European Desk Accessories

A fine quality Georgian III period silver plated inkstand by celebrated English silversmith Matthew Boulton, displaying all of the timeless eleganc...

Elevate your home decor with our brass tilting ashtray, the perfect addition for any vintage or retro-inspired space. Made from high-quality brass and featu...

In the early 1900s, document boxes in the shape of ledgers or books were increasingly popular. Made of wood or more increasingly popular paperboard, they were a clever and stylish wa...

Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'View All From Seller'. And you can see more objects to the style for sale. Salviati & C Measures: Violet : 33 long x 10 high x 5.5 depth Green: 30 long x 9 high x 5.5 depth The lawyer Antonio Salviati and his dream In 1859 in his premises at Number 731 of Dorsoduro, Venice the “Salviati Dott. Antonio fu Bartolomeo” company was established. This is when, Vicenza-born lawyer Antonio Salviati started the entrepreneurial career, moved by a passion for the precious mosaics of the Basilica of San Marco and fascinated by Murano glass art, he decided to start-up his own production of mosaics and objects in Murano glass. An ambitious and far-sighted goal pushed him along this path: to revive the fate of Murano glass production that has been fallen for decades. A challenge which finds the maximum support from two fundamental figures in the history of Murano glass: the mayor of the island, Antonio Colleoni, and the Abbot Vincenzo Zanetti, founder of the glass museum and of the first art school for glass masters. The first successes and international investments The launchpad was the “First Glassmakers’ Exhibition” in 1864 in which Salviati participated with a monumental mosaic that earns him a prize superior to the Gold Medal. The success achieved affirmed the credibility of the Company which thus started its glass production in Palazzo da Mula. The new corporate and productive reality needed investors and the lawyer started to internationalise the company by addressing the economic and financial market across the Channel. The UK immediately showed huge interest in Salviati’s mosaics – as testified by the mosaic that can be seen on the façade of the current Apple Store in Regent Street, London. It was also in London, on 21st December 1866, that the “Società Anonima per Azioni Salviati & C.” was established with the support of diplomat Sir Austen Henry Layard and historian William Drake. The new corporate set-up was further established with the purchase of a new headquarter, this time on the Riva dei Vetrai in Murano. The universal show of Paris in 1867 celebrated the relaunch project of Antonio Salviati “Venice owes a debt of gratitude to the knight Salviati in the resurgence for one of the most legitimately famous of its industries”. From Esposizione Illustrata di Parigi, 1867 pg. 275. “Venice and Italy have gain huge success in the Universal Exhibition. The resurgence of one of the city’s most famous industries is consecrated in this very occasion by the gold medal awarded by the jury to Mr Salviati […] the crowd […] is gathering around the display cases that hold those pieces of glass that are so transparent and so light as to appear like woven air, impregnated, when in their elegant forms that become rainbows of those iridescent reflections that cover them at the artist’s whim – the author of a real ray of sunshine from the beautiful and splendid Venice”. From Esposizione Illustrata di Parigi, 1867 pg. 311 The fundamental role of training in murano glass Training plays a fundamental role for the Company; attendance at the Art School was made compulsory for “[…] all the young workers of the Factory who don’t only tire themselves in manual work. This was established with the idea not only to lift their dignity and their initially limited aspirations, […] but also to improve their artistic education and thereby facilitate an improvement also in their economic situation”. Together with the art school, a free school was also set up to teach all employees to read and write. Diversification in production and made-to-measure projects In a short time, Salviati & C. diversified its production to include glasses, cups, amphoras, and vials which guaranteed the first prize in the universal exhibition for three consecutive years. Its mosaic production also flourished, being used in world-class projects: from the Houses of Parliament in London, to the Viceroy’s palace in Alessandria in Egypt, to the Opera House of Paris, including the private homes of wealthy New York personality. The entire 19th century for Salviati & C. was represented by development, success and fame in the national and international markets, and the Company became a symbol and reference point of Murano glass art throughout the world. The Salviati legacy at the turn of the century On the death of Antonio Salviati in 1890, first his three children followed one another at the helm of the company and then Maurizio Camerino, previously general manager. It was thanks to him that the decorative mosaic project of the Stanford Memorial Church in Palo Alto (California, USA) took place after 12 years of work. As well as the opening of a sales point in Via Montenapoleone in Milan and the institution of a museum collection of Murano glass from the 19th and 20th centuries. The post-war years, biennials and lighting After Maurizio Camerino’s death in 1931, his three children took over the helm of the company: its solid foundations allowed them to strive for new important goals in the art world, participating in the Biennials of 1932 and 1934. Not even the Second World War could tarnish the strength of the Salviati brand: in the post-war years Renzo Camerino renewed the ruined production headquarter and enthusiastically restored all his commercial contacts. Thanks to his grandson Renzo Tedeschi (newly graduated in Engineering at the Polytechnic of Turin and upon his return from an apprenticeship in the United States), Salviati launched its production in lighting appliances. The following years saw intense growth in the number of collaborations with renowned artists and designers. In 1959, the production site was moved to Fondamenta Radi 16, where it still stands today. The great lighting projects The larger production area allowed the company to further expand the international market in the field of architectural lighting. A number of projects were undertaken, such as the 9-tonne, 22-metres high chandelier in the Chamber of Commerce in Parma, the ceiling illumination in the premises of the World Intellectual Property Organisation in Geneva and the Kowloon Hotel in Hong Kong; not to mention the sound-absorbing windows of the Aula Nervi in the Vatican and the lighting system of the great honour hall of the Philippine Plaza Hotel in Manila in collaboration with architect John Marsteller. The reputation of Salviati & C. was further affirmed by the commission – after an international call for bids – for twelve 11-metre high chandeliers for the Tonhalle concert hall in Dusseldorf, made using an innovative system of modular glass elements – “LS- System” – one of the today company’s cornerstones. Salviati from the modern age to the present The story of Salviati continues in the modern era, keeping the focus on creating an innovative style that had distinguished it since its inception. Participation in international exhibitions increased, such as the Venice Biennials from 1958 to 1972 (the final year in which Murano glass was allowed) thanks to projects by designers of the calibre of Betha and Teff Sarasin, Claire Falkestein, and Luciano Gaspari. In 1962 Salviati was awarded with the highest recognition in the Design world, the “Compasso d’Oro” prize assigned by A.D.I. for the Marco vase designed by architect Sergio Asti. In 1965 the company changed its name to Salviati & C. s.p.a.; then it was purchased by the Gruppo Ferruzzi in 1987 which later on it was transferred to a French company. Since 2015 the company returned to be Venetian with the acquisition by the Umana group. Salviati and its designers Salviati’s designers: Luciano Gaspari, Sergio Asti (Compasso d’Oro 1962), Claire Falkenstein, Ward Bennet, Teff and Betha Sarasin, Ingo Maurer, Ross Lovegrove, Amanda Levete, Tom Dixon, Nigel Coates, Thomas Heatherwick, Luca Nichetto, Ben Gorham...

1950s small Czech leather medicine balls, decorative 1950s small Czech leather medicine balls, decorative. We have a number of these large handsome worn leather medicine balls tha...

A fine, faceted French art glass paperweight. By Baccarat. From the Zodiac series. With a white sulphide depicting Taurus the Bull on a blue ground. Marked with an acid-etched ...

If you've got the mortar, I have the pestle! There are so many mortars out there, and so few pestles. It's nice to have both. Here is your opportunity to marry this large scale pestl...

Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'Vi...

A very good pair of architectural inspired 'Grand Tour' style columnar alabaster bookends, both carved in the form of fluted columns, raised on stepped bases. Dimensions noted are th...

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 ...

The rectangular inkwell with flat hinged lid, opening to reveal ceramic well and cut-glass liner beneath. Hallmarks on inside cover, rear and underside.

1900s English crystal and silver plated Sheffield inkwell on handled tray. The tray measurement is: Depth: 10 inches. Height: 2.75 inches. Width: 14 inches. The measurement below...

Large English lavender glass paperweight.

Ashtray in a particular submerged glass, with a wonderful double color of emerald green and blue. Refinement and class as in the Murano style, unique pieces that always remain precio...

1980s Set of Three Opaque Glass Jars with Metal Lid.

An Unusual 20th Century Italian Silvered Bronze Mounted Clear-Over-red crystal box The box is composed of two sections of Italian clear-over-red crysta...

This elegant porcelain basket and bowl set was made by Pirken Hammer, a renowned Czechoslovak porcelain manufacturer celebrated for its high-quality craftsmanship and refined decorat...

Christian Dior clear heart shaped lead glass crystal paperweight / made in France Original label on the glass / comes in original box Length: 4 inches / Width: 4 inches / Height: 1 i...

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...

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of desk accessories in Faux Shargeen shark skin A very good looking and well made pair, ideally suited as a letter rack and pen pot...

Carl Auböck model #4026A polished brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl or catch-all is executed in polished brass. Originally con...

A handsome and most unusual magnifying glass in a winning and highly sought-after combination of English silver plate and Shagreen. The ferrule frame and terminal are all silver pl...

Apache indian Chief Head Car Mascot - Hood Ornament / Paperweight. Designed by H. Briand publisher, Paris. Silvered bronze. Mounted over a black marble base. It has a hole at the bac...

A pair of antique 19th century Louis XVI style marble mounted dore bronze armorial Bookends/paperweights depicting "Peace and Music". Each is beautiful...

19th Century Inkwell "Child in Drum". Whimsical design. Glass lined inkwell interior with attached open/close lid. See photos.

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...

Wooden and brass polarimeter with cast iron tripod base from the late 1800s. It is an instrument used to determine the concentration of sucrose and glucose in raw materials and sugar...

Marble and gilt bronze inkwell from the 19th century, Napoleon III period. Napoleon III period gilt bronze and marble inkwell decorated with imperial eagles, with porcelain interior...

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...

Antique Limoges porcelain inkwell, France late 19th century. A depiction to preserve medications, manufactured under the brand Docteur Bengué. On the bottom is a stamp "Pyrol". On th...

An intricately detailed glass dish by Ercole Moretti with close-packed complex millefiori glass mosaic beads. The millefiori (or murrini) technique ...

An Elkington & Company Silver Gilt Presentation Casket Hall Marked for Birmingham, 1891 and the maker; the casket, in the Victorian Gothic manner, with cluster columns at the angles...

Finest quality and stunning design Louis XVI style desk, circa 1890. Owning and using top quality pieces of furniture from times when European craftsmen were at the top of their game is something that will lift your spirit like very few things can. That is ofcourse is you are able to recognize quality. It will remain a mystery why so many people don't seem to see the quality and the details of even the best quality made antiques. This wonderful antique ladies desk...

Very nice Brass Letter holder .Horse for a fence . 1950s

An elegant heavy solid brass 'hand' paperweight.

Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....

What to put in place of the usual placemats to embellish the table ? Four ivy garlands, but silvered ! to illuminate the table and make it more precious. Invented by an Italian. ref...

English Regency ormolu inkstand with watch movement circa 1815. The whole in fine original condition. The rectangular base is set on four animal paw fe...

A rare pair of unusual star curios. Geometric forms hoisted on a chain. France, 19th century. Iron, naturally patinated. One has damage, priced accordingly. Can b...

Venini Murano Cannette glass paperweight, designed by Ludovico De Santillana. Clear bubble over a heavy base decorated with applied filigrana cane segments. Perfect condition.

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...

Antique iridescent purple glass inkwell by Kralik in the "Pampas" decor, i.e. a Kralik decor shift on Loetz Pampas. Lobed square form with typical trailed...

Vintage Italian beveled glass ashtray by Fontana Arte / Made in Italy circa 1960s Measures: Length 6.5 inches / width 6.5 inches / height 1 inch Order Reference: FABIOLTD G77 This pi...

A charming antique French faience Quimper double inkwell and pen tray desk set, circa 1900. This gorgeous inkwell is hand painted with a traditional Breton man surrounded by bagpipes...

Small table clock made of beautiful dark walnut wood and silver chrome-plated brass. Clock face is wood with inserted beams and dots to show the ti...

Rare 19th century French heavy cast iron clip with spring in the shape of a birds head. Most likely a heron, the hinge in its 'jaw joint' makes its beak act as a clip. You pinch the back and its feathered neck to open the beak. So this pretty item could be used as paper clamp...

A simply wonderful objet d'art this beautifully crafted glass pen holder attributed to the iconic Italian brand Fontana Arte is the perfect desk accessory to add Mid Century style an...

Enamel and crystal six part jardinière, France, late 19th century.

Celebrate the spirit of the hunt with this charming set of six vintage glass tumblers, each adorned with a detailed pewter emblem depicting traditional hunting motifs — including dee...

1980s (1989) Gorgeous Swatch twin phone "Gutemberg" in excellent condition. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazing design....

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear, dark pink, and bubbles Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. I have owned several with labels be...

This antique paper binding press was forged in France, circa 1860. The Classic "Presse a Relier" made of solid iron is almost square in shape and features scrolled decor on the facad...

Jacques Adnet desk In/Out tray organizer of stitched leather over steel. France. Circa 1950. Possible to hang on wall or place on desk.

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...

Stylish desk set made in France, it's in wood and metal, composed by an inkstand and a mail holder. Inkwell dimensions cm 30 x 13, height cm 19.  

Paper basket / Bin by Piero Fornasetti for Atelier Fornasetti, 1950s Its made of tin, decor of rattan in gold color. It stands on brass feet. Amazingly beautiful labeling underneath...

Vintage beautiful and colorful vintage Murano hand blown blue and white Italian art glass paperweight. Gorgeous vintage studio hand blown crystal art glass paperweight with a cobalt blue base and a white cascading flower or frost. The inside of the paperweight has a large flower and is filled a large controlled bubble in the centre with multiple small controlled bubbles. Vintage Crystal Ball...

Renzo in a family of multipurpose trays with a very smooth surface and soft curved edges, now available in a different color composition. Each piece is a unique, no two are the same....