Desk Accessories
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Desk Accessories For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1970s
Inkwell FRENCH MANUFACTURING OF THE EARLY 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Inkwell
FRENCH MANUFACTURING OF THE EARLY 1900s
Empire style inkwell in yellow Siena marble with gilded bronze inkwells and sphinx.
48 x 23 cm Height 20.
Category
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Art Deco Pair of Pelican Figure Bookends in Hand Carved Woods, circa 1930
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are a good pair of Art Deco period, Book ends of two Pelicans hand carved in wood.
Each stylised pelican has been well hand carved in a dark hardwood and stands on a base f...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Hardwood
Olivetti Synthesis Ettore Sottsass Paper Basket - 1970s Industrial Design Icon
Located in San Benedetto Del Tronto, IT
Step into the world of iconic Italian design with this melamine paper basket from the renowned Olivetti Synthesis Sottsass 45 Series, designed in 1973 by Ettore Sottsass and manufact...
Category
1970s Italian Industrial Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Paul Stankard Paperweight Spring Bouquet 1980
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : A Paul Stankard paperweight
Date : 1980
Origin : USA
Features : An open bouquet of spring flowers with foxgloves and crocuses with ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Rare & Pretty Pair of Porcelain Mosaic Inlay Photograph Picture Frames ca. 1900
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and perfectly handcrafted pair of picture frames.
If you are looking for the perfect picture frames for a pair of small photos of your children or of you and your wife or hu...
Category
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Giant Excedrin Pill Pop Art
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Monumental vintage Excedrin pill in cream plaster/ceramic. 3.75" diameter. Likely used as a store display. Whimsical desktop object or paperweight. Green felted bottom. Great piece o...
Category
1970s American Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Plaster, Paint
Pair of Picture Frame, Polished Brass, Made by J.H. France, 1900s
Located in Verviers, BE
Pair of Picture Frame, Polished Brass, Made by J.H. France, 1900s
Pair photograph frame (or miniature frame) with classical Victorian design.
Typical frame for wedding photographs....
Category
Early 1900s French Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Sterling Silver Inkwell by John & William Deakin
Located in San Diego, CA
Art Deco sterling silver inkwell by John & William Deakin of Chester, England, circa 1921. The inkwell has a single back hinge to open the lid and a saucer cap as well as the origina...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Arts + Crafts Letter Opener
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderfully hand crafted piece.
Original vintage condition.
Great patina.
Great for decor and collections...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum, Copper
Antique Arts & Crafts Copper and Brass Table/Desk Lamp with Color Glass Inserts
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and highly stylish Arts & Crafts lamp.
If you are an enthousiast of early 20th century lighting in general and of the Arts & Crafts style in particular then this antique lamp could be perfect for you. Handcrafted from brass and copper and inlaid with colored glass inserts this incredibly stylish desk or table lamp could very well be the perfect addition to your Arts & Crafts interior. Apart from some minor indentations to the upper part of the hand-hammered lamp...
Category
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Copper, Brass
Jugendstil fruit knives with holder vienna around 1908
Located in Wien, AT
Jugendstil fruit knives with holder vienna around 1908
Steel and bone handle
Original condition
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Steel
Antique Cartographer's Instrument Set, English, Surveyor's Tool Case, circa 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cartographer's instrument set. An English, silver nickel surveyor's tool case, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
An attract...
Category
Early 20th Century British Desk Accessories
Materials
Nickel
1925 René Lalique Seal Moineau Sparrow Clear Glass
By René Lalique
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Seal "Moineau" (Sparrow) made in clear glass by René Lalique in 1925.
Stamped signature.
Perfect condition
height: 5 cm
Félix Marcilhac, René Lalique - Catalogue Raisonné de l'Œuv...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
1910 René Lalique Nenuphar Inkwell Frosted Glass with Grey Patina, Water Lily
By René Lalique
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Inkwell "Nénuphar" (Water Lily) made in frosted glass with grey patina by René Lalique in 1910.
Engraved signature.
Perfect condition. Complete with ink holder.
diameter : 7 cm
...
Category
1910s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Blown Glass
Tiffany Studios New York Venetian Bronze Pen Tray
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze pen tray in the Venetian design
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 10"W x 3.75"D x 0.75"H
Good ori...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Venetian Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Pad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze blotter ends in the "Venetian" pattern, with a custom blue leather desk blotter.
By Tiffany Studios
New York, USA, E...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Venetian Bronze Large Paper Clip, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze paper clip in the Venetian design
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 2.5"W x 3.5"D x 1.25"H.
Good ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Venetian Bronze Rocker Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze rocker ink blotter in the Venetian design
By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 5.5"W x 3"D x 2"H
Very goo...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Apache Indian Chief Head Car Mascot, Hood Ornament / Paperweight, France, 1925
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Apache indian Chief Head Car Mascot - Hood Ornament / Paperweight.
Designed by H. Briand publisher, Paris. Silvered bronze. Mounted over a black marble base. It has a hole at the ba...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Antique 20th Century English Solid Silver Bookmark By Sampson Mordan & Co c.1918
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century English solid silver bookmark. The top of the bookmark has an ornamental pheasant. A wonderful addition to any book lover or as a collectable item. This al...
Category
1910s British Other Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
1970s Willy Rizzo for Metal Art Gold Ball Ornaments
By Willy Rizzo
Located in Roma, IT
A wonderful pair of plexiglass ornaments designed by Willy Rizzo (1928 -2013) for Metal Art in the 1970s. A suspended gold orb sits within each ornament. They can be used as purely d...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
Art Nouveau, Liberty & Co. London. Hammered Antique Pewter Dish c1910
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Art Nouveau antique pewter footed dish for Liberty & Co., Regent Street, London
Superb dark pewter patina and hand hammered with stylised edging decoration
Circa 1910
Signed English ...
Category
1910s English Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Pewter
Early 20th Century Brass Art Deco Table or Desk Lamp with a Great Patina
Located in Lisse, NL
Practical size Art Deco desk lamp with a wonderful look and feel.
There is something about table lamps from the past that you just don't find in modern lamps. If you don't have the right eye than this particular 1920s desk lamp...
Category
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Edwardian Sterling Silver and Blue Guilloche Enamel-Mounted Magnifying Glass
By George Hope
Located in New York, NY
Large, Edwardian, sterling silver and blue guilloche enamel-mounted magnifying glass, Birmingham, England, 1906, Geo. Hope - maker. Measures almost 9 inches long x 3 3/4 inches diame...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Gucci, Italy - Vintage Equestrian Letter Holder / Desk Organizer c.1975
By Gucci
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous vintage leather and gilt letter rack dating to c.1975, made in Italy by the iconic fashion house, Gucci.
The base is covered in leather, the top being a very dark green a...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Parcel Gilt Inkwell (1907)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver parcel gilt inkwell made by R & S Garrard & Co; part of our antique silver and glassware collection.
Th...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Art Nouveau Bat Inkwell by Unknown French Artist
Located in Chicago, US
Little is known about the origins of this amazing piece, apart from it being from France, circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Peacock or Pheasant Bird Desk Letter Mail Holder
Located in New York, NY
A desk letter or mail holder with a peacock or pheasant bird design, in the Art Nouveau design style, circa early to mid-20th century. A desk letter mail holder with beautiful bird d...
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Art Nouveau Viper Lamp by Unknown French Artist
Located in Chicago, US
Little is known about the origins of this amazing lamp, apart from it being from France, circa 1900.
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Michel Mangematin Bronze Paperweight, circa 1970, France.
Located in Brussels, BE
Michel Mangematin stone shaped paperweight, circa 1970, France.
Polished bronze.
Signed with the two inverted M and numbered 16.
Dimensions: 7 cm W, 5 cm D, 3 cm H.
All purchases ar...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Letter Opener by George Omerth
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Letter Opener by George Omerth
Origin France Circa 1920
art deco style
Excellent condition
Gilt bronze and patina
Omerth's life dates are not known in literature. He was a student of...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Cartier 1926 Tom Pouce Ladies Lighter 18kt Gold Bronze Champlevé Emerald & Lapis
Located in Miami, FL
Mughal ladies Tom Pouce lighter designed by Cartier.
Fabulous and extremely rare ladies cylindrical gasoline lighter. Created in Paris during the art deco period by the house of Cartier, back in the middle of the 1920's. This miniature Tom Pouce lighter, takes its name from the classic short fairy tales by the Grimm's brothers, Tom Thumb (Tom Pouce being the French translation). It was crafted with Champlevé colored enamels over rustic bronze and accented with details in yellow gold of 18 karats. Embellished with natural lapis lazuli and an emerald. The main outside body is decorated with organics elements and figures of red and blue birds. Gorgeous look and surely a great conversation piece which is accompanied by the round Cartier red box.
Champlevé, in the decorative arts, is an enameling technique or an object made by the champlevé process, which consists of cutting away troughs or cells in a metal plate and filling the depressions with pulverized vitreous enamel. The raised metal lines between the cutout areas form the design outline.
Emerald: Accented on top in a bezel setting, with 1 square faceted cut of a natural green emerald of about 0.15 carats.
Lapis: Mount with 1 flat round cabochon cut, carved from lapis lazuli of about 1.25 carats.
Birthstone: Emerald for the month of May.
Weight: 21.95 Grams, (14.07 Dwt).
Measurements: Have a diameter of 16 mm and a height of 33 mm (0.63 x 1.30 Inches).
Hallmarks Stamped with the maker's mark, the serial numbers, the French taxation mark for luxury items BL inside a rectangular cartouche and signed, "CARTIER 5554", stamped with matching cases numbers, 13 & 13.
Ministere Des Finances Lighter Tax 1911-1945
Note: On 10th December 1910 the French state adopted a new tax regulations on all devices indented to produce spark or fire by friction, or by any other means, and of the combustion of a flammable substance. Since 1st January 1911 every lighter in France that was intended for sale in the French market had to be taxed and adequately marked. To confirm that the excise duty was paid to the Ministry of Finance a special duty metal plate (stamp) was attached (usually welded) to the lighter by the lighter manufacturers. The fees charged by the French state were high but the tax rates levied by the state were varying depending on the type and finish of the lighter. Following tax rates were used: 2 French francs for common pocket lighters, 5 Fr for pocket lighters made of silver, 20 Fr for luxury pocket lighters (e.g. made of gold), 5 Fr for common table/desk lighters (over 10 cm), 10 Fr for table/desk lighters (over 10 cm) made of silver, 50 Fr for luxury table/desk lighters (over 10 cm) made of gold or platinum. Between 1911 and 1916 a simple copper plate was used which had the date 1911 engraved. Later, between 1916 and 1945 a new plate (undated) was introduced with the letters "C" and "I" (stands for indirect taxes) and a profile of Mercury (patron god of financial gain, commerce and messengers) with an inscription "Ministère Des Finances" (eng. Ministry of Finance). Two shapes were used for the plate – oval for table lighters, the other one for pocket lighters. Additional to the two duty plates a marking "BL" (Briquet de Luxe, eng. luxury lighter) was introduced in 1926. It was a small hallmark which was considered as more discreet and applied only on luxury lighters like Quercia or Lancel. It is worth to mention that France was not the sole country where lighters were taxed and marked with special plates...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Gold, Bronze, Enamel
Open letters by C. villain
By Jean Garnier
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Open letters by C. villain
Origin France Circa 1915
Empire style patinated bronze
Soldier motif
Excellent condition signed on the side
FRENCH, 1853-1910
Jean Garnier was born in Mou...
Category
1910s French Empire Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Open letters by Alfred Jorel
By Alfred Jorel
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Open letters by Alfred Jorel
Origin France Circa 1915
Gilded bronze Art nouveau style
Excellent condition with some wear due to age.
Jorel was a student of the sculptor Jean Carlus. ...
Category
1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Teal Glazed Brush Rest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush rest was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This early 20th century...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Chinese Blue Glazed Brush Rest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Set alongside the four treasures of the study - the calligraphy brush, ink, paper, and inkstone - a brush rest was an essential fixture of the scholars' desk. This early 20th century...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
An Art Deco Desk Tidy by Asprey London
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
An Art Deco Desk Tidy/ Pin Tray. Bronze tiger mounted ob an oval onyx base. Retailed by Asprey of London
Dimensions: H 8cm W 16.5cm D 25cm
Origi...
Category
1920s English Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Onyx, Bronze
Antique Art Nouveau Small Cast Iron Figural Butterfly Door Stop Bookend
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Art Nouveau Small Cast Iron Figural Butterfly Door Stop Bookend. Circa Early 1900s.
Measurements: 5.5" H x 6" W x 1.75" D.
Category
Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Iron
Dice Metal Statue on Marble Base Paper Weight Mid-Century Modern, German, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Super cool Art Deco design sculptural "High Roller" dice paperweight. Nice metal dice atop a marble base. The best addition to your desk or every room. Found at an estate sale in Nur...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Rare Gucci Alligator / Crocodile Leather 5 Piece Desk Set
By Gucci
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A fabulous and rare Gucci 5 piece desk set in either Alligator or Crocodile real leather or embossed leather. Likely from the 1970's although I've seen pieces attributed to the 1960'...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Leather
Rare & Sturdy Pair of Brutalist Forged Wrought Iron Candlesticks / Candleholders
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish and very strong pair of timeless candle sticks.
If you are looking for beautiful Arts & Crafts antiques to grace your living space then this hand-crafted and timeless pair c...
Category
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Wrought Iron
Antique Native American Indian Chief Sterling Silver Letter Opener
Located in New York, NY
American Edwardian sterling silver figural letter opener, ca 1910. Cast terminal in form of gaunt face surrounded by feather headdress. Neckcloth spills over onto round frame (vacant...
Category
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Pad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Nouveau or Arts & Crafts period patinated bronze "pine needle" blotter ends with custom black leather desk blotter
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Remington Standard Model 10 Typewriter Circa 1910
Located in Opole, PL
Remington Standard Model 10 Typewriter Circa 1910
The model, likely from 1910 with serial number RV63621, advertised with the slogan "To save time is to lengthen life." The machine ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Antique Wooden Dovetail Office Tray c.1930 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique wooden office tray constructed with dovetail joints. This piece has retained its original finish and has the appropriate patina for the age and use.
CREATOR Un...
Category
Early 20th Century Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Vintage Heavy Bronze Savings Department Manager Desk Name Plate Sign, circa 1925
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Heavy bronze metal bank savings department manager desk name plate in very good condition, circa 1925. Has felt material on the bottom.
Category
Early 20th Century Canadian Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Rocker Blotter
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze Neoclassical or Adam style rocker blotter
By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 5.5"W x 2.75"D x 2"H
...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Notepad Holder
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze Neoclassical or Adam style notepad holder
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 4.63"W x 7.38"D x...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Adam Bronze Doré Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique gilt bronze Neoclassical or Adam style inkwell
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
Measures: 4.25"W x 3.25"D x 2.75"H...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Bronze Blotter Ends With Leather Desk Pad
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous pair of Art Nouveau or Arts & Crafts period patinated bronze "pine needle" blotter ends with custom black leather desk blotter
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Antique Walnut Art Deco Executive Desk Tray or Document & Letter Holder
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique executive desk tray has no maker's signature, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period style. The holder is con...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Walnut
1970s Antonio Da Ros 'Attr.' for Cenedese Clear Murano Spiral Glass Paperweights
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare pair of Mid-Century Modern vintage signed cone shaped paperweights with grey spiral inclusion within the clear glass. The design of this conical shaped desk paperweight / orname...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Murano Glass
Antique Frankart Art Deco Gilt Cast Metal Figural Deer Bookends C1930
By Frankart
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Frankart Art Deco Gilt Cast Metal Figural Deer Bookends C1930
Measures - 6.5"H x 7.25"W x 3.5"D
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Vintage French Equestrian Letter Opener, Christian Dior, c.1970's
Located in Bath, GB
An unusual and highly sought-after vintage silver plated letter opener by the world renowned, Christian Dior.
The letter opener is fashioned in the form of a belt with engraved "s...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Lucite Paperweight Bird by Silvio Russo for Guzzini 1970s Italy
By Guzzini
Located in Oakland, CA
1970s lucite bird paperweight by Silvio Russo for Guzzini of Italy, the design is meant to rock back and forth. Still retains the original label.
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Lucite
Floating Penny Geometric Lucite Paperweight
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Floating penny geometric lucite paperweight. Consisting entirely of 1972 pennies. Scratches and scuffs found throughout, consistent with age and use. Please refer to photos.
Would w...
Category
1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Lucite
Travertine desk organizer, Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Travertine desk organizer
Manufactured by Fratelli Mannelli, Italy, 1970s.
H 8 cm - 6 x 18 cm
Conditions: excellent consistent with age and use
Category
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Travertine
Tommaso Barbi Signed Grey Ceramic and Chrome Italian Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous Mid-Century Tommaso Barbi picture frame in a rare grey ceramic and chrome version. This iconic object was designed in Italy during the 1970s by Tommaso Barbi, and is signed ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
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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