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Inkwells For Sale
Ottoman Brass Inkwell and Pen Case Qalamdan
Located in Stamford, CT
Exceptional Turkish etched brass Qalamdan, a traveling scribe's inkwell and pen case. The beautiful dome topped inkwell is rare, it is attached by chain to th...
Category

Mid-19th Century Turkish Islamic Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

English Mappin & Webb Sterling Silver Georgian Style Double Inkwell, London 1892
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique Mappin & Webb Sterling Silver Double Inkwell—Georgian Style, London 1892 This rare antique Mappin & Webb sterling silver double inkwell, made in London in 1892, is a stunning Victorian-era desk accessory in the Georgian style. Made from solid sterling silver, the inkstand base features a gadrooned border and stands on ornate winged paw feet, showcasing exquisite 19th-century craftsmanship. The inkstand includes two finely cut glass inkwells with sterling silver lids and a central lidded compartment, originally designed for pen nibs, matches, or blotting sand. Today, it serves as the perfect storage for stamps, paperclips, or small desk accessories. The base is fitted with two integrated pen rests, offering both practicality and sophistication for any luxury office or study. This Victorian sterling silver inkwell is a collectible writing accessory, ideal for antique silver collectors...
Category

Late 19th Century English Georgian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

19th Century Exoticism Elephant Inkwell
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A beautiful polished bronze elephant inkwell which clearly exhibits the late 19th Century fascination with the exotic. Similar to Orientalist subjects...
Category

Late 19th Century French Aesthetic Movement Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Inkstand 272
Located in Hellerup, DK
A rare early and large Georg Jensen sterling silver Inkstand, design #272 by Johan Rohde in 1918. This exceptional piece features a rectangular raised base with a hand-chased scroll edge border of Nordic design. The set includes a pair of matching ink wells along with a third column well, designed to hold desk utensils. All three wells are fitted with hinged lids for both elegance and practicality. The inkstand also includes two opposing small square trays with removable lids, each adorned with a single floral bud motif. Completing the set is the original Georg Jensen sterling silver ink well pen...
Category

1910s Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Victorian-era silver plate wunderkammer inkwell with emu egg
Located in Milan, IT
Victorian-era silver plate wunderkammer inkwell that presents in the center of the tray a palm tree from the cut trunk on which rests reclining on four palm leaves an Australian e...
Category

1870s Antique Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Antique French Faience Quimper Style Inkwell, circa 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A charming antique French provincial faience Quimper style inkwell from the French province of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, circa 1900. Signed on reverse. Thi...
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Antique English Bronze, Brass and Glass Inkstand / Inkwell, circa 1870 Victorian
Located in Bath, GB
A truly unusual and quite spectacular Victorian inkstand made from cast polished bronze standing on cast reticulated feet. The gallery around the back is also pierced or reticulated ...
Category

1870s English Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Bronze inkwell George Josef Burgstaller (German/Austrian)
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Bronze inkwell Georg Josef BURGSTALLER (German/Austrian) Neo classical woman signed Burgstaller ruge marble.
Category

1890s Austrian Neoclassical Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

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 Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Jugenstile Bronze Fledermaus Inkwell
Located in Sharon, CT
Jugenstile cast bronze inkwell in the form of a bat (Fledermaus).
Category

Early 20th Century German Jugendstil Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

George V Sterling Silver Gallery Inkstand
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver gallery inkstand; an addition to our ornamental office silverware collection This exceptional antique George V sterling silver gallery inkstand has a rectangular form. This inkstand is fitted with a hallmarked gallery, embellished with impressive panels of pierced angular diaper pattern decoration. The body of the sterling silver inkstand is ornamented with a gadroon decorated border to the rim. The internal frame of the Stand is divided into different sized compartments by pierced decorated dividers reflecting the same design to that of the body. The original hallmarked base has a sliding action which allows it to be removed for cleaning purposes. This antique sterling silver inkstand is supported by four impressive claw and ball feet. The two smaller internal compartments retain the original square glass ink bottles with chamfered edges. The ink bottles retain the original plain hallmarked silver cylindrical mounts fitted with hinged hallmarked covers. The flared rim of each circular cover is encircled with a gadroon style decorated border. Condition This antique inkstand...
Category

20th Century English Other Inkwells

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Brass Ink Blotter
Located in New York, NY
A brass Art Nouveau period ink blotter. Beautiful Art Nouveau details captured in blotters' handle. Use for its intended purpose or as a standalone piece decorative object on a desk,...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Antique Cloisonné-Emaille Inkwell, Bronze Doré, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkwell with Cloisonné-Enamel, France circa 1880. Stamped at the bottom "M B 5 9".
Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass, Enamel

19th century nautilus inkwell/paperweight
Located in London, GB
À beautiful bronze patinated iron inkwell/paperweight in the shape of a nautilus shell.
Category

19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Iron

Antique Sterling Silver Ink Stand by Mappin & Webb, 1916
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1916 by Mappin & Webb, this handsome, George V, antique sterling silver ink stand, features a cut glass body and ...
Category

1910s English Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Must de Cartier crystal inkwell
Located in NEWARK, GB
A fine vintage Must de Cartier crystal inkwell. It is a melon shaped inkwell with a chunky ribbed crystal body, reflecting the light beautifully, the ...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

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

Art Deco Cut Crystal & Silver Plate Inkwell Signed Cross
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of historical elegance to your desk with this Art Deco Cut Crystal & Silver Plate Inkwell, signed by Cross, England, from the early 20th century. This exquisite inkwell e...
Category

Early 1900s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Bakelite Stamps Storage, circa 1930, Vintage Desk Utensils Box
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful stamps box or utensils box made from bakelite. Bakelite is the original form of the plastic used now. Very good condition. .
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Inkwells

Materials

Bakelite

Antique Repousse Sterling Inkwell by Howard & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare antique hand-hammered repousse sterling silver inkwell by Howard & Co. New York, circa 1903. The inkwell has a single back hinge to open the lid and a bun cap and the glass li...
Category

Early 20th Century American Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Late 19th Century Traveling Leather Inkwell Case with Glass Interior Well
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century traveling oval leather inkwell with a glass interior well and a hinged lid. A nice pocket size inkwell, a great piece to be add to any collection. From a private collector who traveled the world buy unique and unusual pieces.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Leather, Glass

19th Century French Ormolu & Onyx Inkwell with Michelangelo's Lorenzo de Medici
Located in London, GB
A Fine Gilt Bronze and Onyx Inkwell Surmounted by Michelangelo's Lorenzo de Medici Constructed from a dished piece of onyx, raised on ormolu stepped feet with carrying handles to th...
Category

19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Inkwells

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

Rare Andre Villien Paris Art Nouveau quality Bronze & Marble Desk Inkwell Stand
By André Villien
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning desk piece. This good size Art Nouveau ink-stand is signed by Andre Villien (see image 7). Villien was a French sculptor and decorator who work...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Cloisonné-Emaille Inkwell, Bronze Doré, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkwell with Cloisonné-Enamel, France circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass, Enamel

1920s Art Deco Black and White Marble and Metal French Inkwell
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This is a 1920s French Art Deco inkwell made from black and white marble with metal detailing. The centerpiece of the design is a metal sculpture of a leopard, showcasing sleek geome...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Metal

Iridescent Art Nouveau Art Glass Inkwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning early Art Nouveau iridescent art glass inkwell, circa 1900s. The piece features a gorgeous array of rainbow iridescence from greens to blues to...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Art Glass

19th Century Gilded Bronze and Marble Inkwell
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A bronze and marble inkwell. Add this to your desk for instant style.
Category

19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Brass

Hand-Carved Wooden Inkwell or Pen Stand with Owl Figure, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful Art Deco style hand-carved wooden inkwell or pen stand with a majestic owl figure with glass eyes. The stand features a tray for pens and accessories at the front. The head...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Inkstand in leather in the shape of a heart for love letters. Late 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Inkstand in leather in the shape of a heart for your love letters. Made in France during the late 19th Century. Richly decorated with gilded leather and brass. Wear consi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Hand-Carved Wooden Inkwell Desk Set with Owl Figures, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful Black Forest style hand-carved wooden double inkwell with a majestic owl figure sitting on two books. The owl has glass eyes, and the Stand has a tray for pen and accessori...
Category

1930s German Black Forest Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Staffordshire Dalmatian Pen Holder, Circa 1960's
Located in High Point, NC
Vintage 1960's pen holder in the form of a Dalmatian made in the Staffordshire region of England. The Dalmatian is recumbent, with front legs crossed in an elegant fashion, and sitt...
Category

1960s English Victorian Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Old Paris Porcelain Inkwell, Early 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique early 19C Old Paris Porcelain Inkwell Additional information: Materials: Porcelain Color: Gold Brand: Old Paris Designer: Old Paris Period: ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell
Located in Guaynabo, PR
Embossing & chasing techniques are highlighted in the Rococo motifs of this gilt bronze inkwell. The inkwells are shaped as garlic domes. The exaggerated rocaille shaped tray with la...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Rococo Revival Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique English Edwardian Cut Crystal & Sterling Silver Inkwell, Circa 1900's
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fine antique English Edwardian Hallmarked cut crystal and sterling silver inkwell, Circa 1900's.
Category

20th Century English Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Antique Chinese Japanese Bronze Inkwell Male Bust Pair French Ormolu Desk Set
Located in Dublin, Ireland
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 ormolu Inkwells. Both items are late 19...
Category

19th Century Chinese Regency Antique Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Late 19th Century Victorian Silver Plated and Green Glass Inkwell
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This Late 19th Century Victorian inkwell set exemplifies intricate craftsmanship and luxurious design. It features a silver-plated tray with ornate detailing, including embossed flor...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century French Pewter Inkwell with Lion Sculpture Signed A. Bossu
Located in Dallas, TX
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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Inkwells

Materials

Pewter

Antique English Bronze Hunting Hound / Dog Inkwell, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A beautifully cast late Victorian inkwell dating to circa 1880 in the form of a handsome hunting dog. The hinged lid opens to reveal a removable ink chamber. Excellent conditio...
Category

1880s Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Tortoiseshell Double Inkwell
Located in Dallas, TX
An exquisite blend of elegance and functionality, this tortoiseshell double inkwell is a true collector's delight. With its stunning glass inkwells, brass accents, and convenient sto...
Category

1870s English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Petite Classica Crystal Inkwell
Located in Sheffield, MA
Small and elegant crystal inkwell with a brass collar with a square base and faceted lid makes a wonderful accent on your desk or table top. Ink-well, ink well, inkwell.
Category

Early 20th Century European Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Brass

René Lalique Clear & Frosted Glass 'Trois Papillons' Inkwell
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
René Lalique clear and frosted with signs of some light blue staining to glass 'Trois Papillons' Inkwell with some signs of light blue staining. Moulded and engraved makers mark, 'R....
Category

1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Glass

Art Nouveau Frog Inkwell by Émile Müller
Located in Chicago, US
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...
Category

1880s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Earthenware

Antique Green Cut Uranium Glass Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning green inkwell with dore bronze setting. The inkwell has a amazing bright green color and it is made out of green uranium glass. When you illum...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Uranium Glass

Antique Black Forest Brienz Hand-Carved Figural Dog Inkwell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique inkwell is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Austria and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Black Forest style. The inkwell is composed of a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Inkwells

Materials

Art Glass, Softwood

English Victorian Period 1890s Stamped Silver Inkstand with Crystal Inkwells
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English stamped silver inkstand from the late 19th century, with two crystal inkwells. Born during the later years of Queen Victoria's reign, this ex...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Silver

French Empire Bronze Dore Inkwell with Eagle
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19th Cent) bronze dore inkwell with perched eagle and acorn finial (signed A. MARIONNETt)
Category

19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Giant Cut Glass Sterling Silver Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
A very nice example of a large glass inkwell with silver marked lid with a hallmark ingraved. To the back of the lid under the hinge are initials a...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Jugendstil J.P. Kayser Inkstand / Inkwell with Great Hamlet & Skull Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and important Kayserzinn pewter inkwell, designed by Hugo Leven. Who, in this day and age, would ask a top quality sculptor to design and execute a stunning sculpture with ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Jugendstil Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Iridescent Art Nouveau Art Glass Inkwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning early Art Nouveau gourd shaped iridescent art glass inkwell, circa 1900s. The piece features a gorgeous array of rainbow iridescence from green...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Art Glass

19th Century Biedermeier Glass Inkwell Judaica Inkpot
Located in Milano, MI
Early 19th Century Jewish Glass Ink pot dating back to the Biedermeier period, of European Austro-Hungarian origin. Circular shape, this clear jacketed gl...
Category

Early 19th Century Hungarian Biedermeier Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

20th Century Stylized Brass Inkpot
Located in Opole, PL
We present you this contemporary inkpot stylized as Louis XV. Under the raisable lids, there are ceramic ink containers (one container is missing). Other than that, the item is i...
Category

20th Century Belgian Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Black Forest Wood Carved Inkwell, with Scotty dog Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Really beautiful Austrian inkwell. Hand carved and with lovely Scottish Terrier wich glass eyes in the middle.
Category

1930s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Wood

Golden Inkstone Soap Dish
Located in Chicago, IL
A fixture of the Chinese scholars' studio, the inkstone was among the "Four Treasures of the Study" and was used in calligraphy and landscape painting along with paper, ink and brush...
Category

20th Century Chinese Inkwells

Materials

Stone

19th Century French Enameled Champlevé Inkwell
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning and rare French mid-19th century encier in Louis Revival taste with Moorish Arabesque influence. Handcrafted in Champlevé enameled gilt bronze with ornate and colorful blue, pink, red, green and white enameling over the heavily shaped and scalloped base, that borders the stunning Severes style (I have not removed it to check for a makers mark) enameled porcelain tray scene of frolicking putti. The stunning enameling continues on the raised inkwell body and hinged lid with finial. Opposite, two raised balls act as a pen rest, the inkstand raising on four ball feet. Similar to French cloisonne, each champlevé design is a one-of-a-kind work of art. A beautiful warm verdigris patina adds to its character and charm. This wonderful antique objet...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Art Nouveau Viper Lamp by Unknown French Artist
Located in Chicago, US
Little is known about the origins of this amazing lamp, apart from it being from France, circa 1900. Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, f...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Novelty fountain pen nib shaped silver inkwell made in London in 1904
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1904 by The Alexander Clark Manufacturing Co., this stylish, Antique, Edwardian, Sterling Silver Inkwell, is modelled as a fountain pen nib. The ink stand mea...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Japanese Calligraphy Set with a Red Lacquer Wooden Box 1990s
Located in Paris, FR
This is a calligraphy set with a wooden lacquer box. There is a pen, an indien ink, a porcelain pot for water and a stone base to make the ink. And ...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Showa Inkwells

Materials

Stone

Antique French Brass Double Inkwell with Foliage Decoration
Located in Sofia, BG
Double inkwell made in brass with detailed and very beautiful foliage decoration. France, circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century French Inkwells

Materials

Brass

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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