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Desk Accessories For Sale
Art Deco Bronze Rabbit Table Bell Ring by Edouard-Marcel Sandoz 1920s
Art Deco Bronze Rabbit Table Bell Ring by Edouard-Marcel Sandoz 1920s

Art Deco Bronze Rabbit Table Bell Ring by Edouard-Marcel Sandoz 1920s

By Edouard-Marcel Sandoz

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

A fine quality, early twentieth century bronze model of a ‘Rabbit with Ear Raised’ by Edouard Marcel Sandoz (Swiss, 1880-1971). This bronze was produced using the lost wax process at...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Carl Aubock Table Magnifier 1950 Austria
Carl Aubock Table Magnifier 1950 Austria

Carl Aubock Table Magnifier 1950 Austria

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

Carl Aubock table magnifier, mid-20th century. Crafted from solid brass with high-quality optical glass, this elegant piece exemplifies Aubock’s meticulous craftsmanship and function...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Lace Black Leather Notebook
Lace Black Leather Notebook

Lace Black Leather Notebook

By Giannini

Located in Milan, IT

Classic notebook by Florentine bookbinder Giannini with a black soft leather cover treated using the ancient technique of vegetable tanning. Entirely handcrafted using century-old bi...

Category

2010s Italian Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Scandinavian Ceramic Microcosmos Pen-Holder w. Blue Tits on a Birch Branch
Scandinavian Ceramic Microcosmos Pen-Holder w. Blue Tits on a Birch Branch

Scandinavian Ceramic Microcosmos Pen-Holder w. Blue Tits on a Birch Branch

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A naturalistic pen-holder in the shape of this glazed ceramic micro cosmos with a blue tit family (Parus caeruleus) going on with life on an old 'tired' birch wood branch with cracks...

Category

Late 20th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

One left Swank French mod chrome frame  fashion or runway sunglasses
One left Swank French mod chrome frame  fashion or runway sunglasses

One left Swank French mod chrome frame fashion or runway sunglasses

Located in Ferndale, MI

One pair still available . Op-pop mod fashion sunglasses round lenses marked France . Very clean plastic chrome frames with chrome steel arms . Slight scu...

Category

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

Materials

Chrome

Complete Purdon's Gilt Leather Bound Library Book Collection  Set
Complete Purdon's Gilt Leather Bound Library Book Collection  Set

Complete Purdon's Gilt Leather Bound Library Book Collection Set

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Complete collection set of gilt leather bound library book set of one hundred twenty nine volumes. PURDON'S Pennsylvania Statutes & Consolidated Statutes Annotated. Copyright 2003 by...

Category

Early 2000s Desk Accessories

Materials

Paper, Leather

18th Century French Solid 750 Gold (18K) Necessaire
18th Century French Solid 750 Gold (18K) Necessaire

18th Century French Solid 750 Gold (18K) Necessaire

Located in Porto, PT

Description: 18K gold and ceramic utensil with floral motifs, allegorical figures in a chased gold structure, interior with two perfume bottles, knife, tweezers, toothpick, pencil, w...

Category

18th Century French Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Mint And Mocha Posy By Jean Gerbino, Vallauris, France, Ceramic Neriage 1960's
Mint And Mocha Posy By Jean Gerbino, Vallauris, France, Ceramic Neriage 1960's

Mint And Mocha Posy By Jean Gerbino, Vallauris, France, Ceramic Neriage 1960's

By Jean Gerbino

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Gentle shades of mint green and mocha decorate this posy from Jean Gerbino for Vallauris, France Created using the ceramic glazed neriage technique An intriguing, tactile vase with s...

Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage 60's Danish Teak Wood Figural Dice Desk Pen/Pencil Holder Stand Pop Art
Vintage 60's Danish Teak Wood Figural Dice Desk Pen/Pencil Holder Stand Pop Art

Vintage 60's Danish Teak Wood Figural Dice Desk Pen/Pencil Holder Stand Pop Art

Located in San Diego, CA

Wonderful Scandinavian teak wood figural accessory desk pen/pencil holder dating from the 1960's. Great pop art design and form. Has 6 holes on top to put pens or pencils. Made of so...

Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Antique German Iron Coffer with Griffins, Empire Style, Circa 1810
Antique German Iron Coffer with Griffins, Empire Style, Circa 1810

Antique German Iron Coffer with Griffins, Empire Style, Circa 1810

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A dark-brown, black antique German coffer made of hand crafted iron, particularized with griffins, torchères and tendril motifs on the wall and pinecone mode on the lid, in good condition. The small detailed decor piece represents the Empire time period...

Category

Early 19th Century German Empire Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Iron

Stylized Green Art Glass Cat Sculpture / Paperweight by Murano Glass
Stylized Green Art Glass Cat Sculpture / Paperweight by Murano Glass

Stylized Green Art Glass Cat Sculpture / Paperweight by Murano Glass

By Murano 5

Located in San Diego, CA

Gorgeous stylized cat sculpture / paperweight in emerald green by Murano Glass, circa 1990s. The piece is in excellent condition with no visible imperfections and has great clarity; ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Black and White Pottery Vase with Eye Design
Black and White Pottery Vase with Eye Design

Black and White Pottery Vase with Eye Design

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful black and white ceramic pottery vase with 'eye' design. A great addition to any room. Dimensions: 5.75" Height For chair shown searc...

Category

2010s Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Brass Propeller Pen Holder
Brass Propeller Pen Holder

Brass Propeller Pen Holder

$500Sale Price|20% Off

Brass Propeller Pen Holder

Located in New York, NY

A solid brass nautical style (boat) propeller pen holder, circa mid-20th century. A great accessory for a desk, home/office, etc.

Category

Mid-20th Century Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Murano Art Glass Paperweight Lily Shaped Flower with Curled Stem Italy
Murano Art Glass Paperweight Lily Shaped Flower with Curled Stem Italy

Murano Art Glass Paperweight Lily Shaped Flower with Curled Stem Italy

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Italian Murano art glass lily flower with curled stem paperweight. Beautiful blown art glass Murano lily shaped flower with a short curled stem, allowing ...

Category

20th Century Italian Organic Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Carl Aubock Vase or Decanter with Wicker Top, Midcentury, Austria, 1950s
Carl Aubock Vase or Decanter with Wicker Top, Midcentury, Austria, 1950s

Carl Aubock Vase or Decanter with Wicker Top, Midcentury, Austria, 1950s

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Vienna, AT

A beautiful minimal modernist vase or decanter „Tuberkulinkolben", designed and executed by Carl Aubock II in the 1950s. Made of handblown clear glass with nice wickerwork / rattan o...

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Aimara Rectangular Alpaca Silver Trays Set by Workshop AIREDELSUR
Aimara Rectangular Alpaca Silver Trays Set by Workshop AIREDELSUR

Aimara Rectangular Alpaca Silver Trays Set by Workshop AIREDELSUR

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

Set / Dimensions : 30x15x3.5 cm / 12" x 6" x 1.4" 40x22x3.5 cm / 16" x 9" x 1.4" 50x26x3.5 cm / 20" x 10.2" x 1.4" The waves on a choppy lake, rough by the wind, inspire the design...

Category

2010s Argentine Organic Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal

Industrial Restored General Electric Cast Iron and Brass Desk Fan
Industrial Restored General Electric Cast Iron and Brass Desk Fan

Industrial Restored General Electric Cast Iron and Brass Desk Fan

By General Electric

Located in Fort Collins, CO

This turn of the century General Electric desk fan has been fully restored both mechanically and cosmetically. Refinished and painted in antiqued white powder coat, the finish is vis...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Nature Grape Vine Letter Opener Silvestre Lyon
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Nature Grape Vine Letter Opener Silvestre Lyon

Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Nature Grape Vine Letter Opener Silvestre Lyon

Located in Greven, DE

Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Nature Grape Vine Letter Opener Silvestre Lyon France Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: Length 28cm Showcasing the beauty of the Art Nouveau style...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Antique Art Nouveau Bronze Gold Animal Goat Letter Opener Desk Accessory
Antique Art Nouveau Bronze Gold Animal Goat Letter Opener Desk Accessory

Antique Art Nouveau Bronze Gold Animal Goat Letter Opener Desk Accessory

Located in Greven, DE

Antique Art Nouveau Bronze Gold Animal Goat Letter Opener Desk Accessory Continental Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: Length 23cm This letter opener was crafted around 1900, durin...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Victorian Brass Skirt Lifter
Victorian Brass Skirt Lifter

Victorian Brass Skirt Lifter

Located in Tampa, FL

This is a Victorian brass skirt lifter probably about 1880s made of brass with a great patina. A wonderful and unusual find for any brass collection.

Category

1880s English Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Sculptural Cast-Brass Paperweight Shaped as an Amalfi Coast Lemon, 1970s
Sculptural Cast-Brass Paperweight Shaped as an Amalfi Coast Lemon, 1970s

Sculptural Cast-Brass Paperweight Shaped as an Amalfi Coast Lemon, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

We are pleased to offer for sale a paperweight that can truly be considered a miniature sculpture. Solid and very heavy—1.5 kg to be precise—this piece is crafted in cast brass and d...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Mid-century Design Phone Tesla, 1960's.
Mid-century Design Phone Tesla, 1960's.

Mid-century Design Phone Tesla, 1960's.

By Tesla

Located in Praha, CZ

Tesla Manufacturer Made in Czechoslovakia Fully Functional Beautiful Decoration Good Original condition

Category

1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Edgar Brandt Style Hand Forged Iron Snake or Serpent Sculpture, Austria, 1920s
Edgar Brandt Style Hand Forged Iron Snake or Serpent Sculpture, Austria, 1920s

Edgar Brandt Style Hand Forged Iron Snake or Serpent Sculpture, Austria, 1920s

By Edgar Brandt

Located in Vienna, AT

A wrought iron Art Nouveau era model of a snake / serpent. High-quality craftsmanship, handmade of forged iron by a Viennese metalworker in the 1920s. A decorative object, which would look great in your shelf, but also suitable as a paperweight, a jewelry ring holder...

Category

1920s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Set of Six Post-Modern Art Glass Paperweights, 20th Century
Set of Six Post-Modern Art Glass Paperweights, 20th Century

Set of Six Post-Modern Art Glass Paperweights, 20th Century

Located in Astoria, NY

Collection of Six Encased Bubble Art Glass Paperweights, comprising: a Val St. Lambert paperweight with controlled bubbles and cobalt blue glass center, an iridescent ovoid paperweig...

Category

20th Century Post-Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

19th Century Ammonite Fossil Paperweight on Limestone Base
19th Century Ammonite Fossil Paperweight on Limestone Base

19th Century Ammonite Fossil Paperweight on Limestone Base

Located in Knivsta, SE

19th Century Ammonite Fossil Paperweight on Limestone Base A beautiful and highly evocative 19th-century paperweight, featuring a finely polished ammonite fossil mounted on a solid ...

Category

19th Century Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Limestone

19th Century Murano Glass Paperweight - Pen Holder
19th Century Murano Glass Paperweight - Pen Holder

19th Century Murano Glass Paperweight - Pen Holder

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

Beautiful antique paperweight, handmade from multi colored glass, in the shape of a rooster. On top a small vase, probably intended to hold a pen. ...

Category

1870s Italian Belle Époque Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Blown Glass, Art Glass

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

ST Dupont Fidélio Two Colour Ribbed Ballpoint Pen With Original Box
ST Dupont Fidélio Two Colour Ribbed Ballpoint Pen With Original Box

ST Dupont Fidélio Two Colour Ribbed Ballpoint Pen With Original Box

By S.T. Dupont

Located in Reading, Berkshire

ST Dupont Fidélio Ribbed Two Colour Ballpoint Pen With Original S.T Dupont Box With Dupont Booklet Serial No. L8EY25 Made in France The Art of Writing is one of the pillars that ha...

Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Lorraine Austin for Snake Oil Paperweight, American Studio Art Glass
Lorraine Austin for Snake Oil Paperweight, American Studio Art Glass

Lorraine Austin for Snake Oil Paperweight, American Studio Art Glass

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Large round art glass paperweight features complex multicolored fused glass and controlled bubbles core, enclosed in clear glass in sommerso technique. Colorful fused glass elements...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso

Salviati Murano Sommerso Cobalt Blue Italian Art Glass Owl Figure Paperweight
Salviati Murano Sommerso Cobalt Blue Italian Art Glass Owl Figure Paperweight

Salviati Murano Sommerso Cobalt Blue Italian Art Glass Owl Figure Paperweight

By Salviati

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful, and large, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso cobalt blue over clear Italian art glass owl figurine, paperweight / sculpture. Documented to the Salviati company, with orig...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso

Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Aluminum Letter Tray Desk Accessory Qualiton
Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Aluminum Letter Tray Desk Accessory Qualiton

Mid-Century Modern Walnut & Aluminum Letter Tray Desk Accessory Qualiton

By Florence Knoll

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, mid-century modern walnut & aluminum letter tray, desk accessory. Retains original label, QUALITON. In the Style of Florence Knoll. Clean modern design with s...

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

19th Century French Palais Royal Mother of Pearl Gallery Glass
19th Century French Palais Royal Mother of Pearl Gallery Glass

19th Century French Palais Royal Mother of Pearl Gallery Glass

Located in London, by appointment only

A large scale brass mounted gallery glass with a mother of pearl veneered handle. Probably Palais Royal France, circa 1840 Measure: Length 12 inches.

Category

19th Century French Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Glass

Large Carl Auböck Model #4751 'Paperclip' Brass Paperweight
Large Carl Auböck Model #4751 'Paperclip' Brass Paperweight

Large Carl Auböck Model #4751 'Paperclip' Brass Paperweight

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Glendale, CA

Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4751 'Paperclip' brass paperweight. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkst...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Art Deco or Arts & Crafts gilt bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures:...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Pewter Inkwell with Lion Sculpture Signed A. Bossu
19th Century French Pewter Inkwell with Lion Sculpture Signed A. Bossu

19th Century French Pewter Inkwell with Lion Sculpture Signed A. Bossu

Located in Dallas, TX

Place this elegant antique signed inkwell in a man’s office. Created in France, circa 1880, the pewter desk accessory sits on four small curved feet, an...

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Pewter

GIFT IDEA - Murano Glass Apple Paperweight with Controlled Bubble Inclusions
GIFT IDEA - Murano Glass Apple Paperweight with Controlled Bubble Inclusions

GIFT IDEA - Murano Glass Apple Paperweight with Controlled Bubble Inclusions

By Alfredo Barbini, Seguso Vetri d'Arte

Located in Bochum, NRW

🎄 Gift-Ready Appeal: A thoughtful gift for collectors, decorators, or anyone who appreciates the quiet luxury A sculptural delight in clear Murano glass, this apple-shaped paperweig...

Category

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

Materials

Art Glass

Wild Coffee Tree Sculpture with Metal Base, Unique Piece, Made in Italy
Wild Coffee Tree Sculpture with Metal Base, Unique Piece, Made in Italy

Wild Coffee Tree Sculpture with Metal Base, Unique Piece, Made in Italy

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Scroll down and click "view all from Seller" to see more than 500 other unique products. (2.2) Wild coffee tree sculpture with metal base, decorative object. A...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Pulegoso Green Gold Italian Art Glass Perfume Bottle
Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Pulegoso Green Gold Italian Art Glass Perfume Bottle

Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Pulegoso Green Gold Italian Art Glass Perfume Bottle

By Seguso Vetri d'Arte, Flavio Poli

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown green and gold flecks Italian art glass perfume scent bottle. Documented to the Seguso Vetri d'Arte company, circa 1930-40s. Unsure of t...

Category

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

Materials

Gold Leaf

Italian Ceramic Flower Box
Italian Ceramic Flower Box

Italian Ceramic Flower Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Elegant ceramic box made in Italy, circa 1970s. Black and white color theme with white flowers. Great condition. Perfect stash box or tabletop object. Marked Made in Italy on underside.

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Murano Red Multicolor Millefiori Flowers Italian Art Glass Dove Figure Sculpture
Murano Red Multicolor Millefiori Flowers Italian Art Glass Dove Figure Sculpture

Murano Red Multicolor Millefiori Flowers Italian Art Glass Dove Figure Sculpture

By Galliano Ferro

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso ruby red and millefiori flowers Italian art glass dove bird figure, sculpture or paperweight. Attributed to designer Galliano Ferro, for...

Category

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

Materials

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

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Large Inkwell
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Large Inkwell

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Large Inkwell

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Zodiac" pattern gilt bronze large inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 6.3...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter ends featuring symbols of the Zodiac, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter end...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Sterling Silver Circular Standing Frame
Sterling Silver Circular Standing Frame

Sterling Silver Circular Standing Frame

Located in New York, NY

Sterling Silver Circular Standing Frame. Vintage Mexican sterling portrait frame with easel back. Stamped “EMP•PLAT•MEX •S.A” STERLING 0.925 HECHO EN MEX. & ME 15. Mexico, 20th cent...

Category

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

Materials

Sterling Silver

Early English 19th Century Pewter Plate
Early English 19th Century Pewter Plate

Early English 19th Century Pewter Plate

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Small round pewter plate with London and makers mark on the rear side.

Category

Early 19th Century English Empire Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Pewter

Art Deco Streamlined Skyscraper Style Burled Carpathian Elm Letter Holder, 1930
Art Deco Streamlined Skyscraper Style Burled Carpathian Elm Letter Holder, 1930

Art Deco Streamlined Skyscraper Style Burled Carpathian Elm Letter Holder, 1930

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

This elegant Art Deco Skyscraper style letter holder was realized in the United States, circa 1930. It features four concentric demilune streamlined forms that diminish in size from ...

Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Burl

Post-Modern Teak and Frosted Glass Double Letter Tray
Post-Modern Teak and Frosted Glass Double Letter Tray

Post-Modern Teak and Frosted Glass Double Letter Tray

Located in San Diego, CA

A really cool and high quality set of post-modern teak and frosted glass double letter trays, circa 1990s. There are two sets of 2 trays available so you could acquire a four height ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Teak

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.