Carl Auböck Model #7250 Polished Brass 'Swing' Vase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #7250 Polished Brass 'Swing' Vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and modern vase is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria....
Brass
French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Champlevé Enamel & Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century A richly ornamented French champlevé enamel and gilt bronze letter rack, dating to the late 19th century. This jewel-...
Ormolu
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Ambra Vase, Murano Glass "Sommerso" by Salviati
By Salviati
Located in Vigonza, Padua
A characteristic Art Nouveau ambra vase, Murano Glass "Sommerso" by Salviati. Measures cm: Height 38, diameter 22.
Murano Glass
$300Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine Sculpture
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear, dark pink, and bubbles Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. I have owned several with labels be...
Gold Leaf
20th Century Silver Plate Pocket Emptier
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful 20th century silver plate pocket emptier. Refined finely chiseled decorations. Perfect for embellishing a desk with class.
Silver Plate
Postmodern Eternity Calendar by Mette Kiellerup for Royal Copenhagen, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Perpetual Eternity Calendar by Mette Kiellerup for Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, 1980s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. This piece has an attribution mark. A...
Metal
Sterling Silver Duck Letter Clip by Theo Fennell, London, 1991
Located in Knivsta, SE
Sterling Silver Duck Letter Clip by Theo Fennell, London, 1991 A playful yet highly refined letter clip of exceptional quality, masterfully crafted in sterling silver by the celebra...
Sterling Silver
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, 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 Ca...
Brass
Judith Via Wolff Dichroic Paperweight, Glows in UV, New York Studio Art Glass
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage art glass paperweight features an abstract biomorphic central design element in blue glass with metallic pigments, raising from the bottom and forming a mountain-like shape....
Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso
Jasmine Ylang Ylang, Hand-Poured Soap, Erode Series by UMÉ Studio
By UMÉ Studio
Located in Oakland, CA
Jasmine sambac / ylang ylang / willow bark / goji berry extract/ mango butter A tactile object by nature, the Erode Soap Summit Series becomes one of desire and play, adding a dif...
Coconut
Carl Auböck Nickel Plated U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", model #4617-2, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Identical to the brass key ring...
Brass, Nickel
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk Organizer, Nordisk Andels-Eksport
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very functional Danish modern 6 drawer letter tray/ office desk organizer by NAE/Nordisk Andels-Eksport, circa 1970's. This beautiful organizer is perfect for storing your letters or...
Teak
$520Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Brass Piet Hein Super Egg by Henning Glahn / Danks Design in original Box
By Piet Hein
Located in Krefeld, DE
Piet Hein super egg with leather pouch, booklet and original Box. The super egg is in solid brass produced by Henning Glahn, Denmark. Price for the...
Brass
Lucite Acrylic Bookends, Pair, circa Midcentury 20th century
Located in New York, NY
A pair of clear Lucite acrylic bookends with Modern edge and jewel-like design, in the Modern style, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century, 1960s. Top of bookend ha...
Lucite, Acrylic
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Anchor Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Anchor keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Brass
Brass Aspara Bell Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A brass Aspara bell sculpture piece, circa 20th century, Asia.
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Nickel Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Nickel Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this beautifully refined Viennese paperweight is hand-fabricated in polished nickel-plated brass b...
Nickel, Brass
Antique Campaign Writing Slope, English Correspondence Box, Book Rest, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique campaign writing slope. An English, mahogany and brass correspondence box with leather skiver and book rest, dating t...
Brass
$192Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage onyx cardholder desk accessory, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A vintage onyx card holder, 1960s. Most likely from Italy, Mexico, or Pakistan. Tones of pistachio, rust, and toffee. Pick up in central west Los Angeles or we ship worldwide. 4” W ...
Onyx
Cuyo Large Alpaca Silver & Cream Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
Cuyo bookends are solid heavy beatiful pieces of geometrical onyx stone, moustly in square base and round top. Very sharm for a personal library. Our pieces are made by hand. One ...
Stone, Onyx, Metal
Pop Art "Coca Cola"/ Coke Bottle in Lucite Sculpture / Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A really fun pop art "Coca Cola" / Coke bottle in lucite sculpture / paperweight, circa 1970s. The sculpture is in good vintage condition with minor markings and crazing due to age;...
Lucite
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Peanut Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist peanut keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Brass
Big Murano Glass Paperweight Bubbles inside Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano Hand-Blown Italian Art Glass Paperweight A stunning example of traditional Murano craftsmanship, this hand-blown Italian art glass paperweight showcases the timeles...
Murano Glass
$1,110Sale Price|25% Off
Montblanc F. Scott Fitzgerald Fountain Pen Limited Edition with Box & COA 28711
By Montblanc
Located in Plainview, NY
Montblanc F. Scott Fitzgerald Fountain Pen Limited Edition with Box & COA - serial # 28711 : Launched in 2002 as part of Montblanc’s renowned Writers Edition series, this exquis...
Resin
Seguso Spherical Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic spherical shaped paperweight made mouth-blown Murano glass with gold leaf inside. This incredibly charming paperweight was designed by Archimede Seguso in Italy during the ...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
Italian Travertine Marble Obelisk
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian travertine marble Obelisk, in the Modern style, circa 1970s, Italy. A great decorative object for a shelf, credenza, office, library, cocktail table, etc. Very go...
Travertine, Marble
Brass Desk Pen Holder by Günter Kupetz for WMF Germany - Desk Accessory - 1950’s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Brass Desk Pen Holder by Günter Kupetz for WMF Germany - Desk Accessory - 1950’s Free form brass bowl, originally used as a pen holder, created by Günter Kupetz. Very elegant for a...
Brass
Vintage Fish Handled Magnifying Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage fish handled magnifying glass, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 3.5"W x 9"D. The handle is made of aluminum and Has nice weight and det...
Brass, Aluminum
Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear and pink Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures: He...
Brass
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Iridescent Art Glass Paperweight by Steven Correia
Located in San Diego, CA
Spectacular iridescent art glass paperweight by Steven Correia, circa 1990s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measure...
Art Glass
Retro Mail Organizer Refinished in Yellow
Located in Alhambra, CA
1970s retro office organizer refinished Lemon Yellow (YL 01). This iconic accessory is multifunctional, ideal for sorting mail, memos or magazines. Features six slots sure to keep yo...
Steel
Paperweight, ruler with pen by Vanni Mazzetti
By Willy Rizzo, Romeo Rega, Maison Jansen
Located in Lugo, IT
Paperweight, ruler with pen by Vanni Mazzetti Brass and steel Good condition. Thank you
Brass, Stainless Steel
English 19th Century Clothes Brush with Petit Point on Silk with Brass Edges
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English clothes brush from the 19th century, with petit point décor on silk and brass borders. Born in England during the 19th century, this sweet rectangular clothes brush featur...
Brass
$240 / item
Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produc...
Brass
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Green Murano Glass Paperweight, 2 Available
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian green Murano glass paperweight hand blown with air bubbles and infused with gold flecks / made in Italy, circa 1960s Measures: diameter 3.15 inches / height 3.15 inch...
Murano Glass
World War II Munition Trench Art Brass and Coin Ashtray
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique military munition trench art, solid brass with coin slots ashtray, circa 1930s. The piece is in great vintage condition and measures 4.25"D x 3.75"H. The shell, which I bel...
Brass
19th Century brass bound mahogany writing slope
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century brass bound mahogany writing slope circa 1890. Good quality brass bound box slope made in mahogany. Inscribed brass plaque shows that this was presented to a mr james ...
Brass
Large Carl Auböck Model #4751 'Paperclip' Brass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, 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...
Brass
Italian Scissors and Letter Opener Leather Case Post-Modern
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of fine Italian brass-plated and stainless-steel scissors, letter opener, and grained leather case, Post-Modern design period//70s Modern, circa late-20th century, It...
Stainless Steel, Brass
Heavy Pig Brass Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Vintage, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous vintage metal money bank. A beautiful decorative item, with nice patina. Made in Europe, circa 1960s. Nice addition to any collection, desktop, living room or children's roo...
Metal
Rare Signed Petite Pencil Rack by Philippe Barbier, France, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Minimalist chrome pencil organizer excellent vintage condition signed on bottom.
Heintz Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver on Bronze Matchbox Holder
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period sterling silver on bronze matchbox holder By Heintz Art Metal Shop USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 2.5"W x 1.5"D x 0.75"H. Good ori...
Sterling Silver, Bronze
Antique George III Campaign Writing Slope Brass Mounts 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A elegant burr walnut George III Military Campaign writing slope with brass bound corners and cartouche to the top, circa 1820 in date The beautifully polished burr walnut case has ...
Brass
Lalique Crystal Female Figurative Sculpture, from Paris, France, circa 1970s
By Lalique
Located in New York, NY
A French Lalique crystal female figurative sculpture piece, circa 1970's, France. A nude crystal female figure sculpture on black glass ba...
Crystal
Antique Baccarat Crystal Glass Inkstand, Pen Holder, Desk Utensil, circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Great Baccarat inkwell with extensive crystal cut. Places for pens are at each side. France, late 19th century. .
Crystal
French Rouge Griotte Marble Paperweight, Late Empire Period, 1830–1840
Located in Knivsta, SE
French Rouge Griotte Marble Paperweight, Late Empire Period, 1830–1840 A beautifully proportioned French paperweight from the late Empire period, crafted in richly veined Rouge Grio...
Griotte Marble
$1,952Sale Price / set|25% Off
Cartier 18ct Gold Nib Black Godron Ribbed Fountain Pen With Cartier Box
Cartier 18ct Gold Nib Louis Black Godron Ribbed Fountain Pen With Cartier Box, Finished With An Onyx Cabochon Manufactured by Montblanc The pen is made from a black composite Pen n...
Gold, Gold Plate
Bohemian Moser Art Deco Oroplastic Amazons Purple Glass Vase, 1920
Located in Worcester Park, GB
Stunning Art Deco signed Moser purple Oroplastic vase in the shape of a short baluster. Vase The oroplastic design features battling Amazons with shields and full length spears - Th...
Art Glass
White Grapefruit, Hand-Poured Soap, Erode Series by Umé Studio
By UMÉ Studio
Located in Oakland, CA
Light, Fresh, Energizing Rose Clay / White Grapefruit / Goji Berry Hand-poured in Pinole Valley, CA in collaboration with Tonic Naturals Luscious soap & unique shapes,...
Soapstone
$350 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pr...
Brass
$85Sale Price / item|37% Off
New Brush Stand Solid Wenge Wood Large Holds 16
Located in Somis, CA
Our calligraphy brush stands are made of solid wenge wood, a prized, sustainable, exotic wood with beautiful grains. Top of the stands are deco...
Wood, Wenge
Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré & Abalone Blotter Corners With Leather Pad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze and abalone blotter corners, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter corners signed ...
Bronze
$4,097Sale Price|26% Off
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...
Plaster, Wood
$49Sale Price|34% Off
New Brush Stand Solid Wenge Wood Small Holds 12
Located in Somis, CA
Our calligraphy brush stands are made of solid wenge wood, a prized, sustainable, exotic wood with beautiful grains. Top of the stands are deco...
Wood, Wenge
Letter Tray Desk Organizer Rosewood Danish Desktop Georg Petersen Selectform
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very active Rosewood grain to all surfaces. This is the early production Selectform model, designed and made by Georg Petersen Mobelfabrik A/S. This example retains the Georg Peter...
Rosewood
Egyptian Revival Sphinx Inkwell by Maitland Smith
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Maitland-Smith Egyptian Revival inkwell desk set featuring a tomb form stamp box with a sphinx mounted on either side. The front section has a recessed pen tray. The piece is made of...
Marble, Brass
Art Deco Bakelite Radio-Form Pencil Sharpener, 1930s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Art Deco Bakelite Radio-Form Pencil Sharpener, 1930s A delightful and highly collectible Art Deco pencil sharpener crafted in bakelite and ingeniously designed in the form of a 1930...
Bakelite
Cartier Vendome Trinity Rollerball Pen, Gold Plated, 1980s Boxed
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Vendome Trinity Oval Rollerball Pen Complete With Cartier Box & Guarantee Card. Made in Paris, France Cartier pens are designed by Cart...
Gold Plate
Shauna Watkins Op-Art Paperweight, American Studio Art Glass
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage art glass paperweight features Op-Art design with dark, almost black Burgundy red glass circular structure, surrounded by striped glass ribbon in blue, white, and burnt oran...
Art Glass, Sommerso
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.