Large Art Nouveau Style Brass Letter Holder, circa 1950
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely vintage Art Nouveau style brass letter holder rack with two compartments. This superb letter holder is a nice large size and heavy, weighing over 5 lbs. It has a beautiful o...
Brass
$760Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century English Silvered Metal 'Worried Knight' Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century English Silvered Metal 'Worried Knight' Inkwell Add a touch of classical whimsy to your home or office with our tole figural knight inkwell. Made in later 19th century ...
Metal
French Mid-Century Stone Coasters (Set of 8)
Located in London, GB
A set of natural stone circular drink place mats or coasters. Likely Agates. France, c1970s. A variety of colours and stone specimens. All have a circular hole in the centre pres...
Stone
Marble Pyramid Obelisk Style Decorative Object Black White
Located in New York, NY
A black, charcoal and white marble pyramid 'Obelisk style', circa 1970s, 20th century. No chips noted. Dimensions: 2.63" square base x 7.88" height. Other items shown in images also available, search 1stDibs ref. #s: Lucite Pennies paperweight...
Marble
Antique Tiffany & Co. Bronze Doré Medusa Vanity Hand Mirror, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique gilt bronze Medusa vanity hand mirror or decorative mirror By Tiffany & Co. (signed on the back) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.5"W x...
Bronze
Carl Auböck brush with comb
Located in Wien, AT
Carl Auböck brush with comb; good original condition, Austria mid-20th century.
Horn
Cristal D'Albret France JFK Jackie Kennedy Sulphide Paperweight Faceted Green
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 1970s, New old stock, Cristal D'Albret France Limited Edition (only 2000 made) JFK and Jackie Kennedy Sulphide Glass Faceted Green Paperweight with COA Paperwork (NO BOX. Cer...
Glass
Mexican Modernist Hand Wrought 950 Silver Letter Opener with Onyx Handle
Located in New York, NY
Mexican mid century modern hand wrought 950 silver letter opener with hand carved Aztec motif green onyx handle. Hallmark stamped underside, 950
Onyx, Sterling Silver
$1,952Sale Price / item|50% Off
Mid-Century Modern Stitched Leather Desk Set Attributed to Jacques Adnet
Located in London, GB
A classic stitched leather desk set in dark green leather, attributed to Jacques Adnet. The set comprises a clock with wind up mechanism and nickel plated stylized numbers on the fac...
Leather
Apollineo Bookend 1 in Leccese Stone and Hand-Painted Ceramic
By TIPSTUDIO
Located in Florence, IT
The Apollineo collection mergs classical and contemporary elements to define a unique aesthetic inspired by Mediterranean architecture and vibes. Sun-blessed pure volumes, shapes mar...
Stone, Limestone
Marshall Field & Co. Antique Viking Bronze Pen Brush, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period "Viking" collection bronze pen brush or pen wipe In the manner of Tiffany Studios By Marshall Field & Co. USA, Circa 1910 Measures: 2....
Bronze
Napoleon III Gutta Percha Desk Accessory Pen Holder, circa 1880
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding testament to 19th-century craftsmanship, this exceptional Napoleon III Gutta Percha pen holder was masterfully designed at the end of the 19th Century. The piece was m...
Latex
Pair of English Polished Steel Hand Chase Decorative Floral Bookends, Circa 1830
Located in Charleston, SC
Pair of English polished steel bulbous hand chased decorative floral bookends resting on rectangular step back plinths, Early 19th century.
Steel
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Blotter
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 ...
Bronze
Vintage Olivetti Portable Typewriter Model Lettera 27
By Olivetti
Located in Palermo, IT
Olivetti portable typewriter model Lettera 27. Intact and functional, equipped with transport cover. Good condition.
Metal
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Secretary
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Very rare desk secretary designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Functional five drawers and letter slots on turned brass knobs and feet. With original Dunb...
Brass
Large Vintage Art Glass Lavender 'Bubble' Paperweight - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
Large vintage studio glass lavender colored 'bubble' paperweight - unsigned - Canada - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration. Size - ...
Glass, Art Glass
Pair of French Mid-Century Modern Rock Crystal Hand-Craved, Hand-Polished Orbs
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of French Mid-Century Modern rock crystal hand-craved and hand-polished orbs/spheres on original rock crystal stands. Each orb is hand carved and hand-polished from a single p...
Rock Crystal
$556Sale Price|20% Off
1920s Bostonian Tailors Paperweight Curiosity Desk Object Architect Sculpture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful desk relic from a Bostonian Tailor.
Metal
Vintage Danish Metal Bottle Opener from Bang & Olufsen, 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Danish Metal Bottle Opener from Bang & Olufsen, 1970s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1970 to 1979 This piece has an attribution mark, Additional information: Materials: ...
Metal
BeoCom 2400 Desktop Telephone in Navy Blue by Martin Iseli for Bang & Olufsen
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare BeoCom 2400 corded phone by Martin Iseli for Bang & Olufsen, circa 1990s . At the time of its introduction, BeoCom 2400 was a completely new concept from B&G and was known as ...
Plastic
$5,732 / set
Enzo Mari cubs 60‘s
By Enzo Mari
Located in Vienna, AT
Two resin cubes, each containing a sphere, designed by Enzo Mari. Made in Italy by Danese Milano, 1950s. 7 x 7 cm .. large ones Danese Milano (Hersteller*in),Enzo Mari (Designer*in)
Resin
Antique Letter Opener in Ebony Africa Early 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Letter Opener in Ebony Africa, Early 20th Century. Beautiful and hand made letter opener in solid ebony, made in Africa in the beginning of the 20th century. Depicting a sty...
Ebony
Gold Carnelian Armorial Seal with Agate Handle
Located in New Orleans, LA
Gold Carnelian Armorial Seal with Agate Handle A. Croisier, Paris Circa 1880 This exquisite agate, gold and carnelian armorial seal, dating to circa 1880, once belonged to the Marqu...
Agate, Carnelian, Gold
Carl Auböck Brass Hand Letter Opener Letter Knife #7208
Located in Vienna, AT
A minimalist but charming letter opener in the shape of a hand. Model number 7208, handmade of solid polished brass, designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Fully stamped an...
Brass
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Sèvres Porcelain and Ormolu Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming and most elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. Sèvres Porcelain and ormolu inkwell, stamped, P.C.G. The inkwell is raised by Fine fluted bun shaped feet below the beau...
Ormolu
$1,076Sale Price|20% Off
Vincenzo Nason Murano Art Glass Green Blue Bird Paperweight Figurine
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching Murano glass bird sculpture by Vincenzo Nason, Italy, 1970s. Green, blue and clear glass with beautiful hues when light go...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,008Sale Price|48% Off
19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Inkwell Qalamdan
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A 19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Qalamdan. The Qalamdan is in solid brass, decorated on all sides with middle eastern calligraphy. Comprising an inkwell and a pen compar...
Brass
Vinyl Record Stand by Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
This orange vinyl record stand was produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden during the second half of the 20th century. Executed in molded plastic, the pie...
Plastic
Silver Writing Set, with Hallmarks, Antonio J. Santa Cruz, Cordoba, Spain, 1773
By Antonio Jose de Santa Cruz
Located in Madrid, ES
Silver writing set. With hallmarks. Córdoba, Antonio José de Santa Cruz (Córdoba, 1733 -?) and Juan de Luque and Leiva, Spain, 1773. It shows some fault in some container and adds b...
Silver
PAIR OF 19th Century French CHENETS Louis XVI Style
Located in Madrid, ES
PAIR OF 19th Century French CHENETS Louis XVI style, in gilded metal. Dim.: 29 x 13 x 5 cm good conditions
Metal
George III Period Rococo Sterling Silver Wax Jack, Desk Accessory, 1767
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1767 by John Langford II & John Sebille, this elegant, Antique Sterling Silver Wax Jack, is in the Rococo taste, standing on three fee...
Sterling Silver
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...
Brass
Crystal Ball Sphere Bud Vase Modern Minimalist
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A substantial crystal ball sphere bud vase in the style of Baccara, in the modern or minimalist style. Beautiful as a standalone piece or for a sin...
Crystal
Gilt Bronze Equestrian Inkwell, circa 1870
Located in New York, NY
Gilt bronze equestrian inkwell, circa 1870.
Bronze
$438Sale Price|35% Off
Italian Richard Ginori Porcelain Tray Parrot Bird on Bamboo Plant Chinoiserie
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful vintage Italian white porcelain jewelry dish/plate/tray by designer Richard Ginori, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Tray vide-poche features a Phoenix parrot...
Porcelain
Solid Red Marble Apple Paperweight with Brass Stem
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid red marble with brass accent stem apple paperweight or sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3" x 3.5"H. #4671
Marble, Brass
$233 / item
Blackened Brute Handle by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Blackened Brute Handle by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 3 x D 2 x H 10 cm Materials: Blackened bronze. This versatile handle can be used for cabinetry, sliding doors, and sash windows....
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Bronze Doré and Favrile Letter Rack
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze and Favrile slag glass "Pine Needle" pattern desk letter holder rack By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) Ne...
Bronze
Large Murano Glass Paperweight with Internal Bubbles and Swirls
Located in Rochester, NY
Vintage colorful Italian glass paperweight.
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Kalmar Mid-Century Teak Desk Organizer / Letter Tray 1970s
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully crafted mid-century modern desk organizer by Kalmar, executed in richly grained Danish teak. This sculptural and highly functional piece embodies the refined simplicity...
Teak
Christian Thomsen Royal Copenhagen 1903 Art Nouveau Porcelain Cocks Inkwell #524
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Designed by Christian Thomsen of Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, this fine antique porcelain inkstand features two white cocks feeding. Created in 1...
Porcelain
c. 1850 Middle Eastern Islamic Brass Inkwell & Pen Case
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1850 Middle Eastern Islamic brass inkwell & pen case (Qalamden). Solid brass with cast parts. The case's sides are engraved with geometric designs. 9.5" x 2 1/8" x 1.5" h. Whi...
Brass
Art Deco Desk Inkwell with Female Figure and Chrome Details
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Art Deco Desk Inkwell with Female Figure and Chrome Details Description: A stunning Art Deco desk inkwell featuring a sculptural female figure in polished chrome, mounted on an eleg...
Metal
$1,300
Italian 60's Silver Bowl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ever so chic for your entry: keys, spare change, a cashew or two in style.
Silver
19th Century Italian Marble Book with Micromosaic Plaque Depicting a Classical T
Located in Madrid, ES
Charming and unusual decorative marble book, crafted in Italy during the 19th century, featuring a finely executed micromosaic plaque on the front cover depicting a classical Roman t...
Marble
$3,850Sale Price|30% Off
Silver inkwell with two tanks, bell, pen holder and set on three raised feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver inkwell with two reservoirs, bell, pen holder and set on three raised feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portugal. Brand: Lisbon Crown. Weight: 579.89 grams. Dimensions...
Silver
$456 / item
Brass Accented Crystal Prism Tray by Dainte
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass Accented Crystal Prism Tray by Dainte Dimensions: D 26 x W 28 x H 4 cm. Materials: Crystal and brass. The decorative prism tray is designed to fascinate and delight. Creating ...
Crystal, Brass
Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper Brionvega TS52 Radio
By Marco Zanuso, Richard Sapper
Located in Sharon, CT
Important Radio by Sapper and Zanuso in gorgeous red.
Plastic
Edwardian Sterling Silver-Mounted Onyx Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian, sterling silver - mounted onyx inkwell, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1915. Measures 3 3/4 inches wide (at widest point) x 2 1/4 inches high x 4 inches deep. So...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
19th Century French University Teaching Shapes - Collection Of Eight
Located in Hook, Hampshire
19th Century French University Teaching Shapes - Collection Of Eight. We know little of the history or use of this collection but they are from the late 19th Century and came from ...
Beech
Large Patinated Brass Sculpture of Male Form 'Back - 2/2'
Located in London, GB
A well formed artist made sculpture cast of the male form. One of two pieces available. The reverse being sold in a separate listing. France, c1950s...
Brass
Stunning quality antique Victorian Papier-Mache Desk Set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Stunning quality antique Victorian Papier-Mache Desk Set, having a quality Victorian papier-mache desk set inlaid with stunning mother of pearl detail raised on four bun feet, having...
Silver Plate
Gourmet Round Wood Trivet, by Gunnar Cyren from Warm Nordic
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Viby J, DK
Beautiful walnut and oak trivets with delicate carvings. Trivets were originally designed in the 1970s by the highly acclaimed Swedish designer, Gunnar Cyren as part of the Gourmet Wood range, and are now being manufactured again by Warm Nordic. Their harmonious design and consummate quality make these wooden trivets perfect for both everyday meals and more festive occasions. The carvings lend the trivets a touch of character and have a life of their own in the form of swaying trees, sprouting hearts and abstract animals, depending on which way you look at them. Gunnar Cyren's Trivets also look attractive on the kitchen worktop...
Wood
Art Nouveau, Liberty & Co. London. Hammered Antique Pewter Dish c1910
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Art Nouveau antique pewter footed dish for Liberty & Co., Regent Street, London Superb dark pewter patina and hand hammered with stylised edging decoration Circa 1910 Signed Engl...
Pewter
1960s Original French Glass Pepsi Bottles, Large Quantity Available
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1960s original French glass Pepsi bottles, large quantity available. We recently came across a large quantity of these original French Pepsi bottles and h...
Art Glass
English Writing Desk With Mother Of Pearl And Abalone
Located in Dallas, TX
An english wood Writing Desk inlaid with abalone and mother of pearl. The lock is signed by maker in London, England. Circa 1860.
Leather, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Contemporary Blackened Ribbon Hook by Henry Wilson
By Henry Wilson
Located in Geneve, CH
Blackened Ribbon Hook by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 2 x D 8 x H 12 cm Materials: Blackened bronze. An antidote to last-minute rummaging, the Ribbon Hook features two protruding bloc...
Bronze
$3,850Sale Price|30% Off
Silver inkwell w/ rack, two reservoirs, pen holder, bell & standing on four feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver inkwell with rack, two reservoirs, pen holder, bell and standing on four feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portugal. Brand: Lisbon Crown. Weight: 617.69 grams. Dimensi...
Silver
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...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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.
