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Desk Accessories For Sale
Silver Zodiac Armillary Sundial
Located in Elkhart, IN
A stunning vintage silver metal armillary sundial featuring Roman numerals and the zodiac signs.
USA, Late 20th century.
Measures: 8.5"W x 5"D x 10"H
Excellent vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Luigi Colani Drumbo Green Elephant Money Bank for Dresdner Bank, 1970s
By Luigi Colani
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous vintage money Piggy bank. A beautiful decorative item, designed by Luigi Colani, for Dresden Bank Germany. Made in Europe, circa 1970s. Nice addition to any collection, desk...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Strawberry Pink Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
Our Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Post-Modern Polished Chrome Double Letter Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
Post-modern polished chrome double letter tray, circa 1980s. The tray is in good vintage condition and measures 10"W x 14"D x 6.75"H. The tray is finished with matte black lining and...
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Beautiful Fish Murano Italian Art Glass Aquarium Paperweight
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown aquarium design Italian art glass paper weight. Showing two fish inside, in orange colors. Colors are orange, blue, ...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Murano Glass
Classic Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Vendome Trinity Ballpoint Pen & Cartier Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Vendome Trinity Oval Rollerball Pen Made in Paris, France
Item Is Sold With Original Red & Gold Leather Box, Red & Gold Leather.
Cartier pe...
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold Plate
Antique Victorian Ashford Pietra Dura Marble Obelisk 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful Derbyshire Ashford pietra dura obelisk, inlaid with lillies, circa 1880 in date.
The obelisk is beautifully inlaid with a Pietra Dura of white flowers and malach...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Malachite, Marble
Bamboo Magnifying Glass and Letter Opener Desk Set.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Finely crafted island or coastal décor vintage desk set accessories with bamboo handles. The Art Deco style magnifying glass and letter opener are brass mounted in ornately decorate...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter corners featuring symbols of the Zodiac, with a custom green leather desk blotter.
By Tiffany Studios (blotter...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
French Art Nouveau Bronze Card Tray or Pin Tray, Vide - Poche, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
French Art Nouveau Bronze card tray or Pin Tray, Vide - Poche, 1920s
This absolutely adorable card tray or pin tray, Vide - Poche, is made of bronze ...
Category
1920s French Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Italian Typewriter Olivetti 1930 Ivrea M40
By Olivetti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian typewriter Olivetti 1930 Ivrea M40.
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
$1,418 Sale Price
20% Off
Paperweight in bronze from the late 18th Century in the shape of a cannon barrel
Located in Knivsta, SE
Paperweight in bronze from the late 18th Century in the shape of a cannon barrel.
Beautiful patina.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
Late 18th Century European Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Supermarine Spitfire Wooden & Aluminum Airplane Desk Model, Asprey, ca 1940's
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Spitfire wooden & aluminum airplane desk model. Asprey London- ca 1940´s
RAF Supermarine spitfire aluminum airplane desk model, mounted over a disp...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum
Solid Green Marble Apple Desk Sculpture Paperweight Object Brass Leaf
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Solid green marble apple object with a cast brass stem and leaf. No damage or repairs.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Quartz
1950s Fornasetti Vide Poche / Catchall by Piero Fornasetti, Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1950s Fornasetti original astonishing porcelain vide poche/catchall "Sonate- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart" by Piero Fornasetti . Heavy porcelain construction for use as beautiful desk acc...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Porcelain
$624 Sale Price
20% Off
Renzo Set Concrete Tray Made in Italy Brown&Green Cement Christmas Edition
Located in Rome, Lazio
Now available in Christmas Edition!
Renzo Line is a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in different color compositions. Eac...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Concrete
$331 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique Vintage Lady's Gentleman's Snakewood Wooden Walking Stick Dress Cane
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Very Stylish Fine Quality Polished Grained Rare Snake Wood Lady’s or Gentleman’s Walking Cane of substantial quality and good weight very suitable to use as an everyday stick, with a...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Hardwood
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' polished brass paperweight.
Designed in the 1950s, this beautifully refined Viennese paperweight is hand-fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Gorgeous Large Murano Italian Art Glass Fish Aquarium Paperweight, Italy, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown aquarium Italian art glass paper weight. Showing some multicolored fishes, floating on controlled bubbles. Colors are a blue, orange and clear. A beautifu...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Murano Glass
Silver Plate Victorian Repoussé Magnifying Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Silver Plated magnifying glass with ornate handle of Repousse Silver.
A Wonderful addition to any sophisticated desk, used to magnify or as a paperweight.
A compleme...
Category
Early 20th Century European Victorian Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Grey Agate Onyx Decorative Object or Display Piece
Located in New York, NY
A substantial polished natural agate/geode/onyx decorative object in shades of grey and white. Piece can be used as a decorative piece for a shelf, table, desk, etc., or as a display...
Category
20th Century Unknown Organic Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Onyx, Quartz, Agate
$380 Sale Price
41% Off
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Heart Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist heart keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
French Chess Theme of Ancient Egypt Plaster & Wood Restored, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French chess game in the thematic of Ancient Egypt. The chess pieces are in painted and waxed plaster, the board is in wood and the is also a display shel...
Category
1920s French Egyptian Revival Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Plaster, Wood
$4,161 Sale Price
26% Off
Georg Jensen Continental, Letter Opener in silver
By Georg Jensen
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Georg Jensen Continental letter opener. Handle made of sterling silver, blade made of stainless steel.
Stamped: Georg Jensen, Sterling, Denmark
Measures: 19,5 cm
Category
20th Century European Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Pen Holder Desk by Fontana Arte for Rolex Shop Dealer, 1960s
By Rolex, Fontana Arte
Located in taranto, IT
Extremely rare complete desk pen holder from the 1960s, Fontana Arte production for Rolex, consisting of a thick two-tone glass, amber and Nile Green base, with double internal engraving of the Rolex logo and large central crown
from a closed Rolex dealer shop...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Smoke Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
Our Se...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Large Natural Malachite Box
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful 3.3 lb malachite box. This exceptional piece uses carefully selected fine grade gemstone malachite in brilliant green, displaying concentric rings, swirls and stripes. Bo...
Category
2010s Unknown Desk Accessories
Materials
Malachite
$1,400 Sale Price
50% Off
Classic Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Black Vendome Trinity Rollerball Pen & Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated & Black Vendome Trinity Oval Rollerball Pen Made in Paris, France
Item Is Sold With Original Red & Gold Leather Box.
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold Plate
Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Seahorse Handmade Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist seahorse keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped a...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Resin Color Grape by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
This sculpture is ve...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Carl Auböck Midcentury Lucky Charm Pig Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist pig keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Aus...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Classic Cartier 18ct Gold Nib Stylo Plume 'M' Fountain Pen Boxed With Guarantee
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Cartier 18ct Gold Nib Stylo Plume M Ribbed Palladium Fountain Pen With Cartier Box, Guarantee & Boxed Cartridges
Manufactured by Montblanc
The pen is made from Palladium
Pe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold
Postmodern “LEGO” Telephone Phone by Tyco
Located in Rome, IT
1990s telephone made of LEGO by Tyco.
Category
1990s Japanese Post-Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Malachite Lion Sculpture in Malachite Africa 20th Century Green Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Malachite Lion sculpture or paperweight.
Africa 20th Century, Green Color.
Category
20th Century Cameroonian Desk Accessories
Materials
Malachite
$331 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Ashtrays and Lighter in Crystal by Rosenthal Studio Linie Design, 1970s
Located in taranto, IT
particular set consisting of a Ronson lighter and crystal ashtray, with an inclined shape, in the style of mangiarotti design
measurements: the ashtr...
Category
1970s Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Extremely Rare Authentic Original French Art Nouveau Letter Opener Antique 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
We are offering this wonderful and original heavy french art nouveau letter opener. The design dates back to the 1890s to 1910s, the object is made of Bronze, marked at the backside ...
Category
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Palais Royal French Ormolu Mounted Desk Writing Set with Pen
By Palais Royal
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very finely made antique French Palais Royal ormolu mounted mother of pearl desk stand with pen dating from around 1900. The stand comprises of an ornate looped wire work carrying handle with a candle holder mounted on a shaped metal body embossed and engraved with floral designs and with a coiled pen support one with a snake head terminal and other with a flower with a polished mother of pearl bowl...
Category
19th Century French Rococo Revival Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Yellow Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
Our Se...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Tiffany Style Leaded Glass Bankers Desk Lamp Table Lamp, 1950s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Tiffany Style Banker’s desk lamp, France, 1950-1959. Fabulous, tall adjustable desk or table lamp with a beautiful hand-painted glass lampshade...
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Cenedese Artistic Handmade Egg "Aquarium" Murano Glass Sculpture, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Impressive large hand blown egg-shaped Aquarium sculpture in Murano glass. This unique piece was designed by Barbini for Cenedese in Murano, Italy in the 1960s.
This fantastic Mur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
HL-70 Personal Desk Fan by Reinhold Weiss for Braun, 1960s
By Braun
Located in Milan, IT
HL-70 Personal Desk Fan by Reinhold Weiss for Braun, 1960s
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Louis Vuitton Coated Canvas Cowhide Leather Passport Cover France
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Louis Vuitton Coated Canvas Cowhide Leather Passport Cover Made in France
The essential accessory for the modern traveller, this passport ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather, Canvas, Silk, Paper
Carl Auböck Midcentury Elephant Handmade Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist elephant keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte A...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Rare Adjustable Wrought Iron Desk or Piano Lamp Amsterdamse School, ca. 1910s
Located in Lisse, NL
* Kindly note that we arrange the shipping ourselves to ensure a smooth, secure, and reliable delivery. This allows us to provide the best possible service and care for your purchase.
Adjustable wrought iron desk lamp with counterweight, Dutch expressionist ca. 1920.
A rare architectural gem from the golden era of Dutch design. This adjustable wrought iron table or piano lamp, dating from the early 1920s, is an exceptional example of the Amsterdamse School movement, famed for its expressive forms, honest materials, and integration of function and sculpture.
Crafted entirely by hand, the lamp features a sophisticated three-position height adjustment system via a striking counterweight mechanism, a feat of engineering as elegant as it is utilitarian. The heavy forged iron frame displays bold geometric detailing and honest craftsmanship typical of the movement, with meticulous hammer marks and subtle asymmetry that celebrate the hand of the maker.
While unsigned, the design language speaks clearly to the school of Piet Kramer and the greater network of Amsterdamse School designers, whose influence extended into municipal buildings, interiors, and custom furnishings throughout the Netherlands in the 1910s and '20s. This is not just lighting, this is architecture in miniature.
The not original hide-like-fabric of the lamp shade is no longer in perfect condition, but it certainly still is good enough to use on this desk lamp. With this rare lamp you can create the perfect atmosphere on your desk or on any (side)table in your living room, (home) office or library / reading room.
If you like the uniqueness, the quality, the beauty, the workmanship, the condition and the deeper meaning of this sculptural table lamp as much as we do then you will love our price. Especially when taken into account that perfect packing and also worldwide delivery from our store to your door in just 4 to 5 days are complimentary.
Maximum height adjustable x width x depth: 14,5 till 21 x 5.7 x 13.5 inches.
*Styling Tips: Art Deco or Bauhaus furnishings as counterpoints.
Or let it stand solo, like a sculptural presence on a console or credenza.
We are driven by a passion for uniqueness, timeless, quality, stylish design, and the enduring craftsmanship of the past. Every purchase is carefully and thoughtfully packed — and we look forward to serving you (again).
To explore all our 1000+ listings, simply click the button labeled 'View All From Seller’.
Warm regards,
Henk and the Studio Team
Tags: Amsterdamse School lamp...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Wrought Iron
French 19th Century Set of Scale Weights Stand Desk Accessory
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century Set of Brass Scale Weights, France
A charming late 19th Century set of weights in brass, housed in their wooden stand. Weights such as these were used with different sc...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
English Notary Travel Mail Desk Correspondence Box, circa 1910
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique writing slope, notary desk or travel correspondence box in oak, dating to the Edwardian period. Origin England, Circa 1910.
The wood in the box shows a patina in good condit...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
1970s Dior Home Style Mid-Century Modern Fake Tortoise Lucite Smoking Set
By Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A fake tortoise lucite italian smoking set composed by an ashtray, a cigarette box and a lighter not tested. Box side dimension is 12 cm, ashtray side ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Handmade Small Decorative Paperweight Cube in Black Marquina Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Small decorative paperweight cube full in black Marquina marble. Each piece is in a way unique (every marble block is different in veins and shades) and handmade by Italian artisans ...
Category
2010s Italian Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Vintage Apple Pen-Holder in Green Hand-Blown Glass, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A decorative Hand-blown pen-holder or paperweight in green glass. Italian or Czech made circa 1970-80. The pens are obviously not included.
Measurements: H: 9 cm, Diameter: 8 cm.
Category
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Blown Glass
Hermès Paris Mahogany Stationery / Correspondence Box, 1988
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
Hermès Paris Mahogany Stationery / Correspondence Box, 1988
This refined Hermès correspondence box exemplifies the Maison’s dedication to craftsmanship, discretion, and timeless lu...
Category
1980s French Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Antique Sterling Silver and 14k Gold Letter Opener With Sapphire
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful letter opener in Sterling Silver 925, 14k applicated gold and a small sapphire in the middle between the blade and the handle. Marked EB.
Category
20th Century Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold, Silver
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Hand Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist hand keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Mid-20th Century Italian El De Uberti Silver Plate Pen Rack Stand
By De Uberti
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely Italian silverplated pen rack stand with a scrolling design and delicate flowers. Makers mark for El De Uberti Italy. It would be a fabulous addi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
$250 Sale Price
24% Off
Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
CHANEL Snow Globe
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
CHANEL winder holiday snow globe featuring Chanel gift bags, boxes, and N.5 perfume bottle / Made in France
This comes in original box
Diameter: 4 inches / Height: 5.5 inches
1 avail...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Tiffany Studios New York Chinese Pattern Large Bronze Inkwell, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period "Chinese" pattern gilt bronze inkwell
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 5"W x 5"D x 3.13"H.
...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut, Brass Writing Slope & Leather Interior
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique British Military Campaign 19th Century Burr Walnut & Brass Bound Writing Slope With Ebonized Trim.
The Interior Features a tooled Blue Leather Scriver, A Single Glass Inkwell...
Category
19th Century British Campaign Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
$2,357 Sale Price / set
40% Off
20th Century Italian Bronze Inkwell with Bull Heads and Putti Embracing Lion
Located in Milano, MI
From Italy an early 20th century bronze inkwell resting on a double circular marble base, in black marble and Italian Alpi green marble. The body of the inkwell has a tripod base with taurine legs decorated by alternating masks of putti, grapes and and bulls’ heads.
The cover is surmounted by the figure of an angel embracing a lion. Garlands of flowers and human masks throughout the basement.
The ink glass is missing.
In good condition with a beautiful patina.
Height 18.5 cm x diameter 13 cm
A rare antique desk...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Desk Accessories, Letter Holder by Jacques Adnet, France, 1940
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
$425 Sale Price
20% Off
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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