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Inkwells For Sale
Antique Sterling Silver Nephrite and Rose Quartz Inkstand
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, unusual antique George V English sterling silver, nephrite and rose quartz inkstand; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional antique sterling silver gilt inkstand has a rectangular, cut cornered form. The cast silver gilt George V inkstand is embellished with four mythological creatures, each with a scaled body and the lower portion of a fish, in addition to an open jawed dragon style head and clawed legs. The ornamentation to the body includes two vacant circular cartouches in addition to two pellet designs, segmenting the creatures. The stand is further ornamented with an undulating leaf textured border to the rim, The surface of this exceptional example of antique silverware incorporates two applied C-shaped supports, composing a pen stand. This antique hallmarked silver inkstand is supported by four impressive cast feet accented with large scrolling terminals and tri-lobed sockets. The stand incorporates a central circular receiver which accommodates the original nephrite ink pot. This exceptional carved nephrite inkpot is fitted with a hallmarked sterling silver gilt lining and incorporates two hand pieces modelled in the form of mythical creatures grasping the aforementioned liner rim. The inkpot retains the original hallmarked push fit cover surmounted with an exceptional rose quartz finial realistically modelled in the form of a squirrel. This exceptional and unusual ink pot is fitted with a removable glass liner. This antique inkstand...
Category

1920s British Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large Tiffany Japonesque Applied Sterling Silver Inkwell with Beetle
Located in New York, NY
Japonesque sterling silver inkwell. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1882. Drum form with curved shoulder, short neck, and hinged and cork-lined bayonet cover. Leaves and tendri...
Category

Late 19th Century American Japonisme Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Rare Chinese opium smoking tray in Cloisonné Bronze with Black Enamel
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare Chinese opium smoking tray in cloisonné bronze with black enamel. Divided into three compartments plus the wick deposit. 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Silver & Enamel Film Inkstand by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company London 1940
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning rare silver enamel film inkstand with a calendar by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, London 1940. The Inkwells are formed as staked Film Canisters and the Calendar as a Clapper board...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Inkwells

Materials

Silver, Enamel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bronze Mounted Shagreen Inkstand, English, circa 1820
Located in New York, NY
Bronze Mounted shagreen inkstand, English, circa 1820.
Category

1820s English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Shagreen

A Very Good 19th Century Cut Glass & Sterling Silver Inkstand / Capstan
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
The robust globular shaped & cut glass body is fitted with a sterling silver collar & hinged lid, the interior retains its original removable glass reservoir. The inkwell sits withi...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

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

Art Deco Onyx Blotter with Bronze Elk Statue and Fountain Pens
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco onyx blotter with bronze elk statue and fountain pens. The fountain pens are by Eversharp Inc. The tip of the pens are 14-karat gold. The bo...
Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

French Bronze and Siena Marble Antique Inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
19th century inkstand with three jars crafted of patinated bronze, serving as inkwells. They are decorated with acanthus leaf and small flowers....
Category

19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Inkwells

Materials

Siena Marble, 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

Art Deco Glass and Brass Desk Inkwell with Pen Rest
Located in Chillerton, 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

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

Empire period gilt bronze obelisk inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
Chased and gilded bronze inkwell on a canted base with a frieze of interlacings centered on rosettes. Leobelisk model, topped by a seeded fruit. It features two covered cups decorate...
Category

1810s French Empire Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

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

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

Stunning Antique French Bronze Statue on Inkwell Stand, circa 1880
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely 19th century French bronze ink well stand A good looking we...
Category

1880s French High Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Ebony Writing Desk Set INKWELL – African Bust Design
Located in Madrid, ES
This unique and captivating 19th-century writing desk set combines function with artistic beauty. Crafted from ebonized wood, this remarkable piece is designed as the head of an Afri...
Category

1860s Antique Inkwells

Materials

Fruitwood

Late 19th Century English Traveling Inkwell in a Red Leather Mini Binocular Case
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century traveling inkwell in a red leather mini binocular case. It has a hinged top and a mini glass insert, its a unique traveling inkwell. T...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Metal

19th Century Bronze Growling Dog with Collar and Chain Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
19th century bronze growling dog inkwell with collar and chain. This piece still has its original ink vessel.
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique Victorian Judd Cast Iron Glass Inkwell and Pen Stand
Located in Greer, SC
Wonderful antique Victorian cast iron inkwell holder with glass inkwell. The glass ink well has the company name JUDD on the bottom and the bottom of...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Bronze Doré Inkwell
Located in Tampa, FL
A doré bronze and marble inkwell. It is French in the Empire style. Compartments have their little glass containers for ink and are all original.
Category

1920s French Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Silver Inkstand, with Hallmarks, Madrid, Spain, 1779
Located in Madrid, ES
With hallmarks and property marks (AL). A tray of curved profiles is supported on four legs in the shape of plant elements. Fixed to it are four elements. These, and the bell, prese...
Category

1770s Spanish Neoclassical Antique Inkwells

Materials

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 Edwardian Walnut Double Inkwell Handled Footed Writing Desktop Caddy
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th century Edwardian Era Ink Stand. Made from walnut with a rectangular form and centrally located handle flanked by two crystal cut inkwells. The beautiful caddy is double s...
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

French Empire Napoleon III Bizantine Bronze Ormolu Inkwell or Inkstand
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Bizantine French 19th century Empire Napoleon III gilded bronze inkwell. This handcrafted antique desk accessory bears the makers mar...
Category

Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Inkwells

Materials

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

English Victorian Silver and Blue Glass Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian silver and blue glass inkwell. Marked: George Fox, London, 1878.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver

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

Inkwell Glass and Nickel Combination Around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Inkwell glass and nickel combination around 1920s Original condition.
Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Nickel

Important Napoleon III Lion Inkwell, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Office inkwell in Siena yellow marble and bronze Napoleon III 19th century 34cm x 20cm Very good condition.
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble

Tiffany Studios New York Grapevine Bronze and Slag Glass Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Nouveau period "Grapevine" inkwell By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.13"W x 4.13"D x 3.75"H. Very good original vintage cond...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Antique Desk Utensil, Pen Holder, circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkwell made from gilded bronze. circa 1880. The plate is made of marble. Nice bronze work with a well preserved gilding. The original glass insert is existing....
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Gold, Bronze

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

Nineteenth Century Cobalt Porcelain Inkstand
Located in Toronto, CA
This is a lovely porcelain ink stand, most probably French, from the nineteenth century. Brilliant cobalt ground with glorious, hand-painted floral and gilded decoration, and bronze ...
Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

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

XX Century Silver Plated Hare Inkwell
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Decorative XX century inkwell or box representing a silver plated hare.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

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

Small 1820s Travel Inkwell, France
Located in Greven, DE
Wonderful antique travel inkwell in a cover of red leather. France, early 19th Century.
Category

Early 19th Century French Early Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

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

Ransomers Patent De La Rue 02 Antique Traveling Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful antique traveling inkwell, made of wood and steel. Great condition. By De La Rue.
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Danish 18th Century Blue Faience Inkwell by Store Kongensgade
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rare Danish blue and white faience ink stand by Johan Ernst Pfau for Store Kongensgade Faience Manufactory, Copenhagen Denmark circa 1740. This inkwell retain with its original ink a...
Category

Early 18th Century Danish Baroque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Faience

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

Large Antique Ink Well, English, Crystal Glass, Desk, Mid-19th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique ink well. An English, crystal glass, desk ink well dating to the mid-19th century, circa 1850. Larger than most at 13 cm, 5 i...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Cut Glass

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

Antique English Sterling Silver Victorian Inkstand
Located in New Orleans, LA
A very handsome double inkwell from the Victorian era.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sevres Porcelain Marbelized Gilt and Lustre Dolphin Inkwell, Dated 1832
Located in New York, NY
Marked MC-31 for Micaud.
Category

1830s French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Lovely Antique Grotto Shell Souvenir du Croisir Inkwell Art Nouveau
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite antique inkwell is a stunning example of Art Nouveau design, shaped like a grotto shell and inscribed with "Souvenir du Croisir," capturing the romantic essence of a b...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Islamic Ottoman Inkwell and Feather Set Made From Brass and Papier Maché
Located in Vienna, AT
In this ad you get the chance to buy a unique historical object. It is an old Ottoman inkwell made from brass with typical ornaments and little turquoi...
Category

18th Century Asian Islamic Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Antique Inkwell, Shoe, Boot, France, Late 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Cute antique inkwell in shape of a shoe. The original ceramic ink insert is existing.
Category

Late 19th Century French Early Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Metal

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

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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