$360 / item
Carl Auböck Model #9040 Polished Brass Knob
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9040 Polished Brass Knob Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte...
Brass
Beautiful quality antique Victorian papier-mache inlaid desk set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Beautiful quality antique Victorian Papier-Mache Desk Set, having a quality Victorian papier-mache desk set inlaid with stunning mother of pearl detail with a shaped edge raised on f...
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass
Swedish Art Deco Bronze Inkwell by GAB, Sweden 1930s – Sculptural Desk Accessory
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
This refined desk accessory features a beautifully proportioned, rounded ink pot with a domed lid and finial, set upon a distinctive square tray with softly scalloped, curved edges. ...
Bronze
Antique Oak & Leaf Brass Bronze Catchall Box, France, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A charming and highly decorative antique catchall, crafted in France circa 1890. This sculptural piece depicts an oak branch adorned with finely detailed leaves, rendered in metal wi...
Metal, Brass, Bronze
Antique Ottoman Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with Arabic Calligraphy Writing
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique 19th C. Ottoman Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with Arabic Calligraphy Writing.An antique 19th century brass decorated Islamic Turkish Qalamdan.An antique Turkish Brass...
Brass
Jelly Fish Murano Glass Paperweight Mid-Century Modern, Italy 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown Italian art glass paper weight. A beautiful nice addition to your desktop. Found at an estate sale in Verona, Italy....
Murano Glass
Vintage Moroccan Red and Gold Embossed Leather Padfolio
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Moroccan Red and Gold Embossed Leather Padfolio. Vintage Red Rust Orange Leather 22k Gold Embossed Hand Painted Moroccan Book Cover Portfolio. This is a vintage handcrafted h...
Leather
Murano Salviati Sommerso Sapphire Blue Italian Art Glass Snail Figure Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, and large, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso cobalt blue snail, with light blue shell Italian art glass sculpture. The piece is documented to the Salviati company, and at...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Uranium Glass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4099 Patinated Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4099 Patinated Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass....
Brass
Calligraphy Brush Rare Blue Serpentine Extra Large 16"
Located in Somis, CA
One of a kind, extra large, rare blue serpentine gemstone brush in bamboo form with carved bamboo leaves. Serpentine is a beautiful stone highly valued for its similarity to nephrite...
Serpentine
Early 20th Century Bronze Knight Sculpture Electrified Table or Desk Lamp
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A solid bronze parcel brass knight sculpture candelabra later converted to electrified table lamp with large frosted glass torch flame shade. It takes on Edison E27 light bulb. Tot...
Brass, Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Claw & Marble Ball Letter Opener, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle ...
Marble, Bronze
$370 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4330 Hook in Nickel
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4330 Hook in Nickel Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Nickel
Murano Hand Blown Paperweight Yellow Flower with Blue Base Collectible Art Glass
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Murano Hand Blown Paperweight Yellow Flower with Blue Collectible Art Glass. Beautiful heavy large glass paperweight featuring yellow ...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$938Sale Price|20% Off
Fountain Pen in Sterling Silver fired Enamel Guilloche Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Fountain pen in 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamel on guilloche. With 14 carats gold nib and ink cartridge. Diameter mm. 10.5 Total length cm. 14. Weight gr. 45. ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold
Antique Vintage Lady's Gentlemans Ebonised Wooden Walking Stick Dress Cane 1895
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Very Unusual Fine Quality English Ladies or Gentleman’s Walking Stick or Dress Cane of outstanding quality and stylish design, last quarter of the Nineteenth Century. Sterling Silv...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Iconic Panther Design Card and Envelope Set Luxury Season's Greetings
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Cartier Card and Envelope Set with the Iconic Panther Jewelry Design. Large Cartier Season's Greetings, Joyeuses Fetes Stationary Cards. Authentic Luxury Cartier Stationery...
Paper
Murano Red Multicolor Millefiori Flowers Italian Art Glass Dove Figure Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso ruby red and millefiori flowers Italian art glass dove bird figure, sculpture or paperweight. Attributed to designer Galliano Ferro, for...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine
Arman Violins Accumulations Paperweight for Christofle, France, 1980s
By Christofle, Arman
Located in Milan, IT
Arman violins accumulations metal paperweight for Christofle, France, 1983.
Metal
Crystal Ball Paperweight with Infused Floating Bubbles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A substantial 4.5-inch crystal paperweight infused with suspended floating bubbles, creating a mesmerizing sense of depth and movement within the glass. The clarity and weight of the...
Art Glass
Antique George III Quality Sheffield Plated Desk Set by Daniel Holy of Sheffield
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique George III quality Sheffield plated desk set on a Sheffield plated tray with an ornate edge standing on ball feet boasting the original pa...
Sheffield Plate
$440 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Nickel-Plated Hook
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Nickel-Plated Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in nickel-plated brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, A...
Brass, Nickel
Antique Just Andersen, Denmark. Pewter Viking Ship Salt #1109
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Antique Just Andersen, Danish pewter Viking ship salt cellar. Stamped and numbered 1109 on base Circa 1920's Height 2.25 inch, Width 4.25 inch, Depth 1....
Pewter
Postmodern Bakelite "Liberte" Letter Holder by Philippe Starck for Alessi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Liberte letter holder/desk organizer/envelope box was designed by French Industrial Designer/Architect, Philippe Starck for Alessi (Portugal, 1992). The green plastic top, suppor...
Plastic, Bakelite
Carl Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass an...
Brass
$200Sale Price|20% Off
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 ...
Marble
Antique Georgian Rosewood Writing Box by William Chrisp
Located in Northampton, GB
Scrolling Brass Inlay From our Writing Box collection, we are pleased to offer this Antique Rosewood Writing Box by William Chrisp. The Writing Box of rectangular shape edged in bra...
Silver, Brass
Murano Mushroom Toadstool Art Glass Paperweight Orange 1980s
By Fornasa De Murano A L'Insegna Del Moreto
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Murano Style Italian Art Glass Mushroom Toadstool Paperweight Orange with Millefiori and White 1980s. Beautiful vintage Murano style hand made orange with multicolor spots Italian ar...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
$192Sale Price|30% Off
English Wedgwood Jasperware Jewelry Dish Neoclassical Design
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware sage green and white round jewelry dish with neoclassical design, circa 20th century, 1979, England...
Stoneware
Inkwell Glass and Nickel Combination Around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Inkwell glass and nickel combination around 1920s Original condition.
Nickel
Daum France Cobalt Blue Pate de Verre Cactus Flower Paperweight Sculpture, 1970s
By Daum
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning pate de verre frosted crystal flower paperweight or decorative sculpture is by Daum, France, and was hand-made circa 1970. The sculpture features a lovely cactus flower...
Crystal
$350Sale Price / set|41% Off
Set of 7 Brass Bell Form Weights
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An assembled set of 7 brass bell form weights, c.1860. 4lb, 2lb, 1lb, 8oz, 4oz, 2oz, 1oz. Whitehall Antiques is a family business that has been a major source for the selective buye...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4637 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4637 Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Each piec...
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze Doré Letter Opener
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Nouveau period "Grapevine" pattern gilt bronze and Favrile slag glass letter opener By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, ...
Bronze
Blue Crystal Glass Paperweight with Infused Floating Bubbles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful blue glass paperweight infused with suspended floating bubbles, creating depth, movement, and a captivating play of light within th...
Art Glass
Classic Must de Cartier Silver Plated Trinity Vendome Fountain Pen & Box
A Classic Must de Cartier Silver Plated Trinity Vendome Fountain Pen With 18ct Gold Nib Made in Paris, France. Item Is Sold With Original Red & Gold Leather Box, Red & Gold...
Gold, Silver Plate
Pelikan “Souverän” Fountain Pen unused, 1975, with Original Box
Located in Vienna, AT
A classic Pelikan Souverän fountain pen from 1982, preserved in excellent condition and complete with its original packaging. A sought-after mid-20th-century Pelikan model, appreciat...
Alabaster, Metal, Gold, Gold Plate
Dunhill Gemline 14k Gold Plated Boxed Fountain Pen With Engine Turned Decoration
By Dunhill
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Dunhill Gemline 14k Gold Plated Fountain Pen With An Engine Turned Decoration With Enamel Inset Clip With Original Grey Dunhill Box Writes really well with executed with excellent D...
Gold Plate, Enamel
1920 René Lalique Ink Blotter Deux Sirenes Enlacees Mermaids Glass Sepia Patina
By René Lalique
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Ink Blotter "Deux Sirènes Entrelacées" made in glass with sepia patina by René Lalique in 1920. Original nickeled metal mount. Molded signature. Perfect condition. Lengt...
Glass
Modernist Silver Plate Pear Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool modernist silver plated pear paperweight / sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is well crafted with a nice weight and in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks...
Silver Plate
Mid-century Phone Tesla, 1980's.
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Plastic With Aged Patina Cleaned Fully Functional Good Vintage Condition
Plastic
Gucci Leather Desk Notepad with Gilded Equestrian Motif, circa 1970
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
Enhance your private workspace with this rare Italian designer Gucci modernist desktop accessory, a stunning blend of luxury and virtuosity. Created in Italy circa 1970, this exquisi...
Metal, Brass
Carl Auböck Paperweight #5371 or 5788 "Heart", Austria
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight #5371 or 5788 "Heart", Austria. Price is per piece. Available in different sizes.
Brass
Collectible Baccarat Crystal Cameo Franklin Mint Paperweights Set of 5
By Baccarat
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Collectible Vintage Franklin Mint Baccarat Crystal Cameo Paperweights - Set of 5. This exquisite Franklin Mint Baccarat Crystal Cameo Paperweights Set is a stunning addition to any c...
Art Glass
Sterling Silver Mounted Inkwell, Circa 1920
Located in High Point, NC
Sterling mounted horse hoof inkwell marked by the maker C & Co. from Chester, and date marked 1920. Great piece for display on a shelf or desk.
Sterling Silver
$535Sale Price|30% Off
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Rosewood Campaign Writing Slope Desk 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th Century English Georgian campaign writing slope, box or travel desk. Made of walnut feautring rectangular form with brass banding. Opens to purple velvet interior with...
Brass
Original Max Le Verrier Art Deco Bronze Catchall, Bowl, Videpoche France, 1930
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful solid Bronze double patina low relief décor catchall, footed bowl or videpoche. Stamped Bronze on the reverse and Artist Mark, M. Le Verrier. A French Art Deco Collector'...
Bronze
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3846 Brass Bookends
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3846 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. The Auböck #3846 booke...
Brass
1970s Dior Home Style Mid-Century Modern Fake Tortoise Lucite Smoking Set
By Dior Home
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A fake tortoise lucite italian smoking set composed by an ashtray, a cigarette box and a lighter not tested. Box side dimension is 12 cm, ashtray side ...
Metal
Vintage Italian Alabaster Owl Paperweight
Located in Charleston, SC
A fantastic mid-century Italian marble paperweight with yellow glass eyes. Carved beautifully. Measures 3” x 3”. Circa 1960’s
Marble
Antique Correspondence Box, Irish, Walnut, Writing Slope, Austin, William IV
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique ladies correspondence box. An Irish, walnut and brass writing slope case, dating to the William IV, circa 1833. A desirable, qual...
Brass
Typewriter/Remington Standart 12 USA, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
The packaging of the machine has surface defects that are associated with the age of use. Made in USA. Fully functional. Made of metal, steel, chrome, fabric. Good original condition...
Metal
Calipso Pen Holder in Black Lacquered Wood with Corno Italiano Inlays, Mod 5305s
Located in Recanati, Macerata
An elegant addition to an executive desk, our Calipso pen holder showcases a rectangular silhouette in glossy black lacquered wood, accented with a distinctive rim in Corno Italiano,...
Chrome
Midcentury Modern Desk Organizer by Børge Mogensen, 1960s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely desk organizer by Børge Mogensen, made from oak with red, grey and white lacquered drawers. The drawers fit A4 size magazines and documents.
Wood
$18,900Sale Price|21% Off
Bronze Sculpture Mastiff by Charles Valton Dog Bronze Statue Animalier Antiques
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Bronze Sculpture Mastiff by Charles Valton Dog Bronze Statue Animalier Antiques . Signed and stamped. Valton was known for his big cats but probably his mos...
Bronze, Metal
Carl Auböck Model #4233-4 Brass and Leather Paper Knife
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4233-4 Brass and Leather Paper Knife Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural knife is executed in polished brass and handwoven brown leather...
Brass
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass Bookends #4636
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock patinated brass bookends #4636. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same standards, high-quality materials, original m...
Brass
Antique Baccarat Crystal Glass Inkstand, Pen Holder, Desk Utensil, circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Great Baccarat inkwell with extensive crystal cut. Places for pens are at each side. France, late 19th century. .
Crystal
Serge Mansau for Fratelli Guzzini Italy MCM Designed Lucite Tape Dispenser - NOS
By Robert P. Gottlieb, Fratelli Guzzini, Serge Mansau
Located in St. Louis, MO
Serge Mansau (1930-2019) for Fratelli Guzzini Italy mid-century modern designed clear lucite tape dispenser, new old stock. Great desk accessory....
Steel
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Strawberry Pink Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Resin
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.