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Desk Accessories For Sale
Brutalist letter opener by Leopold, bronze, 1970, Spain
Brutalist letter opener by Leopold, bronze, 1970, Spain

Brutalist letter opener by Leopold, bronze, 1970, Spain

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Beautiful brutalist letter opener designed and made by leopold in spain in the 1970s. Handcrafted bronze structure. Beautiful designer object that will decorate your interior wonderf...

Category

1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box
Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box

Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box

$340Sale Price|20% Off

Onyx Marble Jewelry Trinket Box

Located in New York, NY

A small '70s modern hexagon shaped onyx box with lid, circa 1970s. Box is multicolored onyx, in a hexagon shape with lid and feet. A nice piece to hold small items on a desk, or smal...

Category

1970s Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx

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

English Notary Travel Mail Desk Correspondence Box, circa 1910
English Notary Travel Mail Desk Correspondence Box, circa 1910

English Notary Travel Mail Desk Correspondence Box, circa 1910

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Antique writing slope, notary desk or travel correspondence box in oak, dating to the Edwardian period. Origin England, Circa 1910. The wood in the box shows a patina in good condit...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Ducati Motorbike Engine Block, Man Cave Decorative, Industrial Design
Vintage Ducati Motorbike Engine Block, Man Cave Decorative, Industrial Design

Vintage Ducati Motorbike Engine Block, Man Cave Decorative, Industrial Design

Located in Milano, IT

Loft Decoration- Man Cave Accessory - Ducati Engine Petrolheads, behold! This is an authentic engine coming right off of a vintage 1960s Ducati motorbike. Naturally made in Italy, i...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Large Vintage Floral & Bubble Studio Glass Paperweight - Italy - Circa 1980
Large Vintage Floral & Bubble Studio Glass Paperweight - Italy - Circa 1980

Large Vintage Floral & Bubble Studio Glass Paperweight - Italy - Circa 1980

Located in Chatham, ON

Large vintage art glass floral and bubble paperweight - hand made - mouth blown - featuring a striking white lily to the center with green stem and leaves near the base - polished fi...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Brian Lonsway Large Paperweight, American Art Studio Glass, 1997
Brian Lonsway Large Paperweight, American Art Studio Glass, 1997

Brian Lonsway Large Paperweight, American Art Studio Glass, 1997

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage sculptural art glass paperweight features a free-flowing central core of cobalt blue and white colored glass and controlled bubbles, enclosed in clear glass in sommerso tech...

Category

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso

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

Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Square Medium - Color: Savannah
Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Square Medium - Color: Savannah

Leather Tray ALINEA by ARIA HOME - Square Medium - Color: Savannah

By Aria Home

Located in Curitiba, Parana

A classic that endures. The ALINEA Collection embodies the essence of Aria Home: classic trays with refined finishes, designed to move effortlessly across spaces and styles. Its si...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

PAIR OF 19th Century French CHENETS  Louis XVI Style
PAIR OF 19th Century French CHENETS  Louis XVI Style

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

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Beveled Glass Ashtray by Fontana Arte
Beveled Glass Ashtray by Fontana Arte

Beveled Glass Ashtray by Fontana Arte

By Fontana Arte

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Italian beveled glass ashtray by Fontana Arte / Made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: Length 6.5 inches / width 6.5 inches / height 1 inch Order Reference: FABIOLTD G77 This pi...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Antique 20th Century Silver Plate & Brass Peacock Letter Opener
Antique 20th Century Silver Plate & Brass Peacock Letter Opener

Antique 20th Century Silver Plate & Brass Peacock Letter Opener

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique ​20th Century silver plated and brass letter opener designed as a peacock with its tail neatly folded. A substantial, well-balanced desk accessory that pairs everyday functio...

Category

20th Century Other Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Vintage 20thC French Solid Silver & Gold Bookmark By S.T. Dupont, Paris
Vintage 20thC French Solid Silver & Gold Bookmark By S.T. Dupont, Paris

Vintage 20thC French Solid Silver & Gold Bookmark By S.T. Dupont, Paris

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Vintage 20th century French solid silver and gold bookmark/letter opener by S.T. Dupont of Paris. Finely crafted in a straight form, it is engraved with the Dupont name and finished ...

Category

20th Century French Other Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Silver

Vintage 20thC English Solid Silver Port & Starboard Ship Lantern Inkwells c.1934
Vintage 20thC English Solid Silver Port & Starboard Ship Lantern Inkwells c.1934

Vintage 20thC English Solid Silver Port & Starboard Ship Lantern Inkwells c.1934

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

A pair of 20th Century English solid silver inkwells modelled as a ship’s port and starboard oil lamp lanterns. Each lantern features a curved coloured glass insert, one red and one ...

Category

20th Century British Other Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Italian Gold-Mounted Micromosaic Snuff Box
Italian Gold-Mounted Micromosaic Snuff Box

Italian Gold-Mounted Micromosaic Snuff Box

Located in New York, NY

Italian micro mosaic plaque mounted within snuff box, depicting white and brown hound seated on grass. Circle of Giacomo Raffaelli (1753-1836). R...

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Italian 19th C. Gold Leaf Crown
Italian 19th C. Gold Leaf Crown

Italian 19th C. Gold Leaf Crown

Located in Los Angeles, CA

These are few and far to find....
Ethereal...

Category

19th Century Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Vintage Sculptural Pawn Shape Brass Paperweight Made in England
Vintage Sculptural Pawn Shape Brass Paperweight Made in England

Vintage Sculptural Pawn Shape Brass Paperweight Made in England

Located in San Diego, CA

Beautiful and whimsical brass paperweight that adds personality and style to your office or décor. The weighty piece is signed “Made in England” and adds style to any place. A great ...

Category

1980s British Post-Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage "Mushroom" Iron Ashtray Vase, Italy, 1970s
Vintage "Mushroom" Iron Ashtray Vase, Italy, 1970s

Vintage "Mushroom" Iron Ashtray Vase, Italy, 1970s

Located in Roma, IT

Vintage "Mushroom" iron ashtray vase is a original decorative object realized in the 1970s. Made in Italy. The object is realized in dark green colored iron. Mushroom shape. ...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

Black Marble Arched Platter Small
Black Marble Arched Platter Small

Black Marble Arched Platter Small

Located in Eindhoven, NB

This multi-use arched black marble platter with natural veining makes a sophisticated presentation of appetizers, cheese, breads and crackers. Thi...

Category

2010s Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Emilio Pucci & Hans Theo Baumann Porcelain Cig Vessel for Rosenthal Studio-Line
Emilio Pucci & Hans Theo Baumann Porcelain Cig Vessel for Rosenthal Studio-Line

Emilio Pucci & Hans Theo Baumann Porcelain Cig Vessel for Rosenthal Studio-Line

By Hans Theo Baumann, Emilio Pucci, Rosenthal

Located in New York, NY

A small and beautiful Hans Theo Baumann and Emilio Pucci designed porcelain vessel for Rosenthal 'Studio-Linie', Berlin, circa late 20th century, Germany. Piece is a glazed white por...

Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Howard Miller Domed Barometer
Howard Miller Domed Barometer

Howard Miller Domed Barometer

By Howard Miller

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

An elegant mechanical decorative object.

Category

1960s North American Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Acrylic

Cartier Trinity Ribbed Silver Plated Pen With Red Cartier Box & Red Enamel Clip
Cartier Trinity Ribbed Silver Plated Pen With Red Cartier Box & Red Enamel Clip

Cartier Trinity Ribbed Silver Plated Pen With Red Cartier Box & Red Enamel Clip

By Cartier

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Cartier Trinity Ribbed Silver Plated Ballpoint Pen With Red Cartier Box & Enamel Clip Stunning Example of a Must De Cartier ballpoint pen, featuring the classic trinity rings an...

Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Murano Glass Paperweight
Murano Glass Paperweight

Murano Glass Paperweight

$250Sale Price|50% Off

Murano Glass Paperweight

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Italian Murano glass paperweight hand blown with intricate airbubbles / Made in Italy, circa 1960s Measures: diameter 5 inches / height 4 inches 1 available in stock in Italy...

Category

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

Materials

Murano Glass

Masterpiece inkwell, faun bacchus and putto motif, 1880/90 Belle Époque France
Masterpiece inkwell, faun bacchus and putto motif, 1880/90 Belle Époque France

Masterpiece inkwell, faun bacchus and putto motif, 1880/90 Belle Époque France

Located in Wien, AT

Exceptional table writing set with inkwell, featuring a particularly attractive design, made of Regule, dating from the late 19th century around 1880/90 in France. The irregular bas...

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Mid century modern Murano glass paperweight, 1960
Mid century modern Murano glass paperweight, 1960

Mid century modern Murano glass paperweight, 1960

Located in Palermo, PA

This beautiful Murano glass paperweight features a unique design with small air bubbles at the bottom and surrounding the delicate blue flower inside. The bottom is made of rich blue...

Category

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

Materials

Murano Glass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Secretary
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Secretary

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Desk Secretary

By Edward Wormley

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...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Georg Jensen Minimalist Pencil Holder in Brushed Aluminum
Georg Jensen Minimalist Pencil Holder in Brushed Aluminum

Georg Jensen Minimalist Pencil Holder in Brushed Aluminum

By Georg Jensen

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A 1990s discontinued pencil, tool or toothbrush holder made by Georg Jensen in Denmark. Strict Scandinavian minimalist styling. Removable plastic base that can be cleaned. Measure...

Category

1990s Danish Minimalist Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Aluminium and Brass Flip Calendar Stand by David Marshall
Vintage Aluminium and Brass Flip Calendar Stand by David Marshall

Vintage Aluminium and Brass Flip Calendar Stand by David Marshall

By David Marshall

Located in London, GB

Aluminium and brass flip-calendar stand (circa 1980s) by David Marshall. This piece is weighty, visually stunning and wonderfully tactile with the maker's mark impressed on the right...

Category

1980s Spanish Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

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

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Partner's Inkwell With Desk Tray
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Partner's Inkwell With Desk Tray

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Partner's Inkwell With Desk Tray

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze partner's inkwell with desk tray featuring the iconic Zodiac pattern By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) Ne...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Box with Historical Photos of JFK Kennedy, Roosevelt, Adenauer German Press
Box with Historical Photos of JFK Kennedy, Roosevelt, Adenauer German Press

Box with Historical Photos of JFK Kennedy, Roosevelt, Adenauer German Press

Located in Nuernberg, DE

This is a collection of historical press photographs in an original box. They show several American presidents. Many are by John F kennedy, one by Roosevelt, one with Grover Clevelan...

Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Paper

Brutalist letter opener by David Marshall, bronze, Spain, 1970's
Brutalist letter opener by David Marshall, bronze, Spain, 1970's

Brutalist letter opener by David Marshall, bronze, Spain, 1970's

By David Marshall

Located in BARCELONA, ES

Beautiful brutalist letter opener designed and crafter by sculptor David Marshall in Spain, 1970s. Rare sculpted item in bronze that will elevate your interior. We specialize in vin...

Category

1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Sèvres Porcelain and Ormolu Inkwell
French 19th Century Louis XVI St. Sèvres Porcelain and Ormolu Inkwell

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...

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Ormolu

Tiffany Studios New York Adam Pattern Bronze Doré Inkwell
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Pattern Bronze Doré Inkwell

Tiffany Studios New York Adam Pattern Bronze Doré Inkwell

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Adam" pattern gilt bronze inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.5"W x 3.5...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

20th Century, Enzo Mari for Danese Paperweight Mod. Tokelau
20th Century, Enzo Mari for Danese Paperweight Mod. Tokelau

20th Century, Enzo Mari for Danese Paperweight Mod. Tokelau

By Danese Milano, Enzo Mari

Located in Turin, Turin

Very modernist Paperweight designed by the great designer Enzo Mari for the manufacturer Danese Milano in 1983. The paperweight is called model "Tokelau" that is a Polynesian word me...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel, Iron

ADT Handle Brass by Henry Wilson
ADT Handle Brass by Henry Wilson

ADT Handle Brass by Henry Wilson

By Henry Wilson

Located in Geneve, CH

ADT Handle Brass by Henry Wilson Dimensions: D 3 x W 9 x H 1.8 cm Materials: Brass This versatile handle can be used for cabinetry, sliding doors and...

Category

2010s Australian Post-Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Danish Metal Bottle Opener from Bang & Olufsen, 1970s
Vintage Danish Metal Bottle Opener from Bang & Olufsen, 1970s

Vintage Danish Metal Bottle Opener from Bang & Olufsen, 1970s

By Bang & Olufsen

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: ...

Category

20th Century Danish Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Victorian Tortoise Shell Desk Box W/  3 Italian Faux Tortoise Leather Books
Victorian Tortoise Shell Desk Box W/  3 Italian Faux Tortoise Leather Books

Victorian Tortoise Shell Desk Box W/ 3 Italian Faux Tortoise Leather Books

Located in Kennesaw, GA

Holiday Gift Idea! This is a late 19th century English tortoise shell desk box paired with a set of three Italian faux tortoise leather notebooks. The notebooks have not been used. T...

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Tortoise Shell, Leather, Paper

Bronze Desk Top Model of a Signal Cannon
Bronze Desk Top Model of a Signal Cannon

Bronze Desk Top Model of a Signal Cannon

Located in Cheshire, GB

Bronze desktop model of a signal cannon on Bakelite carriage with bronze wheels. Dimensions: Height 4 inches Width 10 inches Depth 4.5 inches.

Category

Early 20th Century British Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

American Brass Miniature Carriage Clock with Beveled Glass, New York.  C. 1850
American Brass Miniature Carriage Clock with Beveled Glass, New York.  C. 1850

American Brass Miniature Carriage Clock with Beveled Glass, New York. C. 1850

By James Mix

Located in Charleston, SC

American brass miniature carriage clock with beveled glass, carrying handle , and signed enamel over copper face with dial. Clock consists of time, strike,...

Category

1850s American American Classical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Copper, Enamel

Art Glass Sommerso Blue Bird Paperweight Figurine
Art Glass Sommerso Blue Bird Paperweight Figurine

Art Glass Sommerso Blue Bird Paperweight Figurine

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Abstract blue art glass bird figurine was hand blown in sommerso technique, with flue and white speckled gather of colored glass encased in clear glass. Minimal, sculptural tail and...

Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Stitched Leather Desk Set Attributed to Jacques Adnet
Mid-Century Modern Stitched Leather Desk Set Attributed to Jacques Adnet

Mid-Century Modern Stitched Leather Desk Set Attributed to Jacques Adnet

By 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...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Apollineo Bookend 1 in Leccese Stone and Hand-Painted Ceramic
Apollineo Bookend 1 in Leccese Stone and Hand-Painted Ceramic

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...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Limestone

1940's Original Enamel Tiffin Carrier - Decorated White
1940's Original Enamel Tiffin Carrier - Decorated White

1940's Original Enamel Tiffin Carrier - Decorated White

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1940's Original Enamel Tiffin Carrier - Decorated White. Classic multi compartment tiffin carrier. An original 1940's well loved and used decorated enamel tiffin from India. Used d...

Category

1940s Indian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Leather Office Desk Pad - ARIA HOME - Handmade in leather
Leather Office Desk Pad - ARIA HOME - Handmade in leather

Leather Office Desk Pad - ARIA HOME - Handmade in leather

By Aria Home

Located in Curitiba, Parana

Organization that embraces routine The AETTRA Collection from ARIA HOME, was created for those who view work as an integral part of daily living and value well-being in the professi...

Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Trio of Lucite Sculptures Signed & Dated
Trio of Lucite Sculptures Signed & Dated

Trio of Lucite Sculptures Signed & Dated

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fantastic trio of Lucite sculptures with geometric shapes designed and manufactured by a Los Angeles artist and signed "Henry" 2017. The pieces are beautifully executed, the inlaid ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Handblown Glass Paperweight - Sculptural Solid Glass Object - 1960s
Mid-Century Handblown Glass Paperweight - Sculptural Solid Glass Object - 1960s

Mid-Century Handblown Glass Paperweight - Sculptural Solid Glass Object - 1960s

Located in ROUEN, Normandie

Mid-Century Handblown Glass Paperweight - Sculptural Solid Glass Object - 1960s Sculptural solid glass paperweight featuring a free-form shape and delicate air bubbles suspended thr...

Category

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

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

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.