French Blue Gold and White Porcelain Desk Letter Mail Holder from Paris
Located in New York, NY
A French white porcelain desk letter or mail holder with small flowers and leaves in the Rococo design style, circa mid-20th century, Paris, France. Piece with scalloped edge is hand...
Porcelain
Arco Blue Bee Fountain Pen
By Pineider
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning piston-filled fountain pen belongs to a limited series of 888 pieces. It is made by overlapping layers of blue and yellow resins, joined by gold glues accents for a str...
Resin
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...
Brass, Bronze
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...
Metal
Carl Aubock Vase or Decanter with Wicker Top, Midcentury, Austria, 1950s
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...
Glass
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...
Iron, Wrought Iron
Cactus Holder, Vienna, Around 1950s by Auböck
Located in Wien, AT
Cactus holder Vienna around 1950s by Auböck. Original condition.
Brass
1930s Art Deco Portoro Marble Italian Inkwell and Signature Pad
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Very precious Italian inkwell and signature pad with original paper. It's made with very rare portoro marble, particular for its black with brown and gold veins. Price is for the com...
Marble
British The Eclectic Copycat Brass Stencil Typeface Tool A from Tom Dixon
Located in Hamburg, DE
British The Eclectic Copycat Brass Stencil Typeface Tool A from Tom Dixon, in Flawless conditions. Designed from 2000 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Mat...
Metal
Murano Red Multicolor Millefiori Flowers Italian Art Glass Dove Figure Sculpture
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...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine
Quality antique Edwardian ornate brass desk set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality antique Edwardian ornate brass desk set, having a quality ornate brass desk set, having a letter rack to the back, and two sections for inkwells, raised on an brass ornate sh...
Brass
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...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Vintage Italian Murano Art Glass Ashtrays Venetian Sculpture of Gondolas
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Murano Blown Glass Gondola Ashtrays. Gorgeous vintage Murano Venetian hand-blown art glass sculpture of gondola boats one red, one green. A very beautiful...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Vintage Flower Art Glass Egg Paperweight in the Style of Murano of Italy
By Murano 5
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Flower Art Glass Egg Paperweight in the Style Murano of Italy, circa 1980s. This heavy vintage art glass egg paperweight, crafted in the ...
Art Glass
Goerz Tenax Folding Medium Format Roll Film With A Zeiss Ikon Compur With C.P.G
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Goerz Tenax Folding Medium Format Roll Film With A Zeiss Ikon Compur With C.P.Goerz Berlin Dogmar 12.5cm F6.3 Prime Lens With A Leather Case Shutter speed 1 - 1/250 Takes 6.5 x 4 c...
Leather, Glass
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 ...
Wood, Burl
Nostalgic 1960's Italian Ceramic Tiger Cub, Adorable Retro
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Undeniably appealing, Italian retro ceramic tiger cub from the 1960's Hand painted and glazed, vibrant and striking Circa 1960's Signed Italy Height 10 inch, Width 8 inch, Depth 6 in...
Ceramic
Tiffany Studios New York Louis XVI Bronze Doré Letter Rack
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Nouveau period Louis XVI style gilt bronze letter rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 9"W x 2.5"D ...
Bronze
$275Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage French Ceramic Vase by Raymonde Leduc 'circa 1970s', Small
Located in London, GB
Vintage ceramic vase (or pencil holder if you prefer) by Raymonde Leduc (circa 1970s). Sandstone coloured small vessel with plant motifs inlaid on all four sides. In good overall con...
Ceramic
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
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...
Bronze
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. ...
Blown Glass, Art Glass
Signed Vintage Cohn-Stone Studios Art Glass Acorn Paperweight, 2007
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage figural paperweight. By the Cohn-Stone Studios. In the form of an oversized acorn. With a mottled brown glass base and an iridescent cap. Marked to the reverse. S...
Sterling Silver
$5,500 / item
Amalric Walter “Parrot” Pâte de verre Paperweight
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pâte de verre sculpture by Amalric Walter captures an amber-hued cockatiel poised with quiet alertness upon a rocky outcrop, its form subtly animated by the interplay ...
Glass
$533Sale Price|40% Off
Vintage Wood Briefcase with Combination Locks and Wooden Handle
Located in Sofia, BG
Elegant vintage briefcase constructed from several woods, burr walnut veneer, with combination locks and wooden handle, the interior with light beige suede lining and pockets with br...
Wood
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener, 1920s or earlier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 20th Century, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle scul...
Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener, 1920s or earlier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 20th Century, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle scul...
Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener with Lion
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 20th Century, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle scul...
Bronze
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Rectangular Medium B - Color: Zinc
By Aria Home
Located in Curitiba, Parana
A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...
Leather
Pedersen & Hansen Desk Organizer
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.
Teak
Leather Bound Hinged Book for Storage and Document Storage
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The look of a leather bound book with fine gold tooling to the exterior. Originally used for Bridge scorecard and playing cards (included). The piece is a compliment to the bookshelf...
Gold
Italian Leather Jewelry Box Scalloped Edge
Located in New York, NY
An Italian leather jewelry box with a Kelly-green velvet interior, circa early to mid-20th century, Italy. Box, with scalloped edge design,...
Leather, Velvet
Letter opener, solid bronze floral laburnum decor, Jugendstil Art Nouveau France
Located in Wien, AT
Very nice example of a letter opener, made out of solid bronze, from the famous Jugendstil - Art Nouveau period, around 1900. This object is a beautiful desk accessory made of high...
Bronze
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
Bronze
Fountain pen Ballpoint pen Tray and Letter Opener for Desk Set enamel Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Luxurious Desk Set Description:Elevate your workspace with this sophisticated set of desk objects, comprising a ballpoint pen, fountain pen, tray, and letter opener, all crafted from...
Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cartier Diabolo Black Resin Palladium Finish Rollerball Pen With Case & Papers
Cartier Diabolo Black Resin Palladium Finish Rollerball Pen With Case & Papers Cartier pens are designed by Cartier, & are manufactured by Montblanc. This collaboration allo...
Steel
WW1 Trench Art Cigarette Holder in Silver Plated brass, 1910s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A so called trench art object in the shape of the silver-plated pencil or cigaret holder made from WW1 era components. The 3 blank bullets that makes up its legs has hallmarks from t...
Brass
Rare Antique Regency Travelling Writing Box, English c 1810-1820
Located in Kastrup, DK
A rare Regency writing desk box made in solid ebony. Original leather with natural age-related patina. Original fittings and locks. In good condi...
Brass
1950's Triumph Brand Gabriele Model Portable Typewriter
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1950. We offer this toatlly NEW Triumph Brand Gabriele Model Portable Typewriter. This item is timeless and in perfect condition. It includes its user manual and an original cl...
Steel
19th Century Rare Miniature Wooden Bible Box in Original Paint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century most rare and unusual original painted miniature bible box with original painted surface and gilding. This early gem has original iron hi...
Iron
Stylized Rabbit Sculpture / Paperweight by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous stylized rabbit sculpture / paperweight by Baccarat, circa 1990s. The piece is in excellent condition with no visible imperfections and has great clarity. Signed on the unde...
Crystal
Montblanc ballpoint, the Limited Writers Edition, Daniel Defoe 2014
By Montblanc
Located in Delft, NL
Montblanc ballpoint, the Limited Writers Edition, Daniel Defoe 2014 Montblanc ballpoint , the Limited Writers Edition 2014 in honor of Daniel Def...
Resin
Purple Amethyst Natural Specimen
Located in New York, NY
A substantial purple amethyst natural specimen piece. A beautiful decorative object with a rich purple hue. A beautiful piece that could make a great ...
Amethyst, Crystal, Quartz
Green White Dressing Table Set made of Mouth-blown Glass
Located in Hannover, DE
This is a one-of-a-kind set that will make your dressing table look absolutely charming! It was found in a 1950s villa. The size refers to the large storage tray. The bottle is 17 c...
Glass, Scagliola, Blown Glass
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Bronze Doré and Favrile Slag Glass Desk Set
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Nouveau period "Pine Needle" gilt bronze and Favrile slag glass desk set. The five-piece set includes: inkwell, letter rack, stamp box, rocker...
Bronze
Large Hand Painted Snakeskin Tray
Located in Troy, MI
This large platform-style tray is just under two feet wide and features subtly under-curving legs, genuine snakeskin leather that has been hand painted to accentuate the color and pa...
Leather, Wood
Jacques Cartier Elephant, Art Deco / Cubist Car Mascot / Hood Ornament 1920´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Jacques Cartier Elephant, Art Deco / Cubist Car Mascot / Hood Ornament 1920´s Elephant, cubist car mascot / Hood Ornament, Paperweight / Sculpture. Silvered Bronze, signed on the emb...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze blotter ends featuring Adam style or Neoclassical style swags, with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany S...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Notepad Holder, Circa 1910
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 ...
Bronze
Cartier Christmas Tree Design Card and Envelope Set Luxury Season's Greetings
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Oversized Cartier Card and Envelope Set with the Iconic Christmas Tree Design. Cartier Season's Greetings Christmas Tree Stationary Cards. Authentic Luxury Cartier Stationery...
Paper
Sterling Silver Globe Inkwell Centerpiece by Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This superb inkwell centerpiece dating to the Edwardian era was designed by the legendary Tiffany & Co. Crafted from sterling silver and bronze, this stunning inkwell boasts a co...
Sterling Silver, Bronze
$410Sale Price|61% Off
French Mounted Horse Hoof Inkwell and Pen Holder, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Mounted horse hoof inkwell with horseshoe pen holder Inkwell shoe ferrer pen holder with beautiful finish, popular art work Shipping: L11 P19 ...
Chrome, Wrought Iron
John Charles Grinsell Antique Edwardian Cut Glass and Sterling Silver Inkwell
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian cut glass and English sterling silver mounted desk inkwell; part of our antique silver and glassware collection This exceptio...
Sterling Silver
Remington Standard Model 10 Typewriter Circa 1910
Located in Opole, PL
Remington Standard Model 10 Typewriter Circa 1910 The model, likely from 1910 with serial number RV63621, advertised with the slogan "To save time is to lengthen life." The machine ...
Metal
$262Sale Price|20% Off
Business Card Holder Hollywood Regency, 1970s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Glamoureus business card holder. Gold plated Perspex. Hollywood Regency style 1970s Good condition.
Acrylic
$2,400 / item
Golf Inspired Chess Set in White Bird's-Eye Maple
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
White bird’s-eye maple and green marble chess set. Hand painted Golf chessmen.
Birdseye Maple
Fornasetti paper weight with NATO phonetic alphabet with pen rest
By Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti
Located in London, GB
Rare Fornasetti porcelain paperweight with pen holder. With the phonetic alphabet o as in Oscar P as in Papa Q as in Quebeck etc..
Porcelain
Art Deco Silvered Desk Set, Vienna, Around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Shovel and broom The shovel is: H: 1cm W: 20cm D: 21cm The Broom is: H: 4cm W: 5cm D: 28 Original condition.
Brass
19th Century Tomb of the Scipios Grand Tour Souvenir
Located in New Orleans, LA
This incredible Grand Tour inkwell relic takes the form of the ancient Tomb of the Scipios, a family of Roman war heroes and generals. Beautifully carved ent...
Siena Marble
Antique Bronze Gold Art Nouveau Four-Leaf Clover Good Luck Letter Opener
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Bronze Gold Art Nouveau Four-Leaf Clover Good Luck Letter Opener Continental Bronze Early 20th Century Dimensions: Length 21cm Crafted in the early 20th century, this...
Bronze
20th Century French Letter Opener Nicely Decorated with Green Stone on the Top
Located in Sofia, BG
French metal letter opener decorated with two woman's head on both sides ending with a green stone on the top. France, circa 1930.
Metal
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.