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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

Bronze Inkwell Modelled as Ram's Head
Located in Montreal, QC
There was a great appetite for things Scottish in Victorian England. Plaids, Scottish regiments, Tartan Carpets, Marmalade etc. The ram's head also makes...
Category

19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

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

1870s Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Nice Inkwell of the 19th Century
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Nice inkwell of the 19th century with its two ink receptacles and the stamp holder" Inkwell, Napoleon III period, gilt bronze and glass, 19th century, with its two ink receptacle...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Edwardian Sterling Silver 'Anvil' Inkwell by George Unite & Sons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare and unusual antique Edwardian English sterling silver anvil inkwell; part of antique silver and glassware collection. This exceptional an...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vienna Bergman Bronze Indian Man on Elephant Inkstand Inkwell Inkpot, circa 1880
Located in Vienna, AT
Stunning bronze item which has function of an inkpot, inkstand, inkwell, Indian man is situated on elephant which is climbing up some stairs, the elephant's...
Category

1880s Austrian Other Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Viennese Cold-Painted Bronze and Marble Inkstand by Franz Xaver Bergman
Located in London, GB
Viennese cold-painted bronze and marble inkstand by Franz Xaver Bergman Austrian, c. 1910 Height 22cm, width 40cm, depth 17cm Crafted by the renowned Franz Xaver Bergman (1861-1936)...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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

Napoleon III Period Gilt-Bronze and Crystal Inkwell Set, circa 1870
Located in Atlanta, GA
A gilt-bronze and crystal desk set of the Napoleon III period. Composed of two crystal ink wells, a raised pen tray, and a sculptural depiction of a f...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

English Sterling Silver Capstan Inkwell With Pocket Watch - Edwardian
Located in London, GB
Very highly sought-after, this is a lovely example of an inkwell with the pocket watch lid. Made from sterling silver, the inkwell is hallmarked forBirmingham 1906, Edwardian in era. The watch is the original and has been overhauled and cleaned by our clock repairer...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Parakeet Perch Inkwell Candlesticks: Ink 'n' Perch Delight!
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite 19th-century bronze parakeet on perch candlestick inkwells showcase the fine craftsmanship of the era. Each inkwell features a beautifully designed parakeet with a hi...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Victorian Grand Tour Bronze Bovine & Bacchus Inkwell 19th Century
Located in Nottingham, GB
Victorian Grand Tour Bronze Bovine & Bacchus Inkwell 19th Century Free international shipping
Category

19th Century Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique Italian Green Marble and 'Lava Cameo' Inkstand
Located in London, GB
Antique Italian green marble and 'lava cameo' inkstand Italian, 19th century Measures: Height 10cm, diameter 14cm This charming inkstand is crafted from green marble and gilt metal....
Category

19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Metal

Antique French Louis XIV Bronze D'ore Inkwell, circa 1860
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Louis 14th Bronze D'ore Inkwell, circa 1860.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique English Victorian Copper Figural Lobster Inkwell, Circa 1890's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Copper Figural Lobster Inkwell, Circa 1890's.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Copper

19th Century Baccarat Crystal Inkwell with Elaborate Sterling Silver Top
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This exquisite inkwell exhibits the mastery of Baccarat's workmanship. The molded crystal body is decorated in one of their more rare Classic patterns Moulure Russe with concentric swirling spirals...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

British Studio Pottery Brown Glazed Water Dropper or Inkwell
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and finely hand crafted studio pottery water dropper or inkwell decorated in brown glazes dating from the 20th century. The hand thrown hive shaped vessel stands on a flat...
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic

French Charles X Large Marble and Gilded Bronze Ink Well and Candle Stand
Located in Hudson, NY
This French carved marble and gilded bronze inkwell and candlestand, circa 1830 is carved from sienna marble. The large block is set with a tray well in front and then the cast bronze sarcophagus shaped inkwell is set up on animal paw feet. Cast with 4 holes to rest the quills or pens two wells for ink and a candlestand in the center. The bronze is well cast and has the more expensive attribute of matte and burnished elements giving an extra rich quality to the objects visual drama. Condition Disclosure: While we do our best to carefully inspect and give a full report on the condition of any item we sell, pointing out any repairs or alterations that may have been done to the best of our knowledge, as is the case with any antique and vintage item, there is a possibility that at some point in the life of the piece that there may have been damaged which has been professionally repaired and as such a repair undetectable it is therefore impossible for us to disclose... we recommend that you also read and agree to the 1st dibs user agreement...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Charles X Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Gilt Bronze & Glass Tiffany Studios Inkwell ca. 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
This very handsome gilt bronze and glass inkwell will make any desk look important. Signed, Tiffany Studios guarantees quality. The design is of the metalwork is striking and the g...
Category

Early 1900s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Paper Mache and Crystal Inkwell
Located in Water Mill, NY
19th century papier mâché and mother-of-pearl with elaborately carved inkwells.
Category

19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Marcel Bing, Art Nouveau Butterfly Inkwell in Enameled Bronze, France, 1905
By Marcel Bing
Located in New York, NY
Marcel Bing was the fourth child of Sigfried/Samuel Bing (1838-1905), the great collector of Japanese art and founder of the gallery L'Art Nouveau Bing located at 22 rue de Provence in Paris. Marcel trained as a jeweler, creating jewelry and vase mounts for the gallery and took over its management upon his father's death in 1905. Bibliography: - L’art appliqué revue internationale, le style moderne...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Handsome Large Antique Wooden Black Forest Dog Inkwell c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful and very large example of a figural Black Forest inkwell in the form of a Dog's head, with a beautiful bright patina. He retains his original large glass eyes, without d...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century French Grand Tour Patinated Iron Napoleon’s Tomb Inkwell
Located in Stamford, CT
A mid 19th century Grand Tour, French, Inkwell in the form of Napoleon’s tomb. The patinated black iron tomb with removable lid revealing a sand sifter a...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Grand Tour Antique Inkwells

Materials

Iron

Spanish Writing Slope Box in Walnut and Leather
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant hand crafted walnut writing slope with marquetry stripe details Leather writing surface on op Above the slope there is a compartment for storage writing implenments and two i...
Category

20th Century Spanish Regency Inkwells

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Leather

Fine and Rare Large 19th C Chinoiserie Inkwell with Porcelain Bell and Ink Pot
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and large 19th century Chinoiserie inkwell with raised decoration and fine gilt bronze mounts. Porcelain inkpots and a porcelain bell.
Category

Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Regency Period Bronze and Ormolu Encrier
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century Regency period bronze and ormolu encrier, having penholders and triple inkwells with leaf cast lids contained in leaf decorated classical bath, supported on wre...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

French Silver and Enamel Inkstand, circa 1920
Located in New York, NY
French silver and yellow enamel inkstand, circa 1920.  
Category

Early 20th Century French Inkwells

Materials

Enamel, Silver

19th Century French accessories Inkwell in bronze Louis XV style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Louis XV style bronze inkwell ,in the middle you have a marble plaque in the shape of a heart ,the bronze are finely executed,original condition Extremly rare this inkwell have its...
Category

1890s French Louis XV Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

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

Early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Encrier
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century bronze and ormolu Encrier having lyre and flower handle flanked by engine-turned inkwells with penholders, raised on platform base ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

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

Antique English Oak and Silver-Plated Inkwell, Circa 1890's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Oak and Silver-Plated Inkwell, Circa 1890's.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

Silver Plated Bronze Inwell, Charles X
Located in Firenze, FI
Elegant silvered bronze inkwell in the shape of a shell raised by four feet also made like small shells. The two cruets for the ink and the pen cleaner are in cut crystal with a bro...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Charles X Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Painted Faience Inkwell With Brass Lids
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Colorful faience inkwell featuring hand-painted floral motifs in red, green, and blue, with finely detailed gilt brass lids topped by fleur-de-lis finials. The inkwell includes remov...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Faience

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

Early 20th Century Edwardian Double Inkwell with Horseshoe Pen Holder
Located in Middleburg, VA
Early 20th century Edwardian double inkwell with horseshoe pen holder This double inkwell desk set has two glass inkwells that sit upon a wooden base with an attached horseshoe that...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Inkwells

Materials

Glass, Wood

Naturalistic Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Novelty 'Fruit Design' Ink Stand
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1874 by Daniel & Charles Houle, this very unusual, Victorian, Antique, sterling silver ink stand has a shaped wooden base with applied silver leaf decoration ...
Category

1870s English Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Important Napoleon III Lion Inkwell, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Important Napoleon III lion inkwell, 19th century In veined yellow Siena marble, centered with a lion's head with a long mane in bronze with dark patina,...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble

19th Century Tomb of the Scipios Grand Tour Souvenir
Located in New Orleans, LA
This incredible Grand Tour inkwell relic takes the form of the ancient Tomb of the Scipios, a family of Roman war heroes and generals. Beautifully carved ent...
Category

19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Inkwells

Materials

Siena Marble

French Early 19th Century Louis XV St. Sèvres Porcelain and Ormolu Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and exceptionally high quality French early 19th century Louis XV st. Sèvres Porcelain and ormolu inkwell, signed Sèvres. The inkwell is raised by striking pierced scrolled foliate ormolu movements in a most decorative satin and burnished finished. At the center is the finely detailed Sèvres Porcelain tray...
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of 1950's Inkwells by Paul Dupre-Lafon for Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Pair of 1950's Stitched leather inkwells Crystal by Baccarat Designed by Paul Dupre-Lafon for Hermès
Category

1950s French Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

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

Antique German Bronze Desk Set Inkstand Rosso Antico Marble Ormolu Burgstaller
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning Chisel Cast Austrian or German Neo-Classical Ormolu and Rosso Antico Marble Ink Stand of Museum Quality and generous proportions, by George Josef Burgstaller, Late Nineteent...
Category

19th Century French Grand Tour Antique Inkwells

Materials

Siena Marble, Brass, Bronze

Antique French Bronze D'ore & Cut Crystal Inkwell Desk Set on Stand, Circa 1900
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French bronze D'Ore and cut crystal inkwell desk set on stand, Circa 1900. Includes inkwell, pen holder, pen nib brush and drip box.
Category

Early 20th Century French Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Antique Art Nouveau Inkwell, Signed Gaston Bigard, 1910s, France
By Gaston Bigard
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional beautiful inkwell by the french artist and sculptor Gaston Bigard. Signed at the lid "BIGARD". Ceramic with authentic craquele lacquer and a brass lid with beautiful Art ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Antique Jennings & Bettridge Grand Tour Papier Mache Desk Set Inkstand Encrier
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning Heavy Gauge English Grand Tour highly decorative Papier Mache Ink Stand of Museum Quality and generous proportions. First half of the Nineteenth Century. Firmly attributed t...
Category

19th Century English Grand Tour Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

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

Baroque Style Brass Inkwell Set and Letter Holder Stand
Located in Doylestown, PA
Baroque style solid brass double inkwell set with letter holder, c. 1900-1910. A gorgeous desktop accessory ornately adorned with cherubs, flowers and scrolling acanthus leaves. In...
Category

Early 1900s European Baroque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Glass and Brass Desk Inkwell with Pen Rest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Art Deco glass and brass desk inkwell with pen rest A very stylish piece made in heavy crystal with a brass mounted ink well and feet, these may have origi...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Glass

Limited Edition Baccarat French Crystal "Zola" Inkwell
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Limited Edition Baccarat French Crystal "Zola" Inkwell.
Category

1990s French Regency Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

Antique Pair of Staffordshire Greyhound Inkwells
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique pair of Staffordshire Greyhound inkwells on raised blue cobalt bases with gilt decoration. In perfect original condition, no cracks, chips o...
Category

19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic

Cartier Pasha Inkwell
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice little Cartier Crystal Inkwell. It came with a matching Pasha Pen. It is dated 1989 and signed on the interior of the lid and features the logo on the...
Category

1980s French Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Glass

French Louis XVI Style 19th Century Marble and Ormolu Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A striking French 19th century Louis XVI st. Alabastro marble and ormolu inkwell. The inkwell is raised by elegant topie shaped ormolu feet below the beautiful Alabastro marble suppo...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Fine Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze and Sèvres Style Porcelain Inkwell, circa 1890
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A fine Louis XV Style gilt bronze and Sèvres style Porcelain inkwell. French, circa 1890. This elegant and sophisticated inkwell is of sarcophagus form with finely painted por...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze inkwell. France, late 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Gilt Bronze Inkwell, "L'Amour timbalier", Louis XVI Style
Located in Paris, FR
Gilt bronze inkwell in the Louis XVI style, representing Love seated with two sticks in his hands, surrounded by timbales. The circular timbales in gilt bronze, are decorated with dr...
Category

1890s French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Mid-19th Century Louis XVI Style Green Marble and Ormolu Mounted Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and charming French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Vert de Patricia marble inkwell. The inkwell is raised by Fine topie shaped feet below the elegantly shaped wrap ...
Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Antique Art Nouveau Inkwell, Bronze Doré, France, 1900s
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful Art Nouveau Inkwell from France, 1900- 1920s. This special inkwell is decorated all over with typical Art Nouveau ornaments. The attention to detail is reflected in the pen...
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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

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

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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