Desk Accessories
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Desk Accessories For Sale
Carl Aubock II Vase Decanter with Brown Leather Top, Midcentury, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful minimalist Mid-Century Modern vase or decanter, "Tuberkulinkolben" designed and executed by Carl Auböck II in the 1950s. This piece is made of handblown clear glass and f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather, Glass
Sculpture of a Stylized Cat Designed by Livio Seguso ca. 1970s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Sculpture of a Stylized Cat Designed by Livio Seguso ca. 1970s
A cute sculpture of a stylized cat in smoke grey glass. Hand made in the Gral glass manufactory, Germany. It was desig...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Antique Just Andersen, Denmark. Pewter Viking Ship Salt #1109
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Antique Just Andersen, Danish pewter Viking ship salt cellar.
Stamped and numbered 1109 on base
Circa 1920's
Height 2.25 inch, Width 4.25 inch, Depth 1....
Category
1920s Danish Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Pewter
$228 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Snakeskin Picture Frame, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A '70s Modern Italian red burgundy suede and snakeskin picture frame, circa 1970s, Italy. Frame can sit in two positions: vertical (as shown) o...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Animal Skin, Suede, Glass
$468 Sale Price
25% Off
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
$152 Sale Price
20% Off
English Wedgwood Basalt Jasperware Scallop Seashell Box, circa 1980s
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful special edition English Wedgwood black basalt Jasperware small oval box with gold scallop seashell design, circa late-20th century, 1980s, England. Piece is matte black stoneware with gold scallop seashell design on top lid. The box was created in the mid-1980s as a special edition for members of the Wedgwood Collectors Society, marked on inside lid area in gold (as shown.) Markers mark 'Wedgwood', 'Made in England', on bottom as shown. Piece can neatly hold a cocktail ring or other small items, etc., or just be beautiful as a standalone piece decorative object. English wood box...
Category
Late 20th Century English Desk Accessories
Materials
Stoneware
$495 Sale Price
20% 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
Calipso Pen Holder in Black Lacquered Wood with Corno Italiano Inlays, Mod 5305s
Located in Recanati, Macerata
An elegant addition to an executive desk, our Calipso pen holder showcases a rectangular silhouette in glossy black lacquered wood, accented with a distinctive rim in Corno Italiano,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
Fancy Antique Swedish Telephone Early 20th Century
Located in Rochester, NY
Fancy brass , black lacquer with gilded decoration. A work of art. Swedish Coat of arms on dial. . Circa 1910. Working condition. Made by L.M. Ericsson, Stockholm, Sweden.
Category
Early 20th Century Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Danish Modern Desk Organizer Letter Tray in Teak by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in San Diego, CA
Very functional Danish modern teak desk organizer or letter tray by Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, circa 1970s. The piece is in excellent condition and measures 23.5" wide, 8.5." deep ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Teak
MCM Green Singer Sewing Machine in Cabinet
Located in Norton, MA
Quality made with elegant design from the Mid-Century Modern Singer Sewing Machine and Table Cabinet, all original components and all in good condition with the good working function...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Machiche
1930s Curt Schlevogt, Ingrid Collection Bohemian Malachite Glass Dresser Set
Located in Delft, NL
1930s Curt Schlevogt, Ingrid collection Bohemian Malachite glass dresser set
Czechoslovakian moulded in deep relief Bohemian malachite glass dresser set by Curt Schlevogt from the...
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass Bookends #4636
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock patinated brass bookends #4636. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same standards, high-quality materials, original m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Modernist Wood and Chrome Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1930
Located in Atlanta, GA
Make a bold statement with this exceptional Art Deco modernist letter holder, a masterpiece of French craftsmanship, circa 1930. Defined by its stunning concentric half-circle silhou...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Chrome
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
Hermès Maritime / Boat / Sailing / Propeller Desk Paperweight. France 1950´s
By Hermès
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
This silvered bronze metal propeller mounted on that rich wooden base feels like a perfect fusion of industrial elegance and nautical nostalgia.
The way the reflective blades catch ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
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 exquisite ...
Category
Early 2000s German Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Padova Magnifying Glass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver magnifying glass.
In sterling silver.
Designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
In the Padova pattern.
Marked to one side of the handle for Tiffany & Co. / © Elsa ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Contemporary 'Sail' Handmade Aquamarine Crystal Big Sculpture by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
2023 Collection of decorative objects signed by Ghirò Studio (Milan).
The natural crystal has high transparencies with aquamarine reflections, it has been curved and handmade to repr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
19th Century Bronze Letter Rack - Gothic Revival
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Elegant French bronze letter rack, late 19th century. The openwork design features intricate Gothic Revival motifs with stylized foliage, quatrefoils, and decorative details, complem...
Category
1890s French Gothic Revival Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Midcentury Modern Desk Organizer by Børge Mogensen, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely desk organizer by Børge Mogensen, made from oak with red, grey and white lacquered drawers. The drawers fit A4 size magazines and documents.
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Cartier Santos 18ct Gold Plated & Brushed Steel Ballpoint Pen in Original Box
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Cartier Santos Brushed Steel & 18ct Gold Plated Stylo Bille Must II
Comes With Original Paperwork & Red Cartier Presentation Box
2003, brought from Selfridges London
Carti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold Plate, Steel
James Alloway Paperweight with Controlled Bubbles, American Studio Art Glass
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The piece measures 3.25" high and 2.25" wide at the center. It is signed by the artist near the base.
James Alloway (b. 1957) is a renowned American glass artist. James had a fasci...
Category
Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Star Sea Star Starfish Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist star 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
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
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
Luger Pistol Table Lighter, 1970s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handsome lighter is cast in the shape of a 12 inch Luger pistol. An incredibly rare piece, perfect for any collector of smoking paraphernalia firearm enthusiast, or history buff...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Minimal Abstract Figurative Crystal Sculpture signed Steuben
Located in New York, NY
This delightfully formed Mid-Century Modernist Minimal Abstract Figurative Crystal Sculpture signed Steuben originates from France during the latter half of the 20th Century. This pi...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Macassar, Chrome and Lucite Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1940
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exceptional French Art Deco Desk Accessory in Macassar, Chrome, and Lucite, circa 1940
A rare and refined embodiment of Art Deco modernism, this exquisite desk accessory was crafted ...
Category
1940s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Handcrafted Brass Gecko Decorative Paperweight in Bronze Patina
Located in London, London
Beautiful hand cast bronze patinated gecko paperweight. The polished details in the gecko's feet highlight the characteristic rose gold colour of bronze.
Each of these geckos are ha...
Category
2010s Indian Organic Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Letter opener in the shape of a knife with an embossed silver handle and large m
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Letter opener in the shape of a knife with an embossed silver handle and masks.
Metal: Silver.
Origin: European.
Brand: Unknown.
Weight: 39.42 grams.
Dimensions: 22...
Category
20th Century Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
$125 Sale Price
50% Off
Stylized Frog Sculpture / Paperweight by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous stylized frog sculpture / paperweight by Baccarat, circa 1990s. The piece is in excellent condition with no visible imperfections and has great clarity. Signed on the unders...
Category
Late 20th Century French Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
$260 Sale Price
20% Off
Carl Auböck Model #3844 Polished Brass Bowl
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3844 polished brass bowl.
Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl or catch-all is executed in polished brass. Originally conc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
$420 / item
Set of 52 Animal Sculpture in Travertine Fratelli Mannelli, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing set of 52 animal sculptures paperweights in travertine marble attributed to Fratelli Mannelli.
Comprising different types of animals in different sizes , including giraff...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Travertine, Marble
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
Handmade Small Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Grey Bardiglio Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Paperweight with sphere shape in grey Bardiglio marble. Measure: Diameter 8 cm
Each piece is in a way unique (since each marble block is different in veins and shades) and handcra...
Category
2010s Italian Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Antique 19th Century Victorian Birdseye Maple Traveling Writing Slope Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique dark birds eye maple writing slope with brass M monogram plate on top with green felt lining and multiple interior storage compartments finishe...
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Felt, Birdseye Maple, Ebony
$245 Sale Price
30% Off
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
Emperor Wilhelm I. Metal Catchall Shows National Monument, Antique German, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful metal tray or catchall to hold quills. Made of cast Iron, has some nice patina, but this is old-age. A beautiful piece for your desk or any room. It was made for the 100th ...
Category
1890s German Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Iron
$105 Sale Price
30% Off
Louis Lejeune Norwich Terrier Hood Ornament
Located in Huntington, NY
Louis Lejeune Norwich Terrier Hood Ornament
Louis Lejeune Mascots adorn the finest European & American Cars.
The British Royal Family have, for many years, displayed mascots on ...
Category
Late 20th Century English Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Steel
American Mid century 007 Solid Walnut telephone in a Box
Located in San Diego, CA
An incredible 007 telephone in a box in great condition solid walnut caze with aluminum accents , a great piece of conversation in working condition.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Walnut
Petite English Electroplated Nickel on Silver Lidded Container with Flame Finial
Located in Atlanta, GA
A petite English electroplated nickel on silver lidded container from the 20th century, with flaming finial and bead-and-reel motifs. Created in England during the 20th century, this...
Category
20th Century English Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate, Nickel
Original Midcentury Carl Auböck Comb Made from Horn
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful half-moon shaped comb. The item was hand-crafted from horn and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. It's a remarkable example of the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Horn
Seguso Vetri d'Arte Murano Vintage Blue Opal White Italian Art Glass Bird Figure
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso opalescent white and sky blue Italian art glass bird figurine / sculpture. Documented to the Seguso Vetri d'Arte company. The cute bird h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Opaline Glass
$400 Sale Price
20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Yellow Blue Gold Fleck Italian Art Glass Love Bird Figurine
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown bright yellow and sapphire blue spots, bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass baby bird figurine / sculpture. Documented to the Barovier e Toso...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold Leaf
$375 Sale Price
25% Off
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
$406 Sale Price
30% Off
Carl Auböck Model #4867 'Egg' Polished Brass Paperweight
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4867 'Egg' brass paperweight. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4330/1 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #4330/1 patinated brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Aubö...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Shipping Free, 19th Century Silvered Bronze Inkstand Signed Boin Taburet, Paris
By Boin-Taburet
Located in Lisse, NL
Louis XV style inkstand with chinoiserie design, lacquered top.
This rare and stylish inkstand is a work of the house Boin-Taburet, goldsmith in Paris. This impressive size inkstand...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Pad
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 brown leather desk pad
By Tiffany...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Collection Gilt Leather Bound Library Book Set
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Decorate your sturdy / Library room with this collection set of gilt leather bound library book set of eighteen volumes. Germany in storm and stress ...
Category
1910s Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Paper, Leather
$1,890 / set
Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso 'A Grosse Costolature' Bowl 1942
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso 'A Grosse Costolature' Bowl 1942
A large shell shaped 'A Grosse Costolature' bowl in heavy iridescent Murano glass. Designed by Ercole Barovier an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass, 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
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
Baccarat French Blue Crystal Paperweight Decorative Object
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful multifaceted French paperweight in sapphire blue and clear crystal from luxury Maison, Baccarat, circa late-20th century, France. This clear crystal and sapphire blue pap...
Category
Late 20th Century French Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Carl Auböck Model #5262 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck #5262 patinated brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in darkly patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
$244 / item
Handmade Big Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Grey Bardiglio Marble
By Fiammetta V.
Located in Carrara, IT
Paperweight with sphere shape in grey Bardiglio marble. Measure: diameter 12cm
Each piece is in a way unique (since each marble block is different in veins and shades) and handcraft...
Category
2010s Italian Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Art Deco Machine Age Fluted Aluminum Desk Container W/ Etched Geometric Motifs
Located in New York, NY
This rare Art Deco Machine Age desk container, crafted in America circa 1935, showcases the industrial elegance characteristic of the era. Made from fluted aluminum, its sleek vertic...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum
Pierre Cardin Sterling Letter Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
PIerre Cardin dark blue upholstered letter holder with sterling silver / made in France
Original mark on the front
Length: 9 inches / Width: 4.5 inches / Height: 4 inches
1 available...
Category
Late 20th Century French Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4575 Patinated Square Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4575 Patinated Square Brass Bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and geometric pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass with po...
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
$4,184 Sale Price
26% Off
Placido Zuloaga, an Extremely Rare Spanish Gold and Silver Damascened Frame
By Plácido Zuloaga 1
Located in Queens, NY
Placido Zuloaga, An extremely rare Spanish gold and silver damascened window frame, in the Alhambra / Islamic taste, circa 1880.
The interior is lined and fitted with an orientalist artwork throughout.
Signed PZ on the reverse.
Placido Zuloaga was a renowned Spanish metalworker and damascene artist known for his exceptional skills in working with gold and silver and for creating intricate and ornate designs on metal surfaces using a technique called damascening.
One of Zuloaga's works is this rare gold and silver damascened frame that he created in the late 19th century. The frame is decorated with intricate designs in silver and gold, creating a stunning contrast that is characteristic of Zuloaga's work.
The frame is a remarkable example of Zuloaga's artistry and skill, as well as his mastery of the damascening technique. The technique involves inlaying silver or gold wire into the surface of the metal, creating intricate and detailed designs that are both beautiful and durable.
Zuloaga's work was highly sought after during his lifetime and is still highly valued today. His pieces are considered to be some of the finest examples of damascene artistry in the world, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence metalworkers and artists today.
His works are in private collections and in museums worldwide.
Comparative Literature:
James D. Lavin, The Art and Tradition of the Zuloagas, Spanish Damascene...
Category
19th Century Spanish Islamic Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Steel, Iron
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.