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
Modernist Silver Plate Pear Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool modernist silver plated pear paperweight / sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is well crafted with a nice weight and in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks...
Silver Plate
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
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
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
$232Sale Price|77% Off
Black and White Glass Inkwell
Located in Wien, Au
Black and white glass ink well Brass nickel platend
Brass
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
Vintage Villeroy & Boch Clear Glass Panda Bear Paperweight
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage Villeroy & Boch paperweight features a delightful sitting panda bear design. The clear glass material is cut-to-clear and gives the paperweight a charming cuddly appearance. This modern original is a perfect addition to any collection of decorative pottery and glassware, and would make a lovely gift for anyone who loves bears...
Art 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
Vintage Business Card Holder, Stand in Brass, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rather practical 1950s British novelty item. Intended for displaying/presenting business cards on your office desk or in your shop. Its made entirely f...
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
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
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
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
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
Antique French Art Nouveau Nude Girl Bronze Letter Opener, 1910s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece ...
Bronze
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
Brass Aspara Bell Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A brass Aspara bell sculpture piece, circa 20th century, Asia.
Brass
$3,900 / set
A Pair of Ketland and Co. Flintlock Pistols
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of 18th century English flintlock pistols by Ketland and Co. having proof-marked brass barrels, walnut stocks and engraved steel locks, both with original ramrods and both in ...
Walnut
Mid Century Modern Panasonic Kp-2a Battery-Operated Pencil Sharpener
By Panasonic
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Panasonic KP-2A battery-operated pencil sharpener, recognized by its signature faux woodgrain finish.It is a portable model that typically requires ...
Plastic
$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
1929 René Lalique Groupe de Six Moineaux Decoration Frosted Glass Sparrow Statue
By René Lalique
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Decorative "Groupe de Six Moineaux" statue paperweight made in glass with light blue patina by Rene Lalique in 1933. Acid-stamped "R.LALIQUE" signature on bottom. Perfect and great ...
Blown Glass
World Globe Art Glass Paperweight by Steven Correia
Located in San Diego, CA
Spectacular "World / Globe" art glass paperweight by Steven Correia, circa 1990s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 4"D x 4.25"H; it is signed on the undersid...
Art 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
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
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 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
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
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
$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
$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
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
Lovely Antique Grotto Shell Souvenir du Croisir Inkwell Art Nouveau
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite antique inkwell is a stunning example of Art Nouveau design, shaped like a grotto shell and inscribed with "Souvenir du Croisir," capturing the romantic essence of a b...
Metal
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...
Brass
$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
$1,935Sale 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
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
$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
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
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
Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Car...
Brass
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
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Walnut Letter Box And Copying Press By Mordan. English Dated 1856
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful solid walnut letter or stationary box Combined with a patent copying press Fabulous colour and figure in the wood Makers mark of S. Mordan and dated 1856 on the press ha...
Brass
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
$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
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
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
Antique English Regency Porcelain Worcester Dragons in Compartments Ink Well
Located in Wilton, CT
Exquisite antique Worcester porcelain desk inkstand and cover in "dragons in compartments" or "bengal tiger" pattern. A stunning piece of English Regency chinoiserie in imari palette...
Porcelain
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Desk Calendar Frame
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper desk calendar frame or picture frame By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Cent...
Copper, Brass
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
A Yaytho perfum bottle by R.Lalique
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
R.Lalique introduce a total new conception of the perfum bottles . He started making them for Coty Perfums around 1910. For Jaytho he created this bottle in différent sizes for a p...
Blown Glass
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.
Royal Interest Victorian Leather Writing Slope Box Owner HRH Prince Henry
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Royal Owner Victorian Burgundy Leather Writing Slope Box With Hinged Lid Writing Pad, Storage & Two Inset Porcelain Panels. Within the slope there is a leather bound blotting she...
Brass, Chrome
Set of 2 Tray and Letter Opener by Steve McGugan for Royal Copenhagen, 1980s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Postmodern Danish Wave Series Desk Tray and Letter Opener by Steve McGugan for Royal Copenhagen, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989. This piece has an at...
Metal
Bitossi Rimini Blu Ceramic Decorative Desk Organizer by Aldo Londi, Italy 1960s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century ceramic decorative piece or desk organizer in the iconic and vibrant Rimini Blu color. This lovely and unique piece was designed by Aldo Londi and produced by B...
Ceramic
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
Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder
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.