Desk Accessories

A most impressive fine quality antique Louis XV style French ormolu encrier / inkstand. Born in France in the 19th century, almost certainly Parisian work, exquisitely chased, chis...

A very rare and important exhibition encrier by François Linke and Léon Messagé. French, circa 1900. Index number 709. Signed to the edge 'F. Linke'. This exceptional and ambitious encrier is modelled as two putti, each holding a standard and sitting on the water's edge, the two inkwells with hinged spirally-fluted covers with glass liners. This important inkwell is based on Léon Messagé's celebrated sculptural group 'La Source' and was originally intended by Linke to form part of his spectacular Stand at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. Like seven or eight other pieces originally intended for inclusion on the Stand, it would seem the encrier was a casualty of both Linke's over-ambitious production schedule and the financial burden that the manufacture of such ornate and high quality work imposed. It was eventually shown on the Stand in September after the gilding was finished by Picard at a cost of 90 French francs. The costs of the model were very high: some 2024 francs (of which Message's combined fee was 1158 francs 40 centimes), underlining the originality and complexity. The 1900 Exposition example was sold, along with three important pieces of furniture from the Stand (the Grand bureau and associated armchair, and the Bahut Louis XV Mars et Vénus), to the South African banker and diamond merchant Solomon Joel. A further six encriers were produced up until 1925. Object Literature: Payne, Christopher. François Linke, 1855-1946, The Belle Époque of French Furniture, p. 90, pl. 97; p. 149, pl. 157; p. 150; pp. 182-183, pls 197 & 198 as exhibited at the Liege exhibition in 1905 & p. 480 for the original notes in Linke's Blue daybook of the late 1890s. François Linke (1855 - 1946) was the most important Parisian cabinet maker of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and possibly the most sought after cabinet maker of his period. He was born in 1855 in the small village of Pankraz, in what is now the Czech Republic. Records show that Linke served an apprenticeship with the master cabinetmaker Neumann, then in 1875 at the age of 20 he arrived in Paris where he lived until he died in 1946. It is known that the fledgling Linke workshops were active in Paris in the Faubourg St. Antoine as early as 1881, and during this time he supplied furniture for other more established makers such as Jansen and Krieger. The quality of Linke's craftsmanship was unsurpassed by any of his contemporaries and reached its peak with his spectacular Stand at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900, where his Grand Bureau took the Gold Medal. He gambled his fortune and reputation on this Stand, exhibiting several breathtaking items of furniture with sculptural mounts of the most exceptional quality and proportion. His gamble worked and his reputation was established to such an extent that Linke continued to be the pre-eminent furniture house in Paris until the Second World War. As the Art Journal reported in 1900 on Linke's Stand: 'The work of M. Linke ... was an example of what can be done by seeking inspiration amongst the Classic examples of Louis XV and XVI without in any great sense copying these great works. M. Linke's work was original in the true sense of the word, and as such commended itself to the intelligent seeker after the really artistic things of the Exhibition. Wonderful talent was employed in producing the magnificent pieces of furniture displayed....' The formation of Linke's distinctive style was made possible by his collaboration with the sculptor Léon Messagé. Together Linke and Messagé designed furniture for Linke's 1900 exhibition Stand, with exuberant allegorical figures cast in high relief, that exemplified Linke's ability to seamlessly merge the different mediums of wood carving, bronze and marquetry into a dynamic unified whole. Today Linke is best known for the exceptionally high quality of his work, as well as his individualism and inventiveness. All of his work has the finest, most lavish mounts, very often applied to comparatively simple carcasses. The technical brilliance of his work and the artistic change that it represented were never to be repeated. Bibliography: Payne, Christopher. François Linke, (1855 - 1946), The Belle Époque of French Furniture, Antique Collectors' Club, (Woodbridge, UK), 2003. Meyer, Jonathan. Great Exhibitions - London, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, 1851-1900, Antique Collectors' Club, (Woodbridge, UK), 2006; pp. 298 - 300. LeDoux - Lebard, Denise. Les Ébénistes du XIXe siècle, Les Editions de l'Amateur, (Paris), 1984; pp. 439-43. Revue Artistique & Industrielle, (Paris), July-August 1900. Coral Thomsen, D. (ed), The Paris Exhibition 1900, The Art Journal, 1901; p.341. Léon Messagé (1842-1901) had a brilliant, but short lived career. He is best known for his incredible sculptural collaboration with François Linke for the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. A gifted sculptor, Messagé was also responsible for much of the design and creative work for Roux et Brunet and Joseph-Emmanuel Zwiener. Messagé enjoyed great success as a designer/sculptor before his collaboration with Linke. Indeed he was mentioned as a Gold Medal winner at the 1889 International Exhibition and was especially praised for his work on a cabinet by Zwiener. He came into contact with Linke in 1885 and it appears from then on Linke employed him on a regular basis. Messagé was primarily influenced by Rococo ornament but he strove to re-interpret it. He did not produce slavish copies, and his original approach can be appreciated in Linke's celebrated Grande Bibliothèque and Grand Bureau exhibited at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle. A number of drawings by Messagé are recorded and after his success at the exhibition of 1889 he was encouraged to publish his designs. 'Cahier...

Beautiful antique letter box. The box comes from England and dates from about 1900. The box has a walnut interior with four compartments. The outsid...

Catch loose change or other odds and ends with this pair of 19th century decorative tazza dishes. Crafted in France circa 1880, each compote sits on a square green marble base with r...

A Regency tortoiseshell and ivory desk set, of shaped rectangular form with two glass inkwells, an ivory pot and two ivory pen holders above a curved pen tra...

Place this elegant antique signed inkwell in a man’s office. Created in France, circa 1870, the bronze desk accessory sits on four small curved feet, and f...

Place this elegant antique inkwell in a man’s office or study. Created in France, circa 1880, and built of spelter, the desk accessory sits on five small d...

This is an antique officer’s campaign correspondence box. An English, flame mahogany and leather writing case, dating to the Regency period, ...

A Beautiful & Luxurious Handcrafted Regency Bramah Rosewood Fold-out Travelling Writing Companion With Fitted Leather Interior, Ceramic Blotting Tablets. Complete with Beautifully De...

Handcrafted 19th Century Rosewood Veneer Writing Slope With A Tooled Purple Leather Writing Liner. Item Featured Brass Carry Handles & Is Finished With A Decorative Brass Inlay. Manu...

Louis XV style bronze Letter Openers,the facesare decorated with foliage and crosspieces, original condition

Louis XV style bronze inkwell ,in the middle you have a marble plaque in the shape of a heart ,the bronze are finely executed,original condition Extremly rare this inkwell have its...

A RARE AND FINE REGENCY ROSEWOOD WRITING SLOPE England, circa 1815; includes a circa 1849 quill by Isaac Parkes Item # 801EZX27 An inordinately fine box, the exterior is dressed wit...

An elegant Regency brass mounted Gonçalo Alves campaign writing slope, circa 1820 in date. The beautifully polished goncalo alves case has a ...

A large antique letter rack, made of carved wood. The wickerwork is also made of carved wood. With three compartments. Made in France around 1890-1...

19th century English Regency traveling lap writing desk with original brass corner mounts and hardware, including lock and key. Outstanding sti...

Exceptional antique Inkwell with rich bronze ornaments and three ceramic vessels. The ink jars are painted in a beautiful rich green and embellished with gold colour. France, circa...

Rare early 19th century George IV English porcelain inkwell by Coalport in the naturalistic form. Referred to as ‘Coalbrookdale’ this piece has been modeled in the form of a lemon fr...

Dimensions- H: 3in W: 4 1/4in D: 2 7/8in This exceptional pair of French Doré bronze dogs on malachite plinths/bases are an amazing example of high quality antique smalls. Finding a pair in this good of condition is highly uncommon. Malachite Was believed to have healing factors in Europe during the Renaissance and later people saw malachite as a sign of wealth and power due to its rarity. Most pieces made with malachite whether it was a piece of furniture or a pair of bronze dogs...

A rare Regency writing desk box made in solid ebony. Original leather with natural age-related patina. Original fittings and locks. In good condi...

Antique French gilt bronze inkwell on rouge marble stand. It is of superb quality and features a central figure of Diana The Huntress. Provenance: From the estate of Texas Oil...

A fine quality Regency Era / Georgian Period tea caddy set in sumptuous plum-pudding mahogany. Exquisitely hand-crafted in England at the turn of the late 18th / early 19th century,...

19th c., England, mahogany brass mounted rotating stand divided into four compartments, topped with a brass finial. A handsome addition to any desk, providing an interesting talking point and a fine way to store your upcoming reads. An opportunity to own a piece of design history coming as it does from a Parish-Hadley commission. Dimensions: 14"h x 11"squ Condition: Good, minor rubbing to finish, brass with burnished patina, foot and spindle appear to be replaced. Provenance: Furnishings from the Estate of Barbara Allen...

Decorate a man's desk or study with this elegant antique inkwell; crafted in Belgium, circa 1880, the desk accessory stands on scroll feet over a scalloped apron, and features intric...

A fine ornate antique French Louis XV style gilt bronze photo frame with back easel stand, Napoleon III era, circa 1880. Richly decorated with neoclassical style motifs such as faces...

Stunning Example of a Ladies Well Figure Tortoise Shell Silver Framed Hinged Lid Card Case of generous proportions, made during the first half of the Nineteenth Century. The rectangular hinged cover with lavish silver inlay depicting a trailing branch of flowers and foliage. Condition: Good condition for such an early piece with no losses to inlays, nice surface patination to tortoiseshell. The case closes firmly. Width: (at widest, just over) 5.5" (14cm). Depth: 3” (8cm). ----------------------------------- An oval well figured horn trinket box with separate lid, late Nineteenth Century Condition: Perfect condition, lid closes firmly Width: 4.5” (11.5cms). Depth: 2.25” (5.5cms). ------------------------------------ Rectangular well figured Tortoiseshell hinged lid trinket or snuff box, possibly Regency period Condition: Tiny loss at one corner, otherwise excellent. Width: (just under) 3.5” (8.5cms). ------------------------------------ Rectangular horn and Tortoiseshell Snuff Box...

An early 19th century bronze and ormolu Encrier having lyre and flower handle flanked by engine-turned inkwells with penholders, raised on platform base ...

Pair of English Regency style embossed bronze spill vases in a rare small size. The workmanship is incredible and features Classic shell, lyre and floral detail. Rolled and soldered ...

A beautiful and exceptionally high quality French early 19th century Louis XV st. Sèvres Porcelain and ormolu inkwell, signed Sèvres. The inkwell is raised by striking pierced scrolled foliate ormolu movements in a most decorative satin and burnished finished. At the center is the finely detailed Sèvres Porcelain tray...

19th century English Mappin and Webb silver and tortoise inkwell with original glass liner for the ink.  

Place this elegant antique signed inkwell in a man’s office. Created in France, circa 1880, the pewter desk accessory sits on four small curved feet, an...

Porcelain inkwell, with a shaped body entirely enamelled with chinoiserie-style motifs: there are large red flowers on a decorated blue background, on the sides two reserves in which...

French Louis XV-style (19th Century) inkwell stand in the form of a miniature secretary with roll top and etched glass doors.   

A very fine quality, exquisitely hand-crafted, late nineteenth century bronze doré mounted Royal Porcelain Factory Berlin (KPM) porcelain five piece desk set. The breathtaking anti...

French Louis XV-style (19/20th Century) silver plate on bronze oval shaped inkwell with handles and acorn finial.  

French Louis XV-style (19th Century) vitrine in the form of a miniature secretary with roll top and clear glass panels.  

Large size English Regency mahogany travelling sloped lap desk/ box with original brass corner mounts, hinges, pin, top mount and retractable handles. Features include a side drawer,...

Wonderful gilt bronze with blue and white enamel hand mirror. Marked France on one side of the handle and New York on the other. Measures: 10” by 5 1/4” Age appropriate ware to frame...

A rare fine French Louis XV style ormolu mounted tortoise-shell finish encrier (desk stand - inkstand) dating to the 19th century, featuring bronze dore sculpture...

Hallmarked in London in 1811 by Thomas Wallis II & Jonathan Hayne, this handsome, Regency Period, antique sterling silver meat skewer, is plain in style. The meat skewer measures: 12...

Stunning sterling silver inkwell with an inlaid tortoise shell lid. Circa 1912. Glass liner is missing.

Regency brass letter card box with rope overlay from England 1820. Would make a great decorative piece for a desk. In very good condition.

A very fine pair of English Regency bronze whippets or greyhounds on verdi antico marble book form bases, after Thomas Weeks. Each dog sculpture is beautifully cast with their individual personalities. Clearly after, and possibly by, Thomas Weeks. These whippets are resonant of the early nineteenth-century work of Thomas Weeks (d. 1834) who established a 'Royal Mechanical Museum' or emporium in Tichbourne Street in about 1797. The attractions included various animated animals and insects, ingenious clocks, musical instruments, elaborate temples, toys and other such peculiarities that appealed to the London public in the late 18th and early 19th Century (C. Gilbert, 'Some Weeks cabinets reconsidered', The Connoisseur, May 1971...

An alabaster urn and cover inlaid with blue John on square slate base. English, circa early 19th century.

English Regency mahogany travelling sloped lap desk box with brass corner mounts and handles, 19th century. Key included. Other features include fine tooled leather insert and a draw...

Very stylish patinated bronze desk inkwell modelled as a bust of a Chinese or Japanese figure wearing a straw hat, together with a pair French or...

We see an important regency inkwell crafted out of mahogany with brass decorations in England, circa 1810. Measurements are taken without the crystal inkwells.

An early 19th century Regency period bronze and ormolu encrier, having penholders and triple inkwells with leaf cast lids contained in leaf decorated classical bath, supported on wre...

19th century English burl wood and rosewood Parkins & Gotto inkwell desk letterbox. Item includes a brass ormolu, glass inkwells, bun feet, beautiful...

The antique silver-on-copper and crystal pen and ink desk set is composed a footed tray with two indentations for feathered pens or writing instruments, two l...

Inkwell in wood figuring a slightly lied down child only dressed with a simple cloth around his hips. He stands on a small piedestal adorned with water leaves. Two circular fluted in...

A Regency tooled leather work desktop secretaire cabinet, the hinged lid enclosing a partitioned compartment, the moulded doors enclosing four drawers with faux book spine fronts, th...

A fine Louis XV Style gilt bronze and Sèvres style Porcelain inkwell. French, circa 1890. This elegant and sophisticated inkwell is of sarcophagus form with finely painted por...

French Louis XV-style (19th Century) bronze double inkwell with trophy caps and cupid playing the cello on a white onyx base.

The antique silver-on-copper and crystal pen and ink desk set is composed a footed tray with two indentations for feathered pens or writing instruments, two l...

Exquisite pair of French Louis XV style gilt bronze five-light figural candelabra, 19th century. Five foliage-inspired candleholders are conjoined by intricate gilt bronze scrollin...

An attractive early 19th century Regency period bronze and Ormolu oval Pen Tray, with thistle, fruit and flower handles, having cut-glass inkwells, quill holders, candleholder and ce...

A very fine French 19th century Louis XV style gilt-bronze, mahogany and porcelain Encrier (Inkwell). The oval mahogany base surmounted with an ormolu mounted trim, dual-trays and fi...