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Desk Accessories

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Desk Accessories For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Art Nouveau
Brass jugendstil desk set with lion heads
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Brass jugendstil desk set with lion heads. inkwell 28,5x18,5x6cm clock 24,5x13x8cm match stand with ashtray 14x13x11,5cm
Category

1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Art Nouveau Letter Opener, Elephants
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Letter Opener with Elephants. So beautiful, very nice condition!
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

MCM Wood and Naugahyde Double Letter Tray by John Mel
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and functional MCM wood and nauhgahyde double letter tray by John Mel, circa 1970s. The tray is in very good vintage condition and measures 10.75"W ...
Category

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

Materials

Naugahyde, Wood

Carl Auböck Solid Bronze Pocket Watch Bottle Opener Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid bronze pocket watch shaped bottle opener and paperweight by Carl Aubock, Austria. 1960s. Signed. Great patina!
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Ceramic Desk Organizer by Alessio Tasca, 1970s
Located in Skokie, IL
Alessio Tasca ceramic desk organizer, Italy, 1970s Additional Information: Materials: Glazed ceramic Dimensions: 3” H x 6 1/4” W x 4” D Condition: Excellent condition free of chips ...
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Art Nouveau Hammered Brass Desk Letter Holder from Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Swedish hammered brass desk letter or napkin holder, Art Nouveau design, circa early-20th century, Sweden. Piece is hammered brass with an Art Nouveau leaf-design. Marked...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Jens Risom "R" Rosewood Letter Opener Marked Franz Hingelberg Denmark
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rosewood letter opener from the office of Jens Risom marked with the Jens Risom "R" and also marked Franz Hingelberg - Denmark very rare collectors item - have not been able ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Ship Porthole Wing Dog Bolt Brass Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool vintage ship porthole wing dog bolt brass paperweight, circa 1940s. The piece has a well worn brass patina and measures 3.25"W x 1.5"...
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

1980s Gorgeous Swatch Twin Phone "Puzzle" with the Original Box, Memphis Style
Located in Milano, IT
1980s (1989) Gorgeous Swatch twin phone "Puzzle" in excellent condition with the original box. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for ...
Category

1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Pencil Holder for Señal, Mexico, 1980s
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Pencil Holder for Señal, Mexico, 1980s. Makers label to the bottom.
Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Cocobolo

Capricorn Astrological Sign - Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Zodiac Paperweight
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Pebble Capricorn Zodiac Paperweight, Titled Capricornus for the Astrological Sign Capricorn, Circa 1960 The oval ceramic...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Carl Auböck Model #4995 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Polished Brass Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pro...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Italian Photo Frame in Solid Brass, Hollywood Regency, 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Marvellous Italian picture frame in the shape of a book fully made in solid brass. This outsanding Hollywood Regency piece was made in Italy in the 1950s. This finely crafted photo ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Rolex Vintage Table Top Display Mirror Burl Wood 1970s
Located in Munich, DE
Rolex burl wood frame adjustable mirror store display. Collectors item from seventies with old logo writing Rolex. A highly collectible piece and a must have for any watch lover or h...
Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Cartier Paris 1970 Wallet Minaudiere in Iridescent Lizard 18k Gold & Sapphire
Located in Miami, FL
A wallet minaudiere designed by Cartier Paris. An exceptional, beautiful and extremely rare wallet minaudiere, created in Paris France by the luxury house of Cartier, back in the 1970. This incredible piece has been specially crafted for the exclusive Cartier department "S" of "Select de Cartier", in genuine iridescent lizard leather with accents made in 18 karats yellow gold and mount in a bezel with a round cabochon cut of a natural blue sapphire. Has a measurements of 101.6 mm by 146 mm (4 x 5.75 Inches) and the Size of Euro or Dollar currency banknotes perfectly fit inside. Stamped with the maker's cartouche, French hallmark and signed, "Cartier PARIS MADE IN FRANCE". History: On the 19th of June, 1920, the House of Cartier in Paris created a collection of accessories so special they resembled jewels in their precious materials and expert craftsmanship. This collection was known as "Cartier S...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold

Cartier Jewelry Dish or a Personal Cards / Keys / Trinket Tray / Coins Plate
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Rare to see Cartier small tray. Very chic Cartier Jewelry Dish or a Personal Cards / Keys / Trinket Tray / Coins Plate This piece is a handsome Tray. Can be use as a jewelry dish or a personal desk...
Category

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

Materials

Sterling Silver

Austrian Jugendstil Vienna Bronze Sculptural Paperweight by Carl Fiala, ca. 1910
Located in New York, NY
ABOUT This elegant Austrian Jugenstil sculptural desk paperweight depicts some fantastic half-human creature from the underwater world, riding a snail. Signed C. Fiala, dark-green co...
Category

1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Yonel Lebovici Ressort Letter Holder Distrimex, France, 1969
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare limited edition letter holder designed by Yonel Lebovici and manufactured by Distrimex, France 1969. This nickel plated spiral shaped letter holder was made in a limited product...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Chrome

1980s Gorgeous Swatch Twin Phone "Gutemberg", Memphis Style
Located in Milano, IT
1980s (1989) Gorgeous Swatch twin phone "Gutemberg" in excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design....
Category

1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Fan, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage fan. Manufactured Spain, circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. The mechanic...
Category

1940s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Beautiful Fish Reef and Octopus Murano Italian Art Glass Aquarium Paperweight
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown aquarium Italian art glass paper weight. Showing a octopus holding a reef with fish aquarium. Colors are a different shades of blue, white, black and clea...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Rainbow Midcentury Teak Paper Tray
Located in Countryside, IL
Rainbow midcentury Teak Paper Tray This paper tray measures: 9.75 wide x 15.25 deep x 5.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what...
Category

1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Mid Century James Mont Ashtray
Located in Boynton Beach, FL
Beautiful and unique ashtray attributed to James Mont, circa 1960s. Has a Mayan/Aztec theme design throughout. Mostly in great shape with some light d...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Austrian Midcentury Brown Glazed Ceramic Bear Book Ends by Anzengruber
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming Bear ceramic bookends have been designed and manufactured by the Viennese midcentury artist Leopold Anzengruber. Born in 1912 he founded his own company Anzengruber Ker...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Blue Cobra Table Phone, Ericofon by LM Ericsson
Located in Vienna, AT
Vintage rotary dial mint green ericofone. This is the model Cobra. It is made of blue thermoplastic ABS Designed in the 1950s in Sweden by Hugo Blomb...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Fontana Arte Glass paperweight with two decorative silver coins, Italy 1958
Located in Milan, IT
Fontana Arte Glass paperweight with two decorative silver coins, Italy 1958 This paperweight was made as a souvenir for the 50th anniversary of the Italian A.E.C Electrical company.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Mid Century Italian Ashtray and Perpetual Calendar in the Style of Fontana Arte
Located in Roma, IT
it is an object from other times, not only because it was produced more than sixty years ago but because the calendar, with the advent of technology, is an object that was previously...
Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Cartographer's Set, English, Nickel, Architect, Draughtsman, circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage cartographer's set. An English, nickel architect's or draughtsman's case by Temple Instruments of Wolverhampton, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Fascinating mid-20th century instrument case with quality tools Displaying a desirable aged patina and in good order throughout Brass finished nickel tools present well, with appealing light golden tones Presented within a textured carry case with gold tooled Temple Debrett Precision mark Comprising 13 pieces with accessory pointer and an extending beam Pair of large compass dividers and three bow compass The pair of ruling...
Category

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

Materials

Nickel

Vintage Italian Alabaster Owl Paperweight
Located in Charleston, SC
A fantastic mid-century Italian marble paperweight with yellow glass eyes. Carved beautifully. Measures 3” x 3”. Circa 1960’s
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Antique Letter Opener, Art Nouveau, c. 1910
Located in Greven, DE
Vintage Letter Opener, So beautiful, very nice condition!
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Brass Letter Opener with Leather Case Made in Germany
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid Brass Letter opener with leather case. The brass letter opener has a matte finish with black line details and fits nicely in its case when not in use. Made in Germany, the ...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

1980s Gorgeous Swatch Phone "Pick me Up", Memphis Style
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Original astonishing Swatch phone "Pick me Up". In very excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon in the 80s for its am...
Category

1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

David L. Deming Brass Abstract Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass abstract sculpture or paperweight by artist David L. Deming c.1969, USA. This weighty object has interlocking squares and rectangular shapes. It would be great as an office pap...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Anemometer 1950 Coal Mining Vintage Science Equipment in Brass and Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Mechanical desk anemometer in brass. Very interesting scientific coal mining anemometer, made up back in the 1950's with brass and blackened steel parts...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Art Nouveau Letter Opener, Fish
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Letter Opener with Fish. So beautiful, very nice condition!
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Imhof Switzerland 1960 World Timer 8 Days Desk Clock in Bronze with 24h Scales
Located in Miami, FL
Desk world timer clock designed by Arthur Imhof. Fabulous and highly attractive desk-table clock, created in Switzerland by the clocks makers house of Imhof, back in the 1960. Thi...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver, Bronze, Enamel

Art Nouveau Pâte De Verre Vide-Poche 'Deux Poissons', Amalric Walter, France
Located in Vienna, AT
Decorative pâte-de-verre vide-poche: bowl in yolk yellow, one side overflowing in dark blue, swimming around each other, plastically formed goldfish couple. Signed 'AWALTER NANCY' on the top. Manufactory: Amalric Walter, Nancy, Lorraine, France Dating of manufacture: circa 1920/1925 Designer: VICTOR AMALRIC WALTER (1870-1959) was a French glass manufacturer mainly known for his pâte de verre pieces. In the Cristalleries Daum at Nancy, France, he met the designer and modelist HENRI BERGÉ, with whom he produced the first pâtes de verre, which at the time were only signed with "Daum Nancy". After the war he continued to work with Henri Bergé. From 1919 to 1935 he cast no fewer than 500 models with Bergé and other famous sculptors or designers, always in few numbers due to the sophisticated technique of glass kiln casting. Technique: Pâte de verre (English glass paste) is a technique used in the production of multi-colored glass. A cold-formed paste made of glass powder and dyes is filled into a refractory mold and then fired in a muffle furnace, whereby the glass melts into the desired shape. To achieve polychrome color effects, the process is repeated with other colors. The technique was already known in ancient Rome and Egypt. Particularly in the Art Nouveau period and later in the Art Deco period, she found artistic use again in works by French glass artists such as Gabriel Argy-Rousseau, Henry Cros...
Category

1920s French Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Carl Auböck Model #4327 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pro...
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Art Nouveau Repoussé Mystic Inkwell by Alfred Daguet
Located in Chicago, US
Alfred Louis Achille DAGUET (1875 - 1942) was a metalsmith active in Paris during the first part of the 20th century. His metalwork created prior to the outbreak of World War I, note...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Copper

Cartier Paris 1950 Midcentury Bamboo Mechanical Pencil in 14kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Bamboo pencil designed by Cartier. Very unusual and useful luxury piece, created in Paris France by the iconic house of Cartier, during the mid century period, back in the 1950's....
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Italian Murano Hand Blown Art Glass Paperweight with White Flowers Fratelli Toso
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Murano hand blown glass flower paperweight with original label. Attributed to Fratelli Toso, not signed. Italian Murano Art glass pa...
Category

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

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Green Cobra Table Phone, Ericofon by LM Ericsson
Located in Vienna, AT
Vintage Rotary dial green ericofone. This is the model Cobra. It is made of thermoplastic ABS Designed in the 1950s in Sweden by Hugo Blomberg, Ralph...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Antique Art Nouveau Silver Inkwell, Letter Opener, Dip Pen and Seal Set, in Box
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s travel set or desktop accessories inkwell, dip pen, letter opener and seal. Made of silver (marked 800) and crystal glass. Nice addition to your writing desk or j...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Art Nouveau Letter Opener, Madonna, c. 1910-1920
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Letter Opener with Madonna. So beautiful, very nice condition!
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Hermes Paris 1960 Vintage Horse Motif Desk Magnifier Glass in Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Desk magnifier glass designed by Hermes. Fabulous and highly decorative piece, created in Paris, France by the house of Hermes, back in the 1960. ...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate

20th Century Fontana Arte Soliflore Vase Mod 2393 in Crystal, Nickeled Brass 50s
Located in Turin, Turin
FontanaArte is an Italian company founded in Milan (as Fontana Arte) in 1932 by Luigi Fontana and Giò Ponti and specializing in glass processing and the production of furnishing accessories. It is known for working with curved crystal and producing lighting fixtures, becoming a prominent name in Italian design over the years. Here we have a vertical "Soliflore" vase model 2393 in thick crystal and nickel-plated brass by Fontana Arte designed in 50s. This decorative object is a perfect idea for a gift (wedding, graduation, new born...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

White Owl Bird Porcelain Object Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A white porcelain owl bird, Mid-Century Modern period, by Royal Dux Bohemia, circa mid-20th century, Czechoslovakia. With makers' mark on underside as shown in last image. A great pi...
Category

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

Materials

Porcelain

Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Desk Calendar Holder or Picture Frame
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous bronze desk calendar holder or picture frame featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Mea...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Slat Magazine Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern walnut slat magazine holder, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 16.5" W x 7.75" D x 12.5" H. #3027.
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Functional Tesla Phone 1960, Československo
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition. - Fully functional. - Tesla manufacturer.
Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bakelite

Gucci 1970 Milano Very Rare Vintage Horse Bit Trinket Tray in 24kt Gild Brass
Located in Miami, FL
Very rare pieces designed by Gucci. An iconic trinket single dish-tray designed by the house of Gucci in Milan Italy, back in the 1970s. It is very heavy and was crafted in solid brass with a 24 kt gold gilding. Have the double G, for the Guccio Gucci logo, made in nickel. It is signed Gucci and have the original leather undersides mat. Signed over the tawny leather, in gold letters, "MADE IN ITALY BY GUCCI ". The measures fully extended are, 32 mm by 89 mm by 152 mm (1.25 x 3.5 x 6 Inches). Very elegant, rare and a great item for any serious collector. They are in gorgeous impeccable condition with no trace of use, no dents or bad marks. It is accompanied by the original Gucci green dust bag. Gucci, was founded in 1921 in the Tuscany region of Italy, in Florence , when Guccio Gucci bought his own shop on 7, Via della Vigna Nuova in Florence, Azienda Individuale Guccio Gucci, where he sold imported leather luggage. He also opened a small workshop to have his own leather goods made by local craftsmen. Eventually, a larger workshop had to be acquired to house Gucci's 60 artisans. In 1935 the invasion of Ethiopia by Mussolini led the League of Nations to impose a trade embargo on Italy. Leather became scarce, pushing Guccio Gucci to introduce other fabrics in the composition of the products, such as raffia, wicker, wood, linen and, jute. The rombi motif, a Gucci signature, was created. The Gucci's developed a new tanning technique to produce "cuoio grasso", which became a Gucci trademark. In 1937, Gucci launched its handbags. Under the direction of Aldo Gucci...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Brass

French 1900 Antique Chinoiserie Champlevé Enameled Inkwell in Brass & Cut Glass
Located in Miami, FL
French champlevé inkwell. An elusive antique inkwell, created in France, with chinoiserie patterns, back in the 1900's. Masterfully crafted in sol...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel

Desk Accessories, Letter Holder by Jacques Adnet and Letter Tray Paper Holder
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Handsome saddle leather letter holder by Jacques Adnet. Signature contrast stitching. Great patina to leather. Excellent vintage condition. Paris...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Midcentury Tommaso Barbi Burl and Chrome Square Picture Frame, Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Astonishing midcentury chromed brass and burl square photo frame. This beautiful piece was designed in Italy in the 1970s by Tomaso Barbi and is als...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Plate, Olof Ahlberg, Schreuder & Olsson, Museum, Jugendstil/Art Nouveau, Sweden
Located in Wien, AT
Wonderful huge plate designed by Olof Ahlberg in organic forms of the Art Nouveau, the design is datable to the year 1905. The pewter plate is masterfully ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Jugendstil Desk Accessories

Materials

Pewter

Fratelli Toso Murano Blue Purple Flowers Glass Italian Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown royal blue and white mini spots, with purple and white millefiori flower murrines Italian art glass paperweight. Documented to the Fratelli Toso c...
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine

Murano Blue Red Gold Silver Flecks Italian Art Glass Fish Paperweight Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Priced per item (only 2 fish available as shown). Large and beautiful vintage Murano hand blown cobalt blue, red stripes, gold lips and silver flecks Italian art glass fish sculpture...
Category

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

Materials

Silver Leaf, Gold Leaf

Mid-Century Modern Fan by Femesa, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid-Century Fan by Femesa. Manufactured in Spain, circa 1960. In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Me...
Category

1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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.

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