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Desk Accessories For Sale
Bracelet in Gold, Emerald and Brilliant
Bracelet in Gold, Emerald and Brilliant

Bracelet in Gold, Emerald and Brilliant

Located in Madrid, ES

Bracelet in gold, emerald and brilliant. It has 5 emeralds and 4 brilliants. 18k gold. Measures 20 cm length and weight 20g Very good condition. Measure: 20cm.  

Category

20th Century Spanish Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Rare Robin Day Desk Accessories for Hille and Acorn Products
Rare Robin Day Desk Accessories for Hille and Acorn Products

Rare Robin Day Desk Accessories for Hille and Acorn Products

By Robin Day

Located in London, GB

In 1959 Hille entered into partnership with a firm called Acorn Products, which manufactured a range of coordinated desk and office accessories on their behalf. Specifically designed by Robin Day, these aluminium desk accessories complemented his office furniture, items included filing trays...

Category

1960s British Futurist Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Gucci Brown Leather Desk Letter Opener with Equestrian Motif, circa 1970
Gucci Brown Leather Desk Letter Opener with Equestrian Motif, circa 1970

Gucci Brown Leather Desk Letter Opener with Equestrian Motif, circa 1970

By Gucci

Located in Atlanta, GA

This rare Gucci-designed luxury leather desktop accessory was meticulously crafted in Italy, circa 1970. This exquisite letter opener embodies refined elegance and superior mastery. ...

Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold Plate

Hippopotamus Silver Plate Paperweights designed Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Designs
Hippopotamus Silver Plate Paperweights designed Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Designs

Hippopotamus Silver Plate Paperweights designed Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Designs

By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A delightful pair of vintage hippopotamus figurines designed by Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Designs as part of the iconic 1980s “Silver Zoo” series, produced in Japan. Crafted in silver-...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

A Portuguese silver inkstand from the early 19th century
A Portuguese silver inkstand from the early 19th century

A Portuguese silver inkstand from the early 19th century

Located in Delft, NL

A Portuguese silver inkstand from the early 19th century This early 19th century silver inkstand consists of a tray, raised on paw feet with openwork border with a pen holder, a can...

Category

Early 19th Century Portuguese Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Vintage Silver-Plated Metal Anchor Paperweight by Hermès Paris
Vintage Silver-Plated Metal Anchor Paperweight by Hermès Paris

Vintage Silver-Plated Metal Anchor Paperweight by Hermès Paris

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

Vintage Silver-Plated Metal Anchor Paperweight by Hermès Paris An iconic anchor paperweight from Hermès Paris, crafted from polished metal and inspired by the timeless elegance of n...

Category

20th Century French Post-Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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

Period French Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Japanese Lacquer Chinoiserie Inkwell Tray
Period French Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Japanese Lacquer Chinoiserie Inkwell Tray

Period French Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Japanese Lacquer Chinoiserie Inkwell Tray

By Vernis Martin

Located in Forney, TX

A scarce nearly 300 year old Louis XV (1715-1774) period French gilt bronze ormolu mounted Japanned encrier (inkwell or inkstand) Paris, France, circa 1750, exceptionally executed in Louis 14th exotic far-east Japanesque / Chinoiserie oriental styling, popular at the time due to the rise in trade with China and Japan throughout the 18th century, Parisian Vernis Martin lacquer work, decorated with lavish Rocaille elements, having three inkwells fitted with glass jar inserts and ornate fiolated acorn finial covers, on a black lacquer cartouche shaped tray with roster...

Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Glass aquarium paperweight by Gino Mazzuccato
Glass aquarium paperweight by Gino Mazzuccato

Glass aquarium paperweight by Gino Mazzuccato

Located in Lugo, IT

Glass aquarium paperweight or decorative object by Gino Mazzuccato. Signature with diamond points, Gino Mazzuccato Murano Good condition. Thank you

Category

1970s Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Murano Glass

Block holder in rosewood with silver application
Block holder in rosewood with silver application

Block holder in rosewood with silver application

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Notepad holder in rosewood with silver application in relief with Portuguese symbols, cut-out crown and reference to D. Manuel II King of Portugal. Metal: Silver. Origin...

Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Italian Onyx Marble Box
Italian Onyx Marble Box

Italian Onyx Marble Box

$220Sale Price|20% Off

Italian Onyx Marble Box

Located in New York, NY

A small 1970s Italian Modern white onyx marble round box. A great piece to hold small items on a desk or vanity area for paperclips or jewelry, such as ring...

Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx, Marble

Vintage Stuart Devlin Sterling Silver & Gilt Letter Opener in Box London 1979
Vintage Stuart Devlin Sterling Silver & Gilt Letter Opener in Box London 1979

Vintage Stuart Devlin Sterling Silver & Gilt Letter Opener in Box London 1979

By Stuart Devlin

Located in London, GB

An unusual and elegant Sterling Silver Letter Opener by Stuart Devlin, showcasing his extraordinary aesthetic and commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The long paper knife has a ...

Category

20th Century English Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique English Burr Walnut & Hand Painted Porcelain Stationery Box, circa 1850
Antique English Burr Walnut & Hand Painted Porcelain Stationery Box, circa 1850

Antique English Burr Walnut & Hand Painted Porcelain Stationery Box, circa 1850

Located in Bath, GB

A quite wonderful and romantic stationery box, ready to grace the finest of desk-tops. Made from burr walnut the wedge shaped box is smothered in fine quality polished brass mount...

Category

1850s English Early Victorian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Austrian Art Deco Industrial Worker Bronze or Brass Letter Opener, 1930s
Vintage Austrian Art Deco Industrial Worker Bronze or Brass Letter Opener, 1930s

Vintage Austrian Art Deco Industrial Worker Bronze or Brass Letter Opener, 1930s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Vintage Solid Brass or Bronze Letter Opener, Austria, Art Deco / Industrial Brutalist Style A striking vintage letter opener cast in solid brass or bronze and modeled as an industri...

Category

1930s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Beautiful Metal Crane Flamingo Figure Smokers set Brutalist Era, Germany, 1960s
Beautiful Metal Crane Flamingo Figure Smokers set Brutalist Era, Germany, 1960s

Beautiful Metal Crane Flamingo Figure Smokers set Brutalist Era, Germany, 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

A large Figurine made of wrought iron for Holding Cigarettes, Matchsticks and Smoking Accessories. Made of metal with a nice patina and rusty parts. Typically made in Germany in the 1960s, as a statement piece on a cupboard or credenza. Also nice for a mens room.

Category

1960s German Brutalist Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Granite Marble Female Statue Sculpture Venus de Milo Neoclassical Style
Granite Marble Female Statue Sculpture Venus de Milo Neoclassical Style

Granite Marble Female Statue Sculpture Venus de Milo Neoclassical Style

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful white granite marble reproduction of Greek goddess 'Venus de Milo' female figure statue sculpture in the Neoclassical style, circa early-20th century, Italy. A great deco...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Granite, Marble

Coral Size 8 Log Bowl by Loyal Loot Made to Order Hand Made from Reclaimed Wood
Coral Size 8 Log Bowl by Loyal Loot Made to Order Hand Made from Reclaimed Wood

Coral Size 8 Log Bowl by Loyal Loot Made to Order Hand Made from Reclaimed Wood

Located in calgary, CA

Log bowls combine the beauty of a tree in its natural state with a high-gloss, vibrant finish. Each bowl is handmade using locally reclaimed trees of all varieties (fallen or cut down due to infrastructure or inclement weather). The trees are hand selected, gathered, turned and finished by Loyal Loot...

Category

Early 2000s Canadian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood, Willow, Reclaimed Wood

Robert Eickolt Dichroic Sommerso Sculpture, American Studio Glass 1988
Robert Eickolt Dichroic Sommerso Sculpture, American Studio Glass 1988

Robert Eickolt Dichroic Sommerso Sculpture, American Studio Glass 1988

By Robert Eickholt

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Vintage art glass sculpture or paperweight features swirling structure of dichroic glass and controlled bubbles, encased inside a clear glass layer in sommerso technique. The piece h...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

French Art Deco Dodo Bird Inkwell by Maurice Frécourt, 1920s
French Art Deco Dodo Bird Inkwell by Maurice Frécourt, 1920s

French Art Deco Dodo Bird Inkwell by Maurice Frécourt, 1920s

Located in Knivsta, SE

French Art Deco Dodo Bird Inkwell by Maurice Frécourt, 1920s A striking and highly decorative French Art Deco inkwell by the noted sculptor Maurice Frécourt (1890–1961), created dur...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Spelter

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

GOEBEL - Vintage Molded Glass Owl Paperweight - Germany - Mid 20th Century
GOEBEL - Vintage Molded Glass Owl Paperweight - Germany - Mid 20th Century

GOEBEL - Vintage Molded Glass Owl Paperweight - Germany - Mid 20th Century

By Goebel Company

Located in Chatham, ON

GOEBEL - Vintage studio glass molded owl form paperweight - signed - Germany - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration - minor surface s...

Category

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

Materials

Crystal

RYBKA - Vintage Carved Studio Glass Paperweight - Signed - Circa 2003
RYBKA - Vintage Carved Studio Glass Paperweight - Signed - Circa 2003

RYBKA - Vintage Carved Studio Glass Paperweight - Signed - Circa 2003

Located in Chatham, ON

RYBKA - Vintage carved studio glass paperweight with inclusions - artist signed and dated - circa 2003. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration - minor ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Mexican Modernist Hand Wrought 950 Silver Letter Opener with Onyx Handle
Mexican Modernist Hand Wrought 950 Silver Letter Opener with Onyx Handle

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

Category

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

Materials

Onyx, Sterling Silver

Apollo Studios New York Arts & Crafts Grapevine Pattern Bronze Rocker Blotter
Apollo Studios New York Arts & Crafts Grapevine Pattern Bronze Rocker Blotter

Apollo Studios New York Arts & Crafts Grapevine Pattern Bronze Rocker Blotter

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A beautiful Arts & Crafts or Art Nouveau period "Grapevine" pattern bronze and slag glass rocker blotter with verdigris green patina In the manner of Tiffany Studios By Apollo Stud...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Italian Marble Holy Water Fonts in Napoleon III Style
18th Century Italian Marble Holy Water Fonts in Napoleon III Style

18th Century Italian Marble Holy Water Fonts in Napoleon III Style

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

Baccarat French Crystal Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
Baccarat French Crystal Heart Paperweight Decorative Object

Baccarat French Crystal Heart Paperweight Decorative Object

By Baccarat

Located in New York, NY

A French puffed crystal heart paperweight decorative object from luxury Maison Baccarat, circa late-20th century to early-21st century, France. 'Puffed' heart is clear/transparent cr...

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Disko Metal Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Stylised Bird Pipe Rest
Disko Metal Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Stylised Bird Pipe Rest

Disko Metal Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Stylised Bird Pipe Rest

By Just Andersen

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Just Andersen of Denmark, disko metal stylised bird pipe rest Disko metal, invented by Just Andersen by combing lead and antimony circa 1930s Stamped on base Measures: Height 2.5 inc...

Category

1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen and Ballpoint Pen Set in 12K Gold Filled Diamond P
Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen and Ballpoint Pen Set in 12K Gold Filled Diamond P

Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen and Ballpoint Pen Set in 12K Gold Filled Diamond P

Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA

Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen and Ballpoint Pen Set in 12K Gold Filled Diamond Pattern, USA, circa 1970 Elegant vintage two-piece writing set by Sheaffer, dating from the late 1960s...

Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

19th Century English Desk Box
19th Century English Desk Box

19th Century English Desk Box

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This English early 19th-century desk box exudes a refined charm with its dark wood construction and functional design, including a thin wide drawer and a set of upper compartments ac...

Category

1830s English William IV Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Vintage Art Deco Inkwell by Silver Crest, Bronze, United States, 1920s
Vintage Art Deco Inkwell by Silver Crest, Bronze, United States, 1920s

Vintage Art Deco Inkwell by Silver Crest, Bronze, United States, 1920s

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Wonderful vintage Inkwell designed by Silver Crest Gold Over Bronze, it has the maker’s mark in the bottom. Beautiful piece for your desk. Made of bronze in an Art Deco design. Origi...

Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Moroccan Blue and Gold Embossed Leather Padfolio
Vintage Moroccan Blue and Gold Embossed Leather Padfolio

Vintage Moroccan Blue and Gold Embossed Leather Padfolio

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage Moroccan Blue and Gold Embossed Leather Padfolio. Vintage leather Moroccan portfolio. Blue and gold vintage Moroccan leather hand tooled leath...

Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Islamic Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Antique Victorian Miniature Travelling Inkwell Brown Wood Metal Glass Writing
Antique Victorian Miniature Travelling Inkwell Brown Wood Metal Glass Writing

Antique Victorian Miniature Travelling Inkwell Brown Wood Metal Glass Writing

Located in Greven, DE

Antique Victorian Miniature Travelling Inkwell Brown Wood Metal Glass Writing Continental Wood, metal, glass Late 19th Century Dimensions: H x D: 4.5cm x 4cm This miniature ant...

Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Whimsical "Happy King Frog" Paperweight
Whimsical "Happy King Frog" Paperweight

Whimsical "Happy King Frog" Paperweight

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Whimsical "Happy King Frog" Paperweight 3 3/4" dia x 3 1/4" tall " bring some joy to your desk " Resin Material that feels and looks just like Brass New felt added to bottom.

Category

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

Materials

Resin

George III Gold & Enamel Magnifying Glass with Red Leather Case, circa 1770
George III Gold & Enamel Magnifying Glass with Red Leather Case, circa 1770

George III Gold & Enamel Magnifying Glass with Red Leather Case, circa 1770

Located in London, GB

An important, and extremely rare, early George III Gold & Enamel Magnifying Glass, with original red leather case. Made almost certainly in London circa 1770. The Gold case is of sh...

Category

18th Century English George III Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Enamel

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

Silver doorbell with relief capsule on the bell
Silver doorbell with relief capsule on the bell

Silver doorbell with relief capsule on the bell

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Silver table bell with relief capsule and circular base. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 317.28 grams. Dimensions: 9x11.5cm. Content: ...

Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

R. Lalique Desk Set Josephine Model
R. Lalique Desk Set Josephine Model

R. Lalique Desk Set Josephine Model

By René Lalique

Located in NANTES, FR

Desk set created on September 27, 1944 by René Lalique with a swan decor. The set including a desk pad, a blotter and a paper cutter. Signed Lalique France ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

North African Tin-Glazed Pottery Illuminator's Inkwell, Safi, Moroccan
North African Tin-Glazed Pottery Illuminator's Inkwell, Safi, Moroccan

North African Tin-Glazed Pottery Illuminator's Inkwell, Safi, Moroccan

Located in Nottingham, GB

Moroccan ceramics reflect a rich artistic inheritance shaped by centuries of Islamic craftsmanship and the enduring influence of Andalusian traditions. Centres such as Fez and Safi b...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Pottery

Bobble Head Rooster Crayon Pencil Holder Stand Figure Denmark Mid Century, 1960s
Bobble Head Rooster Crayon Pencil Holder Stand Figure Denmark Mid Century, 1960s

Bobble Head Rooster Crayon Pencil Holder Stand Figure Denmark Mid Century, 1960s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Classic early 1960s Danish design wood rooster sculpture as a pencil holder. Nice addition to your table or just for your collection of design items. Made of wood, metal and felting....

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Large MCM Replogle Floor Model Lighted World Globe On Walnut Base Signed 20thC
Large MCM Replogle Floor Model Lighted World Globe On Walnut Base Signed 20thC

Large MCM Replogle Floor Model Lighted World Globe On Walnut Base Signed 20thC

Located in Big Flats, NY

A Mid-Century Modern Replogle Heirloom World Globe, featuring a 16-inch diameter illuminated sphere mounted on a distinctive walnut floor stand. The globe displays a detailed map wit...

Category

20th Century Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Twelve 19th Century Painted and Gilt Metal Desk Accessories
Twelve 19th Century Painted and Gilt Metal Desk Accessories

Twelve 19th Century Painted and Gilt Metal Desk Accessories

Located in London, GB

In a time of computers and technology, this antique desk set harks back to a more romantic period when people read letters at their desks by candlelig...

Category

Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Bronze Doré Portfolio Attributed To E.F. Caldwell, New York Circa 1920
Bronze Doré Portfolio Attributed To E.F. Caldwell, New York Circa 1920

Bronze Doré Portfolio Attributed To E.F. Caldwell, New York Circa 1920

Located in Dallas, TX

This exquisite bronze doré portfolio, attributed to the renowned E.F. Caldwell & Co. of New York, is a luxurious example of early 20th century craftsmanship. Featuring ornate bronze ...

Category

1920s French Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Pair Early Victorian Glass and Silver Plate Travel inkwells c.1840
Pair Early Victorian Glass and Silver Plate Travel inkwells c.1840

Pair Early Victorian Glass and Silver Plate Travel inkwells c.1840

Located in Bath, GB

Fabulous to find a pair of these early Victorian campaign inkwells made from glass and mounted with silver on copper tops. The screw mechanisms were used to keep them secure during ...

Category

1840s British Early Victorian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture Rabbit by Eduard Marcel Sandoz, Susse Freres, 1920
Art Deco Bronze Sculpture Rabbit by Eduard Marcel Sandoz, Susse Freres, 1920

Art Deco Bronze Sculpture Rabbit by Eduard Marcel Sandoz, Susse Freres, 1920

By Edouard-Marcel Sandoz, Susse Freres

Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos

Art Deco silver plated bronze sculpture of a rabbit hare mounted over a nice Portoro Italian marble base. Lovely paperweight. Edouard Marcel Sandoz (1881-1973). Signature/ Marks: Ed....

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Macassar, Chrome and Lucite Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1940
Macassar, Chrome and Lucite Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1940

Macassar, Chrome and Lucite Desk Accessory Letter Holder, circa 1940

By Studio Art Deco

Located in Atlanta, GA

Exceptional French Art Deco Desk Accessory in Macassar, Chrome, and Lucite, circa 1940 A rare and refined embodiment of Art Deco modernism, this exquisite desk accessory was crafted ...

Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Antique Hand Forged Organic Design Arts & Crafts Multi Purpose Box, circa 1920
Antique Hand Forged Organic Design Arts & Crafts Multi Purpose Box, circa 1920

Antique Hand Forged Organic Design Arts & Crafts Multi Purpose Box, circa 1920

By Hugo Berger

Located in Lisse, NL

Unique and all handcrafted, wrought iron box attr. to Hugo Berger Goberg. It is always refreshing to find an antique object probably by a famous maker, that you have never seen befo...

Category

Early 20th Century German Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

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.