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Desk Accessories

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Desk Accessories For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1910s
Rare business card tray, solid bronze around 1900, Jugendstil Art Nouveau France
Located in Wien, AT
Wonderful business card tray, made out of solid bronze, an original of the Jugendstil - Art Nouveau period, made around 1900. This nice historical object has a rectangular shape an...
Category

Early 1900s French Jugendstil Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Scottie Dog Cast Iron Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A wonderful vintage Scottie dog cast iron paperweight, circa 1940s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures 3.75"W x 1.75"D x 3...
Category

Early 20th Century American Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

Traveling Inkwell Milk Churn Shape
Located in Vienna, AT
This figural traveling inkwell was made during the very early 1900s. It is made to look like a milk churn. We believe it is made of nickel plated brass; some of the plating has worn ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Giant Cut Glass Sterling Silver Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
A very nice example of a large glass inkwell with silver marked lid with a hallmark ingraved. To the back of the lid under the hinge are initials a...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Signed Tiffany Studios Art Nouveau Table Lamp, Early 1900's
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This vintage early 20th Century leaded glass and bronze table lamp was made by the Tiffany Studios, New York. The handcrafted leaded shade is made u...
Category

1910s American Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

French Chess Theme of Ancient Egypt Plaster & Wood Restored, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French chess game in the thematic of Ancient Egypt. The chess pieces are in painted and waxed plaster, the board is in wood and the is also a display shel...
Category

1920s French Egyptian Revival Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Antique English Hallmarked Sterling Silver & Crystal Clock Inkwell, Circa 1900
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English hallmarked sterling silver & cut crystal clock inkwell, circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century English Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Beautiful Highly Decorative Letter Scale Antique, German, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Vintage Post Office Scale from Columbus Bilateral 1920's. Old original post letter balance scale, Antique Postal Brass Tin Bilateral Scale. Ni...
Category

1920s German Victorian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Tiffany & Co. 1920 Art Deco 8 Days Desk Clock Sterling Silver & Enamel with Box
Located in Miami, FL
A desk clock designed by Tiffany & Co. A beautiful and elegant easel back desk clock, created in New York city by the Tiffany & Co. studios, during the art deco period back in the early 1920. This rare piece has been designed in a squared curvilinear shape and carefully crafted up in solid sterling silver .935/.999 . The watch is gilded and is fully embellished with applications of purple-violet and white enamels over a geometric guilloche patterns. It is fitted at the reverse, with an easel back retractable hinged stand. Movement: Is Swiss mechanical wingding, 8 days. The dial is creme-white with arabic golden numerals and with black hands and inscribed, Tiffany & Co. Swiss. Weight: 180.95 Grams, (1115.99 Dwt). Measurements: 80 mm by 80 mm by 16.5 mm (3.15 x 3.15 x 0.65 Inches). Clocks Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed, "TIFFANY & CO. 8 DAYS SWISS". Case Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark monogram, the Swiss mark of the standing Bear for the silver assay, and signed, "CONCORD WATCH CO. STERLING SILVER ARGENT 0.935 CONCORD W. CO SWISS 1608". Concord Watch Co, was founded in Biel, Switzerland in 1908. From the start, the company had its sights set on the American market. Concord produced luxury watches for several jewelry companies, including Tiffany & Co. and Cartier. During peace talks in the Second World War, President Harry Truman gave Concord watches as a gifts to Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill. The North American Watch Company...
Category

1920s North American Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Antique Perpetual Calendar, French Table Calender, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique perpetual calendar made from marble with complete and original set of plates for the dates. France, early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century French Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble

Antique English Equestrian Themed Silver Plate Inkwell.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Antique English Equestrian Themed Silver Plate Inkwell. Horseshoe oak base and crystal inkwell with a jockey’s cap.
Category

1920s Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage 1920s Industrial Vulcanized Office Factory Desk Wastebasket Trash Can
Located in Hyattsville, MD
American vulcanized fiber company factory office trash can, small to medium in size. The cleanest example that we have ever found, even with paper label to the outer bottom as well. ...
Category

1920s American Industrial Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Natural Fiber

Art Deco Spelter Sculpture, Signed: Prof. R. Volpi 2359 Made in Belgium
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Deco His studio was located in Schaerbeek (Belgium), where he worked as a sculptor for a company called "Carli et Fréres". Modeled and cast as two Two Geese with a Child Beautif...
Category

1920s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Spelter

Ronson England 1929 Art Deco Black and Creme Lacquer Rondelight Table Lighter
Located in Miami, FL
A stainless steel lighter designed by Ronson. Very beautiful desk Rondelight lighter, created in London England by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, back in the 1929. This is a very unusual lighter designed with wonderful geometric patterns and crafted in solid steel with a main spherical body similar to a billiard ball. Embellished with black and creme lacquer creating a great contrast with the polished steel. It is extremely well made and solid construction with very nice care and attention to all details. This surely is a very decorative piece and a great conversation item in gorgeous and exceptional preserved condition. Weight: 254.6 Grams, (163.21 Dwt). Measurements: 57 mm by 57 mm by 76 mm (2.25 x 0.25 x 3.0 Inches). Marks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed, "RONSON TRADEMARK MADE IN ENGLAND RONDELIGHT BRIT PAT. 621570 FILL HERE RONSON The Ronson lighter company started as The Art Metal Works in 1897 and was incorporated on July 20, 1898, by Max Hecht, Louis V...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Typewriter/ Remington 10S USA, 1920s
Located in Praha, CZ
The packaging of the machine has surface defects that are associated with the age of use. Made in USA Serial number Z192196 Fully functional Made of metal, steel, chrome, fabric. Go...
Category

1920s American Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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,...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Antique Silverplated Fox-themed Inkwell by James Deakin & Sons, England
Located in Leesburg, VA
James Deakin & Sons Ltd. Sheffield, England; ca. 1897-1935 Silver plated copper and glass Approximate size: 11 (w) x 6 (h) x 6 (d) in. This lovely silver-plated inkwell features an...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate, Copper

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

Art Nouveau Letter Opener, Elephants
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Letter Opener with Elephants. So beautiful, very nice condition!
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Antique Handcrafted German Railroad / Train Station Ticket Booth By Bing Bavaria
Located in Lisse, NL
Very rare and great looking antique toy train ticket dispenser by Gebruder Bing, Nurnberg (GBN). Since buying and selling only the rarest antiques h...
Category

Early 20th Century German Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Tiffany Studios New York Art Deco Bronze Doré and Abalone Notepad Holder
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period bronze doré and inlaid abalone notepad holder By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 4.75"W x 7.5"D x 0.5"H. Good origi...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Rare Typewriter ADLER No7, Germany 1900s
Located in Praha, CZ
The first typewriter of German production - rare Fully functional. The packaging of the machine has surface defects that are associated with the age of use. Made in Germany-number se...
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Tiffany & Co. Studios New York Bronze and Abalone Desk Set
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning set of solid brass Tiffany & Co desk ink well notepad case and 4 corners for desk pad all in amazing condition came from a high end estate in P...
Category

1910s American Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Frog Game Antique Brass Collectibles and Curiosities Spain Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Beautiful brass frog game set very nice They are the pieces of the popular frog game These originally would be mounted on a piece of furniture, but it is...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Other Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Lalique Crystal Mascot Rooster Tete De Coq Small Bust/Paperweight
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Lalique Crystal Mascot Rooster Tete de Coq small bust/paperweight. It depicts a very well done clear crystal rooster. It has the Lalique Fran...
Category

Early 20th Century French Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Rare jugendstil writing set by Erhard & Sohne Germany
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Rare jugendstil writing set by Erhard & Sohne Germany including letter holder 10x13x6cm, letter dryer 15x8x6cm and knife 18cm long.
Category

Early 1900s German Jugendstil Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

C1920s Vintage Globe by Philips
By Frederick Philips
Located in London, GB
14 inch terrestrial Globe on a stylish onyx base This Desktop Globe Dates C1920s to C1930s Minor Signs of wear and Tear
Category

1920s British Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx

French 1920s Desk Organizer with Six Drawers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
French 1920s desk organizer with six drawers.
Category

Early 20th Century French Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco period bronze inkwell featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.13"W x 4.13"D x 2"H. Good orig...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Doré Letter Rack
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period gilt bronze desk letter rack featuring a Zodiac design By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 9.5"W x 2.5"D x 6.25"H Go...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Brush Pen Holder Blue Color Cloisoné 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Brush holders, or pen holders, from China made of Cloisoné Ceramic at the beginning of the 20th century. The Decor Patern are Fowers. The Color is blue.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Initial Stamp, Art Deco, 1920s
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful and authentically preserved stamp for sealing wax.
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Brass jugendstil desk set with lion heads
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Brass jugendstil desk set with lion heads. inkwell 28,5x18,5x6cm clock 24,5x13x8cm match stand with ashtray 14x13x11,5cm
Category

1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Empire Style Table Clock and Inkwell
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Empire style table clock and inkwell Origin France Circa 1900 The watch has a Paris machine and it works Golden bronze and Onix materials Very good general condition the marble ...
Category

Early 1900s French Empire Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Fine Antique Onyx and Bronze Desk Ink Stand Pen Rest Faux Book and Blotter Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
A fine and antique onyx and bronze desk set featuring a sculpture of Rodin's Thinker done by Hungarian sculptor Andor Ruff. From the AskArt website, "Andor Ruff was born in 1885, in Taksony, Hungary. Ruff studied in Budapest and Brussels. After that, he lived and worked as a sculptor, landscape painter, and draftsman in Budapest. Andor Ruff passed away in 1951." The oval shaped, double, bronze mounted inkwell features the sculpture as well as a pen rest or vide poche. In addition to the inkwell, the set also includes an onyx and bronze blotter and an onyx and bronze box in the style of a book. The 'pages' are in bronze in a deckled style, the spine, also in bronze, features a 'leather' styling and the 'hard cover' of the book features a monogram in bronze. According to the Crystal Council website, "Green Onyx is associated with the planet Mercury, which is known to represent intelligence, elevated brain power, and enhanced memory. It is meant for anyone who wants to speak truth from the heart. This mineral opens up and actives the heart, in alignment to the brain, producing honesty and powerful realizations." Seems rather fitting for a desk set, wouldn't you agree? I can only imagine the beautiful and heartfelt letters you will pen thanks to this set. And the sculpture of Auguste Rodin's Thinker - well, that really sets the tone. The measurements listed are for the figural double inkwell...
Category

Early 20th Century European Desk Accessories

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Art Deco Bronze Doré and Inlaid Abalone Notepad Holder
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period bronze doré and inlaid abalone notepad holder By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 4.5"W x 7.5"D x 0.5"H. Good origin...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Antique Letter Opener, Horses, Max Le Verrier
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Letter Opener, Max Le Verrier. So beautiful, very nice condition!
Category

Early 20th Century Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Austrian Jugendstil Vienna Bronze Sculptural Paperweight by Carl Fiala, ca. 1910
Located in New York, NY
ABOUT This elegant Austrian Jugenstil sculptural desk paperweight depicts some fantastic half-human creature from the underwater world, riding a snail. Signed C. Fiala, dark-green co...
Category

1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

William Hornby - Patented Silver Seal Stamp - Retailed by Asprey in 1902
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1902 by William Hornby, and retailed originally by Asprey of London, this handsome, Edwardian, Antique Sterling Silver Seal Stamp, i...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Pen Tray
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco period bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10.13"W x 3.13"D x 0.38"H Good original...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré and Abalone Pen Tray
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period bronze doré and inlaid abalone pen tray By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 8.75"W x 2.5"D x 0.75"H. Good original v...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Perfectly Ordinary Lustre Octagonal Scarab Bowl Daisy Makeig-Jones Wedgwood 1920
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Absolutely delightful and delicate Daisy Makeig-Jones for Wedgwood, octagonal bone china lustre bowl. The interior is decorated with mother-of-pearl colo...
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

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

Chinese Abacus by Lotus Flower
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Chinese abacus dating from 1912 to 1949 with The Abacus book by Jesse Dilson. A black lacquered frame secured with brass corners houses 13 bamboo rods, each with five and two black...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Antique Coffee and Tea Tin K. Tiktak's Amsterdam Groningen, Early 20th Century
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique Coffee and Tea Tin from the Early 20th Century. Designed and made for K.Tiktak Coffee and Tea Factory, which was located in Amsterdam and Groningen Holland , The Netherlands. A beautiful dark green Lithographic Tin - Decorative Box. The lid of the box is loose and the little handle is lost, but due the age that's normal. The beautiful silver Lithografic design of the Factory Building is still in very good condition. An old coffee and tea container, a shop storage container, a shop counter tin which is a great decorative box, a collectible Coffee Tin and a decorative object. Tiktak's Coffee History started in 1870 and they became famous for their afternoon tea and coffee. They are known for coffee with a soft taste. This Dutch Company survived all the years and still produces the finest coffee and tea. Great decorative item - home decor - home decoration - gift idea - coffee collectables...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Industrial Desk Accessories

Materials

Tin

1920s Art Deco Inkwell Modern Beveled Solid Glass and Brass
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1920s Art Deco Clear Beveled Solid Glass Inkwell with Brass Hinged Black Onyx Glass Top 2.88 x 2.88 x 2.38 H. Unrestored Preowned vintage condition. See images provided.
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Vintage Ship Porthole Wing Dog Bolt Brass Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool vintage ship porthole wing dog bolt brass paperweight, circa 1940s. The piece has a well worn brass patina and measures 3.25"W x 1.5"...
Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Louis XVI Gilt Bronze Rocker Blotter, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau period Louis XVI style gilt bronze rocker blotter By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 5.38"W x 3"D x 2"H. Good original vintage ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Louis XVI Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Pen Tray
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco period bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10.13"W x 3.25"D x 0.38"H Good ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Marchak Paris 1920 Art Deco Translucent Agate Desk Tray In Gilt Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Desk tray designed by Marchak Paris. An unusual and very rare desk tray, created in Paris France by the luxury house of Marchak during the art deco period, back in the early 1920. T...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Art Nouveau Silver Inkwell, Letter Opener, Dip Pen and Seal Set, in Box
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1900s travel set or desktop accessories inkwell, dip pen, letter opener and seal. Made of silver (marked 800) and crystal glass. Nice addition to your writing desk or j...
Category

Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Art Nouveau Letter Opener, Fish
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Letter Opener with Fish. So beautiful, very nice condition!
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Antique Letter Opener, Art Nouveau, c. 1910
Located in Greven, DE
Vintage Letter Opener, So beautiful, very nice condition!
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Art Nouveau Pâte De Verre Vide-Poche 'Deux Poissons', Amalric Walter, France
Located in Vienna, AT
Decorative pâte-de-verre vide-poche: bowl in yolk yellow, one side overflowing in dark blue, swimming around each other, plastically formed goldfish couple. Signed 'AWALTER NANCY' on the top. Manufactory: Amalric Walter, Nancy, Lorraine, France Dating of manufacture: circa 1920/1925 Designer: VICTOR AMALRIC WALTER (1870-1959) was a French glass manufacturer mainly known for his pâte de verre pieces. In the Cristalleries Daum at Nancy, France, he met the designer and modelist HENRI BERGÉ, with whom he produced the first pâtes de verre, which at the time were only signed with "Daum Nancy". After the war he continued to work with Henri Bergé. From 1919 to 1935 he cast no fewer than 500 models with Bergé and other famous sculptors or designers, always in few numbers due to the sophisticated technique of glass kiln casting. Technique: Pâte de verre (English glass paste) is a technique used in the production of multi-colored glass. A cold-formed paste made of glass powder and dyes is filled into a refractory mold and then fired in a muffle furnace, whereby the glass melts into the desired shape. To achieve polychrome color effects, the process is repeated with other colors. The technique was already known in ancient Rome and Egypt. Particularly in the Art Nouveau period and later in the Art Deco period, she found artistic use again in works by French glass artists such as Gabriel Argy-Rousseau, Henry Cros...
Category

1920s French Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Bronze Rocker Blotter, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period bronze rocker ink blotter featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.63"W x 2.75"D x 2.13"H. Good origin...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Scandinavian Art Nouveau Hammered Brass Desk Letter Holder from Sweden
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Swedish hammered brass desk letter or napkin holder, Art Nouveau design, circa early-20th century, Sweden. Piece is hammered brass with an Art Nouveau leaf-design. Marked...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Fabulous Antique English Sterling and Cut Glass Hand Pierced Double Inkstand
Located in Charleston, SC
Exquisite Antique English hallmarked STERLING SILVER and cut crystal Two Bottle Inkstand or Standish, hallmarked London, 1904/'05 with maker's marks for the Royal Warranted silversmi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Georgian Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco period bronze blotter ends featuring Adam style or Neoclassical style swags By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Each measures: 1...
Category

Early 20th Century American Adam Style Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

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.

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