Desk Accessories
Desk Accessories For Sale
Color: Silver
Small Italian Mid-Century Modern Lapis & 800 Silver Dresser Box or Table Casket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine small sized Italian Mid-Century Modern dresser or table box.
With sheets of lapis lazuli on black marble and mounted with a fine 800 silver mount and hinge.
Simply a won...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Silver Plated Bowl by Gabriella Crespi / Signed
Located in Munich, DE
Walnut style.
Category
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Gorham Sterling Silver 1886 Table Top Double Inkwell
By Gorham
Located in New York, NY
Gorham sterling silver tabletop double inkwell from 1886 with intricately pierced figural gallery. It contains two glass inkwells with sterling silver caps and has an open compartment with hinged door. A great gift and addition to one's home or collection. It measures 7 3/4'' in length by 2 7/8'' in height by 4 3/4'' in depth, and bears hallmarks and monograms as shown.
During the heyday of American silver manufacturing–approximately 1850 to 1940–Gorham was one of the most influential. The White House has used Gorham silver services...
Category
1880s American Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Letter opener in silver bronze
Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns
Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr
This letter opener is the handmade work of French designer...
Category
2010s French Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Glass Inkstand / Desk Standish
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver and glass inkstand / desk standish; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection
This magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian silver inkstand / desk standish, has a rectangular shaped form.
This Victorian inkstand...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Art Deco American Sterling Silver & Pink Guilloche Enamel Letter Holder
Located in Bath, GB
A rare piece of American Art Deco silver, a small desk-top letter rack made from solid sterling silver by the Thomae Company of Attleboro, Massachusetts made in the 1930's.
The quality is evident, a lovely screwed construction, which can be seen from the underside, and a good heavy weight, 9.52 Troy Ounces / 296.1 Grams. The underside is fully marked "Sterling" and the maker's mark for the Thomae Company.
The front is decorated with a stunning pink guilloche enamel...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver chiseled Bookmark, Hommage Collection, Canning Pattern
By Carole Serny
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This Bookmark is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Carole Serny, whose aesthetics highlights t...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Carl Aubock Art-Deco Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, Pre-War Production, Early 1930s
Located in Vienna, AT
Art-Deco Salt and pepper shaker set. Prewar production - very early 30s.
The body of the shakers (apple and pear) is made of coloured Bakelite, the stems are of silver plated brass....
Category
1930s Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Edwardian Sterling Silver and Deep Pink Enamel-Mounted Magnifying Glass
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian, sterling silver and deep pink guilloche enamel-mounted magnifying glass, Sheffield, England, year-hallmarked for 1905, James Scholes -maker. Glass...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique English Officers Horse Hoof Inkstand
Located in Forney, TX
Scarce antique English Officers equestrian silver plate and metal mounted horse hoof.
An exceptional, most likely one-of-a-kind example, featuring a finely detailed sculpture of a fox with cane and stirrups to the front, hinged lid opening to two cylindrical inkwell cutouts, and original iron horse shoe...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate, Iron
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
Hermès Shotgun Shell Pen Holder, 1980s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic silver cup with brass bottom made by Hermès. In the shape/style of a shotgun shell. Stamped Hermès Made in France on underside of brass. Good vin...
Category
1980s French Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver, Brass
Silver chiseled Bookmark, Hommage Collection, Weaving Pattern
By Carole Serny
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This Bookmark is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Carole Serny, whose aesthetics highlights t...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver Dartboard Presentation Trophy
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, unusual antique George V English sterling silver Art Deco presentation trophy in the form of dartboard; part of our silverware collection.
This exceptional and unusual antique sterling silver trophy has been crafted in the form of a Yorkshire or Kent doubles dartboard*.
The face of the dartboard clearly depicts the appropriately numbered segments and the wirework spider.
This fine George V trophy is supported by an ebonised wood mount and an Art Deco style angular ebonised wooden base.
The base displays six hallmarked vacant presentation plaques; each plaque may be engraved with a personal inscription if so desired.
The posterior surface of the wooden mount is plain.
* This variation of dart board does not incorporate a triple ring, only the double and bullseye.
"By the late 1920s a standardised dartboard was introduced and remains the most popular dartboard today across the world. However, the 'standard' dartboard (also known as the 'London' or 'Clock' board) was not an overnight success in the UK. Initially it had to compete with other different existing target boards played on in some localities. These have come to be known as 'regional dartboards' and were usually named after their region of origin, for example, the Yorkshire Doubles board, Kent Doubles, the London Fives and the Manchester Board" - Patrick Chaplin PhD (Darts Historian)
Condition
This unusual antique trophy...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
1890s, Antique Yellow Gold and Enamel Parasol Handle and Rib Tips
By Thomas Brigg & Sons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique yellow gold and enamel parasol handle and rib tip set; an addition to our diverse enamelwork collection.
This exceptional antique parasol handle...
Category
1890s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Cut Glass Tortoise Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
Cut glass tortoise inkwell. Vintage turtle pillbox inkwell of cut glass carrying a mounted finial topped circular lidded well originally for ink but cha...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Letter opener in silver bronze
Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns
Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr
This letter opener is the handmade work of French designer Rich...
Category
2010s French Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
1970s English Pair of Silver Plated Metal Shoes
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s English pair of silver plated metal shoes.
Category
Late 20th Century English Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
1970s English Pair of Silver Plated Metal Shoes
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s English pair of silver plated metal shoes.
Category
Late 20th Century English Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Mauro Manetti Style Boar Head Stirrup Cups
By Gucci
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mauro Manetti classic style stirrup cup, is of plain beaker form with a cast boar head to one end.
Playful stirrup cup from the 1970s in brass and silver plate.
Gorgeous stirrup cup ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Elizabethan Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Silver Plate, Pewter
English Silver Cartridge Holder
Located in New York, NY
English silverplate cartridge holder. Vintage seven chamber cartridge holder of slim curved design. Beautiful modern design desk accessory. England, early 20th century
Dimensions: 4...
Category
Early 20th Century English Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Silver chiseled Bookmark, Hommage Collection, Braiding Pattern
By Carole Serny
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This Bookmark is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Carole Serny, whose aesthetics highlights t...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
John Charles Grinsell Antique Edwardian Cut Glass and Sterling Silver Inkwell
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian cut glass and English sterling silver mounted desk inkwell; part of our antique silver and glassware collection
This exceptio...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
1980s Sterling Silver Swan Letter Opener
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage Elizabeth II English sterling silver letter opener; an addition to our diverse ornamental collection
This exceptional vintage Elizabeth II cast sterling silver letter opener has a sabre shaped form.
The arched terminal of this letter opener has been realistically modelled in the form of a swan's neck and head.
Condition
This vintage sterling silver letter...
Category
1980s Great Britain (UK) Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Edwardian Sterling Silver-Mounted Onyx Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian, sterling silver - mounted onyx inkwell, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1915. Measures 3 3/4 inches wide (at widest point) x 2 1/4 inches high x 4 inches deep. So...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Letter opener in silver bronze.
Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns
Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr
This letter opener is the handmade work of French designe...
Category
2010s French Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
English Art Deco Sterling Silver Toast Rack by Hukin & Heath
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful little toast rack which would look equally impressive on a smart desk-top to organise small papers, business cards etc.
Made from solid Engli...
Category
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver chiseled Rectangular Case, Hommage Collection, Braiding Pattern
By Carole Serny
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This rectangular case is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Carole Serny, whose aesthetics highlights the textures of crafts. The patterns of canning, weaving, braiding or even straw marquetry are combined with a very clean formal language, akin to minimalism. The complete range consists of a set of a pencil case, a pencil holder, boxes and bookmarks.
Promoting French know-how and manufacturing, an exclusive attention is paid to each object, giving it a unique and lasting character.
Made to order and available in Sterling Silver, the pieces of Hommage collection are signed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Made from noble materials, this rectangular case is characterized by a sandblasted mat underside and interior finish, contrasting with a shinny polished exterior finish. The braiding pattern...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Inkstans Empyre Style
By Arno Fassi
Located in VALENZA, IT
Empire style 800 silver inkstand
The base of the inkstand, completely handmade, is shaped like a "cathedral". The classic "palmettes" of the Empire style have been chiseled around i...
Category
1990s Empire Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Antique Silver Inkstand Inkwell, London 1899 Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Antique silver inkstand inkwell, London 1899 Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co. Plain rectangular form on four turned feet, shaped Chippendale li...
Category
19th Century English Georgian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Stunning English Solid Sterling Silver 1936 Art Deco Style Cigarette Dispenser
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this lovely 1936 solid sterling silver art deco cigarette dispenser
A very good looking and well made piece, full...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Paperweight / Model of Pig
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage cast English sterling silver paperweight/model of a pig; part of our animal related silverware collection.
This exceptional, fine and impressive vintage sterling silver pig ornament/paper weight has been realistically modelled in the form of a whimsical pig, sat waving.
This cast silver ornament has been embellished with details reproducing the fine features of the pig's skin and anatomical features.
This exceptional and comical model is fitted with a leatherette covering to the underside.
This impressive example of vintage silverware...
Category
1990s English Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Victorian Glass and Sterling Silver Match Striker / Paperweight
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, large antique Victorian English sterling silver and glass match striker, an addition to our ornamen...
Category
1890s British Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Letter opener in silver bronze
Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns
Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr
This letter opener is the handmade work of French designer...
Category
2010s French Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Danese Milano Koro Wastepaper Basket in Silver by Enzo Mari
Located in Hicksville, NY
Koro is a waste paper basket intended for the workplace and in public spaces. The cylindrical form is made of injection-moulded polypropylene.
Enzo Mari is one of the masters of I...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
Large Sterling Silver-Mounted Controlled Bubbles Crystal Inkwell by Durgin
Located in New York, NY
Large, Edwardian-Period, sterling silver mounted controlled bubbles design crystal inkwell with hinged lid, William B. Durgin Co., Concord, New Hampshire, Ca. 1900. Measures 4 1/2 in...
Category
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Princess Ingrid Bookmark
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This sterling silver bookmark by Frank Whiting silver is in the Princess Ingrid pattern, circa 1945. It has an Art Deco look and is similar to the Georg Jensen Acorn pattern...
Category
1940s American Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Inkstand, London 1901, Gallery Border
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1901 by Ernest Damant, this striking, Victorian, antique sterling silver ink stand, features shaped and pierced gallery borders, and two glass ink wells...
Category
Early 1900s English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Seguso 1980 Italian Silver Navy Blue Apple Green Murano Glass Hen Bird Sculpture
Located in New York, NY
Attributed to Archimede Seguso Italian Mid-Century Modern Design blown Murano glass rooster sculpture, high quality of craftsmanship with the overlaid body in chartreuse lime green Murano...
Category
1980s Italian Organic Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Rare Mammoth English Victorian Novelty Inkwell, Owl with Glass Eyes C.1880
Located in Bath, GB
A truly outstanding and rare find, this is an outstanding Victorian figural inkwell made from a winning combination of brass and silver plate and retaining his wonderful two original...
Category
1880s British Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate, Brass
Walker & Hall Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver Inkwell
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver and glass inkwell made by Walker and Hall, part of our antique silver and glassware collection.
This exceptional antique George V English sterling silver inkwell has a hexagonal shaped, waisted form.
The shaped surface of this impressive antique inkwell is plain and unembellished, with applied iconic Art Deco style tiered designs to the either side of the base.
The elevated anterior edge of the base composes a pen receiver.
This Walker and Hall inkwell is fitted with an impressive flat topped hinged hallmarked sterling silver cover.
The cover opens to reveal a sunken well and removable glass ink liner.
The underside of the inkwell is fitted with the original wood base.
Condition
This antique Walker...
Category
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Silver rectangular Pencil Box, Hommage Collection
By Carole Serny
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This rectangular pencil box is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Car...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver
Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Letter opener in silver bronze
Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns
Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr
This letter opener is the handmade work of French designer...
Category
2010s French Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Letter opener in silver bronze.
Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns.
Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr.
This letter opener is the handmade work of French desig...
Category
2010s French Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
English Silver-Gilt and Agate Inkstand, circa 1830
Located in Paris, FR
Inkwell in agate set in a vermeil mount. The agate cut is closed by a finely chiseled lid of foliage patterns and whose grip is adorned with a head of putti. The handle, which is dec...
Category
1830s English George IV Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Agate, Silver
Letter Opener in Silver Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Letter opener in silver bronze
Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns
Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr
This letter opener is the handmade work of French designer...
Category
2010s French Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Silver chiseled Pencil Holder, Hommage Collection, Weaving Pattern
By Carole Serny
Located in VIC-LA-GARDIOLE, FR
This Pencil Holder is part of the "Hommage" (tribute) collection, a line of stationery and office accessories designed and hand-manufactured by Carole Serny, whose aesthetics highlig...
Category
2010s French Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Asprey & Co. Ltd Antique Cut Glass and Sterling Silver Desk Inkwell
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, large antique George V cut-glass and English sterling silver mounted desk inkwell made by Asprey & Co; part of our antique silver and glassware collection.
This fine antique George V cut glass and English sterling silver mounted desk inkwell has a plain cuboid form with rounded corners.
The neck of the antique glass inkwell is encircled with an impressive silver mount and fitted with a compressed circular hinged hallmarked sterling silver cover.
The cover opens to reveal the removable glass ink liner.
The interior of the cover retains the original gilt interior.
The impressive glass body of this inkwell is embellished with hobnail style deep cut glass ornamentation to the underside.
This fine example of antique silverware has been crafted by the renowned London silversmiths Asprey & Co Ltd.
Dimensions:
Height to top of cover 10cm/3.9"
Width 11.3cm/4.4" square
Diameter of liner 2.5cm/1"
Height of liner 2.8cm/1.1"
Condition:
This antique glass inkwell is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.
The inkwell has been professionally polished and is in presentation condition.
The glass is in perfect condition.
Full hallmarks struck to the surface of the mount have wear but remain legible.
The part hallmarks to the interior of the cover are all very clear.
Maker: Asprey & Co Ltd
Date: 1921
Origin: London, England
Video: A video of this fine piece is available upon request.
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this example of antique glassware...
Category
1920s English Other Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
19th Century Victorian English Double Inkwell Desk Set
Located in Forney, TX
A charming Victorian era English silver plate desk stand, born in the late 19th century, having two glass inkwell pots, candlestick, recessed pen wells, gadrooned border, ebonized ca...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Set Tronador Large Mini Boxes, Onyx Stone and Silver Alpaca
By AIREDELSUR
Located in Buenos Aires, AR
The shape of the inactive Tronador volcano reminded us of the pyramid shaped idea of our boxes that make up this collection. With a rectangular or square base, the box is a reflectio...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone, Onyx
Antique Sterling Silver Inkwell England 1905
Located in Stamford, CT
Handsome sterling silver antique inkwell has a lovely, simple design and was made by William Harrison Walter, circa 1905. It has a high polished profile, with a hinged lid and is wei...
Category
Early 20th Century English Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Edwardian Sterling Silver and Gray Agate Letter Opener / Paper Knife
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian, sterling silver and gray agate letter opener/paper knife, Sheffield, England, year-hallmarked for 1901, Mappin and Webb - makers. The agate has d...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Agate, Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Gimbal Table Lighter (1910)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine, and impressive, antique George V English sterling silver gimbal table lighter; an addition to our smoking related silverware collection
This exceptional antique George V sterling silver table lighter has a globular form to a rounded composite handle.
The surface of the piece is plain and embellished with the contemporary bright cut engraved initial 'H' beneath a Baron's coronet.
The center of this antique silver table lighter...
Category
1910s English Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Agate, Sterling Silver
Letter Opener or Paper Cutter in Silver Bronze
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Letter opener in silver bronze
Silver plated bronze letter opener 35/42 microns
Measures: L: 218 mm, weight: 118 gr
This letter opener is the handmade work of French designer...
Category
2010s French Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
English Antique Ink Eraser/Letter Opener with Sterling Handle
Located in Sheffield, MA
Although the purpose was once for "erasing" ink, this antique English piece can very well be used as a letter opener. It probably did serve a dual purpose way back when. The eraser...
Category
1880s English Late Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver, Steel
Antique Glass and Sterling Silver Match Striker / Paperweight
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver and glass match striker; an addition to our ornamental collection.
This exceptional antique glass and silver match striker...
Category
1910s British Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Kerr American Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Bookmark
Located in New York, NY
Turn of the century Art Nouveau sterling silver bookmark. Made by William B. Kerr in Newark. Dagger blade engraved with interlaced script mono...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver Dog of Roberto Rigon Made in Italy, Art
Located in Foggia, FG
Cane Argento di Roberto Rigon Made in Italy - Art -
Anno: 1950
Materiali: Ceramica firmata e smaltata, color bianca
Condizioni: Buonissime
Misure: Cm 39 L x 5 P x 6 H
...
Category
1950s Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
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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