British Desk Accessories

Count Gleichen’s Russian shell paperweight, the tooth shaped fragment of a Russian armament shell set above another of rectangular form both raised on a silver mount on an ebonized rectangular plinth, applied with a plaque reading ‘Two fragments of a Russian shell fired at Mr Fred Burne assist.t paymaster and Mr Henry Crave St John midshipman of H.M.S. Cumberland in Aug.t 1854 from Tsee Fort Bonarsund whilst conveying refreshments to the English camp – for their messmate – H.S.H. Prince Victor of Hohenlohe Midshipman landed with the Naval Brigade in 1854’. With a framed caricature of Count Gleichen inscribed Vanity Fair, London, July 5, 1884. Vice Admiral H.S.H Count Gleichen – the Queen’s Nephew.Russian and English, 1854. The print has the following biography on the reverse and on the mount ‘His Serene Highness Prince Victor …. of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, is better known in England as Count Gleichen and as the Queen’s nephew. Born fifty years ago, he was sent to school at Dresden; but at the age of fourteen he conceived ideas not to be bounded within the confines of the small life of a German principality. So he ran away from school to go to sea, and his aunt the Queen of England, being informed of the fact, proposed to her sister to let her adventurous nephew become naturalised as an Englishman and enter the English Navy. This was accordingly done, and Prince Victor, as he was then called, was appointed to the Powerful on the Mediterranean Station, in 1848. He served in the Crimean War and in the operations in China he proved a popular officer and a good sailor-man, and was three times wounded in battle. In 1861 he married the daughter of Admiral Sir George Seymour, sister of the fifth Marquis of Hertford on which occasion it was that he put down his title of Prince and took up for future use that of Count. He became, in due course a Vice-Admiral, and in the meantime he also became a sculptor. It is in the latter art that he now mainly busies himself, and he has created many pleasing busts of his royal relatives and some works of greater pretensions than family portraits. An Alfred the Great, a Beaconsfield, and a Prince Imperial...

Fine quality circa 1790 Georgian letter box, with three compartment fitted interior (see image). Exterior has original double brass hinged slope top with serpentine shaped front, and...

An English Art Nouveau copper inkwell. An Art & Crafts English yellow with red copper inkwell. A rectangular inkwell with a scene of an owl sit...

This is a beautiful Caithness glass paperweight named "Ascension", designed by Alastair Macintosh and dating to the last quarter of the 20th century. The paperweight has a cone, egg shaped form, having colours including blue swirl with orange net to the centre and medium bubble and smaller controlled bubbles, making a very distinctive design. The Caithness Glass Company began making paperweights circa 1962 Paul Ysart,Colin Terriss,Alistair Macintosh,Margot Thomson Inns Burn where some of Caithness makers designers of Caithness glass paperweights. The makers mark is etched to the base with CAITHNESS ASCENSION SCOTLAND and a scratched edition number alongside as per the images. This paperweight weighs about 500 gram. Caithness glass The company was founded in 1961 by Robin Sinclair and initially only made bowls, vases and drinking glasses. After Paul Ysart joined the company a year later, that paved the weigh for Paperweight production, with regular factory production starting in the late 1960s. In 1974 the first millefiori and lampwork paperweights...

Large art-glass paperweight, crafted in the 1970s by the renowned English glassmakers Liskeard Glass, showcases the exquisite 'bullicante' technique through its display of internal b...

While best known for his architectural practice—which played integral roles in the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, re-imagining of the Ritz in Paris, and designing the interior...

This is a vintage scholar's instrument set. An English, nickel steel draughtsman's tool case, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Unmarked tools, but of fine industrial quality as expected Displays a desirable aged patina throughout Presented in a patinated reddish brown case, some wear commensurate with age Interior dressed in bright cobalt blue, with silk cotton and velvet respectively Comprehensive scholarly set of tools and accessories, comprising 9 pieces in total Pair of compass...

Kodak Folding Brownie Six-20 with Kodette II Shutter & Meniscus Lens Made in Great Britain Self-erecting folding rollfim camera, introduced to the market in 1948 and discontinue...

A substantial Regency portable lap desk and dressing case, probably English, circa 1815–1830, constructed in richly figured rosewood with brass inlay and protective brass edging. The...

Antique English Brass and Iron Fire Stop Paperweight Signed "CSJ," Circa 1850 A handsome and substantial mid-Victorian English brass and iron paperweight, traditionally known in Eng...

Pens - Three Parker 51/61 pens. Cases containing 2 vintage nib pens; from the 60s/70s and a mechanical pencil; both with 12 and 14 kt gold leaf caps; and black barrel. USA and Englan...

An English Edwardian period dressing table hand mirror, hair and clothes brushes from the early 20th century with silver piqué décor of garlands and medallions. Born in England during the early years of the 20th century, this exquisite set of hand mirror and brushes...

Antique George III quality Sheffield plated desk set on a Sheffield plated tray with an ornate edge standing on ball feet boasting the original pa...

An antique English paperweight or paper press, in yellow Siena marble, rectangular in shape with a rectangular embossed and chased copper plaque depicting a group of horses in a stab...

Antique British nautical / maritime solid brass parallel ruler by Kelvin & Hughes, circa 1900. The ruler is in very good vintage condition with a great patina and measures 24"W x 5.7...

This is a fine antique Victorian brass and agate cabochon inlaid two piece desk set, circa 1860 in date. The set comprises a dome topped rectangular stationary casket and a matching...

A beautiful Mid Century Modern teak wood bookend - freestanding book shelf. Handmade and dating to around 1960's. A gorgeous, sculptural design whihc is suitable for large and small ...

This is a wonderful and highly decorative antique Victorian ormolu mounted coromandel four piece desk set by the renowned London maker of luxury items, Betjemann & Sons, cira 1860 in...

This is a vintage travelling surveyor's set. An English, pocket drawing instrument case, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Charming set for the travelling cartographer Displays a desirable aged patina Silver nickel tools in good order Fold-over carry case finished in dark blue hues 8 piece set ideal for those on tour Pair of compass, ruling pen...

A superb antique English Edwardian silverplate and oak inkwell inkstand with a pen rest, circa 1900. This fine inkstand has the original lovely cut cr...

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...

Fabulous hand crafted Rio vase by the celebrated glass artist Mike Hunter of Twists Studio in Scotland Amazing techniques, a carnival of colours and tactile textures combine to creat...

Pair of Edwardian threaded glass match strikes. The tops of the strikes are capped in silver, but with the years of polishing, the hallmarks have been rubbed off. There is no sign o...

This is an antique master draughtsman's tool set. An English, case of cartographer's drawing instruments, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Comprehensive set of 17 pieces,...

This is a beautiful handblown Glass Millefiori Paperweight by Vasart, Scotland, Circa 1950s. This paperweight is handmade with a Millefiori, ten spoke radial cane design. having Latticino Spokes. The predominant colours are red, green, blue and white colour combination gives excellent contrast producing a very distinctive weight. The pontil mark to the base has been ground down giving a somewhat matt finish to the ventral section. There are no makers markings on the base that we can see. VASART HISTORY Pre 1946, Salvador Ysart and his 3 sons were working for Moncrieff Glass, then In September 1946, Salvador Ysart and two of his sons (Vincent & Augustine) established Ysart Brothers Glass (trading as "Vasart", formed from the names 'Vincent', 'Augustine' and 'Salvador'. At that time Paul Ysart remained working for Moncrieff. Vasart made various glass art forms at the Shore Glassworks in Scotland, which included some paperweights including Minis. In 1960 George Dunlop (MD of Pirelli Glass...

This is an antique Cadmus correspondence case. A Scottish, leather compact desktop organiser by W & J Milne of Edinburgh, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Cadmus was...

This is a vintage set of bridge pencils. An English, sterling silver cased gaming accessory, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Graceful presentation and superb finish pe...

An English mirrored hair brush from the 20th century, with brass finish and filigree décor. Born in England during the 20th century, this exquisite hair brush features a circular bod...

A really handsome vintage art deco inkwell, beautifully shaped and star cut on the underside. The collar and hinged lid is made from sterling silver and the top of the lid beautifull...

Original Glasgow School of Art, artist's proof of a pewter casting of a Victorian door knob The mold for this one-off casting was created using a V...

English Victorian brass and oak rectangular desk calendar.

Art Nouveau antique pewter footed tray made by Liberty & Co., Regent Street, London Historic household piece of English pewter with hand hammered stylised decoration Circa 1910 S...

A rare and highly collectable letter opener made from solid English sterling silver with the handle mounted with a charming Duck figure. The underside is fully hallmarked London ...

Made by Esteemed Maker with Royal Warrant "Tompson", brass internal lock has the King George insignia so made between 1820's. Early 19th Century Exquisite Brass Bound Hand Crafted Mahogany Writing Slope Burgundy Red Tooled Leather, Two Glass Brass Topped Inkwells...

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...

These interesting inkwells were crafted in Britain between the Victorian period and early to mid-20th century. The works have been created from horse hooves, applied with sterling silver mounts. Each hoof has been set onto a silver horseshoe and features a silver top and lid. Two of the tops have been engraved to imitate real horse hair, while the third is more simple, with banded ornament. All three have been given covers, two of which feature commemorative inscriptions. One lid states, ‘The Grey/1907-1917’ — presumably the name of the favourite racehorse, whose hoof this is — and another reads, ‘Mavourneen/ Died June 29th / Aged 53’. ‘Mavourneen’ is an Irish Gaelic word meaning ‘my beloved’. The dedicatee’s age of 53 implies that they were a human, perhaps a jokey, or racehorse owner. The lids open up onto a silver-lined interior, intended to be used for storing ink as part of a desk arrangement. The inkwells are stamped, on their underside, with silver hallmarks and maker’s marks, ‘J.T.’ and ‘C & CS’. This set of three horse hoof inkwells...

Art Nouveau Silver Plated Blotter Folio Book with leather and snakeskin interior - 12"h x 10"w - Art Nouveau Silver Plated Blotter Folio Book with leather and snakeskin interior - ...

The antique silver-on-copper and crystal pen and ink desk set is composed a footed tray with two indentations for feathered pens or writing instruments, two l...

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...

Antique British Military Campaign 19th Century Burr Walnut & Brass Bound Writing Slope With Ebonized Trim. The Interior Features a tooled Leather Scriver, A Handcrafted Exquisite Gift For The Writing Enthusiast. Item will include A Modern Notepad/Quill Pen Set, One Single Antique Glass Inkwell...

19th century papier mâché and mother-of-pearl with elaborately carved inkwells.

19th century English Leuchars & Sons brass inlaid boulle inkstand with spiral crystal inkwell, circa 1850. The inlaid base has cameos of cupids framed ...

A handsome Horseshoe shaped inkstand, the base made from solid English Oak mounted with a silver plated horseshoe and a square gallery to secure the glass inkwell. The glass inkwell is topped with a hinged brass lid in the form of a Jockey's cap with a silver plated peak, slight wear to edge. There is a support for a dip pen...

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...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver galleried double inkstand; an addition to our ornamental office silverware collection This exceptional...

Refined Murano art glass paperweight attributed to Lyn Tissot for Venini, featuring a suspended turquoise and white spiral ribbon encased within clear glass. The dynamic internal rib...

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 ...

Superb near pair of Russian or English early 19th century watch or portrait holders. In the finest quality ormolu set on square socles. The bases o...

Very fine antique English coromandel wood writing slope with fitted satinwood interior, circa 1890's. Made by Halstaff & Hannaford of Regent Street, London.

Classic smoker’s set or smoking accessory box. These were popular in the 20th century, designed in a classic english style. They typically combined elegance with utility, made for h...

A rare Victorian silver plated novelty inkwell fashioned in the form of a barrel on stand, in turn standing on a brick paving; beautiful detail such as...

Liberty & Co. Regent Street. London. An English Arts & Crafts Pewter Inkwell with violet-colored enamel decoration to the top, and to each of the circles at the four corners. Stamped...

A Stunning Collection of Hand Made Hand Carved Tureen Items to include a Ladys French Brass Inlaid Glove Box. Stylish Flame Mahogany French Glove Box of traditional form, complete ...

This is a set of antique draughtsman's railway curves. An English, pearwood set of drawing instruments in a mahogany case, dating to the Edwardian peri...

A rare and magnificent English desk set made from gilded bronze in superb condition. The set consists of a pair of candlesticks, a pen tray, an inkwell, a seal and a letter opener. ...

Townshend Art Metal Workers. Birmingham. An Anglo-Japanese brass pen/quill tray with a pair of porcelain inkwells decorated with cherry blossoms. Impressed makers mark.

A magnificent English Victorian inkwell made from solid English brass having been professionally polished to gleam. This grand figural dog inkwell was modelled in the form of an E...

Comprising a pair of candlesticks and a matching spherical inkwell. Each piece is supported by three stylised dolphins on a circular stepped base edged with rope-pattern moulding. Th...

Beautiful handmade art glass paperweight. This paperweight has an attractive egg shape with bands of red and pink ribbons wrapping around a clear centre. Maker is unknown but it is s...

Silver inkwell with base obtained from a deer hoof. English manufacture of the late 19th century. Good condition, the ink bottle is missing. Measures: cm 6.5 x 10 H 8. Shipping is insured by Lloyd...