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Inkwells For Sale
A Victorian Silver Inkstand made in Madras by Peter Orr and Sons in 1880
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian Silver Inkstand made in Madras by Peter Orr and Sons in 1880 for Presentation to the 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, Governor of Madras and Convenor of the “Duke’s Ow...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Materials
Silver
Early 20th Century Polished Brass Renaissance Style Inkwell
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An antique ink stand, made of polished brass, completely in Renaissance style, with richly pieced scroll motifs. The inkwell has two removable ink we...
Category
Early 1900s French Renaissance Antique Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Antique Silverplated Fox-themed Inkwell by James Deakin & Sons, England
Located in Leesburg, VA
James Deakin & Sons Ltd.
Sheffield, England; ca. 1897-1935
Silver plated copper and glass
Approximate size: 11 (w) x 6 (h) x 6 (d) in.
This lovely silver-plated inkwell features an...
Category
Early 20th Century English Victorian Inkwells
Materials
Silver, Silver Plate, Copper
Vintage Montblanc Meisterstück 'Gold-Coated' 149 Fountain Pen
By Montblanc
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine German fountain pen.
By Montblanc.
In the Meisterstuck 149 pattern.
The so-called 'gold-coated' model (ie gold plated) with a 14 karat yellow gold nib.
Marked to the nib ...
Category
Late 20th Century German Inkwells
Materials
Gold Plate
French Louis XVI Style Champlevé and Ormolu Inkwell Circa 1890
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 7 1/2in W: 10 1/2in D: 7 3/4in
This Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Champlevé and bronze Ormolu Inkwell is truly a sight to be seen! If we take a look at t...
Category
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Art Nouveau Bat Inkwell by Unknown French Artist
Located in Chicago, US
Little is known about the origins of this amazing piece, apart from it being from France, circa 1900.
Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, ...
Category
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
Ceramic Inkwell, Talavera De La Reina, Spain, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Talavera Inkwell, 18th century. Glazed pottery
Talavera ceramic inkwell, decorated with cobalt blue enamel on a white tin slip
with restorations"
Size: 16 x 16 x 7 cms.
Category
18th Century Spanish Rococo Antique Inkwells
Materials
Ceramic
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
Egyptian Revival Sphinx Inkwell by Maitland Smith
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Maitland-Smith Egyptian Revival inkwell desk set featuring a tomb form stamp box with a sphinx mounted on either side. The front section has a recessed pen tray. The piece is made of...
Category
20th Century Egyptian Revival Inkwells
Materials
Marble, Brass
Louis XV style writing desk. Gilt bronze, stone. Possibly French school, 19th c
Located in Madrid, ES
Louis XV style writing desk. Gilt bronze, stone. Possibly French school, 19th century.
Gilt bronze writing desk with a metal plate at the bottom and, at the top, a decoration based ...
Category
19th Century European Neoclassical Revival Antique Inkwells
Materials
Stone, Bronze, Other
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
Travel Inkwell in leather with a Count`s Crown, probably early 18th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Very charming Travel Inkwell in leather with a Count`s Crown, probably early 18th Century. Nice patina with some wear. See pictures.
Wear consistent with age and use.
Category
Early 18th Century European Baroque Antique Inkwells
Materials
Sheet Metal
Antique French Napoleon III Bronze Grand Tour Novelty Drum Desk Inkwell 1850
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique French 'Grand Tour' bronze novelty inkwell modeled as a drum, circa 1850.
The inkwell is finely & realistically cast as a French Revolutionary period drum. The inkwell...
Category
1840s French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
Antique Anglo-Indian Carved Ebony Elephant Inkwell Desk Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Anglo-Indian Carved Ebony Figural Elephant Inkwell Desk Stand.
This is an antique Victorian colonial decorative desk ebony wood stand.
Late 19...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Inkwells
Materials
Ebony
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
19th Century Inkwell, Louis Philippe Period
Located in Roma, IT
A beautiful double inkwell mounted on a red marble from Verona base, resting on four gilt bronze pad feet.
This product is located and shipped from Italy.
This artwork is shipped ...
Category
19th Century European Louis Philippe Antique Inkwells
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Victorian English Inkwell in Silver Plated, Queen Anne Style
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects.
Refin...
Category
Late 19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Silver Plate
Antique Napoléon III. Inkwell from Bronze and Porcelain, Paris, France, 1839
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional antique Inkwell with rich bronze ornaments and three porcelain vessels.
The ink jars are painted in a beautiful rich green and embellished with gold colour.
France, 1839.
On the lid is written "ENCRIER BOUQUET" "MEDAILLE D´ARGENT...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Treen Inkwell with Pen Holder
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century French treen inkwell with pen holder. Elegantly decorated with subtly colored chinoiserie scenes of gardens & bamboo follies. Bra...
Category
Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Inkwells
Materials
Brass
English Silver Plated Gallery Top Footed Holding Base / Cut Glass Inkwell
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Introduce a touch of refinement to your desk or workspace with this English Silver Plated Gallery Top Rectangle Footed Holding Base, featuring an exquisite cut glass inkwell. The sil...
Category
19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Materials
Silver Plate
Art Deco Inkwell with Original Inkwell Glass, Vienna, Around 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Art Deco inkwell with original inkwell glass vienna around 1920s.
Original inkwell glass.
Polished and stove enamelled.
Category
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Brass
19th Century Baccarat Inkwell
Located in Tampa, FL
A Baccarat crystal inkwell with decorated bronze. Circa 19th century, France. The interior is two inches deep and the opening is one inch wide.
Category
1890s French Antique Inkwells
Materials
Crystal
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
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
William Comyns Victorian Repousse Sterling Silver and Crystal Inkwell 1895
Located in San Mateo, CA
Large Victorian inkwell by William Comyns. This has a repousse sterling design over a heavy crystal inkwell. The hinged lid is monogrammed with a JP. The piece is dated 1895.
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
19th Century French Neo-Classical Style Gilt Bronze Desk Inkwell
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 19th century French gilt bronze inkwell. Perfect coffee table art or desk statement piece. It is in very good condition and unmarked.
Category
Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Inkwell
Located in Delft, NL
19th century bronze inkwell
A bronze inkwell in 2 colors in a sleek round shape with 2 armrests with the head of a dragon to lay a pen on. The lid of...
Category
19th Century European Antique Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
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
Antique Victorian Brass Bound Traveling Desk Walnut Wooden Writing Slope Box 19C
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptionally fine early English Well Figured Solid grained Walnut Ladies or Gents Travelling Writing Slope of outstanding quality and compact proportions. Last quarter of the Nin...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Materials
Brass
French Brass Inkwell, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
A French brass inkwell, 19th century.
8 ¼ inches wide by 4 ¾ inches tall
Category
19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Antique Desk Utensil, French Pen Holder, Around
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkwell made from gilded bronze.
Nicely coloured ceramic parts.
The plate is made of marble.
Nice bronze work with a well preserved gilding.
The original glass...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwells
Materials
Marble, Gold, Bronze
Inkwell In Gilt Bronze And Crystal, 19th century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Inkwell in gilded bronze and crystal from the second half of the 19th century
Original gilding
in perfect condition
19th century, Napoleon III
8.2 x 10.6 cm, total height 8.2 cm
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Inkwell, Baccarat Déposé, Gilded Brass, Late 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional inkwell with pen tray made of BACCARAT crystal. The rectangular pen tray has a cube-shaped inkwell holder in the center, closed with a gild...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Blow glass and silver Art nouveau inkwell, depicting iris flowers, France 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Art Nouveau writing desk inkwell, made of a blow glass with silver inserts, depicting iris flowers. France circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century French Inkwells
Materials
Silver
Gilt Art Nouveau Portrait Casket Double Inkwell WMF (Attrib.)
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gilt Art Nouveau Portrait Casket Double Inkwell WMF (Attrib.)
Germany, Circa 1900s
Attributed to WMF” Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
A gilt Art Nouveau portrait casket double i...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Inkwells
Materials
Metal
Inkwell in red marble with "Allegory of writing" in gilt bronze, signed H.CHAPU
By Henri Chapu
Located in Paris, FR
Inkwell in red Griotte marble and gilt bronze representing an allegory of writing by Henri Chapu (1833-1891). This old 19th century inkstand is ...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Materials
Griotte Marble, Bronze
French Louis XV Silver and Bronze Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XV-style (19/20th Century) silver plate on bronze oval shaped inkwell with handles and acorn finial.
Category
19th Century Louis XV Antique Inkwells
Materials
Silver, Bronze
Renaissance Inkwell Calamelli workshop, Italy, Faenza, second half of the 16th
By Virgiliotto Calamelli
Located in Milano, IT
Inkwell
Calamelli workshop (attr.).
Faenza, second half of the 16th century
Height 4.33 in; length 8.07 in; depth 2.95 in (11 cm; 20.5 cm; 7.5 cm)
Weight: 0.800 lb (363 g)
State of conservation: some chipping to the top of the mask around the mouth. Handle glued, without any restorations; minor chips in some raised areas.
This object has the shape of a foot wearing Greek-style footwear, as can be seen in some raised areas. The foot is anatomically modeled with bare toes, while the ankle is partially covered by the footwear. On the heel, there is a small circular handle to support the object. The mouth of the container is shaped like a mask. The interior, completely enameled, suggests that the piece was intended to be used as an inkwell or to contain some other liquid. The base, however, is not enamelled.
The painted decoration, scant and brief, consists of rapid cobalt blue shading between the toes of the foot, with more precise emphasis on the nails. It is accompanied by yellow citrine accents to enhance the forms. The mask is painted with the tip of the brush, to accentuate the tense nature of the eyes and to accentuate their outline. Thin strokes of yellow-orange line the interior of the mouth.
Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens. Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens.
This artwork finds parallels in similar objects all characterized by this refined style and produced in the city of Faenza and other Italian centers starting from the mid-16th century.
The closest comparable example in majolica is a foot acquired by the British Museum in 2011 (inv. 2011, 8008.1). This was previously published by Carmen Ravanelli Guidotti in 1996 and later by Dora Thornton in 2016 during the conference on Renaissance ceramics...
Category
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Inkwells
Materials
Maiolica
Octagonal Faience Inkwell With Polychrome Floral Motif
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Hand-painted faience inkwell with an octagonal form, featuring vivid red, blue, yellow, and green floral decoration over a white ground. The central opening is surrounded by four pen...
Category
19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Materials
Faience
Circa 1870 Delft Pottery Inkwell
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Charming 19th century Delft inkwell, hand-painted with stylized yellow blossoms and delicate green accents on a creamy glazed surface. The stepped design features two inkwell opening...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Inkwells
Materials
Delft
Sterling & Glass Inkwell by Dominick & Haff for J.E. Caldwell & Co, Circa 1920
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Sterling & Glass Inkwell by Dominick & Haff for J.E. Caldwell & Co., Circa 1920
Dimensions:
Inkwell: 3" H x 2.75" W x 2.75" D
Tray: 5" x 5" x 0.25"
A superb two-piece st...
Category
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
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
Early Century Art Nouveau Ink Well and Pen Holder
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This exquisite vintage Art Nouveau inkwell and pen holder is a true testament to the elegance and intricate craftsmanship of the early 20th century. Crafted from ornate metalwork, th...
Category
Early 20th Century Inkwells
Materials
Metal
Art Nouveau Tiffany Studios Bronze "Zodiac" Pattern Inkwell on Tray #1078
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Tiffany Studios number 1078 bronze Art Nouveau "Zodiac" pattern inkwell. This bronze inkwell is permanently mounted on a tray featuring 11 zodiac signs throughout the piece with Libr...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Inkwells
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
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
Vintage Gilt Bronze and Marble Inkwell
By G. None
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage 19th century inkwell is beautifully designed with a detailed sculpted doré' bronze reminiscent the poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The figure is costumed in a draped g...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Antique 19th c. French Gilt Bronze Inkwell With Original Cobalt Blue Ink Pot
Located in New Orleans, LA
Unleash the Spirit of French Louis XVI: Antique gilt Bronze Inkwell Transport yourself to a time of artistic brilliance with this captivating antique gilt bronze inkwell, meticulousl...
Category
1870s French Louis XIV Antique Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Inkstand, baroque revival
Located in VALENZA, IT
Faithful copy of the writing service by the silversmith Pietro Rubini, Milan c.1775
The inkstand is composed of a shaped tray supported by 4 rocailles feet, modeled along the entire profile by finely embossed and chiselled volutes, leaves and shells.
Above the tray are two ink holders and two pen holders with spiral workmanship and highly embossed vegetable decorations.
A bell in the center of the object rests on a FASTIGIO pierced with flowering vines.
By Fiorentini, Argenterie di Milano - Italy
for ARVAL ARGENTI VALENZA
Italian silverware...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Baroque Inkwells
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian Thomas Hudson Barometric Ink Well Stand Pen Quill Holder 6"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century library writing barometric / barometer pen holder and ink stand, Circa 1860s-1880s. Made of brass featuring pewter inkwell with glass dome reservoir and slots f...
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique Inkwells
Materials
Brass, Pewter
Antique Inkwell With Dachshund Sculpture, Brass, Early 20th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Wonderful inkwell made of heavy brass.
Beautifully crafted and decorated with a dachshund figure.
France, early 20th century.
Category
20th Century Unknown Inkwells
Materials
Brass
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
Empire Inkwell in Mahogany and Walnut with Gilt Bronze Mounts, circa 1820
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Inkwell in Mahogany and Ebonized Walnut with Gilt Bronze Mounts, circa 1820
A rare and finely crafted Empire inkwell, dating from around the 1820s. Made of richly grained ma...
Category
1820s French Empire Antique Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
French Art Nouveau Bronze Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau oval shaped bronze inkwell with pine cones and needles design (signed: ALBERT CHEURET)
Category
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
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
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
Antique Ottoman Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with Arabic Calligraphy Writing
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique 19th C. Ottoman Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with Arabic Calligraphy Writing.An antique 19th century brass decorated Islamic Turkish Qalamdan.An antique Turkish Brass...
Category
Mid-19th Century Turkish Islamic Antique Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Cool Ink Well designed as a Godin iron stove from the late 19th Century
By Godin
Located in Knivsta, SE
Cool Ink Well designed as a Godin iron stove from the late 19th Century. Made in France in cast iron and painted with a beautiful patina. Probably an advertising item...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Materials
Iron
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.