

By Ananas Design + Crafts

Located in Orlando, FL

The modern and elegant solid cedar Christmas tree set offers an aesthetic and functional choice for your holiday décor. Inspired by the natural forms of Cedar, Fir, and Juniper, this...

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Cedar

Art Deco Machine Age Fluted Aluminum Desk Container W/ Etched Geometric Motifs
Art Deco Machine Age Fluted Aluminum Desk Container W/ Etched Geometric Motifs

Art Deco Machine Age Fluted Aluminum Desk Container W/ Etched Geometric Motifs

Located in New York, NY

This rare Art Deco Machine Age desk container, crafted in America circa 1935, showcases the industrial elegance characteristic of the era. Made from fluted aluminum, its sleek vertic...

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

French Art Nouveau Style Bronze Letter Opener

French Art Nouveau Style Bronze Letter Opener

Located in Queens, NY

French Art Nouveau-style bronze letter opener with a scroll design handle having a floral design

Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

1980's Postmodern Memphis Design George Matsumoto Magic Cube Hidden Office
1980's Postmodern Memphis Design George Matsumoto Magic Cube Hidden Office

1980's Postmodern Memphis Design George Matsumoto Magic Cube Hidden Office

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Ingenious, Memphis Era, Postmodern "Magic Cube" with hidden compartments filled with desk/office supplies. Designed by renowned Japanese-American, modernist architect, George Matsum...

Category

1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3651 Brass Bookends
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3651 Brass Bookends

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3651 Brass Bookends

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Pair of Carl Auböck model #3651 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Each pi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Christmas Nutcracker Wood Erzgebirge, Germany
Vintage Christmas Nutcracker Wood Erzgebirge, Germany

Vintage Christmas Nutcracker Wood Erzgebirge, Germany

Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol

Wooden nutcracker Tiroler figure from the Erzgebirge. The region Erzgebirge formerly Eastern Germany is famous for this special kind of nutcrackers, ...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Country Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Hermes Mail Holder, 1960s France
Hermes Mail Holder, 1960s France

Hermes Mail Holder, 1960s France

By Hermès

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful metal Hermes letter holder. Perfect on your desk and great collectible Hermes piece. Great vintage condition. Located at our Los Angel...

Category

1960s French Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Antique LC Smith & Corona Super Speed Typewriter c.1942
Antique LC Smith & Corona Super Speed Typewriter c.1942

Antique LC Smith & Corona Super Speed Typewriter c.1942

By L.C. Smith & Corona Typewriters Inc

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT An original LC Smith & Corona Typewriter with a 14 inch carriage. The serial number is 1A1758024-12 stamped in the inside. The keys are nickel with black face and white number...

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Steel

Antique Century Traditional Sewing machine Vibrating, circa 1950
Antique Century Traditional Sewing machine Vibrating, circa 1950

Antique Century Traditional Sewing machine Vibrating, circa 1950

Located in Roma, IT

Antique sewing machine Vesta Handcrank vibrating shuttle Serial Number: 2655227 Made in Germany Ideal for sewing most materials such as denim, canvas, silk, calico and the like, Could be used as was intended for sewing or recycled as a small office ornament...

Category

1950s European Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Notepad Holder, Circa 1910
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Notepad Holder, Circa 1910

Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Notepad Holder, Circa 1910

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique gilt bronze Neoclassical or Adam style notepad holder By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.75"W x 7.5"D x ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Austrian Art Nouveau Style Nude Girl Bronze or Brass Letter Opener 1950s
Vintage Austrian Art Nouveau Style Nude Girl Bronze or Brass Letter Opener 1950s

Vintage Austrian Art Nouveau Style Nude Girl Bronze or Brass Letter Opener 1950s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Vintage Solid Brass Nude Lady Letter Opener, Austria, Mid-20th Century A striking vintage letter opener cast in solid brass and modeled as a reclining nude female figure. This decor...

Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern Book Ends in Solid Brass, Minimal Design by Erik Olovsson
Scandinavian Modern Book Ends in Solid Brass, Minimal Design by Erik Olovsson

Scandinavian Modern Book Ends in Solid Brass, Minimal Design by Erik Olovsson

Located in Stockholm, SE

Elevate your bookshelf with our stunning casted brass book ends. These polished book ends combine minimalistic design with a touch of sophistication, providing both functionality and...

Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

French Victorian Bronze Inkwell
French Victorian Bronze Inkwell

French Victorian Bronze Inkwell

Located in Queens, NY

French Victorian bronze square inkwell with 2 cornucopia pen holders. Previously broken hinge, inkwell lid is not attached

Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Vanity or Desk Set in Brass: Jars & Napkin Holder
Vintage Vanity or Desk Set in Brass: Jars & Napkin Holder

Vintage Vanity or Desk Set in Brass: Jars & Napkin Holder

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Vintage desk or vanity set consisting of a stylish (bend circle) napkin holder a lidded and an open jar/vase/cup. Everything executed in solid brass and displaying patina consistent ...

Category

1970s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Pair of Bookends, Metal and Wood
Pair of Bookends, Metal and Wood

Pair of Bookends, Metal and Wood

Located in Madrid, ES

Pair of wooden and gold metal bookends. The decorative elements of these bookends have been placed on L-shaped wooden bases with the edges protected by metal plates. These elements ...

Category

20th Century Unknown Other Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Other

Pair of Antique Natural Hippopotamus Tooth Bookends, Mounted Sculptural Specimen
Pair of Antique Natural Hippopotamus Tooth Bookends, Mounted Sculptural Specimen

Pair of Antique Natural Hippopotamus Tooth Bookends, Mounted Sculptural Specimen

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of Antique Natural Hippopotamus Tooth Bookends, Mounted Sculptural Specimen A rare and striking pair of mounted natural hippopotamus tooth bookends, dating from the turn of the...

Category

Early 20th Century South African Desk Accessories

Materials

Bone, Wood

Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories
Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories

Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories

Located in Milan, IT

Optical microscope signed F.lli Koristka Milano n. 42870 produced between 1920/30, of chromed and black painted brass, three-magnification turret, consisting of a stand and a plate w...

Category

1920s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Wonderful Late 19th Century Letter or Napkin Holder in White Painted Cast Iron
Wonderful Late 19th Century Letter or Napkin Holder in White Painted Cast Iron

Wonderful Late 19th Century Letter or Napkin Holder in White Painted Cast Iron

Located in Meer, VAN

Wonderful Late 19th Century Letter or Napkin Holder with Lilies and Foliage in Patinated White Painted Cast Iron A wonderful letter or napkin holder in cast iron. Europe, late 19th ...

Category

Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

Classic Must de Cartier Silver Plated Trinity Vendome Fountain Pen & Box
Classic Must de Cartier Silver Plated Trinity Vendome Fountain Pen & Box

Classic Must de Cartier Silver Plated Trinity Vendome Fountain Pen & Box

By Montblanc, Cartier

Located in Reading, Berkshire

A Classic Must de Cartier Silver Plated Trinity Vendome Fountain Pen With 18ct Gold Nib Made in Paris, France. Item Is Sold With Original Red & Gold Leather Box, Red & Gold...

Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Silver Plate

Set of 4 Pedestal Boxes in Shagreen, Shell and Bronze-Patina Brass by Kifu Paris
Set of 4 Pedestal Boxes in Shagreen, Shell and Bronze-Patina Brass by Kifu Paris

Set of 4 Pedestal Boxes in Shagreen, Shell and Bronze-Patina Brass by Kifu Paris

By Kifu Augousti

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Philippine Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Desk Organizer Letter Tray in Teak by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Danish Modern Desk Organizer Letter Tray in Teak by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik

Danish Modern Desk Organizer Letter Tray in Teak by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik

By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik

Located in San Diego, CA

Very functional Danish modern teak desk organizer or letter tray by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, circa 1970s. The piece is in excellent condition and measures 23.5" wide, 8.5." deep ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Macassar, Chrome and Lucite Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1940
Macassar, Chrome and Lucite Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1940

Macassar, Chrome and Lucite Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1940

By Studio Art Deco

Located in Atlanta, GA

Exceptional French Art Deco Desk Accessory in Macassar, Chrome, and Lucite, circa 1940 A rare and refined embodiment of Art Deco modernism, this exquisite desk accessory was crafted ...

Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Chrome

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.