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Desk Accessories

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Desk Accessories For Sale
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Style: Neoclassical
German Vintage Teddybär Mohair 50ies
Located in Berlin, DE
Vintage Teddybär mit viel Kuschelerlebnis. Mohair. Deutschland 60'ies
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Mohair

Set of Four Plated Animal Paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice set of four plated animal paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. The set include an elephant, giraffe, hippo and gazelle. They ...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Zinc

Neoclassical Style Metal Tissue Box Cover
Located in Sheffield, MA
Add style and the finishing touch to your countertop or nightstand with this antiqued gold toned top and grey ribbed metal body tissue box cover to pr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

Landers, Frary & Clark Cast Iron Coffee Grinder/Mill
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This a large and heavy Landers, Frary & Clark cast iron coffee grinder#20 1/2. It has a bell shaped nickel hopper with a flat wood lid and two...
Category

Late 19th Century American American Classical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Iron, Nickel

Letter Tray Desk Organizer Rosewood Danish Desktop Georg Petersen Mobelfabrik
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is the early production Selectform model, designed and made by Georg Petersen Mobelfabrik A/S. This example retains the Georg Petersens Mobelfabrik A/S label and Danish Furnitu...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Rosewood

Oak and Polychrome "Öresund" Desk Organizer by Børge Mogensen, Karl Andersson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Desk organizer model A4/3 from the Öresund series designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced in Sweden by Karl Andersson & Söner during the 1960s. Made from solid oak with three drawers in...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Oak, Lacquer

Scandinavian Modern Business Card Holder by Pierre Forsell for Skultuna
Located in Örebro, SE
Rare, Scandinavian Modern business card holder by Pierre Forsell for Skultuna. Signed with makers mark. Wear and patina consistent with age and use. Scratches, rust, as seen on the p...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Brass Piet Hein Super Egg by Henning Glahn / Danks Design in original Box
Located in Krefeld, DE
Piet Hein super egg with leather pouch, booklet and original Box. The super egg is in solid brass produced by Henning Glahn, Denmark. Price for the...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Neoclassical Rococo Reticulated Foliate Gilt Bronze Cameo Letter Holder 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Neoclassical Rococo Reticulated Foliate Form Gilt Bronze Letter Holder with Cameo, 20thC Measures- 11.5''H x 10''W x 4.5''D
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Scandinavian Modern Paperweight in Pewter, ca 1930s
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful Scandinavian Modern paperweight in pewter, ca 1930s. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use.
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Pewter

English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip England, early 20th century A distinguished English bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative...
Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Scandinavian Modern Pewter Inkstand, Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1925
Located in Örebro, SE
Rare pewter inkstand, Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden -1925. Lid in the shape of a fish, relief decoration along the sides. The insert in glass is missing. Wear and patina consistent wit...
Category

1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Pewter

Doré Bronze And Enamel Writing Desk Casket
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite French writing desk casket is a stellar example of neoclassical craftsmanship. Fashioned from Doré bronze and adorned with royal blue enamel, it features a classical t...
Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Fine Crystal Perfume Bottle With Faceted Stopper By Orrefors, Sweden. c1980's
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Beautiful and pure, crystal clear perfume bottle by Orrefors, Sweden Unusually faceted, cut crystal stopper completes this most appealing piece Circa 1980's Height with stopper 3.5 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

Silver Inkwell For Czar Nicholas
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite inkwell by the legendary Grachev Brothers was made for Czar Nicholas of Russia. Featuring intricately cut glass in a star pattern, the inkwell rests upon an exquisite ...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver

1970s Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Silver Plate Elephant Figurine Paperweight
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Dansk Mid-Century Silver Plate Animal Elephant Figurine Paperweight. Vintage Dansk silver plate elephant figurine paper weight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan. Dimensions: 1.75ʺW × 2.25ʺ...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Arthur Percy, Pen Holder, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic pen holder designed by Arthur Percy and produced by Gefle, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

Gerd Bøgelund For Royal Copenhagen Celadon Glazed Shallow Dish #21415
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Elegant small celadon dish by Gerd Bøgelund for Royal Copenhagen Ageless design from the acclaimed Danish ceramicist Circa 1959 Stamped and numbered 2141...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Hans Henrik Hansen For Royal Copenhagen, Celadon Glazed Shallow Dish #4397
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
A beautiful celadon glazed dish by Hans Henrik Hansen for Royal Copenhagen Exemplary transparent glaze and form Circa 1954 Stamped and numbered HHH 4397 Height 1.5 inch, Diameter 7....
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Awake Snipe Beak Bird Teak Sculpture by Svend-Aage Holm-Sørensen for Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Charming teak birds with beaks and great personality. Manufactured in Denmark and designed by the internationally renowned designer, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen, who was particularly famous for his lamp designs in the 1950s. Beak Birds...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Oak, Teak

Pair Wedgwood Blue and White Jasperware Desk Accessories
Located in New York, NY
Pair Wedgwood blue and white Jasperware desk accessories. Beautiful blue grey bisque beaker/bud-vase with cream-ivory neoclassical bas relief, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Stoneware

Scandinavian Modern Original Dansk Design Silver Plate Cat Paperweight Denmark
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Original Dansk Design silver-plated cat paperweight, Animal Sculpture. Marked on the underside. Great collectors' piece.
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate, Metal

1970s Dansk Polar Bear Silver Plated Paperweight Animal Sculpture Scandinavian
Located in Miami, FL
Japanese Dansk silver-plated polar bear paperweight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan on the underside. Great collectors' piece and a Gift idea for the Holiday Season.
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Zenit, Royal Copenhagen Pure White Porcelain and Silver Lidded Pot #5575
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
An oval shaped lidded pot designed by Anne-Marie Trolle for Royal Copenhagen Applied silver zig-zag decoration to pure white porcelain Circa 1980's Stamped and numbered 5575 Height ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

Danish Modern Solid Teak Double Letter Desk Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and functional Danish modern teak double letter desk tray circa the 1980s. The trays are made of dovetailed solid teak. The piece is in very good condition and would make a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Antique Lion Inkwell Desk Inkstand Napoleon French c1890
Located in Mimizan, FR
Antique Lion Inkwell Desk Inkstand French c1890 Handsome Lion Bronze Good condition with minor signs of wear for its age.
Category

1890s French Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Pewter Inkstand by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930
Located in Örebro, SE
Very rare and amazing pewter inkstand with glass tube by Nils Fougstedt, adorned with a flute playing, crosslegged Pan figurine -1930. Good vintage condit...
Category

1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Pewter

Grand Tour Of Italy Souvenir, Carrara Marble Cameo Paperweight c19th Century
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Intriguing 19th century Grand Tour carved Carrara marble cameo depicting a strong male profile, possibly the Italian poet Dante Alighieri Antique Italian...
Category

19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Carrara Marble

Tiffany & Co. Porcelain Lidded Trinket Box Designed for Tauck World France
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Tiffany & Co. porcelain round trinket box. Tiffany & Co. porcelain round map box designed for Tauck World, Made In France. The porcelain lid cover is dec...
Category

Late 20th Century French Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Porcelain

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

Desktop Organizer in Teak, Made in Denmark, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Desktop organizer in solid teak. Great quality with fine details. Made in Denmark in the 1950s.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Jorgen Mogensen For Royal Copenhagen Scarab Stoneware Dish #21871
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Oblong stoneware Scarab dish by Jorgen Mogensen for Royal Copenhagen, 1969. The darkest of brown glazes with a dark blue and sand ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Gilt Bronze Eagle Fragment on White Marble Stand, Italy
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian gilt bronze sculpture of an eagle on a rectangular white Carrera piece of marble. The high quality of the gilt work and the early age makes the eagl...
Category

1810s Italian Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

Vintage Danish Teak Desktop Organizer
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage Danish teak desktop organizer with a variety of compartments for office accessory storage. Year: 1970s Origin: Denmark Style: Mid-C...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Wedgwood Jasperware Black Basalt & White Jewelry Dish Neoclassical, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An English Wedgwood Jasperware black basalt and white stoneware rectangular jewelry dish with Neoclassical design, 1963, England. Piece is a matte bla...
Category

20th Century English Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

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

Cristal Saint Louis Ivoire de Balmain Collectible Perfume Decanter/Bottle
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Cristal Saint Louis cut crystal decanter of Ivoire de Balmain perfume. The bottle is urn shaped and it is a faceted clear crystal. There is...
Category

20th Century French Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal

French 1890 Etui Sealing Wax Case with Guilloche Blue Enamel in Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
French etui sealing wax case. Exquisite objet d'art, created in Paris France in the late 19th century, circa 1890. This is a etui sealing wax case, mast...
Category

1890s French Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Svenskt Tenn Pen Stand, Teak, Sweden
Located in Los Gatos, CA
A rare pen holder in Teak, possibly one of a kind, made by Svenskt Tenn.
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Teak

Wedgwood Jasperware Jewelry Dish with Neoclassical Design, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware small rectangular jewelry dish with Neoclassical design, 1961, England. Piece is a matte stoneware in a light green with a white Neoclassical raised relief at center and leaf design around edge. Great as a standalone piece or for a vanity, dresser, desk, etc., to hold jewelry or other small items. With maker's mark "Wedgwood", "Made in England", "61", on bottom as shown in last two images. Dimensions: 3.19" Depth x 6" Width. Lavender Jasperware urn...
Category

20th Century English Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Stoneware, Pottery

French 1819-1838 Neoclassical Louis XVI Rectangular Snuff Box Labrated 18kt Gold
Located in Miami, FL
French snuff box in solid gold. Exceptional rectangular snuff box, crafted in Paris France during the second monarchic restoration period, between the 1818 and 1838. It was carefully crafted in the neoclassical Louis XVI style in solid yellow gold of 18 karats. Fitted with a hinged lid and embellished with intricate chiseled, engraved and guilloche finishes, Monogramed AS inside the counterpart of the lid. Weight: 1l7.75 Grams, (75.48 Dwt). Measurements: 89 mm by 54 mm by 20 mm (3.5 x 2.13 x 0.79 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with ancient French marks; the Zeus head...
Category

1830s French Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Gold

Scandinavian Modern Oiva Toikka Artglass, Battatti, 'Potatoe' Nuutajärvi Finland
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern Oiva Toikka, (1931-2019) Artglass, Battatti, (potatoe) Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Finland. Now. Who does not want a pink artglass potato sculpture feature on the desk? Th...
Category

1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Art Glass

English Wedgwood Jasperware Jewelry Dish with Neoclassical Design
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware sage green and white round jewelry dish with neoclassical design, circa 20th century, 1979, England...
Category

20th Century English Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Stoneware

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

English Wedgwood Jasperware Jewelry Dish with Neoclassical Design
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful English Wedgwood Jasperware sage green and white round jewelry dish with neoclassical design, circa 20th century, 1979, England...
Category

20th Century English Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Stoneware

Pocket Watch, Jaqs Blanc, Gold, Enamel, Etc. Possibly ca Late 18th C
Located in Madrid, ES
Pocket watch, Jaqs Blanc. gold, enamel, etc. Possibly towards the end of the 18th century. Pocket watch with a white dial and Arabic numerals for the hours and lines and Arabic num...
Category

Late 18th Century Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Gold, Enamel, Other

Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
Located in North Hollywood, CA
DANSK Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren. Vintage Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk designed in circa 1970s. Wonderful modernist silver plated bear...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Turn of the Century French Bronze Sculpture
Located in High Point, NC
Made at the turn of the century in France, this bronze sculpture exudes a sense of peaceful contemplation. The detailed form depicts a seated woman, clothed in flowing robes. In one hand, dropped at her side, she holds a mirror; her face is turned away in a gesture of pensive serenity. The burnished patina of the bronze lends a gentle glow to the curves of her body and the raised folds of the cloth...
Category

Early 1900s French Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Bronze

Charles & Richard Comyns 1920 London Neo Classic Carriage Table Clock in Sterlin
Located in Miami, FL
Travel carriage clock designed by Charles & Richard Comyns. Beautiful small travel-desk clock, created by the top notch and prestigious silversmith company of Charles & Richard Co...
Category

1920s English Neoclassical Vintage Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Pocket Watch, Deroches Brothers, Gilded Metal, Enamels, Etc. P Late 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pocket watch, Deroches Brothers. Gilded metal, enamels, etc. Possibly towards the end of the 18th century. Pocket watch with a case with a transparent glass part and a composition ...
Category

Late 18th Century European Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal, Enamel, Other

19th Century Polychrome Sculpture of a Roman Woman
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Italian original painted plaster sculpture of a young Roman woman in nice gilt dress and flower wreath. This well sculptured smiling lady cou...
Category

1880s Italian Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Plaster

Vintage Off-White Ericsson Ericofon Cobra Phone
Located in Brooklyn, NY
One of the icons of 20th century design, the Ericofon by Ericsson, known as the "cobra phone" for its sleek, modern, and serpentine styling. The Ericofon w...
Category

Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Plastic

Venus de Milo White Granite Marble Female Figurative Statue Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful white granite marble reproduction of Greek goddess 'Venus de Milo' female figure statue sculpture in the Neoclassical style, circa early 20th century, Italy. A great deco...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Granite, Marble

A Norwegian Porphyry Sphere
Located in Spencertown, NY
The purple/white stone in the shape of a sphere
Category

Mid-19th Century Norwegian Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Porphyry

19th Century English Sheffield Silver Plate Lyre Shaped Letter Rack Holder
Located in Pearland, TX
A lovely antique English silverplate lyre shaped letter holder by Thomas Bradbury of Sheffield, dated 1872. Hallmarks on base. This beautiful letter rack has a Neoclassical design wi...
Category

19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Bronze Marble Inkwell Desk Serpent Inkstand French c1880 FREE SHIPPING
Located in Mimizan, FR
Antique bronze marble inkwell desk crystal inkstand French c1880 Unusual serpent base Bronze on variegated marble base Holds pen across the top With crystal inkwell Free Shipping to...
Category

1880s French Neoclassical Antique Desk Accessories

Materials

Crystal, Marble, Bronze

Medium Twirling Bird Polished Wood Sculpture by Jakob Hermann for Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
Unique rotating wooden birds, created in the 1950s by the Danish furniture designer and true artist, Jacob Hermann and now being manufactured by Warm Nordic. The Danish-manufactured Twirling Birds...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories

Materials

Wood

Large Silvered Lion Sculpture, France, Early 20th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
An early 20th century Silverplated Lion. This particular example very well modelled. Mounted over a Portoro Italian marble base. Perfect size to...
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Marble, Metal

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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