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Inkwells For Sale
19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
19th century malachite inkwell. The circular plate for resting a fountain pen houses a crystal inkpot in its center. The plate and the inkpot's stopper are embellished with a gilt bronze cross...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Malachite

Stately Antique Brass Bronze Inkwell, Around 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
Stately antique brass bronze inkwell around 1880 Solid brass bronze inkwell with lid. Original glass insert. Inkwell with paw feet standing on...
Category

1880s German Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Brass, Bronze

Crystal Pen Holder with Inkwell by Walther Design
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Pukeberg walther glass designed Solifleur rectangular single stem glass. Interesting and particularly striking pieces of Op Art glass . The front features a fun, light-hearted textur...
Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

Victorian gilt inkstand desk set in the Gothic style
Located in London, GB
Victorian gilt inkstand desk set in the Gothic style English, 19th Century Height 19cm, width 27cm, depth 12.5cm This wonderful inkstand is a fine piece of Victorian period design. ...
Category

19th Century English Gothic Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss bear with log pen rest and inkwell. Published in "Black Forest Bears and Swiss Woodcarvings," plate 93a. Book included. In the 1800’s the wood carving...
Category

19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells

Materials

Wood

Chinese Art Deco Enameled Bronze Inkwell w/ Bird and Flower Motif, ca. 1920
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Art Deco Enameled Bronze Inkwell w/ Bird and Flower Motif ca. 1920 Dimensions: Height: 2.5 inches. Width: 6.75 inches. Depth: 3.5 inches.  
Category

1920s Chinese Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Brass

English Silver Inkwell, Stamped Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company
Located in Spencertown, NY
The rectangular inkwell with flat hinged lid, opening to reveal ceramic well and cut-glass liner beneath. Hallmarks on inside cover, rear and underside.
Category

20th Century English Neoclassical Inkwells

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 Inkwells

Materials

Agate, Silver

George IV Bachelor Inkstand Made in Sheffield by Thomas & James Settle, 1822
Located in London, GB
In the manner of Paul Storr. A very rare George IV Bachelor Inkstand made in Sheffield in 1822 by Thomas & James Settle. This exceptionally rare Inkstand is modelled in the bachelor...
Category

19th Century English George IV Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Inkwell, Crystal Glass, Silver Plated, Late 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Inkwell made from crystal glass. The lid is silver-plated.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Early Villeroy & Boch Stoneware Inkstand
Located in Forney, TX
An extremely scarce early Villeroy & Boch pottery deskset stand. The pristine German antique, circa 1860, was masterfully handcrafted in Mett...
Category

19th Century German Antique Inkwells

Materials

Pottery

19th Century Napoleon III Marble Inkwell Moses by Michelangelo
Located in Paris, FR
19th century black marble inkwell surmounted by a patinated bronze statue featuring Moses by Michelangelo. The statue of Moses, commissioned in 1505 by Pope Julius II for his tomb and housed in the church of San Pietro in Rome, is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. The Renaissance, like the Middle Ages, was a rich source of inspiration for 19th century artists, who used to imitate the works of the past. Our inkwell is provided with two gilt bronze ink...
Category

Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Marked Silver Inkwell Designed in the Shape of a Shell
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
A beautifully crafted marked silver inkwell designed in the shape of a shell, featuring a glass ink tank for a classic touch. The inkwell is intricately decorated with motifs that ev...
Category

Late 19th Century Portuguese Baroque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver

Banded Agate and Ormolu Antique Inkwell c1895
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Heading : A 19th century banded agate and ormolu bronze inkwell Date : 1880-1910 Origin : France Decoration : The handle and inkwell with engraved foliate design. Original glass line...
Category

1890s French Belle Époque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Famille Verte Porcelain Inkwell by Samson
Located in Paris, FR
Small famille verte porcelain inkwell decorated with enameled flowerpots, foliage, and stylized rinceaux. The inkwell is set on a gilt bronze b...
Category

Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Inkwells

Materials

Enamel, Bronze

Victorian Inkwell with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Located in NYC, NY
Fine mid-19th century inkwell with inlaid mother-of-pearl decoration surrounding pen trays, a lidded compartment and two crystal inkwells. The whole raised atop four flattened bun feet.
Category

19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

18th/19th Century English Georgian III Period Matthew Boulton Inkstand
Located in Forney, TX
A fine quality Georgian III period silver plated inkstand by celebrated English silversmith Matthew Boulton, displaying all of the timeless eleganc...
Category

Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

Ink Pad by Le Verrier in Bronze Gold and Green Color France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Ink Pad by Le Verrier in Bronze Gold and Green Color France Signed
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Gilt Bronze and Griotte Red marble inkwell, Empire Period, early 19th century
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant Empire-period inkwell featuring a rectangular base in griotte red marble, embellished with gilded bronzes. The main decoration, of great finesse, represents a winged figure i...
Category

1810s French Empire Antique Inkwells

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Crystal and Doré Bronze Inkwell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century French etched crystal and doré bronze inkwell with bronze carved detail.
Category

19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Antique French Rococo Style Gilt Pewter and Porcelain Inkwell Signed Chatelain
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique French Rococo style gilt pewter and porcelain inkwell from circa 1900, marked "Chatelain". This beautifully shaped gilt pewter inkwell is adorned with flowers in the center ...
Category

Early 1900s French Rococo Antique Inkwells

Materials

Pewter

Gilt Bronze Goat Inkwell, circa 1875
Located in New York, NY
Gilt bronze goat inkwell, circa 1875.
Category

1870s Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Limoges Porcelain Inkwell, "D´Bengue Paris", Docteur Jules Bengué
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Limoges porcelain inkwell, France late 19th century. A depiction to preserve medications, manufactured under the brand Docteur Bengué. On the bottom is a stamp "Pyrol". On th...
Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Large Gorham Inkwell
Located in High Point, NC
19th century marked Gorham inkwell with a sterling top and collar and handblown base. It retains the original handblown ink pot.
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver

1900s English Crystal and Silver Plated Sheffield Inkwell on Tray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1900s English crystal and silver plated Sheffield inkwell on handled tray. The tray measurement is: Depth: 10 inches. Height: 2.75 inches. Width: 14 inches. The measurement below...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Twelve 19th Century Painted and Gilt Metal Desk Accessories
Located in London, GB
In a time of computers and technology, this antique desk set harks back to a more romantic period when people read letters at their desks by candlelig...
Category

Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Victorian Brass Inlaid Ebonised Wood Boulle Inkstand
Located in London, GB
Victorian brass inlaid ebonised wood Boulle inkstand English, 19th century Measures: height 12.5cm, width 38cm, depth 23.5cm Made from ebonised wo...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Kralik Loetz Art Nouveau Iridescent Glass Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
Antique iridescent purple glass inkwell by Kralik in the "Pampas" decor, i.e. a Kralik decor shift on Loetz Pampas. Lobed square form with typical trailed...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Brass

19th Century Inkwell "Child in Drum"
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
19th Century Inkwell "Child in Drum". Whimsical design. Glass lined inkwell interior with attached open/close lid. See photos.
Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique French Faience Quimper Inkwell Pen Tray, circa 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A charming antique French faience Quimper double inkwell and pen tray desk set, circa 1900. This gorgeous inkwell is hand painted with a traditional Breton man surrounded by bagpipes...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Faience

19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Inkwell Qalamdan
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A 19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Qalamdan. The Qalamdan is in solid brass, decorated on all sides with middle eastern calligraphy. Comprising an inkwell and a pen compar...
Category

19th Century Asian Moorish Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Antique Sterling Silver Inkstand Inkwell 1910 Large Desk Set Pen Tray
Located in London, GB
An impressive oval Antique solid Silver Inkstand standing on four scroll feet with a shaped rim and two scroll handles. The Inkstand has a pair of fitted Glass Inkwells with Solid Si...
Category

20th Century English Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

A 1930s High Quality Art Deco Wood and Chromed Metal French Desk Set
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Stylish desk set made in France, it's in wood and metal, composed by an inkstand and a mail holder. Inkwell dimensions cm 30 x 13, height cm 19.  
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Steel

Antique Sevrés Porcelain Polychrome & Gilt Decorated Inkwell with Bird C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique French Sevrés inkwell offers porcelain construction in shaped form and having hand painted floral decoration and reserve with a bird, gilt highl...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Silver Gilt Inkstand by William Bateman II
Located in New Orleans, LA
The unbridled boldness of William IV-period silver design is on full display in this grand silver gilt inkstand by William Bateman II. Hailing from one of the most legendary silversm...
Category

19th Century English William IV Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Partner's Inkwell With Desk Tray
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze partner's inkwell with desk tray featuring the iconic Zodiac pattern By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) Ne...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Black Glass and Brass Inkwell With Letter Rack Desk Set
Located in Clearwater, FL
This sophisticated Art Deco black and gold desk set is a stunning example of 1920s elegance. Crafted from sleek black glass with luxurious brass detailing, it exudes timeless style. ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Very Nice Late 19th Century Bronze and Marble 3 Piece Desk Set
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Very Nice Late 19th Century Bronze and Marble 3 Piece Desk Set The large Chinese designed rectangular desk set centered with a bronze crane and two de...
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique English Wedgwood Blue Porcelain Coromandel Wood Inkwell, Circa 1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Wedgwood blue porcelain and coromandel wood inkwell desk compendium, circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell
Category

Mid-19th Century French Provincial Antique Inkwells

Materials

Faience

Art Deco Glass Ink Well
Located in Asheville, NC
Glass inkwell with ball-peened silver flip cap. Blackened body with deco-clover pattern inside the glass.
Category

19th Century Antique Inkwells

Materials

Glass

Gilt Brass Rococo Inkwell, Napoleon III, 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
A 19th-century French inkwell in gilded brass, designed in the Napoleon III style with Rococo influence. The piece showcases flowing curves, ornate foliate scrolls, and a shell-like ...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Gutta-Percha Inkwell, Desk Pen Tray With Glass Insert, Circa 1880s
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkstand with one glass for the ink in the center. Made of Gutta-Percha in a very nice condition.
Category

19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Glass, Resin

A Patinated Bronze Sculptural Inkwell By Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
An Unusual Patinated Bronze Sculptural Inkwell By Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827–1875). Modelled as a fountain with pedestal surmounted by a bust of ‘Rieur napolitain’ (The Laughing N...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Victorian Novelty Knife Box Shaped Wooden Inkwell
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and stylish British Victorian inkwell in the form of a wooden knife box dating from the 19th century. The box hand crafted in mahogany is of ta...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Wood

Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Patinated Bronze Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period patinated bronze inkwell in the "American Indian" pattern. By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Centur...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

WMF Württembergische Metallwaren German Jugendstil Pewter Desk Stand and Inkwell
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish German Jugendstil pewter desk stand and inkwell by renowned makers WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) and dating from around 1906. The stand comprises of a centr...
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Pewter

Antique French Gold Bronze, Hand-Painted Porcelain & Lacquer Inkwell, Circa 1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Exquisite Antique French Gold Bronze, Hand-Painted Porcelain & Lacquer Inkwell, Circa 1870-1880.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique English Mahogany Inkwell Set with Black, Red and Copying Features
Located in New Orleans, LA
This inkwell set comes with three compartments and a glass tray.
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Inkwells

Materials

Mahogany

Handsome Antique Horn and Silver Plate Inkwell Dated 1897
Located in Bath, GB
An outstanding late Victorian inkwell made from two cattle horns and mounted with silver plated fittings, a stunning combination and always highly sought-after; I haven't had one of ...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

19th century dolphin Inkstand
Located in Cheshire, GB
Ram Horn and Silver Plate Dolphin Inkwell, bearing a pair of ram’s horns, mounted with plated dolphin mounts, the tail suspending a bell, the beater for which is on mounts to the fro...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Inkwells

Materials

Oak

Silver Presentation Inkstand by Turner & Simpson Ltd.
Located in New Orleans, LA
This superlative silver inkwell was presented to Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland, the United Kingdom’s Minister of Labour, on the occasion of the opening of the Salford Bridge in Birmingha...
Category

20th Century English Other Inkwells

Materials

Silver

Original Art Nouveau Brass & Copper Ink well set circa 1900
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A real nice looking Art Nouveau Ink Well set ,hand made and cast in Brass and with a Copper base plate with Nouveau design . Polished brass casting of ...
Category

20th Century European Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Brass

19th Century Belgium Louis XV Rococo Repousse Brass Inkwell with Letter Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
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...
Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Louis XV Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass, Metal

Antique Travel Inkwell, Silvered, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful travel inkwell with a silver plated lid and a bottom of black leather. On the lid are the initials of a former owner grounded in. Several stamps are on the side of the lid....
Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique lacquered wooden inkwell with matching glass inkwells
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, AR
A late Victorian wood and bronze double inkstand with a molded ogival base and two carved quill rests.
Category

1890s Argentine Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

Antique Brass Engraved Persian, Japanese & Egyptian Pen Case Ink Well Group Lot
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Dating from the early 18th century, this grouping of brass pen cases have their origins in Persia, Egypt and Japan respectively. Each case is intricately engraved with a patterned sc...
Category

18th Century Japanese Anglo-Indian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Antique French Lapis Lazuli and Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A finely crafted Antique French Lapis Lazuli and Gilt Bronze Inkwell. The inkwell still retains all its original components, including the duster and ink reservoir. The fire gilding...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Bronze

Vintage, New and Antique Inkwells

Now that we no longer need vintage, new or antique inkwells for written communication, these elegant desk accessories make for a distinctive decorative touch in any home office or study.

Prior to the 19th century, the inkwell was an integral part of the writing process. The first fountain pen was patented in 1827. Typewriters found acceptance during the 1880s, and the ballpoint pen, which replaced the inkwell on most desks and writing tables of the era, modernized the way we write. (Later, it would transform how some of us make art.) Today, a well-designed antique or vintage inkwell is a fun, decorative accent for any work area.

If you find yourself working from home today more often than not, why not freshen things up a bit? Small changes can help elevate your workspace: Incremental edits to your interior, such as rethinking your shelving, swapping out your wall decor and adding a touch of the past to your modern-day desktop, can actually make a big difference. Alongside an ornate Art Deco–era desk lamp and an antique paperweight, your inkwell will look right at home and can support your effort to create a happy home office.

Find a collection of unique metal inkwells to suit any taste on 1stDibs or shop by style. Browse a range of Art Nouveau inkwells, Victorian inkwells, Art Deco inkwells and more. Search our selection of inkwells to find the perfect piece for any space.

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