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Desk Accessories For Sale
1970s Dior Home Style Mid-Century Modern Fake Tortoise Lucite Smoking Set
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

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

Antique English Novelty Equestrian Inkwell, Horse, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
This is only the second time in many years of being in the antiques business that I have come across this wonderful figural equestrian inkwell. B...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique 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

Einar Barnes for P. S. Heggen Handled Teak Wastepaper Basket
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Scandinavian Einar Barnes for P. S. Heggens Two Handled Teak Trash Can. Featuring a sculptural, molded Teak and Beech Plywood oval form, detailed vertical s...
Category

1960s American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Beech, Teak, Plywood

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

Hermès Paris Mahogany Stationery / Correspondence Box, 1988
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

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

Fratelli Toso Murano Blue Millefiori Flower Italian Art Glass Paperweights
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Priced per item (3 different designs available). Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown flower designs Italian art glass paperweights. They are documented to the Fratelli Toso company....
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine

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

Ballpoint Pen Modern Contemporary Style Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ballpoint Pen cylindrical for large Desk. Ballpoint Pen in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated 24carats. Ballpoint Pen with translucent fired enamels on guilloché Modern Contemporar...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate

Blitz Marble Bookends Merlot & Viola By Greg Natale
Located in Sydney,, NSW
The Blitz Bookends comprise two contrasting marbles honed to achieve a sophisticated finish. Inspired by the avant-garde ingenuity of the 1980’s London-based Blitz Club, these booken...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

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

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

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

Sculpture of a Stylized Cat Designed by Livio Seguso for Graal Glass
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

Early 20th Century Polished Brass Renaissance Style Inkwell
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An antique ink stand, made of polished brass, completely in Renaissance style, with richly pieced scroll motifs. The inkwell has two removable ink we...
Category

Early 1900s French Renaissance Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Set of two desk accessories in Murano glass Saint Gobain Mid-Century Modern 70s
Located in Palermo, IT
Elegant Set of paper divider and desk pen holder in crystal glass in shades of antique pink with brass accessories, produced in the 70s by the French company Saint Gobain and attribu...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Italian 1970s Metal Parrot Head Scotch Tape Dispenser
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1970s Parrot Head Scotch Tape Dispenser
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Antique Gold Silk Moiré and Bronze Picture Frame with Garlands
Located in Toronto, ON
Capture your memories in this French antique bronze picture frame with garlands and gold silk moiré. Accepts one 4" x 6" photograph.
Category

Early 20th Century French Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Leather Basket by Lancel Paris, Signed and Made in Italy
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This basket, or trash can, is signed Lancel Paris underneath, and has been made in Italy in the 1970's. The leather as a beautiful old patina. It is in good condition.
Category

1970s French Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Austrian Bronze Paper Clip
Located in Delft, NL
An Austrian bronze paper clip A Viennese cold painted bronze dog figurine, designed as a paper clip mounted on a polished mahogany base. The...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Shell Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist shell keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Toso Murano Green Orange Millefiori Flower Italian Art Glass Paperweights
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Priced per item (3 different designs available). Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown flower design Italian art glass paperweights. They are documented to the Fratelli Toso company. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine

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

Set of Dutch Mid-Century, Jens Risom Inspired Teak Office Desk Accessories
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dutch Mid-Century, Jens Risom inspired set of three beautifully designed teak desk accessories. Set contains a utensil storage tray (9 x 5.25 x .75), calendar holder -here used as a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Brucaliffo brass geometrical shaped ashtray
Located in Firenze, FI
Perfect for both smokers and non-smokers alike, this brass ashtray is not only functional but also visually appealing. Its geometric shape adds a touch of modern elegance to any room...
Category

2010s Italian Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Handcrafted Brass Gingko Leaf Decorative Paperweight with Bronze Patina
Located in London, GB
Beautiful hand cast gingko leaf in patinated brass paperweight. Each of these brass leaves are handmade individually with incredible detail. Cast using ve...
Category

2010s Indian Organic Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Gucci Leather Desk Notepad with Equestrian Motif, circa 1970
Located in Atlanta, GA
Boost your workspace with this rare Gucci-designed modernist desktop accessory, a stunning blend of luxury and craftsmanship. Created in Italy circa 1970, this exquisite piece exempl...
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Cartier and America "The Scarab Brooch" Card and Envelope Set Luxury Stationery
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Cartier Paris Card and Envelope Set of 9 with the Iconic "The Scarab Brooch" Egyptian Pharaonic Design Jewelry Design. Authentic Luxury Cartier Stationery Card Letter and Envelope Blue and Silver Egyptian Scarab Brooch design, limited edition Desk Accessory. Emboss printed cardstock construction, the enveloppe are also embossed Cartier. Set is embossed with the famous Cartier Scarab...
Category

1990s French Egyptian Revival Desk Accessories

Materials

Paper

Rare Set of S.T DuPont of Paris Montparnasse Brown Marble Lacquered Writing Set
Located in Reading, Berkshire
S.T DuPont of Paris Montparnasse Three Pen Brown Marble Lacquered Writing Set With Spares, Original Paperwork 1 Brown Marble Lacquered 18ct Yellow Gold Nib Fountain Pen Finished Wit...
Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Murano "millefiori" Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Murano Multicolor Art Glass Paperweight unmarked, maker unknown, 1970's "Millefiori is a glasswork technique which produces distinctive decorative patterns on glassware. The term m...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Modernist Lucite Resin Cube Sculpture with Gears Pierre Giraudon, France, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Lucite resin cube with gears inside attributed to Pierre Giraudon, circa 1970.  
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin, Lucite

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

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze and Slag Glass Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze and slag glass "Grapevine" pattern inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measur...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Contemporary Set of Two Handmade Transparent Crystal Photo Frames by GhiróStudio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
Set of two photo frames, one horizontal and one vertical, of excellent workmanship and artistic quality. The rounded edges give harmony and elegance. The high transparency crystal ha...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Brass Bound Writing Slope With Key
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut Brass Bound Writing Slope With A Tooled Black Leather Scriver Slope will include A Single Glass Inkwell A vintage pen S moder...
Category

19th Century British Campaign Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Handmade Small Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Grey Bardiglio Marble
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

Art Deco Copper German Perpetual Desk Calendar c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original German perpetual desk calendar. Change the day of the week and date by pressing the Bakelite handle on the side. A knob in the back allows you to adjust the date t...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Copper

Austrian Pair Art Deco Mounted Bronze Maiden Head Bookends
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning pair Austrian attributed Art Deco bronze bookends modeled as maidens heads dating from the 1920/30's. The heads are mounted by two screws on a s...
Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Red Swivel Desk Storage Organizer by Rino Pirovano for Art 900
Located in East Quogue, NY
This vintage red swivel desk organizer, designed by Rino Pirovano for Rexite in the mid-1970s, is a celebrated example of Italian design. Made of ABS plastic, it features four rotati...
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Strawberry Pink Resin 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 very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

A 18ct Gold Nib Must de Cartier Platinum Cased Trinity Fountain Pen
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Nib Trinity Fountain Pen With Box This Must de Cartier fountain pen has a body in engine turned silver metal with gadroon motif. Finished with th...
Category

1980s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Silver Plate

Aesthetic Movement Sterling Silver Calling/Business Card Case by George Unite
Located in New York, NY
Aesthetic Movement, sterling silver calling card/business card case in original, velvet lined leather box, London, year-hallmarked for 1860, George ...
Category

1860s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Paul Ysart Poinsettia on a Pink & White Latticino Ground Glass Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Paul Ysart glass paperweight. It has a slightly off-center poinsettia flower on a pink and white latticinio ground. It has an H cane for Harland Glass Studios below the flow...
Category

20th Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Carl Auböck Model #4327 Patinated Brass Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 patinated brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Antique Art Deco Desk Fan by Emerson Electric
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique art deco electric fan missing the cord sold AS/IS condition we belive it worked but we arent sure made by Emerson electric.
Category

20th Century Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

Perforated Metal Tray in the style of Mathieu Mategot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful perforated white metal tray with metal band around edge and wavy loop metal handles in the style of Mathieu Mategot from France. Perfect vide poche for keys or jewelry.
Category

1950s French Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Dice Metal Statue Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Super cool Art Deco design sculptural "High Roller" dice paperweight. Nice dice atop a nickel base. The best addition to your desk or every room.
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Desk Set, Italy, 1980s
Located in Palermo, IT
Desk set in walnut, silver and crystal, Italy, 1980s Gifted to my grandfather and never used. Small signs of the time. Today unobtainable and of great value set.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Desk Set, Italy, 1980s
Desk Set, Italy, 1980s
$519 Sale Price / set
37% Off
Vintage Czech Glass Grape Cluster Sculpture, Hand-Blown Art Glass, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
A striking hand-blown art glass sculpture in the shape of a grape cluster, likely made in Czechoslovakia in the 1970s. The piece features rich shades of ruby red and violet, with bea...
Category

1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Antique Green Cut Uranium Glass Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning green inkwell with dore bronze setting. The inkwell has a amazing bright green color and it is made out of green uranium glass. When you illum...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Uranium Glass

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

Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 1401 Telephone
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This BeoCom 1401 telephone is a time capsule gem, and still has the original, unused, paper address booklet inside. Introduced in 1998 as the successor of the 1400, the model that fo...
Category

1990s Danish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

English Mappin & Webb Sterling Silver Georgian Style Double Inkwell, London 1892
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique Mappin & Webb Sterling Silver Double Inkwell—Georgian Style, London 1892 This rare antique Mappin & Webb sterling silver double inkwell, made in London in 1892, is a stunning Victorian-era desk accessory in the Georgian style. Made from solid sterling silver, the inkstand base features a gadrooned border and stands on ornate winged paw feet, showcasing exquisite 19th-century craftsmanship. The inkstand includes two finely cut glass inkwells with sterling silver lids and a central lidded compartment, originally designed for pen nibs, matches, or blotting sand. Today, it serves as the perfect storage for stamps, paperclips, or small desk accessories. The base is fitted with two integrated pen rests, offering both practicality and sophistication for any luxury office or study. This Victorian sterling silver inkwell is a collectible writing accessory, ideal for antique silver collectors...
Category

Late 19th Century English Georgian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Set of Mid-Century Modern Guzzini Crystal Lucite Italian Vases, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful set of four crystal plexiglass flower vases. This fantastic set was designed by Guzzini in Italy during the 1970s. This set is made of four different flower vases with t...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

8 Foot Tall Pop Art Wood Pencil, 1970s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Back to the drawing board! A remarkable piece for spurring conversation at home or for capturing attention in a store display. This massive vintage trompe l'oeil pencil is made of on...
Category

1970s American Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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. ...
Category

1870s Italian Belle Époque Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Blown Glass, Art Glass

Ettore Sottsass for Olivetti Valentine Typewriter, Italy 1960s
Located in Naples, IT
Famous and Iconic Portable Typewriter Mod. Valentine designed by Ettore Sottsass and Peter King, for the company Olivetti in 1960, the typewriter is in very good condition with case ...
Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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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