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Desk Accessories

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Desk Accessories For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1950s
Art Deco Bronze Sculpture Rabbit by Eduard Marcel Sandoz, Susse Freres, 1920
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco silver plated bronze sculpture of a rabbit hare. Lovely paperweight. Edouard Marcel Sandoz (1881-1973). Signature/ Marks: Ed.M. Sandoz - Susse Fre'...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

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 black leather desk blotter By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, E...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Inkwell attributed to Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
Located in Lugo, IT
Glass inkwell attributed to a design by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Thank you
Category

1950s Italian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Tiffany Studios Zodiac Bronze Doré Blotter Corners With Leather Desk Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter corners featuring symbols of the Zodiac with a custom black leather desk blotter By Tiffany Studios (signed to...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

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...
Category

Early 20th Century American Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Art Deco Letter Holder by Silver Crest in Patinated Bronze
Located in Amityville, NY
Vintage art deco letter holder by Silver Crest in a beautiful patinated bronze of varying tones. Featuring a linear, fluted, column like contrasting motif on each side, along with la...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Cartier 1926 Tom Pouce Ladies Lighter 18kt Gold Bronze Champlevé Emerald & Lapis
Located in Miami, FL
Mughal ladies Tom Pouce lighter designed by Cartier. Fabulous and extremely rare ladies cylindrical gasoline lighter. Created in Paris during the art deco period by the house of Cartier, back in the middle of the 1920's. This miniature Tom Pouce lighter, takes its name from the classic short fairy tales by the Grimm's brothers, Tom Thumb (Tom Pouce being the French translation). It was crafted with Champlevé colored enamels over rustic bronze and accented with details in yellow gold of 18 karats. Embellished with natural lapis lazuli and an emerald. The main outside body is decorated with organics elements and figures of red and blue birds. Gorgeous look and surely a great conversation piece which is accompanied by the round Cartier red box. Champlevé, in the decorative arts, is an enameling technique or an object made by the champlevé process, which consists of cutting away troughs or cells in a metal plate and filling the depressions with pulverized vitreous enamel. The raised metal lines between the cutout areas form the design outline. Emerald: Accented on top in a bezel setting, with 1 square faceted cut of a natural green emerald of about 0.15 carats. Lapis: Mount with 1 flat round cabochon cut, carved from lapis lazuli of about 1.25 carats. Birthstone: Emerald for the month of May. Weight: 21.95 Grams, (14.07 Dwt). Measurements: Have a diameter of 16 mm and a height of 33 mm (0.63 x 1.30 Inches). Hallmarks Stamped with the maker's mark, the serial numbers, the French taxation mark for luxury items BL inside a rectangular cartouche and signed, "CARTIER 5554", stamped with matching cases numbers, 13 & 13. Ministere Des Finances Lighter Tax 1911-1945 Note: On 10th December 1910 the French state adopted a new tax regulations on all devices indented to produce spark or fire by friction, or by any other means, and of the combustion of a flammable substance. Since 1st January 1911 every lighter in France that was intended for sale in the French market had to be taxed and adequately marked. To confirm that the excise duty was paid to the Ministry of Finance a special duty metal plate (stamp) was attached (usually welded) to the lighter by the lighter manufacturers. The fees charged by the French state were high but the tax rates levied by the state were varying depending on the type and finish of the lighter. Following tax rates were used: 2 French francs for common pocket lighters, 5 Fr for pocket lighters made of silver, 20 Fr for luxury pocket lighters (e.g. made of gold), 5 Fr for common table/desk lighters (over 10 cm), 10 Fr for table/desk lighters (over 10 cm) made of silver, 50 Fr for luxury table/desk lighters (over 10 cm) made of gold or platinum. Between 1911 and 1916 a simple copper plate was used which had the date 1911 engraved. Later, between 1916 and 1945 a new plate (undated) was introduced with the letters "C" and "I" (stands for indirect taxes) and a profile of Mercury (patron god of financial gain, commerce and messengers) with an inscription "Ministère Des Finances" (eng. Ministry of Finance). Two shapes were used for the plate – oval for table lighters, the other one for pocket lighters. Additional to the two duty plates a marking "BL" (Briquet de Luxe, eng. luxury lighter) was introduced in 1926. It was a small hallmark which was considered as more discreet and applied only on luxury lighters like Quercia or Lancel. It is worth to mention that France was not the sole country where lighters were taxed and marked with special plates...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold, Bronze, Enamel

Vintage Brass Praying Hands Paperweight, Desk Accessory, Bowl or Object
Located in North Miami, FL
This mid century modern solid cast brass paperweight, bowl, object or desk accessory is of the subject matter of open and cupped praying hands. It has a grape and leaf motif at the t...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Art Nouveau Pocket Watch Desk Inkwell
Located in Northampton, GB
The Inkwell of square shape made from glass with hand cut diamond quilt pattern to the exterior. The lid of the inkwell mounted with a Sterling Silver hinged lid is hallmarked to the...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Paris Le Sacre Coeur Souvenir Double Inkwell Stand Architecture Building
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s - 1910s double inkwell, with a souvenir building of The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris. Nice addition to your writing desk or just to display them in your ...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

1924 René Lalique - Inkwell Colbert Glass With Sepia Patina - N°2/50
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Inkwell “Colbert” made in clear glass with sepia patina by René Lalique in 1924. Molded signature. Lalique made 50 pieces of this model. All are numbered and ours is N°2. Perfect c...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Blown Glass

Tiffany Studios Greek Key Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze blotter ends featuring Greek Key symbols, with a custom black leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios New York, US...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Ink Pad by Le Verrier in Bronze Gold and Green Color France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Ink Pad by Le Verrier in Bronze Gold and Green Color France Signed
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Antique Art Nouveau Inkwell, Signed Gaston Bigard, 1910s, France
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional beautiful inkwell by the french artist and sculptor Gaston Bigard. Signed at the lid "BIGARD". Ceramic with authentic craquele lacquer and a brass lid with beautiful Art ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

A George V silver double inkstand presented to Major Seymour Egerton
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A George V silver double inkstand presented to Major Seymour Egerton, Coldstream Guards, by Prince Arthur Duke of Connaught & Strathearn, of rectangular fo...
Category

Early 20th Century English Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Antique & Large Black Forest Inkstand w. Capercaillie / Wood Grouse Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Largest and rare antique Black Forest inkstand. If you are a collector of decorative and rare Black Forest antiques then this entirely handcarved inkstand could be gracing your home...
Category

Early 20th Century European Black Forest Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze and Enamel Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Pad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze and blue enamel blotter ends with a custom blue leather desk pad By Tiffany Studios New ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Eastman Kodak Co No. 1 Pocket Kodak Jr. 120 Roll Film Folding Below Camera 1910
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Eastman Kodak Co No. 1 Pocket Kodak Jr. 120 Roll Film Folding Below Camera with 112mm F6.3 Anastigmat Lens Made between 1910-19 Number 36241, with ball bearing shutter Made in Ro...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Ocean Liner Ship Souvenir Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Vintage 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous vintage metal money bank. A beautiful decorative item in metal with a missing lock. Made in Europe, circa 1910s or older. Nice addition to any collection, desktop, living ro...
Category

1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Antique Old Vienna Paris Porcelain Inkwell and Ink Blotter Desk Set - 2 Pc Set
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Old Vienna Paris Porcelain Inkwell and Ink Blotter Desk Set - 2 Pc Set. item features Painted scenes, beautiful color, crown mark to inkwell, ver nice antique set. Circa Ear...
Category

Early 1900s Other Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip England, early 20th century A distinguished English bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative...
Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Pad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Arts & Crafts period "Bookmark" bronze blotter ends with a custom brown leather desk pad By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Each blotter end m...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Greek Key Bronze Doré Ash Tray, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze ash tray featuring Greek key designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 3.5"D x 1"H. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Pad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze blotter ends featuring symbols of the Zodiac with a custom brown leather desk pad By Tiffany Studios (signed to the u...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

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 patinated bronze blotter ends featuring symbols of the Zodiac with a custom green leather desk pad By Tiffany Studios (signed to ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Scandinavian Modern Pewter Inkstand, Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1925
Located in Örebro, SE
Rare pewter inkstand, Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden -1925. Lid in the shape of a fish, relief decoration along the sides. The insert in glass is missing. Wear and patina consistent wit...
Category

1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Pewter

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Letter Rack
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze desk letter holder rack featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 9.5"W x 2....
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze inkwell featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.25"W x 4.25"D x 2.25"H. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Blotter Ends With Green Leather Desk Pad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period patinated bronze blotter ends featuring symbols of the Zodiac with a custom green leather desk pad By Tiffany Studios (signed to ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Three-Piece Green Art Glass Desk Set by Fontana Arte, 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
Green art glass desk set by Fontana Arte, 1950s production. Three pieces: pen holder, ashtray/dish or vide poche, and paper holder. Penholder: 3" H x 9" W x 9" D Dish/vide poche...
Category

1950s Italian Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Antique Cased Draughtsman's Set, English, Drawing Tools, WH Harling, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased draughtsman's set. An English, technical drawing case of silver nickel and brass tools by W.H. Harling, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Nicely p...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Antique Silver Hukin & Heath Sealing Wax Desk Set, London, 1920s, Art Deco
Located in Greven, DE
Art Deco Sealing Wax Desk Set, London, circa 1920. Stamped at the bottom "H&H" for its firm Hukin &Heath, and a silver mark "9025". Comprising: Seal, Match Strike & Holder, Candle Ho...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré Rocker Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze and enamel rocker ink blotter By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.75"W x 4"D...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Kodak No 2 Hawkette Marbled Bakelite 120 Roll Film Strut Folding Camera
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Kodak No 2 Hawkette Marbled Bakelite 120 Roll Film Strut Folding Camera With Meniscus Lens & Rotary Shutter Made in the UK 1930's Constructed from brown bakelite moulded components ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Letter Opener
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze and enamel letter opener featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 9.5"W x 1"D x ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Tiffany Studios New York Greek Key Bronze Doré Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze doré inkwell featuring Greek key designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D x 2.25"H....
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Pen Tray
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze Graduate pattern desk pen tray with verdigris green patina By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 8.75"...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

1920s Cine-Kodak Eight Model 60
Located in Cedar Falls, IA
Vintage 1920 Kodak 8mm camera. Poor condition, well-used. Interesting decorative piece.
Category

1920s American Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Orientalist Cold Painted Vienna Bronze Letter Opener, ca. 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
This letter opener, most likely done by the Bergmann Foundry is extremely rare. We have sold countless inkwells, bookends, lamps and other accessories for the desk, but the letter o...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Other Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Pair of Pelican Figure Bookends in Hand Carved Woods, circa 1930
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are a good pair of Art Deco period, Book ends of two Pelicans hand carved in wood. Each stylised pelican has been well hand carved in a dark hardwood and stands on a base f...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Hardwood

Murano Aqua Banana by Alfredo Barbini 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, unique Murano hand blown banana by Alfredo Barbini. Unique aqua glass is encased in gold, and clear glass. The glass glitters when the light hits this piece at different an...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Blown Glass

Swedish early 20th century solid burr birch mallet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century solid burr birch mallet circa 1900. Turned from a solid piece of burr birch this sculptors mallet has little signs of use.  1 piece, handle with feint turned deta...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Empire Revival Desk Accessories

Materials

Birch

Tiffany Studios New York Greek Key Bronze Doré Large Paper Clip, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze paper clip featuring Greek key designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 2.75"W x 4"D x 1.5"H...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Greek Key Bronze Doré Notepad Holder
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze notepad holder featuring Greek key designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.75"W x 7.75"D ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Art Deco Greek Key Bronze Pen Tray
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco bronze pen tray featuring a Greek key design By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 9.5"W x 3.25"D x 0.38"H ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios Bronze Desk Set "Zodiac" Pattern
Located in Austin, TX
This Tiffany Studios bronze desk set embodies past elegance through its intricate "Zodiac" pattern. Known for exceptional quality, attention to detail, and use of high-quality materials, these sets are crafted with intricate designs, reflecting Louis Comfort Tiffany's artistic vision. With meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality bronze, these sets captivate collectors seeking luxury in workspace decor due to their historical importance and association with Tiffany. Rare and intricately designed, their value is influenced by scarcity and craftsmanship. THE SET INCLUDES 2 BOOKENDS, 1 LARGE AND 1 SMALL INKWELL, 1 HORSE HAIR BRUSH, 1 MATCHBOOK HOLDER...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Art Déco English Square Shapped Cut Glass/Crystal Inkwell with Brass/Bronze Top
Located in North Miami, FL
Art Déco english square shapped cut crystal inkwell with brass/bronze spherical top By: unknown Material: brass, bronze, cut glass, glass, metal, crystal, copper, zinc Technique: ca...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Brass, Bronze, Copper, Zinc

Porcelain and Bronze Inkwell in the Taste of Asian Art.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Porcelain and bronze inkwell in the taste of Asian Art. Inkwell decorated with a Buddha in white porcelain on a red lacquer tray mounted with gilt bronze and inkwells in porcelain a...
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Rocker Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze rocker ink blotter featuring the iconic Graduate pattern in verdigris green patina By Tiffany Studios (signed to the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Centu...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Eastman Kodak No 2 Folding Autographic Brownie 120 Film Bellow Camera 1910's
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Eastman Kodak No 2 Folding Autographic Brownie 120 Film Bellow Camera This is a Kodak No 2 folding autographic brownie camera dating from between 1915-1917, the square edged boxes w...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Letter Rack
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze Neoclassical or Adam style desk letter holder rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 9.25"W ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Bronze Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze inkwell featuring the iconic Graduate pattern in verdigris green patina By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Me...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Period Inkwell Pencil Holder with Woodpecker - Franjou
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An Art Deco period inkwell, signed Franjou. With a figure of a woodpecker. Made of nickel-plated spelter. On a marble plinth with fluting for a pencil. Franjou is a pseudonym of the...
Category

1910s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Spelter

Art Nouveau Ink Extinguishing Cradle, France, Circa 1920
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique Ink Extinguishing Cradle, France, circa 1920. Original Art Nouveau hand-painted depiction of a woman´s face.
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Empire Style Table Clock and Inkwell
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Empire style table clock and inkwell Origin France Circa 1900 The watch has a Paris machine and it works Golden bronze and Onix materials Very good general condition the marble ...
Category

Early 1900s French Empire Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Greek Key Bronze Doré Large Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze large inkwell featuring Greek key designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5"W x 5"D x 3.5"H...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

World War II Munition Trench Art Brass "Catch All"
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique military munition trench art, solid brass "catch all", circa 1920s. The piece is in great vintage condition and measures 4.25"D x 3"H. The shell, which I believe is a 75mm, h...
Category

Early 20th Century American Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Art Nouveau Brass Ink Extinguishing Cradle, France, Circa 1930
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique Ink Extinguishing Cradle, France, circa 1930. Nicely chiseled depiction of a woman´s face in a typical Art Nouveau manner.
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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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