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Inkwells For Sale
Color:  Black
19th Century Bronze Dore Napolean Ink Well, France.
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Encrier set with richly-veined Verde Antico marble base mounted with pair gilt-bronze inkwells flanked on either side of a Napolean bust. The marble base with pen tray rest on sh...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Antique Cloisonne Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
This inkwell comprises a base and hinged cover. The base is elaborately decorated with red, gold, blue and white against a green background. The inside of the inkwell is colored red...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Edwardian Sterling Silver and Rose Quartz Inkwell with Hinged Lid
Located in Vienna, AT
Edwardian, sterling silver and rose quartz Inkwell with hinged lid, Birmingham, England, 1912, Levi & Salamon - makers. "Egg and Dart" border around edge of lid and on bottom rim of ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Blue and Gold Porcelain Inkwell By Crown Stafforshire
Located in Vienna, AT
A Crown Staffordshire powder blue ground gold plated chinoiserie inkwell early 1900s. Excellent quality inkwell gold gilt Chinese scenes Printed mark and of the dealer T Goode & Co. ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Traveling Inkwell Milk Churn Shape
Located in Vienna, AT
This figural traveling inkwell was made during the very early 1900s. It is made to look like a milk churn. We believe it is made of nickel plated brass; some of the plating has worn ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Inkwell with Elephant, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Inkwell with elephant. An Art Deco Inkwell with an elephant figurine on top. A double inkwell - double inkstand with two glass inkwells or ink contai...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Charming Headshaped Ink Stand, Gilt White Metal Patinated Wood 19th C. England
Located in Knivsta, SE
Charming Ink Well/Inkstand in the shape of man's head, painted white metal and patinated wood. Made in England during the 19th century. A simply charming inkstand consists of a a pa...
Category

19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Napoleonic Ormolu & Verde Antico Marble Inkwell, c. 1870
Located in Atlanta, GA
Encrier set, the richly-veined Verde Antico Marble platform mounted with a pair of gilt-Bronze inkwells. These flanking a finely-cast bust of Napo...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

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

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 Pen Holder, Wild Boar Foot, Late 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional pen holder made from a wild boar foot. Beautiful craftsmanship from the late 19th century. .
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bone

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

Antique Art Deco Black Marble Five Piece Desk Set with Chrome & Brass Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique desk set is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art De...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Black Forest Carved Walnut Reclining Swiss Mountain Dog, Swiss, ca. 1880
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Black Forest Breinzware Walnut Inkwell, carved as a reclining Swiss Mountain Dog, with a hinged top, and two interior glass inkwells, Brienz, Switzerland ...
Category

1880s Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells

Materials

Walnut

C19th Carved Wood and Velvet Black Forest Inkwell with Dog
Located in London, GB
Wonderful German late 19th century carved wood black Forest inkwell. Beautifully carved with a seated dog on a naturalistic base of ferns and foliage, the cut glass inkwells retaining their original leaf carved stoppers...
Category

19th Century German Black Forest Antique Inkwells

Materials

Velvet, Cut Glass, Wood

Antique Gutta-Percha Inkwell, Original Glass Inserts, Circa 1880s
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional Gutta-Percha inkwell with original glass inserts.  
Category

1880s Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Glass, Resin

Silver inkwell , Italy, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Silver inkwell is a vintage silver decorative object. A beautiful inkweel with stamps realized in the mid-20th Century. Don't miss this precious object
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Inkwells

Materials

Silver

Antique Victorian Tatum's Dual Postal Ink Stand with Two Crystal Inkwells
Located in Stamford, CT
Hard to find antique Victorian Tatum's dual postal inkwell stand with two crystal inkwells in a decorative iron stand with hinged lids and three pen quail rests. The inkwell is signed Tatum's Postal Ink Stand and is in very good condition, a nice desk...
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Iron

Antique Kayserzinn Pewter Inkwell with Lovebirds, German, 1910s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative inkwell with two small lovebirds and original ink-glass. Manufactured by Kayserzinn in Germany circa 1910. It features a rustic authentic patina and the original silver-pl...
Category

1910s German Arts and Crafts Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Pewter

Antique Black Forest Carved Wooden Pug Inkwell, 19th Century Dog Carving
Located in Bristol, GB
Antique Carving in the Form of a Dog Raised up on his hind legs, the head with original glass eyes tilts back to reveal the original glass inkwell ins...
Category

19th Century German Black Forest Antique Inkwells

Materials

Wood

Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Walnut Inkwell German Antique, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1890s Black Forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a walnut on a leaf. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and gl...
Category

1890s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Napoleon III Black Gutta Percha Inkstand, Late 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The black inkstand with a molded lion decoration with a shell pen tray. The two glass inkwells on either end.
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Rubber

Black Forest Carved Large Terrier Inkwell, Hinged Lid, Exceptional Carving
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Black Forest Breinzware Large Inkwell, carved as begging terrier with tongue protruding, with inset glass eyes, the hinged head concealing a glass inkwel...
Category

1880s Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells

Materials

Softwood

Silver Plate Hoof Inkwell with Pen Rest, by Rowland Ward & Co
Located in Reepham, GB
A late 19th century silver plate mounted horse hoof inkwell, the lid and horseshoe of silver plate, the hinged lid opening to the glass inkwell wit...
Category

Late 19th Century European Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

1900, High Quality Art Nouveau Silver Plated and Enamels German Inkwell
Located in Catania, Sicilia
Particular inkwell made in Germany in 1900, green and blue enameled parts, decorated with floreal motifs.
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver, Enamel

1930s Art Deco Portoro Marble Italian Desk Set
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Very precious Italian inkwell and signature pad with original paper. It's made with very rare portoro marble, particular for its black with brown and gold veins. Price is for the com...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Marble

Bronze Inkwell, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Bronze inkwell is an original decorative object realized in the mid-20th century. A very elegant bronze inkwell decorated with a rampant horse. Includes a couple of ink inkwell.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Inkwells

Materials

Brass

19th Century, Victorian Solid Silver Inkstand, Robert Hennell, c.1850
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
19th Century Victorian silver large lidded inkstand, of rectangular casket form, with a hindged lid, engraved with Rococo scrolls and foleage, with vacant cartooches, resting on four...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver

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

1850s High Quality Bronze and Black Marble Italian Inkwell
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A bronze inkwell surmounted by a faun manufactured in Italy in the mid-18th century.
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Top Quality Carved Antique Swiss Black Forest Exhausted Stag Sculpture Inkstand
Located in Lisse, NL
Finest quality carved and very good condition Swiss black forest stag / deer sculpture. For the collectors of the rarest and best quality Black Forest sculptures we also have this very detailed, hand-carved stag. Looking at the intricate details and the impressively realistic features of this possibly dying stag, this simply can only be the work of a Swiss master carver. Being capable of creating this much detail on a relatively small sculpture takes a god given talent and a lifetime of experience. With the anatomy, the posture AND the balance being perfectly correct, this work of art inkstand is simply devine. An experienced antique seller...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Inkwells

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Art Deco Brass Desk Letter Holder, ca. Early 20th Century
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, small, European Art Deco brass and black glass desk letter holder, circa 1930s, Europe, possibly France. A great piece for any desk, libr...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Antique English Figural / Novelty Ostrich Inkwell C.1880
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome and substantial novelty inkwell in the form of a running Ostrich standing on an oval shaped base with a naturalistic base incorporating two "rocks" acting as a pen rest. I...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Ancient Islamic Persian Khurasan Silver Inlaid Bronze Caligraphy Inkwell 1200
Located in Portland, OR
An important Islamic Khurasan bronze and silver-inlaid inkwell & cover, Eastern Persia, Circa 1200. The inkwell of cylindrical form and having a shallow dome top cover with a tall knopped finial and inlaid with a twin band of scrolled silver. The base of the dome and the rim of the cover having bands on interlaced silver inlay, the inkwell having three loop handles. The body of the inkwell having two bands of silver inlaid Naskh script, between the bands are twin panels...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Persian Islamic Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver, Bronze

Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz Bear Inkwell German Vintage, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s black forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a Bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and glass eyes. Found at...
Category

1890s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells

Materials

Wood

Late 19th Century Inkwell Depicting a Black African Man - Goldscheider Wien
Located in London, GB
A Wonderfull quality bronze inkwell depicting a black African man, made by the goldscheider factory in Vienna around 1890, with inset glass eyes.
Category

1890s Austrian Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique Victorian Inkwell with Glass Insert
Located in Stamford, CT
Decorative Victorian brass inkwell with a glass insert a nice size and good conversation piece for any desk. This inkwell could use a good cleaning or po...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

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

Antique Inkwell Tatum’s Standard Crystal Well 3 Pen Quill Rests Hinged Lid
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique Ink Well Tatum’s Standard, crystal well, 3 pen quill rests, hinged lid. This piece is cast iron and crystal. It is a beauty!
Category

20th Century American Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Iron

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

Italian 1920s Art Deco Wrought Iron and Marble Bird Inkwell
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1920s Art Deco wrought iron and marble bird inkstand.
Category

1920s Italian Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Wrought Iron

Late 19th Century Sculpted Terracotta Dog Sitting Atop Enclosed Glass Inkwells
Located in Middleburg, VA
Late 19th Century Terracotta Inkwell with Sculpted Dog On Top Dog sits atop two enclosed glass inkwells Measures: 7" H, 6.5" W, 3" D.
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwells

Materials

Terracotta, Glass

Mid-Century American Civil War Era Gutta Percha Cylindrical Inkwell
Located in Stamford, CT
American Civil War era gutta-percha inkwell with a screw off top. In the mid 19th century, gutta-percha (hard rubber) became very popular. For Civi...
Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Inkwells

Materials

Rubber

Black Forest Carved Bear with Pen Inkwell
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Walking bear pen holder and inkwell. Published in "Black Forest Bears and Swiss Woodcarvings," plate 92a. Book included. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the end of the 1800’s it had become the driving force for this industry. Swiss wood carvers became world renown and featured at many international exhibitions. Period: 1900 Origin: Switzerland Size: 4" H x 7" W Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Black Forest, Brienz Collection, Carvings, Bears, Inkwells, Desk Accessories...
Category

19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells

Materials

Wood

Black Forest Carved Dog Inkwell
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Swiss carved black Forest shaggy dog inkwell with pen holder. In the 1800’s the wood carving industry of Switzerland started in the town of Brienz. By the ...
Category

19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells

Materials

Wood

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

Grand Tour Serpentine Inkwell and Cover Inset with 7 Lava Stone Cameos, 19th C
Located in Spencertown, NY
The 7 cameos of historical figures, fitted with 3 quill holders, 2 inkwells and a pounce pot. The underside of the lid is framed with a circular gouache dep...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Inkwells

Materials

Serpentine

Empire Style Gilt Bronze Mounted Green Glass Inkwell Bottle
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Empire style parallelogram shaped emerald green glass heavy inkwell. It’s guilt bronze mounted with a scene of sphinxes statues, bell shaped vases, and maidens moving and ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Inkwells

Materials

Glass

2-Piece Victorian Gothic Iron Double Inkwell Desk Set
Located in New York, NY
French Victorian Gothic-style wrought iron double inkwell with (later) crystal wells and filigree back-rail. (with calendar stand) (PRICED AS SET).  
Category

20th Century Gothic Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Iron, Wrought Iron

Black Forest Carved Ink Stand with Fox and Inkwells, Brienz, Switzerland c. 1880
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Black Forest Carved Inkstand, naturalistically hand-carved of solid linden wood, with the central figure of a fox among a rootwork base simulating a forest floor, with two tree stump...
Category

19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells

Materials

Walnut

Early 19th Century Hand Painted Porcelain & Brass Inkwell, Paris, 1839
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 19th century hand painted porcelain & brass inkwell, Paris 1839 A fine hand made porcelain inkwell by Medaille D'Argent Hand painted floral motif surround the inkwell Two side by side quill...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Bronze Austrian Pen Rest Inkwell with Black Grouse
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This hansome cast bronze inkewll with a black grouse is very much in the style of pieces created by the Austrian Frederich Gornik.
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Edwardian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

English Victorian Bone and Brass Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian oval burl wood and ebonized inkwell with decorative brass trim and nail heads holding a large 10 sided crystal well.  
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Brass

French Mounted Horse Hoof Inkwell and Pen Holder, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Mounted horse hoof inkwell with horseshoe pen holder Inkwell shoe ferrer pen holder with beautiful finish, popular art work Shipping: L11 P19 ...
Category

1890s French Folk Art Antique Inkwells

Materials

Chrome, Wrought Iron

English Victorian Papier-Mache and Crystal Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian papier mache floral design oval double inkwell with fluted crystal wells and handles.  
Category

20th Century British Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

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

Early 1900 Russian Inkwell
Located in Bochum, NRW
Early 1900 Russian inkwell, depicting a boy sleeping his hand in a basket. Cast metal with dark patina, marked to the bottom. Excellent condition accordingly to its age. Dimensions:...
Category

1890s Russian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Wedgwood Decorated Black Basalt Inkstand
Located in New Orleans, LA
This enchanting antique Wedgwood black basalt inkwell is crafted in the form of an ancient oil lamp. With a removable well and holes for storing pens ...
Category

19th Century English Other Antique Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

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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