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Desk Accessories

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Desk Accessories For Sale
Collection Of Three Colorful Luxury Glass Inkwells
Collection Of Three Colorful Luxury Glass Inkwells

Collection Of Three Colorful Luxury Glass Inkwells

Located in Bridgeport, CT

Amazing group of vintage glass inkwells including: Round bulbous form blue ink well with glass hinged lid, brass collar, controlled air bubbles. Unmarked. Heavy piece with thick wal...

Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Salta  Medium Bordeaux  Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends
Salta  Medium Bordeaux  Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends

Salta Medium Bordeaux Onyx Stone Pair of Bookends

By AIREDELSUR

Located in Buenos Aires, AR

Salta province is called the beautiful, and this adjective introduces us to its profound beauty. Its fertile valleys, windy desert, colorful mountains and blue sky are the images tha...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Stone, Onyx, Metal

Baccarat Rare Concentric Close Pack Mushroom Glass Paperweight
Baccarat Rare Concentric Close Pack Mushroom Glass Paperweight

Baccarat Rare Concentric Close Pack Mushroom Glass Paperweight

By Baccarat

Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire

A rare antique French glass paperweight containing a close pack mushroom design by renowned glass makers Baccarat and dating from around 1850. The large and heavily made paperweight ...

Category

1850s French Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Vienna Bronze Style Art Nouveau Lady Signet Antique, Austria, 1900s
Vienna Bronze Style Art Nouveau Lady Signet Antique, Austria, 1900s

Vienna Bronze Style Art Nouveau Lady Signet Antique, Austria, 1900s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

This charming early 20th-century Austrian signet is a finely detailed miniature object, engraved with a decorative crown and initials that give the piece a distinctly personal and he...

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Piet Hein 'Solitaire' Teak Board Game for Skjode, Denmark, 1960s
Piet Hein 'Solitaire' Teak Board Game for Skjode, Denmark, 1960s

Piet Hein 'Solitaire' Teak Board Game for Skjode, Denmark, 1960s

By Piet Hein

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Piet Hein 'Solitaire' rare teak board game for Skjode, Denmark, 1960s. A solid teak Solitaire game designed by Piet Hein (1905-1996) in the 1950s. Manufact...

Category

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

Materials

Wood

Aircraft Engine Chrome Speaker
Aircraft Engine Chrome Speaker

Aircraft Engine Chrome Speaker

Located in Paris, FR

Speaker aircraft engine chrome is inspired by radial aircraft engines from early 20th-century radial aircraft engines. Structure in aluminum alloy ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum, Chrome

Art Deco Desk Set, By George Betjemann for Aspreys, London 1921
Art Deco Desk Set, By George Betjemann for Aspreys, London 1921

Art Deco Desk Set, By George Betjemann for Aspreys, London 1921

By George Betjemann & Sons

Located in Richmond, Surrey

Art Deco Onyx, Lapis & Silver Desk Set, By George Betjemann for Aspreys, London, 1921 This beautiful and rare Onyx and Lapis Lazuli desk set is a luxurious ensemble by George Betjem...

Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx

Vintage 1980s Gucci Leather & Gold GG Letter Opener and Bookmark Combination
Vintage 1980s Gucci Leather & Gold GG Letter Opener and Bookmark Combination

Vintage 1980s Gucci Leather & Gold GG Letter Opener and Bookmark Combination

By Gucci

Located in St. Louis, MO

An authentic, rare vintage 1980s dual-function desk accessory by Gucci, serving as both a leather letter opener and a page bookmark. Crafted from rich, smooth brown Italian calfskin ...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass. Each piece...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren

Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren

By Gunnar Cyren

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

DANSK Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren. Vintage Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk designed in circa 1970s. Wonderful modernist silver plated bear...

Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Rare 70s Horseshoe Letter Opener in Brass & Chrome By Gucci With Original Box
Rare 70s Horseshoe Letter Opener in Brass & Chrome By Gucci With Original Box

Rare 70s Horseshoe Letter Opener in Brass & Chrome By Gucci With Original Box

By Gucci

Located in Roma, IT

I offer you for sale an item from times gone by, which today is no longer extremely useful on our desks, unless, as in this case, the beauty and glamor of the object make us forget i...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Daum Crystal Vase French
Daum Crystal Vase French

Daum Crystal Vase French

By Daum

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful, small, and substantial French crystal vase from luxury Maison, Daum, in the modern Minimalist styles, circa 20th century, France. The piece is rectangular in shape with ...

Category

20th Century French Minimalist Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Zenit, Royal Copenhagen Pure White Porcelain and Silver Lidded Pot #5575
Zenit, Royal Copenhagen Pure White Porcelain and Silver Lidded Pot #5575

Zenit, Royal Copenhagen Pure White Porcelain and Silver Lidded Pot #5575

By Royal Copenhagen

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 ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Hermes Equestrian Magnifying Loupe, 1970s France
Hermes Equestrian Magnifying Loupe, 1970s France

Hermes Equestrian Magnifying Loupe, 1970s France

By Hermès

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A remarkable piece to elevate any office, and an essential addition to your vintage Hermès collection. This elegant Hermès loupe is a stunning object. A d...

Category

1970s French Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Silver

World Globe Art Glass Paperweight by Steven Correia
World Globe Art Glass Paperweight by Steven Correia

World Globe Art Glass Paperweight by Steven Correia

By Steven Correia

Located in San Diego, CA

Spectacular "World / Globe" art glass paperweight by Steven Correia, circa 1990s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 4"D x 4.25"H; it is signed on the undersid...

Category

Late 20th Century American Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Leonardo Sketch Pen 169
Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Leonardo Sketch Pen 169

Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Leonardo Sketch Pen 169

By Montblanc

Located in Beograd, RS

In this listing you will find a particularly rare sketch pen by Montblanc! The Montblanc Meisterstuck Leonardo Sketch Pen 169 is an exclusive collector’s item for lovers of high-qual...

Category

1990s German Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Late 19th Century Cut Crystal Inkwell with Silver-Plated Screw Cap
Late 19th Century Cut Crystal Inkwell with Silver-Plated Screw Cap

Late 19th Century Cut Crystal Inkwell with Silver-Plated Screw Cap

Located in Greven, DE

Cut Crystal Inkwell with Hinged Silver-Plated Lid England or France Cut crystal, silver-plated metal Late 19th century Dimensions: H × W × D: 7 × 5 × 5 cm Description: A compact i...

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Cut Glass

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Pen Tray
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Pen Tray

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Pen Tray

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper pen tray, desk tray, or ashtray By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Circa 1920s Measure...

Category

1920s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Copper

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Brass and Cane Bookends
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Brass and Cane Bookends

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Brass and Cane Bookends

By Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 Brass and Cane 'Flatiron' Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished or patinat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

1960's Italian Brass Shopping Bag Set Magazine and Letter Holders
1960's Italian Brass Shopping Bag Set Magazine and Letter Holders

1960's Italian Brass Shopping Bag Set Magazine and Letter Holders

By Gio Ponti

Located in Las Vegas, NV

Rare set of brass shopping bags from Italy, circa 1960. Both are stamped "made in Italy" on bottom. Fabulous as decoration together or use separate as magazine/letter bin. Both ha...

Category

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

Materials

Brass, Copper

Perpetual calendar in wood and aluminum, 1970s
Perpetual calendar in wood and aluminum, 1970s

Perpetual calendar in wood and aluminum, 1970s

Located in Bastia Umbra, IT

Perpetual calendar made of wood and aluminum, Made in Italy, 1970s. Rare perpetual calendar made in the 1970s from solid wood and aluminum with silver-colored numbers for the days, m...

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Aluminum

Tennis Racket Desk Paper Clip Marble Malachite Resin Brass, Circa 1970s
Tennis Racket Desk Paper Clip Marble Malachite Resin Brass, Circa 1970s

Tennis Racket Desk Paper Clip Marble Malachite Resin Brass, Circa 1970s

Located in New York, NY

A chic and fun tennis racket and ball desk paper clip with a green marble-malachite-style resin, in the Modern style, circa 1960s, 1970s. Object, a brass tennis racket and ball paper...

Category

1970s Post-Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

21st Century Italian Sterling Silver Fountain Pen
21st Century Italian Sterling Silver Fountain Pen

21st Century Italian Sterling Silver Fountain Pen

By Arval Argenti Valenza

Located in VALENZA, IT

Fountain pen made of solid silver, completely handcrafted and engraved with baroque volutes. The care with which this fountain pen was made denotes the experience and artistic hand ...

Category

2010s Italian Other Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Regency Brass Bound Traveling Desk Wooden Mahogany Writing Slope Regency
Antique Regency Brass Bound Traveling Desk Wooden Mahogany Writing Slope Regency

Antique Regency Brass Bound Traveling Desk Wooden Mahogany Writing Slope Regency

Located in Dublin, Ireland

An Exceptionally Fine Quality English Well Figured Solid grained Mahogany Officers Campaign Style Traveling Writing Slope of outstanding quality and unusually large size. First quart...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Bamboo And Rattan Letter Holder Desk Organizer
Vintage Bamboo And Rattan Letter Holder Desk Organizer

Vintage Bamboo And Rattan Letter Holder Desk Organizer

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Bamboo Letter Holder or Desk Organizer. Three compartments on top and two large shelves on bottom. Good condition and sturdy, ready to use. 11" wide

Category

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Adirondack Desk Accessories

Materials

Bamboo, Rattan

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Bookend, Circa 1920s
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Bookend, Circa 1920s

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Bookend, Circa 1920s

By Roycroft

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper bookend By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Circa 1920s Measures: 2.25"W x 2.25"D x 3.2...

Category

1920s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Copper

Handsome Antique Horn and Silver Plate Inkwell Dated 1897
Handsome Antique Horn and Silver Plate Inkwell Dated 1897

Handsome Antique Horn and Silver Plate Inkwell Dated 1897

Located in Bath, GB

An outstanding late Victorian inkwell made from two cattle horns and mounted with silver plated fittings, a stunning combination and always highly sought-after; I haven't had one of ...

Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Abstract Bronze Intertwined Figurative Sculpture on White Marble Base
Vintage Abstract Bronze Intertwined Figurative Sculpture on White Marble Base

Vintage Abstract Bronze Intertwined Figurative Sculpture on White Marble Base

Located in North Miami, FL

This beautiful intertwined abstract figure bronze sculpture on a white marble base is very sensual and has an amazing and different presence from every angle. The bodies are intertwi...

Category

1960s American Organic Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

Art Deco Faience Bookends by HB Quimper, Hand-Painted, Circa 1910-1920
Art Deco Faience Bookends by HB Quimper, Hand-Painted, Circa 1910-1920

Art Deco Faience Bookends by HB Quimper, Hand-Painted, Circa 1910-1920

Located in Winter Park, FL

A good pair of Art Deco Faience bookends form HB Quimper, in good condition, very colorful. Dimensions are 7.5" long by 4.5" and 7" high. Each. Note, one small lost of glazing on the...

Category

Early 20th Century European French Provincial Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Abstract Bronze and Black Wood Pleated Sculpture Italy, 1950's
Vintage Abstract Bronze and Black Wood Pleated Sculpture Italy, 1950's

Vintage Abstract Bronze and Black Wood Pleated Sculpture Italy, 1950's

Located in North Miami, FL

This fabulous vintage abstract signed Italian sculpture is Mid-Century Modern. It says on the label made in Italy and the signature is Esafedritolle. The bronze has 2 surfaces both p...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Glass Vintage Baby Blue and Gold Bathroom Set, France, 1960s
Glass Vintage Baby Blue and Gold Bathroom Set, France, 1960s

Glass Vintage Baby Blue and Gold Bathroom Set, France, 1960s

Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL

This beautiful baby blue bathroom set is in very good vintage condition. An elegant addition to a Classic bathroom. Only one unique set. Made in Fran...

Category

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

Materials

Glass

Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany
Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany

Il Bauletto Jewelry Box in Briar and Mahogany

By Agresti

Located in New York, NY

Jewelry box in briar and mahogany, matte finish, ultra suede lining. 24-karat gold plated brass accessories. With removable tray and necklace bar.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Suede, Mahogany

Rare 18th Century Georgian Mahogany Book Carrier Desk Stand
Rare 18th Century Georgian Mahogany Book Carrier Desk Stand

Rare 18th Century Georgian Mahogany Book Carrier Desk Stand

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

An Extremely Rare 18th Century Mahogany George III Period Book Carrier, Or Desk Stand Tidy, Having Two Short Drawers And One Long Drawer, Retaining Original Brass Handles And Escutch...

Category

Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Mahogany

Sven Jonson For Gustavsberg, Facett 7, Card Suit Ceramic Lidded Pot c1960's
Sven Jonson For Gustavsberg, Facett 7, Card Suit Ceramic Lidded Pot c1960's

Sven Jonson For Gustavsberg, Facett 7, Card Suit Ceramic Lidded Pot c1960's

By Sven Jonson

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Smooth dark brown glaze lidded pot with playing card suit motif of applied silver Designed by Sven Jonson for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Stylish and functional Circa 1960's Signed Gustav...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Cute Munich Child Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Antique German 1900s
Cute Munich Child Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Antique German 1900s

Cute Munich Child Metal Money Box Piggy Bank, Antique German 1900s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Antique German Souvenir Metal Money Bank with Munich Child, Circa Early 1900s A charming and evocative antique metal money bank, likely produced as a souvenir from Oktoberfest in Mu...

Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Cartier Vendome Trinity Rollerball Pen, Gold Toned, 1980s Art Deco
Cartier Vendome Trinity Rollerball Pen, Gold Toned, 1980s Art Deco

Cartier Vendome Trinity Rollerball Pen, Gold Toned, 1980s Art Deco

By Cartier

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Vintage Must de Cartier Vendôme Gold Plated Textured Rollerball Pen With Red Accent & Original Cartier Box A beautiful and highly decorative vintage Must de Cartier Vendôme rolle...

Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso
Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso

Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso

By Barovier&Toso

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear and pink Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures: He...

Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

19th C. French Mother of Pearl & Brass Chair Pocket Watch Stand Holder
19th C. French Mother of Pearl & Brass Chair Pocket Watch Stand Holder

19th C. French Mother of Pearl & Brass Chair Pocket Watch Stand Holder

Located in Honolulu, HI

A breathtaking 19th-century French "Porte-Montre" (pocket watch holder) whimsically designed in the form of a miniature chair. Crafted during the Napoleon III / Palais Royal era, this exquisite desk display piece features a natural mother-of-pearl shell seat, elegantly framed by delicate gilt brass wirework with flowing cabriole-style legs. Suspended from the top hook is a meticulously carved mother-of-pearl maple leaf that acts as a decorative backrest, complemented by a matching carved leaf dangling below the seat rail. The top hook was specifically designed to hold a pocket watch or pocket watch pendant, allowing the timepiece to rest gracefully above the iridescent shell bowl. Radiating soft pink and green iridescence, the natural shell harmonizes beautifully with the aged brass patina. Offered in exceptional antique condition with intact mother-of-pearl elements. A rare, highly desirable collector’s piece for enthusiasts of French Palais Royal vanity objects and antique pocket watch displays.

Category

Late 19th Century Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Just Andersen, Denmark Bronze Patina Disko Metal Viking Ship Salt #1109
Just Andersen, Denmark Bronze Patina Disko Metal Viking Ship Salt #1109

Just Andersen, Denmark Bronze Patina Disko Metal Viking Ship Salt #1109

By Just Andersen

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Just Andersen Danish bronze patina Disko metal Viking ship salt cellar. circa 1920s Stamped and numbered 1109 on base Height 2.25 inch, Width 4.25 inch, Depth 1.75 inch In good ...

Category

1920s Danish Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Waste Bin in Solid Teak, Made in Denmark
Midcentury Waste Bin in Solid Teak, Made in Denmark

Midcentury Waste Bin in Solid Teak, Made in Denmark

Located in Lejre, DK

Waste bin in solid teak. Designed and made in Denmark, great condition.

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Glass Paper Weight with Infused Floating Bubbles in the Style of Murano
Glass Paper Weight with Infused Floating Bubbles in the Style of Murano

Glass Paper Weight with Infused Floating Bubbles in the Style of Murano

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautiful large round glass paperweight infused with multiple suspended bubbles, creating captivating depth and movement within the sphere. The bubbles catch and refract light beau...

Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Blown Glass

Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder
Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder

Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder

Located in Milan, IT

Italian 1970s Metal Dachshund Dog Shaped Desk Pencil Holder

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Swedish Mid-century Mallet Tool or Pencil Holder in Walnut, 1950s
Swedish Mid-century Mallet Tool or Pencil Holder in Walnut, 1950s

Swedish Mid-century Mallet Tool or Pencil Holder in Walnut, 1950s

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A well-made mallet shaped tool or pencil holder fashioned from solid walnut. Different sized hole for different tools/needles/pens etc. It was made in Sweden circa 1940-60 og excess ...

Category

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

Materials

Walnut

Hand-Painted Metal Napkin Holder, Germany circa 1900
Hand-Painted Metal Napkin Holder, Germany circa 1900

Hand-Painted Metal Napkin Holder, Germany circa 1900

Located in Hamburg, DE

Hand-Painted Metal Napkin Holder, Germany circa 1900 This charming napkin holder, crafted from painted sheet metal around 1900 in Germany, is a wonderful example of decorative househ...

Category

Late 19th Century German Belle Époque Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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.