Desk Accessories
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Desk Accessories For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 19th Century
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
Vintage Mid-Century Wood Plank Bookends
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique and simply exceptional pair of vintage bookends. Deriving on the uniqueness of the wood grain, these bookends are elegant and modernist. Simple lines contrast with organic pat...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
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
19th Century Giltwood Watch Holder
Located in New Orleans, LA
Beautifully carved figural giltwood pocket watch stand.
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
20th Cebtury Italian Big Sterling Silver Letter Opener
Located in VALENZA, IT
Large, completely handmade, sterling silver letter opener.
Perfect for a prestigious desk.
The blade is smooth while the hand is embossed by hand on both sides with scrolls and fl...
Category
1990s Italian Other Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
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
Antique Silver Artist’s Paint Box by Harry Atkin Sheffield 1892
Located in London, GB
A stunning Antique Silver Artist’s paint box by Harry Atkin, Date Sheffield 1892.
A Rare Miniature travelling paint box in excellent condition. The silver on both the outside and the interior is in superb condition.
Upon opening, the front cascades down to reveal two wells for water and perhaps mixing colours.
The interior is well protected thanks to the interior gilding. The lid engraved “Lettice’s Paint Box”. Lettice is a traditional, English girl’s name most commonly found in the upper classes.
The actual paints are not original but the current set of paints are a later acceptable replacement. The miniature brush was with it but not original and doubt it ever had one.
Dimensions;
W 5” x D 3 1/4” H 1 1/4"
About the maker;
Atkin Brothers business traces his origin to Thomas Law...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Set of Three Natural Antler Tips & Brass Desk Accessories
Located in East Hampton, NY
This set of three (3) natural antler tips desk accessories are backed with brass base. Perfect for an executive desk, two paperweights and a letter opener. Rich natural coloring an...
Category
Late 20th Century American Black Forest Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Paul Stankard First Bouquet Paperweight 1978
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : A fine bouquet lampwork paperweight by Paul Stankard
Date : 1978
Origin : USA
Features : Wild roses, forget-me-nots and other flowers with associated foliage
Type : Lead gl...
Category
20th Century American Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
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
English Victorian Period 19th Century Wood or Horn Letter Openers, Sold Each
Located in Atlanta, GA
Two English Victorian period letter openers from the 19th century, made of wood or horn, priced and sold $195 each. Created in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, each of the...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Horn
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Foot Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist foot keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ma...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Albert Paley 1994 "Medallion" Paperweight in Blackened Steel with Bronzed Patina
By Albert Paley
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Albert Paley large handcrafted steel medallion paperweight. Small edition for Arts Patrons. Formed and fabricated blackened steel with chemical patina...
Category
1990s American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Iron
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
Bronze Letter Opener Knife Depicting an Eagle Made by Sculptor Jules Moigniez
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century bronze letter opener knife depicting an eagle made by french animalier sculptor Jules Moigniez
By: Jules Moigniez
Material: bronze, copper, metal
Technique: lost w...
Category
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze, Copper, Metal
Art Glass Fish in the Ocean Aquarium Bubbles Paperweight 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Art Glass Fish in the Ocean Aquarium Bubbles Paperweight 1960s.
The vintage Art Glass orange fish with bubbles paperweight is a stunning piece that encapsulates the beauty of underwater life in intricate detail.
Very unique and rare shaped Art Glass Murano tyle paperweight depicting an ocean scene or an aquarium with fish...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Lubitel 2 Bakelite With LOMO T-22 75/4.5 Taking Lens Manufactured by OMO
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Lubitel 2 Bakelite With LOMO T-22 75/4.5 Taking Lens Manufactured by OMO
Manufactured between 1954 and 1980
Ref 7439664
Camera has a waist level finder and focusing rings are mad...
Category
Late 20th Century Russian Space Age Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
George V Presentation Treasury Inkstand
Located in New Orleans, LA
This expertly crafted George V Presentation inkstand was presented to Lionel de Rothschild to commemorate the centenary of the Alliance Assurance Company. The work was forged by reno...
Category
20th Century English Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Walter Bosse Mid-Century Horse Brass Figurine, Hertha Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A lovely horse foal sculpture made of brass from the 1950s. Designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller. In very good condition with charming patina. We offer more Walter Bos...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Vintage Beautiful Glass Paperweight Made Around 1960
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Vintage Beautiful Glass Paperweight Made Around 1960
Additional information:
Dimensions: 6 W x 6 D x 5 H cm
Period of Time: 1960
Condition: Good
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Museum Worthy Antique Bronze Coiled Rattlesnake Sculpture Signed & Marked 1885
Located in Lisse, NL
World class, aesthetically marvelous and extremely rare rattle snake culpture.
Over the decades we have sold some really good antique bronzes, but we feel that this diamondback ratt...
Category
19th Century European Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Rare Lalique "Chrysis" Mascot or Paperweight in Amber Crystal Art Deco France
By Lalique, René Lalique
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Presenting this fabulous "Chrysis" nude woman mascot or paperweight crafted in etched and polished amber crystal. This example is a limited edition release from the late 1990s produc...
Category
1990s French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
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
1962 Seattle World's Fair Space Needle Table Lighter in Chrome
Located in San Diego, CA
A really cool 1962 Seattle World's Fair "Space Needle" table lighter in chrome. The lighter is in good vintage condition with some minor pitting and measu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Chrome
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
Portapenna attribuita a Fontana Arte Pietro Chiesa Gio Ponti
Located in Lugo, IT
Portapenna in cristallo attribuito a una produzione di Fontana Arte su disegno di Pietro Chiesa o Gio Ponti.
Piccolo segno interno, in foto e in video si vede ma non rotture e segni ...
Category
1930s Italian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Hermes, Paris, Equestrian / Horse Head Letter Opener, c.1960
Located in Bath, GB
A highly collectable letter opener or paper knife made by silver plated bronze and dating to c.1960.
The handle is in the form of a horse head, beautifully executed. The underside...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
1931 Rene Lalique Seal Stamp Ecureuil Squirrel Opalescent Glass
By René Lalique
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Seal Stamp "Ecureuil" (Squirrel) made in opalescent glass by Rene Lalique in 1931.
Engraved signature.
Perfect condition. Exceptional opalescent.
height : 11,5 cm
Félix Marcilh...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Silvered Metal and Pietra Dura Table Planter
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A rare silvered metal desk or tabletop planter inlaid with 12 framed Pietra Dura panels of inlaid colorful flowers on a black base, complete with its ...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Napoleon III Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Seguso Murano Black Red Gold Leaf Italian Art Glass Decorative Flower Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Rare, and beautiful, vintage Murano hand blown black and red bands Italian art glass flower sculpture. Documented, and signed by designer Archi...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold Leaf
An Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Paperweight, Late 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The round paperweight framed in black marble, with porphyry and sienna marble and other marble specimens. The center in sienna marble with carved bea...
Category
1850s Italian Grand Tour Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Belgian Black Marble
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
Typewriter/ HERMES 2000, Switzerland 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
HERMES 2000 is a Swiss product, made in the 1930s by the E. Paillard Company, based in the city of Yverdon
Fully functional
Made of metal, steel, chrome, f...
Category
1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Pair of Gilt Hollywood Regency Bookends by Borghese
By Borghese
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of Hollywood Regency bookends in a gold gilt finish in the shape of books with a floral cover jacket by Borghese of Italy, circa 1960s. The pair are in good vintage conditi...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
1960s Austrian Cow Horn Comb by Carl Auböck
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant comb hand carved from cow horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Horn
Archimede Seguso Murano Orange White Gold Italian Art Glass Bird Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown orange, white and gold flecks Italian art glass bird with flower sculpture / paperweight. Documented to designer Archimede Seguso. The piece is pr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold Leaf
Murano Millefiori Flower Basket Italian Art Glass Paperweight Night Light
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, large vintage Murano handblown white filigrana basket with flower murrines Italian art glass paperweight on lighted base. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. It has d...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Murrine, Wood, Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
English Wedgwood Black Basalt and Gold Jewelry Dish Neoclassical Revival
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A rare English Jasperware matte black basalt and gold dish in the Neoclassical Revival style, by Wedgwood, England, circa late-20th century. A beaut...
Category
Late 20th Century English Neoclassical Revival Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold
Henrik Wigström 1908 Russia Saint Petersburg Enameled Snuff Box in 14kt Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A snuff gold box designed by Henrik Wigström.
Beautiful neo classic snuff box, created in St, Petersburg Russia, at the workshop of Henrik Wigström, back in the 1908. This piece has been carefully crafted in the Russian imperial and Louis XVI styles, in solid yellow gold of 56 zolotnik (14kt) and embellished with applications of white enamel. Decorated around with garlands and intricates dotted patterns. Fitted with an invisible hinge and close perfectly well.
Weight: 36.65 Grams, (23.49 Dwt).
Measurements: 41 mm by 39 mm by 14 mm (1.61 x 1.53 x 0.55 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped on both parts with Russian marks; the kokoshnik post 1908 mark with the letter a for the city of Saint Petersburg, the maker's mark HW associated to Henrik Wigström inside an oval cartouche, scratched with his inventory numbers 86111 and the 56 zolotnik mark for the assay and warranty of the gold.
Other Hallmarks: Stamped in the outside border, with German importation marks; the German Crown mark, the retailer mark AT inside an oval and the 585 mark for the assay and warranty of the gold.
Henrik Immanuel Wigström born on 1862 and was a Finnish silver & goldsmith. He was one of the most important Fabergé workmasters along with Michael Perchin. Perchin was the head workmaster from 1886 until his death in 1903, when he was succeeded by his chief assistant Henrik Wigström. These two workmasters were responsible for almost all the imperial Easter eggs.
Henrik Wigström was born in Ekenäs, Finland, and was apprenticed to a local Danish born goldsmith named Peter Madsén, a successful manufacturer of silverware who was familiar with the jewellery trade in the city of St. Petersburg, as at one time he had had a workshop there. Once in Madsén's employment, his master's trade with Russia, as well as his numerous business contacts here, brought him to work in St. Petersburg. Goldsmith Werner Elfström employed Wigström as a apprentice on his arrival in the capital in 1875. Wigström became assistant in 1884, at the age of 22, to Perchin, whose shop at that time was already working exclusively for Fabergé.
Wigström became head workmaster at Fabergé after Perchin's death in 1903. The number of craftsmen in Wigström's workshop diminished drastically with the outbreak of World War I. By 1918, the Revolution forced the complete closing of the House of Fabergé. Aged 56, Wigström retreated almost empty-handed to his summer house, on Finnish territory, and died at Terijoki in 1923. His art is similar to Perchin's but tends to be in the Louis XVI, Empire, or neo-classical style. Nearly all the Fabergé hardstone animals...
Category
Early 1900s Russian Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold, Enamel
Louis Kalff Mid-century Modern Table or Desk Lamp with Black Base and Grey Shade
By Louis Kalff
Located in Lisse, NL
Timeless and stylish table lamp.
This wonderful midcentury table lamp by Louis Kalff is in beautiful condition. This color combination will look great in virtually every mid-century...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Brass
Art Deco Josephine Baker Female Dancer Brass Statue, Austria 1930 Karl Hagenauer
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Exceptional Karl Hagenauer statue of a female dancer sculpture, commonly titled as Josephine Baker, cast and nickel plated brass, circa 1930s. , manufactured by Werkstätte Hagenauer ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
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
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Tissue Box Cover
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM walnut tissue box cover, circa 1980s. The box is in very good vintage condition and measures: 10.25"W x 5.5"D x 3.5"H. The box appears...
Category
Mid-20th Century Thai Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Walnut
Salviati Murano Orange White Fade Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Fish Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown dark orange to white Ombre fade design Italian art glass fish figurine, sculpture. Documented to the Salviati company, with "Salviati & C. - Made ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold Leaf
Aldo Londi Bitossi Rimini Blue Glazed Fish Sculpture Figurine, Italy, 1950s
By Aldo Londi, Bitossi
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, decorative midcentury Rimini blue glazed fish sculpture. Designed by Aldo Londi, manufactured by Bitossi Ceramiche / Italy in the 19...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic, Stoneware, Terracotta
1960s Vintage Minimalist Italian Design Nickel and White Glass Desk Table Lamp
By Valenti
Located in New York, NY
Italian design mid-century modern rare table lamp, space age mushroom shape, signed by Valenti & C., Milan. This light ideal for a desk light source has a very sleek shape, the white glass allows for plenty of illumination and the nickel finish adds appeal to the design. A rare example in the collection of Valenti lighting.
Base measures: 8.25 in Diameter - Glass globe: 10.25" Diameter
Valenti Luce was founded in 1929 and became iconic during the 1960s, representing superior design in Made in Italy lighting...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Nickel
Chinese Calligraphy Brush with Blue Glass Handle
Located in Chicago, IL
Along with paper, ink, and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist...
Category
20th Century Chinese Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Other
Antique Ornate Letter Rack, Italian, Gilt Stationery Stand, Desk Tidy, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique ornate letter rack. An Italian, gilt metal stationery stand or desk tidy, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Striking Continental taste with classic...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Jacques Adnet Art Deco Chrome Double Inkwell, France 1930s
Located in Atlanta, GA
French designer Jacques Adnet (1901 - 1984) designed this elegant Art Deco modernist chromed metal heavy desk accessory. The piece features a minimalist geometric shape double inkwel...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Chrome
French sculpture of a pigeon in Cracked Ceramic circa 1960 France White Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
French sculpture of a pigeon in Cracked Ceramic circa 1960 France White Color. Can be used as a Paperweight.
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
Napoleon III Inkwell
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Napoleon III inkwell
gilt bronz and champleve enamel
Origin France
perfect condition
circa 1860.
The Napoleon III style had its heyday during the 1850s and 1880s. Emperor Napoleon wa...
Category
1850s French Napoleon III Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Enamel
Adorable Signed Steuben Caterpillar Paperweight Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Wonderful Steuben art glass caterpillar.
Category
1970s American Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Cigarette Dispenser with ashtray england 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Cigarette Dispenser with ashtray england 1960s
Original condition
Category
1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Art Deco marble and bronze bookends
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Art Deco marble and bronze bookends
Beautiful bookends in black marble with bronze patinated in Pompeian green, with representation of men in a carrying position showing how they car...
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Ashtray style Jean Luce Saint Gobain Fontana Arte
Located in Lugo, IT
Ashtray in the style of Jean Luce for Saint Gobain or Fontana Arte production.
Good conditions.
Thank you
Category
1970s French Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Tiffany Studios Style Iridescent Favrile Glass Scarab Paperweight
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco style iridescent favrile glass scarab paper weight
In the manner of Tiffany Studios
USA, 20th Century
Measures: 5"W x 3"D x 1.75"H
Very good ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Perforated Brass Pail
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass pail with curved handle. This piece features a round perforated body with rivets at both the top and bottom of the pail. It would be a great décor piece or waste basket.
Dimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Fratelli Toso Murano Mosaic Wild Flowers Basket Italian Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown Sommerso spring wild flowers, micro millefiori, Italian art glass ribbons basket paperweight. Documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The inside ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine
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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Carved Marble Accessories
Desk Bell
Marble And Gilt Desk
Hermes 1950s
Bird Desk Object
Pen Shell
Rectangular Decorative Tray
Desk Dog
Small Leather Tray
Antique Traveling Desk
Antique Travel Desk
Desks Deco English
English Art Deco Desks
Equestrian Plates
Colored Glass Desk
French Antique Inkwells
Desk Shaped Inkwell
Gold Pen Holder