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Desk Accessories For Sale
Murano Glass Paperweight
Murano Glass Paperweight

Murano Glass Paperweight

$200Sale Price|50% Off

Murano Glass Paperweight

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage Italian Murano glass paperweight hand blown with red, green, and yellow swirl pattern / made in Italy, circa 1960s Measures: Diameter 2.5 inches, height 2.5 inches Please not...

Category

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

Materials

Murano Glass

Bronze of Beethoven by Henri Dropsy, France, circa 1920
Bronze of Beethoven by Henri Dropsy, France, circa 1920

Bronze of Beethoven by Henri Dropsy, France, circa 1920

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

Bronze medal mounted on marble, representing the famous musician Ludwig van Beethoven. By Henri Dropsy, France, around 1920. In very good conditio...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique 20th Century English Solid Silver & Enamel Desk Accessory Set c.1912
Antique 20th Century English Solid Silver & Enamel Desk Accessory Set c.1912

Antique 20th Century English Solid Silver & Enamel Desk Accessory Set c.1912

By Kendall & Co., WILLIAM HORNBY, LONDON (1898-1913)

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 20th Century English gilt solid silver and enamel desk set, comprising a pencil, letter opener, and small knife. Each piece is decorated with inlaid white enamel, with the pe...

Category

20th Century British Other Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Murano Glass Ribbons & Latticino Egg Sculpture Paperweight
Murano Glass Ribbons & Latticino Egg Sculpture Paperweight

Murano Glass Ribbons & Latticino Egg Sculpture Paperweight

By Seguso, Venini

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage Murano glass egg shaped abstract sculpture or paperweight features white filigrana or latticino filaments, intricately superimposed and intertwined within the clear glass wit...

Category

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

Materials

Gold

1950's Original Small Pathe Film Cassette - Large Quantity Available
1950's Original Small Pathe Film Cassette - Large Quantity Available

1950's Original Small Pathe Film Cassette - Large Quantity Available

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1950's Original Small Pathe Film Cassette - Large Quantity Available. Original untouched new old stock film cassettes from the iconic French film company Pathe. Listing is for a si...

Category

1950s French Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Studio Maison Nurita Agate and Quartz Slice Sculpture with Brushed Nickel Base
Studio Maison Nurita Agate and Quartz Slice Sculpture with Brushed Nickel Base

Studio Maison Nurita Agate and Quartz Slice Sculpture with Brushed Nickel Base

Located in Toronto, ON

This gorgeous large Studio Maison Nurita mounted mineral slice is a stunning blend of white quartz and agate, creating a visually captivating and energetically powerful piece. The na...

Category

2010s Canadian Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Quartz, Steel, Nickel

1980s, Spanish Abstract Ceramic Sculpture in Grey Tones
1980s, Spanish Abstract Ceramic Sculpture in Grey Tones

1980s, Spanish Abstract Ceramic Sculpture in Grey Tones

Located in Marbella, ES

1980s Spanish abstract ceramic sculpture in grey tones.

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Art Deco Glass and Brass Desk Inkwell with Pen Rest
Art Deco Glass and Brass Desk Inkwell with Pen Rest

Art Deco Glass and Brass Desk Inkwell with Pen Rest

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Art Deco glass and brass desk inkwell with pen rest A very stylish piece made in heavy crystal with a brass mounted ink well and feet, these may have origi...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

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

1980s Sculpture of Grapes with Stem in Bronze and Grapes in Crystal
1980s Sculpture of Grapes with Stem in Bronze and Grapes in Crystal

1980s Sculpture of Grapes with Stem in Bronze and Grapes in Crystal

Located in Marbella, ES

1980s sculpture of grapes with stem in bronze and grapes in crystal.

Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Decorative XIX Century Child Wax Bust
Decorative XIX Century Child Wax Bust

Decorative XIX Century Child Wax Bust

Located in Madrid, ES

XIX Century child wax bust. Curious bust in wax representing a child of the xix century on wooden base total measurements: 22 cm height only the bust 16 cm.

Category

1860s Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Fruitwood

Small Russian Malachite Sphere on Black Stand
Small Russian Malachite Sphere on Black Stand

Small Russian Malachite Sphere on Black Stand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A lovely Russian malachite sphere, beautifully polished to reveal the stone's distinctive bands and mesmerizing shades of green. Resting atop a simple ceramic stand, this petite deco...

Category

20th Century Russian Desk Accessories

Materials

Malachite

Shipping Free, 19th Century Silvered Bronze Inkstand Signed Boin Taburet, Paris
Shipping Free, 19th Century Silvered Bronze Inkstand Signed Boin Taburet, Paris

Shipping Free, 19th Century Silvered Bronze Inkstand Signed Boin Taburet, Paris

By Boin-Taburet

Located in Lisse, NL

Louis XV style inkstand with chinoiserie design, lacquered top. This rare and stylish inkstand is a work of the house Boin-Taburet, goldsmith in Paris. This impressive size inkstand...

Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Art Deco Wooden Letter Opener, France, 1930s
Art Deco Wooden Letter Opener, France, 1930s

Art Deco Wooden Letter Opener, France, 1930s

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Elegant Art Deco letter opener hand-carved from dark wood, featuring a finely sculpted female bust forming the handle. The stylized figure, with refined facial features and coiffed h...

Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Ilias Lalaounis Sterling Silver and Bronze "Barley" Metapontum Coin Paperweight
Ilias Lalaounis Sterling Silver and Bronze "Barley" Metapontum Coin Paperweight

Ilias Lalaounis Sterling Silver and Bronze "Barley" Metapontum Coin Paperweight

By Lalaounis

Located in New York, NY

Ilias Lalaounis sterling silver and bronze "Barley" paperweight after an ancient coin of Metapontum 5th Century B.C. in its original box and documentation 20th Century Marks: Lalaoun...

Category

20th Century Greek Classical Greek Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver, Bronze

Milan 1910/20 F.lli Koristka Antique Microscope  Wooden Box with Accessories
Milan 1910/20 F.lli Koristka Antique Microscope  Wooden Box with Accessories

Milan 1910/20 F.lli Koristka Antique Microscope Wooden Box with Accessories

Located in Milan, IT

Tri-ocular optical microscope Euskop model, antique scientific instrument of painted brass and chromed steel, with four-magnification turret n. 40122 by Fratelli Koristka, Milano, ci...

Category

1910s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

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

Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Pattern Bronze Doré Stamp Box
Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Pattern Bronze Doré Stamp Box

Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Pattern Bronze Doré Stamp Box

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze "American Indian" pattern stamp box By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Clear Crystal & Brass Decorative Bookend –Heavy Duty Multifaceted  Modern Design
Clear Crystal & Brass Decorative Bookend –Heavy Duty Multifaceted  Modern Design

Clear Crystal & Brass Decorative Bookend –Heavy Duty Multifaceted Modern Design

By DAINTE INC

Located in Monroe, NY

Crafted from premium clear crystal triangular bookend and accented with polished metallic brass, this decorative bookend is a true statement piece. Its asymmetrical, multifaceted des...

Category

2010s American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Antique Desk Utensil, Vase-Shaped
Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Antique Desk Utensil, Vase-Shaped

Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Antique Desk Utensil, Vase-Shaped

Located in Greven, DE

Antique inkwell made from bronze, gilded. On the base is depicted a hunting scene with hunting hounds in the woods. Very good condition of the bronze work.

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Bronze

1960's New Old Stock Vintage Pocket Police Whistle And Badge Set
1960's New Old Stock Vintage Pocket Police Whistle And Badge Set

1960's New Old Stock Vintage Pocket Police Whistle And Badge Set

Located in Hook, Hampshire

1960's New Old Stock Vintage Pocket Police Whistle And Badge Set. We recently came across a large hoard of new old stock hardware and general merchandise items, laying untouched si...

Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Other

Art Deco Letter Opener vienna around 1920s
Art Deco Letter Opener vienna around 1920s

Art Deco Letter Opener vienna around 1920s

Located in Wien, Au

Art Deco Letter Opener vienna around 1920s Polished and stove enameled

Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Letter Opener
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Letter Opener

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Letter Opener

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper letter opener By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 7.75"W x...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Copper

Cast Iron Dog Nut Cracker
Cast Iron Dog Nut Cracker

Cast Iron Dog Nut Cracker

$716Sale Price|20% Off

Cast Iron Dog Nut Cracker

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Black painted cast iron dog nut cracker. The condition is very good and in working order.

Category

Late 19th Century American Adirondack Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Small Graphics Drinks Tray - By Ton
Mid Century Small Graphics Drinks Tray - By Ton

Mid Century Small Graphics Drinks Tray - By Ton

Located in Hook, Hampshire

Mid Century Small Graphics Drinks Tray - By Ton. Reminiscent of Marimekko who used bold floral graphics to reinvent their Finnish oil cloth factory, but the trays were made by Czec...

Category

1950s Czech Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Laminate, Beech

Burr Elm & Oak Desk Tray from Charlton Park Estate
Burr Elm & Oak Desk Tray from Charlton Park Estate

Burr Elm & Oak Desk Tray from Charlton Park Estate

Located in New Orleans, LA

Burr Elm & Oak Desk Tray from Charlton Park Estate 19th Century This exceptional desk tray exemplifies the finest English craftsmanship of the 19th century, created specifically...

Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Colorful Art Glass Paperweight by Millefiori of Italy
Colorful Art Glass Paperweight by Millefiori of Italy

Colorful Art Glass Paperweight by Millefiori of Italy

By Millefori

Located in San Diego, CA

Small colorful art glass paperweight by Millefiori of Italy, circa 1980s. The piece is in very good condition with no chips or scratches and measures 3.25...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Millefiori Murano Glass Paperweight, Hand Blown, Italy, 1960s Design
Millefiori Murano Glass Paperweight, Hand Blown, Italy, 1960s Design

Millefiori Murano Glass Paperweight, Hand Blown, Italy, 1960s Design

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Millefiori Italian art glass paperweight Beautiful glass art paperweight in millefiori design in various shades of blues, red and white, accenting the close concentric complex. Mur...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Crystal Pen Tray by Dainte
Crystal Pen Tray by Dainte

Crystal Pen Tray by Dainte

Located in Geneve, CH

Crystal Pen Tray by Dainte Dimensions: D 11 x W 28 x H 3 cm. Materials: Crystal and brass. A stylish desk tray uniquely combines clear crystal with brass metallic accents. Minimalist yet distinctive, the beautiful design will showcase your elevated taste. Universal grooves fit any sized pen, and an extendable brass tray slides out to hold even more desktop essentials. This modern crystal and brass pen tray...

Category

2010s American Post-Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Leather Desk Set by Le Tanneur, France 1970s
Leather Desk Set by Le Tanneur, France 1970s

Leather Desk Set by Le Tanneur, France 1970s

By Le Tanneur

Located in ROUEN, Normandie

French leather desk set manufactured by Le Tanneur. France, circa 1970’s. All pieces are saddle leather with black contrast stitching, typical of Le Tanneur. Beautifully worn in l...

Category

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

Materials

Leather

Antique Cloisonne Inkwell
Antique Cloisonne Inkwell

Antique Cloisonne Inkwell

By Inaba Cloisonne Co.

Located in Vienna, AT

This inkwell comprises a base and hinged cover. The base is elaborately decorated with red, gold, blue and white against a green background. The inside of the inkwell is colored red...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Antique Gilt Bronze Inkwell, French Louis XVI Style, 1870s
Antique Gilt Bronze Inkwell, French Louis XVI Style, 1870s

Antique Gilt Bronze Inkwell, French Louis XVI Style, 1870s

Located in New Orleans, LA

Unleash the Spirit of French Louis XVI: Antique gilt Bronze Inkwell Transport yourself to a time of artistic brilliance with this captivating antique gilt bronze inkwell, meticulousl...

Category

1870s French Louis XIV Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Set of 3 Contemporary F.ACE Aluminium Wall Hooks by Henry Wilson
Set of 3 Contemporary F.ACE Aluminium Wall Hooks by Henry Wilson

Set of 3 Contemporary F.ACE Aluminium Wall Hooks by Henry Wilson

By Henry Wilson

Located in Geneve, CH

Set of 3 F.ACE Aluminium Wall Hooks by Henry Wilson Dimensions: W 6 x D 5 x H 10 cm Materials: Aluminium The F.ACE Hook is a riff on our popular compass Hook. It is sand cast in so...

Category

2010s Australian Post-Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Spectacular Copeland Spode Chelsea Fantasy Bird Bone China Figurine c 1915-20
Spectacular Copeland Spode Chelsea Fantasy Bird Bone China Figurine c 1915-20

Spectacular Copeland Spode Chelsea Fantasy Bird Bone China Figurine c 1915-20

By Copeland Spode

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

A magnificent and eccentric bone china Chelsea Fantasy Bird by Copeland, Spode, inspired by Meissen originals The artist had free range regarding colours - resulting in this fantasti...

Category

Early 20th Century British Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Embossed silver inkwell with three ink tanks
Embossed silver inkwell with three ink tanks

Embossed silver inkwell with three ink tanks

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Silver inkwell with relief floral motifs with two tanks, bell, quill holder, candle holder and resting on four cut-out feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Li...

Category

Early 18th Century European Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Vintage Hand-Painted Terracotta Ashtray, Italy, 1970s, 13 cm Diameter
Vintage Hand-Painted Terracotta Ashtray, Italy, 1970s, 13 cm Diameter

Vintage Hand-Painted Terracotta Ashtray, Italy, 1970s, 13 cm Diameter

Located in Roma, IT

Vintage terracotta Ashtray, 1970s. Hand painted and signed on rear.  2 x 13 x 10 cm. Good conditions!

Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Terracotta

Baccarat Crystal Nautical Inkwell
Baccarat Crystal Nautical Inkwell

Baccarat Crystal Nautical Inkwell

By Baccarat

Located in New Orleans, LA

This extraordinary crystal inkwell from the renowned Baccarat is a piece of exquisite charm and grace. Featuring a doré bronze mermaid languishing upon the crest of a rolling wave, i...

Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Hand Carved Pinecone Finial Element or Paperweight
Hand Carved Pinecone Finial Element or Paperweight

Hand Carved Pinecone Finial Element or Paperweight

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A hand-carved pine cone–form finial, serving as both a decorative object and functional paperweight. Finished in a rich walnut stain, the piece is substantial in scale and visually s...

Category

20th Century Rustic Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Post-Modern Solid Teak Danish Style Desk Tray "6500" Series by Eldon
Post-Modern Solid Teak Danish Style Desk Tray "6500" Series by Eldon

Post-Modern Solid Teak Danish Style Desk Tray "6500" Series by Eldon

By Jim Eldon, Dansk

Located in San Diego, CA

Post-Modern solid teak Danish style desk tray "6500" Series by Eldon, circa 1980s. The tray is in good vintage condition and measures approximately 11.5"W x 2.25"D x 17.25"L. The tray is heavy, solid teak and is marked with the Eldon "Woodline 6500...

Category

Late 20th Century Thai Post-Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Large Stainless Steel Industrial Fork Mold Sculpture for Silverware
Large Stainless Steel Industrial Fork Mold Sculpture for Silverware

Large Stainless Steel Industrial Fork Mold Sculpture for Silverware

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Large vintage industrial factory mold in stainless steel in the shape of a large dinner fork. These highly decorative sculptures are sold separately or a...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Industrial Desk Accessories

Materials

Stainless Steel

Palo santo wood envelope holder
Palo santo wood envelope holder

Palo santo wood envelope holder

$420Sale Price|30% Off

Palo santo wood envelope holder

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Envelope holder in rosewood with embossed silver applications. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 772.54 grams. Dimensions: 15cmx12cm. Co...

Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Darling, Multicoloured Hand Blown Glass Duckling Figure Archimede Seguso, Murano
Darling, Multicoloured Hand Blown Glass Duckling Figure Archimede Seguso, Murano

Darling, Multicoloured Hand Blown Glass Duckling Figure Archimede Seguso, Murano

By Archimede Seguso

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Absolutely darling little Archimede Seguso duckling figurine Delightful hand blown glass artistry from Seguso Circa 1980's Signed Archimede Seguso, Murano to base, with original lab...

Category

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

Materials

Glass

A George V silver double inkstand presented to Major Seymour Egerton
A George V silver double inkstand presented to Major Seymour Egerton

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

Silver inkwell with three engraved tanks, bell & tray on claw feet
Silver inkwell with three engraved tanks, bell & tray on claw feet

Silver inkwell with three engraved tanks, bell & tray on claw feet

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Silver inkwell with three engraved containers, bell, pen stand and tray resting on four claw feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: boar II Title. Weight: 972.0...

Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

English Porcelain Cherub Inkwell, Moore, circa 1875
English Porcelain Cherub Inkwell, Moore, circa 1875

English Porcelain Cherub Inkwell, Moore, circa 1875

Located in New York, NY

Impressed "Moore" on the bottom of the base.

Category

1870s British Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

1960s 'Selectform' Teak Desk Organizer by Georg Petersens Mobelfabrik of Denmark
1960s 'Selectform' Teak Desk Organizer by Georg Petersens Mobelfabrik of Denmark

1960s 'Selectform' Teak Desk Organizer by Georg Petersens Mobelfabrik of Denmark

By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, Georg Petersens

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a fine Teak Selectform Desk Organizer, designed in the 1960s by Danish furniture maker Georg Petersen, and produced by his firm Georg Petersen Mobelfabrik A/S. This example r...

Category

1960s Danish Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Antique Art Nouveau Pewter Inkwell, France, circa 1900
Antique Art Nouveau Pewter Inkwell, France, circa 1900

Antique Art Nouveau Pewter Inkwell, France, circa 1900

Located in Greven, DE

Antique Art Nouveau pewter inkwell Continental Pewter c. 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 10 cm x 21.5 cm x 15.5 cm This beautiful pewter inkwell was designed and crafted at the turn ...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Pewter

19th Century Bronze Watch Holder in Cloisonné and Bronze
19th Century Bronze Watch Holder in Cloisonné and Bronze

19th Century Bronze Watch Holder in Cloisonné and Bronze

Located in Marseille, FR

19th century watch holder in the form of a sedan chair in bronze from the end of the 19th century in cloisonné and bronze, dimension 18 cm in lengt...

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Art Nouveau Sterling Vanity Brushes, Set of 6
Art Nouveau Sterling Vanity Brushes, Set of 6

Art Nouveau Sterling Vanity Brushes, Set of 6

Located in Stamford, CT

Set of 6 Art Nouveau Sterling silver vanity brushes. American circa 1900. All stamped Sterling. Original horsehair bristles. Each brush features a sli...

Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Quatrefoil Pen Tray
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Quatrefoil Pen Tray

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Copper Quatrefoil Pen Tray

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period hand hammered copper Quatrefoil pen tray By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Circa 1910 Measures: 7"W x 3"D x 0.75"H. Good...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Copper

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.