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Desk Accessories For Sale
"Langouste" Pâte de Verre Paperweight by Walter and Bergé
"Langouste" Pâte de Verre Paperweight by Walter and Bergé

"Langouste" Pâte de Verre Paperweight by Walter and Bergé

By Henri Bergé and Amalric Walter

Located in New York, NY

This French Art Nouveau pâte de verre paperweight (or "Presse Papiers") by Amalric Walter and Henri Bergé is an earlier, and smaller version of a series of "Langouste" paperweights f...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Silver bell with mechanism inside resting on a guilloche cup
Silver bell with mechanism inside resting on a guilloche cup

Silver bell with mechanism inside resting on a guilloche cup

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Silver bell with mechanism inside resting on a guilloche cup. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 347.23 grams. Dimensions: 16x5cm. Conten...

Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Large - Color: Classic Blue
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Large - Color: Classic Blue

Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Large - Color: Classic Blue

By Aria Home

Located in Curitiba, Parana

Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Stamp box in embossed silver w/ wooden interior & five compartments, hinged lid
Stamp box in embossed silver w/ wooden interior & five compartments, hinged lid

Stamp box in embossed silver w/ wooden interior & five compartments, hinged lid

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Stamp box in embossed silver with wooden interior and five compartments, hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Javali I Title. Weight: 350.61 grams. Dime...

Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Josh Simpson Early Dichroic Planet Paperweight, 1984
Josh Simpson Early Dichroic Planet Paperweight, 1984

Josh Simpson Early Dichroic Planet Paperweight, 1984

By Josh Simpson

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage Planet series paperweight features a vortex core of dichroic glass with controlled air bubbles accentuating the folds of dichroic element, encased in clear glass layer in som...

Category

20th Century American Organic Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Inkwell
19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Inkwell

19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Inkwell

Located in Paris, FR

19th century malachite inkwell. The circular plate for resting a fountain pen houses a crystal inkpot in its center. The plate and the inkpot's stopper are embellished with a gilt bronze cross...

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Malachite

Lino Sabattini Paperweight for Christofle, Gallia Collection, c. 1960, France.
Lino Sabattini Paperweight for Christofle, Gallia Collection, c. 1960, France.

Lino Sabattini Paperweight for Christofle, Gallia Collection, c. 1960, France.

By Lino Sabattini

Located in Brussels, BE

Lino Sabattini stone-shaped paperweight for Christofle, Gallia Collection, circa 1960, France. Silver-plated metal. Signed : Christofle France, Coll. Gallia. Dimensions: 12 cm W, 7...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Extra Long - Color: Wine
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Extra Long - Color: Wine

Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Extra Long - Color: Wine

By Aria Home

Located in Curitiba, Parana

Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

René Lalique 'Nemours', '1929', 20th Century
René Lalique 'Nemours', '1929', 20th Century

René Lalique 'Nemours', '1929', 20th Century

By René Lalique

Located in Madrid, ES

Rene Lalique Cup 'Nemours' (1929). In French glass of the 20th century, molded and relined. Sign 'Lalique, France'. This model was produced in the years 1940 to 1959. Only us...

Category

20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

19th Pair of Bronze Stirrups of Horse Saddle
19th Pair of Bronze Stirrups of Horse Saddle

19th Pair of Bronze Stirrups of Horse Saddle

Located in Marbella, ES

19th Pair of Bronze Stirrups of Horse Saddle

Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

1950s Small Czech Leather Medicine Balls, Decorative - Various Qty Available
1950s Small Czech Leather Medicine Balls, Decorative - Various Qty Available

1950s Small Czech Leather Medicine Balls, Decorative - Various Qty Available

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1950s small Czech leather medicine balls, decorative 1950s small Czech leather medicine balls, decorative. We have a number of these large handsome worn leather medicine balls tha...

Category

1950s Czech Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Louis XV Style Bronze and Glass Figural Inkwell
Louis XV Style Bronze and Glass Figural Inkwell

Louis XV Style Bronze and Glass Figural Inkwell

Located in Germantown, MD

Louis XV Style Bronze and Glass Figural Inkwell Dimensions: 7" in width, 4" in depth and 6.5 inches in height.

Category

19th Century American Louis XV Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Pair French Silvered Bronze Lions Mask Plinths w/ Hand-Carved Rock Crystal Orbs
Pair French Silvered Bronze Lions Mask Plinths w/ Hand-Carved Rock Crystal Orbs

Pair French Silvered Bronze Lions Mask Plinths w/ Hand-Carved Rock Crystal Orbs

Located in New York, NY

A Pair of Incredible French 19th Century Louis XVI Style Silvered Bronze Lions Mask Plinths with Hand-Carved and Hand-Polished Rock Crystal Orbs. Boasting sumptuous French Regency d...

Category

1890s French Louis XVI Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Rock Crystal, Bronze

19th Century Gilt Bronze and Malachite Three Piece Desk Set - Leuchars of London
19th Century Gilt Bronze and Malachite Three Piece Desk Set - Leuchars of London

19th Century Gilt Bronze and Malachite Three Piece Desk Set - Leuchars of London

By Leuchars & Son

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Rare Early 19th Century Gilt Bronze and Malachite Three Piece Desk Set By Leuchars of London James Leuchars The highly decorative mounted malachite set consisting of a letter box...

Category

Early 19th Century English Belle Époque Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu

Letter Opener in Silver, decorated with a stag’s head from early 20th Century
Letter Opener in Silver, decorated with a stag’s head from early 20th Century

Letter Opener in Silver, decorated with a stag’s head from early 20th Century

Located in Knivsta, SE

Beautiful Letter Opener in Silver and beech, decorated with a stag’s head. Art Nouveau, from the early 20th Century. Wear consistent with age and use

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Empire Cast Iron Pocket Watch Stand with Martial Decoration, circa 1820
Empire Cast Iron Pocket Watch Stand with Martial Decoration, circa 1820

Empire Cast Iron Pocket Watch Stand with Martial Decoration, circa 1820

Located in Knivsta, SE

Empire Cast Iron Pocket Watch Stand with Martial Decoration, circa 1820 Striking Empire-period pocket watch stand in cast iron, dating from the early 19th century, circa 1820. A po...

Category

1820s Empire Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

Old Model of a Private Plane Falcon, 20th Century
Old Model of a Private Plane Falcon, 20th Century

Old Model of a Private Plane Falcon, 20th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

Old model of a private plane falcon. Very interesting model of a private plane model falcon. Years 70. It is made entirely in massive aluminum. Totally we...

Category

20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Black Leather Box Tray Organizer English
Black Leather Box Tray Organizer English

Black Leather Box Tray Organizer English

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful English black leather tray organizer caddy, circa late-20th century, England. Piece is black leather with compartments for necessities: 'watch, jewelry, keys, eyeglasses,...

Category

Late 20th Century English Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather, Velvet

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Zodiac Bookends, Circa 1910
Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Zodiac Bookends, Circa 1910

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Zodiac Bookends, Circa 1910

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Zodiac" pattern bronze bookends By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, early 20th century Each measures: ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Antique British Nautical / Maritime Brass Parallel Ruler by Kelvin & Hughes
Antique British Nautical / Maritime Brass Parallel Ruler by Kelvin & Hughes

Antique British Nautical / Maritime Brass Parallel Ruler by Kelvin & Hughes

By Kelvin & Hughes 1

Located in San Diego, CA

Antique British nautical / maritime solid brass parallel ruler by Kelvin & Hughes, circa 1900. The ruler is in very good vintage condition with a great patina and measures 24"W x 5.7...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Late Victorian Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Metal Bolt Shaped Tabletop Lighter,  France, c. 1960
Metal Bolt Shaped Tabletop Lighter,  France, c. 1960

Metal Bolt Shaped Tabletop Lighter, France, c. 1960

Located in New York City, NY

Chromed, polished table lighter in the shape of a bolt. 

Category

1960s French Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of 18th Century Italian Holy Water Fonts
Pair of 18th Century Italian Holy Water Fonts

Pair of 18th Century Italian Holy Water Fonts

$1,040Sale Price / set|20% Off

Pair of 18th Century Italian Holy Water Fonts

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Pair of 18th Century Italian Holy Water Fonts. In good condition. Perfect for Soap Dishes. Unique set purchased in France. Age appropriate wear, see detailed photos or message us wit...

Category

18th Century French Napoleon III Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Modern Blackened and Chrome Metal Circular Shade Table or Desk Lamp
Mid-Century Modern Blackened and Chrome Metal Circular Shade Table or Desk Lamp

Mid-Century Modern Blackened and Chrome Metal Circular Shade Table or Desk Lamp

By Louis Kalff

Located in Lisse, NL

Stylish and rare midcentury modern desk lamp in the manner of Louis Kalff. Both figuratively and literally, this 1950s or 60s fixture is perfect for bringing light to your Mid-Centu...

Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Murano Sommerso Glass Horse Head Bust Signed Italian
Murano Sommerso Glass Horse Head Bust Signed Italian

Murano Sommerso Glass Horse Head Bust Signed Italian

Located in North Miami, FL

This Italian Murano Sommerso glass horse head is signed Bortaro. It is lovely and in then colors of black, gray and clear. The mane of hair in hand b...

Category

1980s Unknown Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Blown Glass

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze "Grapevine" pattern blotter ends with a custom green leather desk blotter By Tiffany Studios (each blotter end signed to ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Neoclassical-Style Continental Silver '.800' Footed Double inkwell by Dragstead
Neoclassical-Style Continental Silver '.800' Footed Double inkwell by Dragstead

Neoclassical-Style Continental Silver '.800' Footed Double inkwell by Dragstead

By A. Dragsted

Located in New York, NY

Neoclassical - style, Continental Silver (.800), footed, double inkwell, Denmark, year-hallmarked for 1901, A. N. Dragsted - maker. Each of the wells is decorated with bows and garla...

Category

Early 1900s Danish Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sommerso Glass Apple by Hanne Dreutler and Arthur Zirnsack for Studio Åhus
Sommerso Glass Apple by Hanne Dreutler and Arthur Zirnsack for Studio Åhus

Sommerso Glass Apple by Hanne Dreutler and Arthur Zirnsack for Studio Åhus

By Studio Ahus

Located in Bochum, NRW

Stunning classic Glass APPLE by Hanne Dreutler for Studio Åhus from 1992. Beautiful, vibrant light green and clear glass made in sommerso technique that originated in Murano, Italy. ...

Category

1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Mid-Century Modern Brass Letter Opener with Tennis Racket Design, 1950s
Mid-Century Modern Brass Letter Opener with Tennis Racket Design, 1950s

Mid-Century Modern Brass Letter Opener with Tennis Racket Design, 1950s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Modern Brass Letter Opener with Tennis Racket Design, 1950s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1950 to 1959 Additional information: Materials: Metal Color: Gold Period: ...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Seguso Murano Egg Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s
Seguso Murano Egg Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s

Seguso Murano Egg Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s

By Archimede Seguso

Located in Roma, IT

Fantastic egg-shaped paperweight made in mouth-blown Murano glass with gold leaf inside. This incredibly charming paperweight was designed by Archimede Seguso in Italy during the 195...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Oak desk organizer by Borge Mogensen for ILLUMS BOLIGHUS
Oak desk organizer by Borge Mogensen for ILLUMS BOLIGHUS

Oak desk organizer by Borge Mogensen for ILLUMS BOLIGHUS

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Greensboro, NC

Oak desk organizer by Borge Mogensen, circa 1960s. retains its original ILLUMS BOLIGHUS label. Shows minor wear commensurate with age and use. Original paint, mild wear to drawers ...

Category

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

Materials

Oak

Late 20th Century American Mid Century Modern A - Z Bookends by, Curtis Jere
Late 20th Century American Mid Century Modern A - Z Bookends by, Curtis Jere

Late 20th Century American Mid Century Modern A - Z Bookends by, Curtis Jere

By Curtis Jeré

Located in Englewood, NJ

A Pair of Mid Century Modern cast iron "A-Z" Iron Bookends finished in original gilt finish. They are each signed "@ C Jere 1970" They are In great vintage condition with some loss o...

Category

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

Materials

Iron

Ico Parisi "Profile of a woman" document holder, Italy, 1970s
Ico Parisi "Profile of a woman" document holder, Italy, 1970s

Ico Parisi "Profile of a woman" document holder, Italy, 1970s

By Ico Parisi

Located in Padova, IT

Ico Parisi "Profilo di donna," Woman's profile, document holder, Italy, 1970s. Plexiglass. Cm 34.50 x 36.00 x 15.00. 1970s.

Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Plexiglass

KERRY Irish Art Glass Paperweight Hand Blown in a Jade to Emerald Green 1980s
KERRY Irish Art Glass Paperweight Hand Blown in a Jade to Emerald Green 1980s

KERRY Irish Art Glass Paperweight Hand Blown in a Jade to Emerald Green 1980s

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage Kerry art glass paperweight hand blown in dark olive green, jade and emerald colors with small bubbles. Hand crafted in Ireland, circa 1980s. Sticker still attached. Kerry Glass...

Category

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

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Substantial Letter Opener by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
Substantial Letter Opener by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark

Substantial Letter Opener by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark

By Just Andersen

Located in Værløse, DK

Large Bronze Letter Opener designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A beautiful piece for an elegant desk. * Bronze letter knife * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B216 * Year: 1925-...

Category

1920s Danish Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Italian Florentine Wooden Gilt Desk Letter Holder, circa 1950's
Italian Florentine Wooden Gilt Desk Letter Holder, circa 1950's

Italian Florentine Wooden Gilt Desk Letter Holder, circa 1950's

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Charming vintage Italian paper holder organizer with a top handle from the 1950's. This Mid-Century piece would be a wonderful addition to any home office, library or kitchen. We al...

Category

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

Materials

Wood, Paint

Three Blue and White Miniature Vases, C 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era
Three Blue and White Miniature Vases, C 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era

Three Blue and White Miniature Vases, C 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era

Located in seoul, KR

During Yongzheng era, such miniatures were appreciated for their craftsmanship and aesthetic value. They were also often used in scholars' studios as part of the 'wenfang', or study ...

Category

1720s East Asian Qing Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Long - Color: Beet
Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Long - Color: Beet

Leather Table Tray ALESSIA by ARIA HOME - Long - Color: Beet

By Aria Home

Located in Curitiba, Parana

Where objects breathe. The ALESSIA Collection features generously proportioned console trays with minimalist design, created to highlight compositions with lightness and intention....

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Giraffe Murano, 1930, Italian
Giraffe Murano, 1930, Italian

Giraffe Murano, 1930, Italian

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'Vi...

Category

1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

1970’s Italian Hand Made Zebra Hide Desk Organizer
1970’s Italian Hand Made Zebra Hide Desk Organizer

1970’s Italian Hand Made Zebra Hide Desk Organizer

Located in Palm Springs, CA

We acquired this desk accessory along with a wonderful Gucci desk set from a local Palm Springs estate. These desk items were purchased in the 1970’s. The Gucci desk set is available...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather, Zebra Hide

Large Murano Pear
Large Murano Pear

Large Murano Pear

$476Sale Price|20% Off

Large Murano Pear

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Amazing Murano large over size pear with burg interior..Amazing shape and size.

Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

19th Century Russian Malachite and Gilt Bronze Large Inkwell
19th Century Russian Malachite and Gilt Bronze Large Inkwell

19th Century Russian Malachite and Gilt Bronze Large Inkwell

Located in Dallas, TX

Rare and exceptional 19th century Russian gilt bronze and malachite inkwell. Gilt Sphinx with two ink deposits and double sided pen holders.

Category

Late 19th Century Baltic Baltic Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Malachite

Brutalist support and pencil by Art3, Spain, 1970
Brutalist support and pencil by Art3, Spain, 1970

Brutalist support and pencil by Art3, Spain, 1970

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Beautiful and rare set of a pencil and its brutalist support designed and produced by art3 in spain in the 1970s. Objects in brass and aluminum. Designer objects that will decorate y...

Category

1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Sheffield 1891 Sterling Silver Tabletop Double Glass Inkwell
Sheffield 1891 Sterling Silver Tabletop Double Glass Inkwell

Sheffield 1891 Sterling Silver Tabletop Double Glass Inkwell

Located in New York, NY

Sterling silver tabletop double inkwell with aquatic and wavy pattern. Two glass inkwells with sterling silver tops. Maker JJ, made in Sheffield, England in 1891. A great gift and ad...

Category

1890s English Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage Wooden Chopping Boards - Medium Size - Good Quantity Available
Vintage Wooden Chopping Boards - Medium Size - Good Quantity Available

Vintage Wooden Chopping Boards - Medium Size - Good Quantity Available

Located in Hook, Hampshire

Vintage Wooden Chopping Boards - Medium Size - Good Quantity Available. Sourced from Hungarian and Romanian street markets, crudely made and well used small chopping boards made ma...

Category

1950s Hungarian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Beech

Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960
Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960

Tomado Modernist Desk Office Paper Waste Basket, circa 1960

By Tomado

Located in Atlanta, GA

This is a rare functional mid-century modern desk accessory or office waste-basket designed by Tomado, Holland, circa 1960. The oval shape features a light gray metal structure with ...

Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Studio Craft Rosewood Jewelry Box
Mid-Century Modern Studio Craft Rosewood Jewelry Box

Mid-Century Modern Studio Craft Rosewood Jewelry Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Mid-Century Modern studio craft rosewood jewelry box.

Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Rosewood

Emilia Castillo Silver Plate & Malachite Frog Document Holder, Hand Signed
Emilia Castillo Silver Plate & Malachite Frog Document Holder, Hand Signed

Emilia Castillo Silver Plate & Malachite Frog Document Holder, Hand Signed

By Emilia Castillo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Charming and sculptural desk organizer designed by renowned Taxco silversmith Emilia Castillo, handcrafted in silver plate and accented with natural malachite frog figures perched at...

Category

1980s Mexican Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Malachite, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass

Early 20th Century Brass Plaque by Bezalel School Jerusalem
Early 20th Century Brass Plaque by Bezalel School Jerusalem

Early 20th Century Brass Plaque by Bezalel School Jerusalem

Located in New York, NY

Bezalel brass plaque depicting a Jewish elder next to the Western Wall, made in Jerusalem, circa 1920, bearing a small metal label engraved "Bezalel Jeru...

Category

Early 20th Century Israeli 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.