1960s UNIS Portable Typewriter in Orange, Yugoslav Mid-Century Design
Located in Praha, CZ
A striking UNIS portable typewriter produced in Yugoslavia during the 1960s, featuring a vibrant orange body and clean Mid-Century Modern styling. The sculptural form, contrasting wh...
Metal, Chrome
Brutalist pocket emptier by David Marshall, bronze and aluminum, Spain, 1980
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb brutalist empty pocket designed and made by the artist david marshall in the 70s in spain. Structure in bronze and aluminum. Rare design that will decorate your interior wonde...
Aluminum, Bronze
Daum French Glass Floral Paperweight
By Daum
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning French art glass paperweight beautifully presented with a single central flower head by renowned glass makers Daum and dating from the 20th century. The paperweight is han...
Blown Glass
Inkwell equestrian subject in silver plate crystal ink bottles 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Inkwell with equestrian subject in silver plate, with beveled crystal ink bottles, 1950s Italian manufacture. The elegantly shaped base consists of two horseshoes side by side, a cle...
Metal
1980s Gorgeous Swatch Phone "Pick me Up", Memphis Style
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Original astonishing Swatch phone "Pick me Up". In very excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon in the 80s for its am...
Plastic
Murano Gambaro Poggi Green Red Blue Italian Art Glass Rabbit Figurine Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand green, red, and blue Italian art glass bunny rabbit figurine / sculpture. The piece is documented to the Gambaro & Poggi company, with an original "...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$260 / item
Avatar UR Abalone Green Fountain Pen
By Pineider
Located in Milan, IT
Thanks to 3D engineering and high precision manufacturing, the pen is assembled without using a single drop of glue. Transparency allows one not only to see the pen's mechanism but a...
Resin
$4,800 / set
19th Century Bronze and Marble Desk Set
Located in Long Island City, NY
This rare four-piece bronze and marble desk set includes a pen holder, inkwell stamper, and letter holder.
Marble, Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Wheat Sheaf Letter Opener, 1910s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique French bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau ...
Bronze
Boar Tusk Oak Leaf and Acorn Desk Blotter
Located in New York, NY
Boar Tusk Oak Leaf and Acorn Desk Blotter. Boar tusk handled velvet blotter with gilt metal oak leaf branches and acorns framing green metal on ball feet. United States, early 20th ...
Metal
$304Sale Price|48% Off
20th Century Murano Blown Glass Paperweight Mushroom
By Compagnia Di Venezia E Murano (C.V.M.)
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A charming little vintage blown art glass ornamental mushroom in translucent and tinted Murano glass, with a curvaceous stem and topped with a shapely cap, flecked with tiny air bubb...
Blown Glass
1960's New Old Stock Vintage Stationery Set
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1960's New Old Stock Vintage Stationery Set. We recently came across a large hoard of new old stock hardware and general merchandise items, l...
Plastic
Marshall Field & Co. Antique Viking Bronze Stationery Holder Spindle, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period "Viking" collection bronze stationery holder spindle or receipt spike In the manner of Tiffany Studios By Marshall Field & Co. (signed t...
Bronze
David L. Deming Brass Abstract Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass abstract sculpture or paperweight by artist David L. Deming c.1969, USA. This weighty object has interlocking squares and rectangular shapes. It would be great as an office pap...
Brass
Blenko Glass Promotional Item for Blenko Glass
By Blenko Glass
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon and handmade glass desk weight in luminous tones of amber and red advertising the Blenko Glass works.
Glass
French 19th Century Set of Scale Weights Stand Desk Accessory
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century Set of Brass Scale Weights, France A charming late 19th Century set of weights in brass, housed in their wooden stand. Weights such as these were used with different sc...
Brass
Antique Regency Rosewood Inlaid Writing Desk Set with Inkwells
Located in Suffolk, GB
A fine and early Regency period rosewood writing desk set beautifully decorated with delicate mother-of-pearl foliate inlay and complete with its original cut-glass inkwells. This el...
Rosewood
Magnificent Quality Antique 19th Century French Cast-Brass Desk Set
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding quality 19th century antique French cast-brass desk set with a very attractive inkstand having twin inkwells and a beautiful pierced gallery. It has a rectangular pierced pen tray and a pair of ornate candlesticks...
Brass
$3,802Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Marble Desk Perpetual calendar by Jakob Maul, Germany, 1920s
Located in Oxford, GB
Art Deco Perpetual calendar made of black Belgian marble and made by the well known german company Jakob Maul founded in 1912 very rare to find one of this ...
Belgian Black Marble, Chrome
Mid-century Tesla Phone, 1980s, Czechoslovakia
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
Fully functional Tesla manufacturer type-TA-32 Has signs of use Beautiful decoration Original condition
Metal
French Seal of a Knight in Armour
Located in London, GB
A very fine seal depicting a standing knight in full armour, in gilt and silvered bronze. Very good detail and excellent original gilding and silvering.
Bronze
Silver-Plated Christofle Paperweight with Poetic Engraving by B. Quentin
By Christofle, Bernard Quentin
Located in Stockholm, SE
This elegant paperweight is a collectible piece created by the French silversmithing house Christofle and designed by B. Quentin in 1983. Crafted in silver-plated metal, it features ...
Stainless Steel
$521Sale Price|20% Off
A Pair of Brass Bookends for the Golf Enthusiast A very attractive pair
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Brass Bookends for the Golf Enthusiast A very attractive pair and clever design, the ends are made as books which the golfing statues are standing on and also provide the...
Metal
$124Sale Price|20% Off
Postmodern Murano Glass Amber Bird Figurine Paperweight
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Playful bird figurine or paperweight is made in sommerso technique; amber colored glass gather with swirls of light-colored glass ribbons is cased over with clear glass. Controlled...
Art Glass, Glass, Murano Glass
Italian Silver-Plated Ivy Garland Placemats, Brass, Circa 1990
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
What to put in place of the usual placemats to embellish the table ? Four ivy garlands, but silvered ! to illuminate the table and make it more precious. ref. O/1790 -
Brass, Silver Plate
Quality Vintage Solid / Sterling Silver Letter Opener - Pheasant
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning, beautifully cast letter opener in solid English Sterling silver with a hefty weight of 98.5 Grams / 3 17 Troy Ounces. The handle features a wonderful Pheasant and the si...
Sterling Silver
Vinyl Record Stand by Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
This orange vinyl record stand was produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden during the second half of the 20th century. Executed in molded plastic, the pie...
Plastic
Daum France - Paperweight Decorative Flower Rose Passion Pink Crystal
By Daum
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Paperweight "Decorative Flower - Rose Passion" made in pink crystal by Daum France. Engraved signature. Perfect condition. Dimensions: 11 cm x 11 cm.
Crystal
$680Sale Price|20% Off
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Pencil Holder for Señal, Mexico, 1980s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Pencil Holder for Señal, Mexico, 1980s. Makers label to the bottom.
Wood, Cocobolo
Antique French Porcelain Jacob Petite Desk Set Inkstand Provenance Ava Gardner
By Jacob Petit
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning French Lavish Gilt Porcelain Ink Stand of Museum Quality and generous proportions, made by renowned French porcelain maker Jacob Petit. Last quarter of the Nineteenth Centur...
Brass
Victorian Inkwell with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Located in NYC, NY
Fine mid-19th century inkwell with inlaid mother-of-pearl decoration surrounding pen trays, a lidded compartment and two crystal inkwells. The whole raised atop four flattened bun feet.
Brass
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Brush Holder
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze pen brush holder featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Cen...
Bronze
Coq Nain, Rooster, iconic paperweight sculpture, designed by R. Lalique, France
By Lalique
Located in Puglia, Puglia
"Coq Nain" crystal paperweight, signed Lalique. Model no. 1135. Originally created as car mascots, they were mostly designed and created by René Lalique in the mid- to late 1920s be...
Crystal
Eagle Motif French Art Nouveau Letter Opener Antique 1900s signed Mauroy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
We are offering this wonderful and original heavy french art nouveau letter opener. The design dates back to the early 1900s to 1910s, the object is made of Bronze. We believe that t...
Bronze
Cristal D'Albret France Franklin D Roosevelt Sulphide Paperweight Faceted Purple
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 1970s, New old stock, Cristal D'Albret France Limited Edition (only 2000 made) Franklin D Roosevelt Sulphide Glass Faceted Purple Paperweight...
Glass
Commanding Art Deco 1920s Rosso Levanto Red Marble Inkwell & Penrest Stand
Located in Red Lion, PA
Commanding 1920s Art Deco Rosso Levanto Red Marble Inkwell and Pen Rest This striking Art Deco inkwell and pen rest, dating to the 1920s, is crafted from richly figured Rosso Levant...
Marble, Bronze
Pierre Giraudon clock parts in lucite , 1970’s France
Located in Delft, NL
Pierre Giraudon clock parts in lucite , 1970’s France Dimensions: 13,5cm H, 6,5cm W, 5cm D Condition: Mint Designer: Pierre Giroudon Origin: France Period: 1970’s
Glass
Art Nouveau Silver Plated Blotter Folio Book
Located in Altrincham, GB
Art Nouveau Silver Plated Blotter Folio Book with leather and snakeskin interior - 12"h x 10"w - Art Nouveau Silver Plated Blotter Folio Book with leather and snakeskin interior - ...
Silver Plate
Austrian Bronze Paper Clip
Located in Delft, NL
An Austrian bronze paper clip A Viennese cold painted bronze dog figurine, designed as a paper clip mounted on a polished mahogany base. The...
Bronze
1970’s Italian Hand Made Zebra Hide Desk Organizer
Located in Palm Springs, CA
We acquired this desk accessory along with a wonderful Gucci desk set from a local Palm Springs estate. These desk items were purchased in the 1970’s. The Gucci desk set is available...
Leather, Zebra Hide
Quality antique Edwardian ornate brass desk set
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality antique Edwardian ornate brass desk set, having a quality ornate brass desk set, having a letter rack to the back, and two sections for inkwells, raised on an brass ornate sh...
Brass
Val Saint Lambert France Engraved Glass Disc Pisces Paperweight
Located in New York, NY
Dreamy engraved round glass disc Pisces paperweight by Val Saint Lambert, France, circa 1970s. Signed with engraved signature on disc edge, as pictured.
Art Glass
Art-Deco inkwell depicting globe and plane on Portoro marble base
Located in Milan, IT
Art-Déco inkwell depicting globe mounted on polished Portoro marble base. Earth globe with the names of the continents and seas written in French, cast in aluminum with embossed con...
Marble
Vintage Peruvian 20th Century Brass Peru Souvenir Desk Accessory Letter Opener
Located in Greven, DE
Vintage Peruvian 20th Century Brass Peru Souvenir Desk Accessory Letter Opener Peru Brass 20th Century Dimensions: Length 15.5cm This vintage letter opener was crafted in the ...
Brass
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Goat Oak Leaves Nature Animal Letter Opener
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Goat Oak Leaves Nature Animal Letter Opener France Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: Length 20cm Designed and made at the turn of the 20th centur...
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Figural Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Double Inkwell Inkstand wit
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique French Figural Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Double Inkwell Inkstand with Pen Holder 19th Century French Louis XV style figural cast bronze d...
Bronze
Antique French Copper Napoleon Bonaparte Commemorative Military Letter Opener
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Copper Napoleon Bonaparte Commemorative Military Letter Opener France Copper 19th Century Dimensions: Length 15.5cm This letter opener celebrates French milit...
Copper
Antique Art Deco Art Nouveau Hammered Gilt Bronze Ormolu Floral Letter Opener
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Art Deco Art Nouveau Hammered Gilt Bronze Ormolu Floral Letter Opener Continental Bronze Early 20th Century Dimensions: Length 25.5cm Using a variety of crafting te...
Bronze
Antique Belle Époque Victorian Style Gold Pierced Brass Desk Letter Opener
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Belle Époque Victorian Style Gold Pierced Brass Desk Letter Opener Continental Brass c. 1900 Dimensions: Length 20.5cm This charming letter opener was crafted at the ...
Brass
Zenit, Royal Copenhagen Pure White Porcelain and Silver Lidded Pot #5575
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
An oval shaped lidded pot designed by Anne-Marie Trolle for Royal Copenhagen Applied silver zig-zag decoration to pure white porcelain Circa 1980's Stamped and numbered 5575 Height ...
Porcelain
$438Sale Price|35% Off
Italian Richard Ginori Porcelain Tray Parrot Bird on Bamboo Plant Chinoiserie
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful vintage Italian white porcelain jewelry dish/plate/tray by designer Richard Ginori, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Tray vide-poche features a Phoenix parrot...
Porcelain
Set of Two Porcelain Bowls Easter Decor Sofina Boutique Kitzbuehel
Located in Kitzbühel, Tirol
Set of two completely handmade and hands-free painted porcelain bowls with a Easter decor. Rimmed with a fine 24-carat gold line. Handmade in Bavaria/Germ...
Porcelain
1950s Small Czech Leather Medicine Balls, Decorative - Various Qty Available
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950s small Czech leather medicine balls, decorative 1950s small Czech leather medicine balls, decorative. We have a number of these large handsome worn leather medicine balls tha...
Leather
MCM Art Glass Paperweight by Robert William Bartlett
Located in San Diego, CA
A wonderful art glass paperweight by Robert William Bartlett, circa 1978. The piece is internally layered with white and blue swirl design. The paperweight is in very good vintage co...
Art Glass
20th Century Bronze Letter Opener in African Tribal Art Bakota Style
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Brass Figural Letter Opener, Bakota Style, Gabon, 20th Century This striking brass letter opener is crafted in the Bakota style of Gabon, Central Africa. The piece displays elegant ...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Brass Ink Blotter
Located in New York, NY
A brass Art Nouveau period ink blotter. Beautiful Art Nouveau details captured in blotters' handle. Use for its intended purpose or as a standalone piece decorative object on a desk,...
Brass
Antique French Louis XV Style Bronze Ormolu Inkwell Signed Van De Voorde
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: Height: 6 1/2 in Width: 15 3/4 in Depth: 9 in This antique French Louis XV style bronze ormolu inkwell is truly a sight to be seen! If we take a look at the photos prov...
Bronze, Ormolu
Tiffany Studios New York Modeled Greek Key Bronze Blotter Ends
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Arts & Crafts period "Modeled" Greek Key pattern bronze blotter ends, with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the und...
Bronze
Black Leather Box Tray Organizer English
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful English black leather tray organizer caddy, circa late-20th century, England. Piece is black leather with compartments for necessities: 'watch, jewelry, keys, eyeglasses,...
Leather, Velvet
Sweet Little Dog Italian Hand Painted Ceramic Money Box c1960s
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Adorable hand painted ceramic Italian money box from the 1960's A joyful palette of colours brings this piece to life Circa 1960's Signed M33 Italy ...
Ceramic
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.