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Desk Accessories

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Desk Accessories For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1950s
A Very Good & Large Art Deco Sterling Silver Stamp Box, Hallmarked London 1913
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome & substantial early 20th century Art Deco sterling silver stamp box. The case richly decorated overall with striking basket-w...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Jars
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely pair of Chinese blue and white porcelain jars. Pretty images of birds and flowers. A fabulous accessory!
Category

Early 20th Century Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

1950s New Old Stock Confectionery Tins
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1950s new old stock confectionery tins. In as new condition. Old stock from the 1950s. Workshop report Our workshop team inspect every product and ca...
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Antique Oval Silver Plated Double Inkstand, Scotland 1910, H549
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Oval Silver Plated Double Inkstand, Scotland 1910, H549 Scotland 1910 Silver plate and glass Silver plated inkstand having two blue glass inkwells A handle with three pen re...
Category

1910s Scottish Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique French Rococo Style Gilt Pewter and Porcelain Inkwell Signed Chatelain
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique French Rococo style gilt pewter and porcelain inkwell from circa 1900, marked "Chatelain". This beautifully shaped gilt pewter inkwell is adorned with flowers in the center ...
Category

Early 1900s French Rococo Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Pewter

Art Nouveau Repoussé Mystic Inkwell by Alfred Daguet
Located in Chicago, US
Alfred Louis Achille DAGUET (1875 - 1942) was a metalsmith active in Paris during the first part of the 20th century. His metalwork created prior to the outbreak of World War I, note...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Copper

Antique Inkwell, Art Nouveau, Pen Tray, by WMF, circa 1910
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful inkwell, Art Nouveau, by WMF. Nice authentic condition. .
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

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

Russian 1915 Moscow Nephrite Jade Desk Picture Frame Mounted in Gilded Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Nephrite jade and gilded silver desk frame. Beautiful neo classic desk picture frame, created in Moscow Russia, back in the 1915. Carefully crafted in the Russian imperial and Louis XVI style, with solid gilded silver, translucent nephrite green jade...
Category

1910s Russian Neoclassical Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Jade, Silver

Art Deco Bronze Figure of a Cat 'Chat De Siam Assis' by Edouard M. Sandoz
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Very Rare Art Deco French silver plated bronze sculpture figure of a cat, ' Chat De Siam Assis ‘. This figure was produced as paperweight and also as car ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

1919 René Lalique, Cachet Vase De Fleurs Glass With Grey Patina
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Seal "Vase de Fleurs" made in clear & frosted glass with grey patina by René Lalique in 1919. Engraved signature on the edge. Perfect condition Me...
Category

1910s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Antique Inkwell, Bald Eagle, Pen Tray, Gilded Bronze, Signed Frecourt, Art Deco
Located in Greven, DE
Antique inkwell made from bronze. Finely chiseled and gilded. Signed "FRECOURT" by the french artist Maurice Frecourt (born 1890, Paris). Very good condition of the bronze and good...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Gold

Brass Corkscrew from Auböck "Modern Key" Austria Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass Corkscrew from Auböck, "Modern Key", Austria Vienna, good original condition
Category

1950s Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Blotter Ends
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter ends featuring symbols of the Zodiac By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th century Each measures: 1...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Fratelli Toso Murano Antique Fenicio Blue Orange White Italian Art Glass Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown cobalt and sky blue, orange, and white Italian art glass decorative double handle cabinet vase. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company, circa 190...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Murrine, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass

French 1900 Edwardian Faux Tortoise Parasol Handle in 18kt Gold & Carved Citrine
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian parasol handle made in France. Very beautiful and elegant piece, created in Paris France during the Edwardian and Belle Epoque periods, back in the 1900. This fabulous p...
Category

Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Quartz, Gold

Antique Chinese Qing Enamel Mille Fleur Cloisonné Desk Writing Set Inkwell, 1900
Located in Portland, OR
A good quality antique six piece Chinese cloisonne desk set, circa 1900. The desk set made of cloisonne (enamel on copper) and having a Miller Fleur (Thousand Flowers) design, the set comprises a hinged lidded flared inkwell, a rocking blotter...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Patinated Bronze Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period patinated bronze inkwell featuring symbols of the Zodiac By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 4"W x 4"D x 2"H. Good o...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

1950s Italian Pair of Cubes by Enzo Mari for Danese Milano
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Two resin cubes, each containing a sphere, designed by Enzo Mari. Made in Italy by Danese Milano, 1950s.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Resin

Hollywood Regency Early 20th Century Page Turner or Letter Opener Horn and Brass
Located in Haarlem, NL
Very large and decorative Hollywood Regency 1920s page turner or letter opener made by hand out of a curl goat Horn and brass. On the brass it reads: AER But the some letters are h...
Category

Early 20th Century European Hollywood Regency Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Rare 6 Piece Writing Desk Set Erhard & Sohne Wood Inlay Brass Art Nouveau 1900
Located in Nierstein am Rhein, DE
Fine and rare Jugendstil / Art Nouveau / Secession / Arts & Crafts Erhard & Sohne writing desk set including pen tray with inkwell, match, letter and notepad holder, cord dispenser with small scissors and a large scissors with sheath with amazing inlaid wood veneer and patinated brass showing floral leafy branch decoration, Germany circa 1900. The presented and chosen motifs reflect the spirit of the time, Jugendstil. The offered antique set of 6 pieces stays in very good to excellent original condition with a nice and warm patina, minor typical and characteristic wear consistent with age and use. The high-end antique Jugendstil objects show superior craftsmanship and design elements by the renowned designers, Erhard & Sohne, established in 1844 in Germany. The famous German company was granted the world patent for the manufacture of brass inlay in 1904. We are proud to offer additionally a rare Jugendstil dragonfly bowl...
Category

Early 1900s German Jugendstil Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Imhof Swiss 1950 Zodiacal Modernist 8 Days Desk Clock in Gilded Bronze and Glass
Located in Miami, FL
Desk clock designed by Arthur Imhof. Fabulous desk-table clock, created in Switzerland by the clocks makers house of Imhof, back in the 1950. This clock is very rare and has been ...
Category

1950s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Steel

Excellent Huge Wooden Box, Casket, circa 1900, Jugendstil, Austria
Located in Wien, AT
Huge wonderfully decorated wooden box, an original of the Jugendstil era, made in Austria. This casket is an impressive example of the craftsmanship of the period around 1900. Only ...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Erik Nielsen, Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Lobster and Shoal Card Vide Poche #485
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Erik Nielsen for Royal Copenhagen underglazed porcelain card tray dish with lobster and shoal. A superb example of Nielsen's creativity circa 1962 Sig...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Christian Thomsen, Royal Copenhagen Art Nouveau 1923 Porcelain Cock Rooster
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Christian Thomsen for Royal Copenhagen porcelain cockerel figurine. Created in 1923, a classic collectible piece. Signed and numbered 1126. circa 1923. Measures: height 4.25 inch...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Art Deco Black Marble Five Piece Desk Set with Chrome & Brass Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique desk set is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art De...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Vintage Red Ericsson Phone, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage red Ericsson phone, circa 1960. Manufactured Ericsson LM, from Sweden. In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and ag...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener or Paper Knife, Signed E. Rischmann
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful bronze letter opener in the Art Nouveau style from France. Representing fruits: apples, plums or cherries. Designer/Artist: Ernst Rischmann Very good antique cond...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Edgar Brandt Style Hand Forged Iron Snake or Serpent Sculpture, Austria, 1920s
Located in Vienna, AT
A wrought iron Art Nouveau era model of a snake / serpent. High-quality craftsmanship, handmade of forged iron by a Viennese metalworker in the 1920s. A decorative object, which would look great in your shelf, but also suitable as a paperweight, a jewelry ring holder...
Category

1920s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Antique Black Forest Inkwell, Wood, 1920-1930
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful handmade Black Forest inkwell. Around 1920 / 1930. Depiction of a chamois. Wood with glass eyes.
Category

1920s Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Wood, Nutwood, Walnut

English Sterling Silver Capstan Inkwell With Pocket Watch - Edwardian
Located in London, GB
Very highly sought-after, this is a lovely example of an inkwell with the pocket watch lid. Made from sterling silver, the inkwell is hallmarked forBirmingham 1906, Edwardian in era. The watch is the original and has been overhauled and cleaned by our clock repairer...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Petite Classica Crystal Inkwell
Located in Sheffield, MA
Small and elegant crystal inkwell with a brass collar with a square base and faceted lid makes a wonderful accent on your desk or table top. Ink-well, ink well, inkwell.
Category

Early 20th Century European Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Bookmark Attr. to Josef Hoffmann, Wiener Werkstatte, 1920
Located in Vienna, AT
Bookmark by Carl Otto Czeschka or Josef Hofmann, around 1920. Metal foil on paper. Attributed to Wiener Werkstätte.
Category

1920s Austrian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Fratelli Toso Murano Antique Millefiori Flowers Italian Art Glass Cabinet Vase
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown Millefiori Murrina flower mosaic Italian art glass decorative ornate handle cabinet vase / pitcher. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company, circa 1910-1930. The vase has an early design and unusual white backgrounds on the murrines. The vase has a scramble / all over design with a rainbow of colors in the flower designs. It has very large size murrines, with some unusual designs, including bullseye and a large rainbow...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine

Set of Two Moroccan Antique Tribal Powder Case Flasks
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Moroccan Decorative Bottle. Destined to be a conversation piece no matter where you place it, this is another of those rare items you'll only find at Mosaik. Moroccan Antique...
Category

1920s Moroccan Folk Art Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass, Tin

Antique Army Green Stenograph with Original Case c.1918 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT This is an original Master Model Four Stenotype stenograph from La Salle University with Bakelite keys, original case and original labels. Leather handle on the case. All th...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Desk Accessories

Materials

Steel

Cartier Paris 1920 Art Deco Chinoiserie 18kt Desk Clock in Nephrite Jade Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
A desk clock designed by Cartier. An impressive and beautiful desk clock, created in Paris France by the house of Cartier, during the art deco period, back in the 1920. This stunning rare piece has been designed with Chinoiserie patterns and carefully crafted up with parts in yellow gold of 18 karats and carved nephrite green jadeite jade. Accented with applications of navy blue enamel and fitted on top, with a hinged retractable handle. The movement is mechanical It is accompanied with the associated original key for the winding. The dial is silver with guilloche, Roman numerals with gold hands and inscribed, Cartier. Weight: 320.95 Grams, (205.74 Dwt). Measurements: 69 mm by 31 mm by 78 mm (2.72 x 1.22 x 3.07 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks, five times with the head of the eagle for the assay and guaranty of the gold, two times with the maker's mark JM inside of a lozange cartouche and signed on the reverse, "CARTIER 1649". Literature: Olivier Bachet & Alain Cartier, Cartier Exceptional...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Jade, Gold, Silver, Enamel

English Victorian Novelty Sterling Silver Ruler Letter Opener
Located in New York, NY
Victorian sterling silver letter opener. Made by George Neal & George Neal in London in 1900. In form and with dimensions of a 12-inch ruler. Tapering point for getting underneath th...
Category

Early 1900s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Letter Opener, Ohligs Solingen
Located in Greven, DE
Vintage Letter Opener, So beautiful, very nice condition!
Category

Early 20th Century Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

English Lectern or Book Stand of Brass
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English table top lectern, missal or book stand of brass, featuring a reading top with pierced quatrefoils at each corner. The revolving recta...
Category

Early 20th Century English Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Rocker Blotter, circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous bronze rocker ink blotter featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 6"W x 2.75"D x 2.5"H. Good original vintage c...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Desk Accessories, Letter Holder by Jacques Adnet and Letter Tray Paper Holder
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Handsome saddle leather letter holder by Jacques Adnet. Signature contrast stitching. Great patina to leather. Excellent vintage condition. Paris...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Leather

Exquisite Geometric Czech Art Deco Black Enamel Crystal Perfume Bottle 1930's
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Recognisably first class, beautiful Czech crystal Art Deco perfume bottle Clean geometric pattern on black enamel. Vintage Bohemian, Czech cr...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass

Tiffany Studios New York "Zodiac" Patinated Bronze Match Box Holder
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco period patinated bronze match box holder featuring symbols of the Zodiac By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Beautiful and Rare Mahogany Tennis Racket Tensioner from Early 20th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful and rare English Tennis Racket Tensioner from early 20th century or maybe late 19th Century. Made in mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) with brass details. Wear consistent wi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Five-Piece Desk Accessory Set
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding bronze desk set featuring Zodiac designs. The five-piece set includes: desk calendar holder or picture frame, large inkwell, pen tr...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Antique Bronze Tray, Desk Tray, Hazelnut, Signed "Louchet Ciseleur", circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Wonderful naturalistic utensil desk tray in the design of two hazelnut leaves and hazelnuts on top. Signed at the bottom "Louchet Ciseleur". At the bottom of the hazelnuts is a sta...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

1930s Wooden Box with Iron Corners
Located in Marbella, ES
1930s wooden box with iron corners.
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron

Asprey, Novelty Silver Fox Letter Opener, Chester, 1928
Located in Bath, GB
Made in the Art Deco era, this splendid solid sterling silver letter opener has a handle featuring a handsome Fox's head, always highly sought-after. What makes this particularly ...
Category

1920s British Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Sterling Silver

French Ghiso Paris 1920 Art Deco Cards Case Box In Agate Diamonds And Platinum
Located in Miami, FL
Cards case designed by Ghiso Paris. Gorgeous piece, created in the art deco style in Paris France by the luxury makers and jewelry house of Ghiso, back in the 1920. It was carved ...
Category

1910s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Agate, Multi-gemstone, Platinum

Pair of Extreme Art Deco Bookends in Macassar, 1920s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of extreme Art Deco bookends in beautiful Macassar with chrome details. Made in France during the 1920s. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Chrome

Tiffany Studios Bronze Desk Lamp, New York, Circa 1920
Located in Hollywood, SC
Tiffany Studios bronze desk lamp with original iridescent shade, scrolled bulbous harp, and terminating on circular fluted base with the original circ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

1919 René Lalique, Seal Papillon Ailes Fermees Frosted Glass with Sepia Patina
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Seal "Papillon Ailes Fermees" made in frosted glass with sepia patina by René Lalique in 1919. Engraved signature. Perfect condition Measure : He...
Category

1910s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Glass, Art Glass

Cartier Paris London 1905 Belle Epoque Enamel Desk Clock 18kt Gold & Platinum
Located in Miami, FL
Belle epoque desk clock designed by Cartier. An impressive and magnificent "mignonette" desk clock, created in Paris France by the house of Cartier, during the Edwardian Belle Epoque period, back in the 1905. This stunning piece is very rare and has been designed with neoclassic French patterns and carefully crafted with parts made up in yellow gold of 18 karats, silver and platinum. It is mounted with four spherical parts, carved from green chrysoprase. The five sides are embellished with applications of vivid purple enamel over a sunburst and linear guilloche ground and the borders are accented with a linear frame of white champleve enamel. Fitted in the reverse with a sistem to open and close the three winding parts to manipulate. Movement: Mechanical 8 days, key winding and It is accompanied with the associated original key. Dial: White ceramic with gold batons for the seconds, with Arabic black numerals and gold hands, inscribed, Cartier Paris-London. Diamonds: The platinum part on top is mount, with 60 calibrated Old European rose cuts diamonds, 0.30 carats, F color, VS-1 clarity Chrysoprase: Mounted with screws on the base, with 4 four spherical cabochon cuts carved from natural translucent green chrysoprase with a weight of 8 carats. Weight: 272.8 Grams, (174.87 Dwt). Measurements: 47 mm by 40 mm by 70 mm (1.85 x 1.57 x 2.75 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with French marks, the mark for the silver and gold assay and warranty, the maker's mark for Eugène Bako inside a lozange cartouche, the case numbers, the Cartier serial numbers and signed at the bottom, "CARTIER 2027 LONDON PARIS 11290 S". Literature: Olivier Bachet & Alain Cartier, Cartier Exceptional objects, Palais Royal 2021, Volume 1, Pp-117 and 128, for two similars Illustrated, see figures. Comparative Literature: Hans Nadelhoffer, Cartier, Jewelers Extraordinary, London, 1984, pl.18 Barracca, Negretti & Nencini, Le Temps de Cartier, Milan, 1989, p.34 A Cartier carriage clock of very closely related design was sold Antiquorum Geneva, The Magical Art of Cartier, 19 November 1996, lot 36 (illustrated in its travel case in Nadelhoffer). The dial design may be compared with other Cartier desk clocks of this period illustrated in Barracca et al. Publications: Published in the Vogue Art...
Category

Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Platinum, Silver, Enamel, Gold

Tiffany Studios New York 'Zodiac' Bronze Desk Calendar Holder or Picture Frame
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous bronze desk calendar holder or picture frame featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Mea...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Henrik Wigström Russia Imperial 1915 Red Enamel Picture Frame In Gilded Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
Presentation picture frame from the imperial Russia. Beautiful neo classic picture desk frame, created in Moscow Russia, back in the 1910's. It was carefully crafted in the Russia...
Category

1910s Russian Neoclassical Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold, Silver, Enamel

Lode Van Boeckel Inkwell Holder with Wrought Iron Rosette
By Lodewijk Van Boeckel
Located in Baambrugge, NL
Inkwell holder with wrought iron rose bush, rose branch. Lode van Boeckel (Lodewijk, Louis) ± 1900 Ink jars possible from later date, they do not fit exactly in the holder. 35 ...
Category

Early 1900s Belgian Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Wrought Iron

Large English Antique Brass Desk Magnifying Glass / Paperweight c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
Always very popular and a very useful desk-top accessory. These large circular magnifiers actually are the condenser or magnifier from a Magic Lantern dating to around 1910; they are...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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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