1890s Desk Accessories

French Art Nouveau Inkwell by Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, France, circa 1890. A rare and exquisite Art Nouveau inkwell by renowned French ceramist Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910). This finely crafted piece showcases Dalpayrat’s signature red copper-glazed stoneware, especially rich and luminous near the base. Elegantly mounted in pewter, the design exemplifies the organic flow and refined detail of the Art Nouveau period. Dimensions: Height: 3.54 in. (9 cm) Diameter: 5.12 in. (13 cm) Materials: Stoneware with pewter mount Condition: Excellent+++++, museum-quality preservation Markings: Incised signature "Dalpayrat 1500" under the base (see photo) This inkwell is a collectible example of French ceramic art at the turn of the century—perfect for collectors of Art Nouveau, 19th-century French ceramics, or the works of Dalpayrat. Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910): A Pioneer of French Ceramic Innovation Adrien Dalpayrat was a French ceramicist and researcher who played a key role in the revival of stoneware at the end of the 19th century. Born in 1844 in Limoges, Dalpayrat studied drawing and porcelain painting in his hometown before beginning his professional career at the Jules Vieillard faience factory in Bordeaux. There, he met his wife, Marie Tallerie, with whom he had two sons—Albert and Adolphe—who would later become his primary collaborators. Throughout his early career, Dalpayrat worked for several major ceramic manufacturers, including Ashwin (Valentine), Fouquet (Toulouse), François Blanc (Monaco), and Léon Sazerat (Limoges). In 1889, seeking greater independence, he moved to the Paris region and established his own studio in Bourg-la-Reine. Collaborations and Artistic Evolution Dalpayrat’s creative vision expanded through his collaboration with sculptor Alphonse Voisin-Delacroix. Together, they explored neo-Gothic and Palissy-inspired motifs, creating a remarkable ceramic bestiary. Following Voisin-Delacroix’s death in 1893, Dalpayrat partnered with Adèle Lesbros, which marked a shift in his work toward simpler, more refined vase forms influenced by Japonism. Japanese art had been introduced to France during the 1867 Universal Exhibition, but it wasn’t until the 1878 Exhibition, particularly through the ceremonial stoneware used in the Japanese tea ceremony, that Japonism truly captivated French artists. This influence led Dalpayrat to create vessels with organic, vegetal, and animal-inspired forms. Technical Mastery: The Secrets of Copper Red Among all the ceramists of his time who sought to replicate the elusive Chinese “sang de boeuf” (oxblood) glaze, Adrien Dalpayrat was arguably the most successful. He didn’t simply reproduce the legendary copper red—he transformed it. By manipulating glaze thickness, firing temperature, atmosphere, and copper oxide content, he developed a unique palette of flamed and mottled red glazes that became his signature: the renowned Dalpayrat red. He further enriched his pieces by introducing streaks and inclusions of turquoise, blue, green, and yellow—freeing the red glaze from monochromy and turning it into an expressive, living surface. His work pushed stoneware beyond function into expressive art, merging form and glaze in bold, sculptural harmony. Beyond Ceramics: Bronze Mounts and Architectural Works Dalpayrat also collaborated with renowned jewelers such as Ernest Cardeilhac and Keller to produce pieces mounted in gilt bronze, blending ceramics with decorative arts at the highest level. In an effort to make his work more accessible, he opened a second faience workshop focused on simpler, more affordable pieces inspired by Nevers and Rouen ware. However, this venture faced financial difficulties and closed by 1900. The main family studio followed in 1906 as the popularity of Art Nouveau declined. Dalpayrat then returned to Limoges, devoting his final years to painting and drawing until his death in 1910. Legacy and Recognition Despite financial struggles during his lifetime, Dalpayrat’s ceramics were widely acclaimed at major international exhibitions: Bronze medal, World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago (1893) Silver medal, Antwerp International Exhibition (1894) Gold medal, Exposition Universelle, Paris (1900) Today, his work is part of prestigious museum collections. In 2020, the Petit Palais in Paris acquired a large bird motif vase created in collaboration with Voisin-Delacroix, now on view in Room...

Antique Vienna Bronze Parrot Bird Sculpture Inkwell

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.

An exceptional, documented 1896 Victorian equestrian taxidermy inkwell, commissioned to commemorate a cherished horse named "Dandy." Mounted by the prestigious Army & Navy Co-Operative Society Ltd. (A. & N.C.S. Ld.), this piece exemplifies late-19th-century British memorial taxidermy and campaign-era luxury craftsmanship. The real preserved hoof is accented with silver-toned square nails around the wall and fitted with a heavy brass hinged lid stamped "DANDY" across the top. The front toe of the fitted brass shoe is hand-engraved with the date "AUG. 24TH 1896." The brass shoe base is stamped on the underside with the maker's hallmark: "MOUNTED BY THE A & N.C.S. Ld". Opening the hinged lid reveals the internal cavity designed to hold a glass ink reservoir (insert missing). Victorian horse hoof inkwells mounted by tier-one London stores like Army & Navy or Rowland Ward hold significant appeal among militaria, equestrian, and oddities collectors. An exceptional, documented 1896 Victorian equestrian taxidermy inkwell, commissioned to commemorate a cherished horse named "Dandy." Mounted by the prestigious Army & Navy Co-Operative Society Ltd. (A. & N.C.S. Ld.), this piece exemplifies late-19th-century British memorial taxidermy and campaign-era luxury craftsmanship. The real preserved hoof is accented with silver-toned square nails around the wall and fitted with a heavy brass hinged lid stamped "DANDY" across the top. The front toe of the fitted brass shoe is hand-engraved with the date "AUG. 24TH 1896." The brass shoe base is stamped on the underside with the maker's hallmark: "MOUNTED BY THE A & N.C.S. Ld". Opening the hinged lid reveals the internal cavity designed to hold a glass ink reservoir (insert missing). Victorian horse hoof inkwells mounted by tier-one London stores like Army & Navy or Rowland Ward hold significant appeal among militaria, equestrian, and oddities collectors. Good, age-appropriate antique condition. The horse hoof wall is solid and stable with natural wear and graining. The brass displays a rich, untouched historic patina with minor surface scratches, small dents, and light oxidation expected on late-19th-century brassware. The hinge opens smoothly. Missing the removable interior glass well insert. Keywords: Victorian horse hoof inkwell, 1896 horse hoof inkwell, Army Navy Co-Op Society inkwell, ANCS Ltd taxidermy, Dandy horse inkwell...

A wonderful and very large example of a figural Black Forest inkwell in the form of a Dog's head, with a beautiful bright patina. He retains his original large glass eyes, without d...

Very rare collectible desktop telephone L. M. Ericsson model BC 2000 (Old Catalogue No. 400) for battery ringing. Exclusive and unusual design in the form of an old times book press. Framework of polished walnut. Micro-telephone RE 2002 (Old Cat. No. 520) with cord RS 7021 (Old Cat. No. 2252) and switch in the handle resting on a cradle switch, flexible cable, RS 9000 (Old Cat. No. 2084) and terminal block within Ericssons serial number that dates device on 1900 Stockholm, Sweden. Size app.: 22.5 cm (roughly 8.9 in) high, 27 cm (roughly 10.6 in) wide, 11 cm (roughly 4.3 in) deep. Very good condition, age and usage wear plus tiny losses. Please study high-res pictures for cosmetic condition! In person actual item may appear darker or brighter than in our pictures, strictly depending on sufficient light in your environment. Weight of app. 2 kg it is going to measure some 3 kg packed for shipment. Lars Magnus Ericsson began his association with telephones in his youth as an instrument maker. He worked for a firm which made telegraph equipment for the Swedish government agency Telegrafverket. In 1876, aged 30, he started a telegraph repair shop with help from his friend Carl Johan Andersson. The shop was in central Stockholm (No. 15 on Drottninggatan, the principal shopping street) and repaired foreign-made telephones. In 1878 Ericsson began making and selling his own telephone equipment. His phones were not technically innovative, as most of the inventions had already been made in the US. In 1878, he made an agreement to supply telephones and switchboards to Sweden's first telecom operating company, Stockholms Allmänna Telefonaktiebolag. Also in 1878, local telephone importer Numa Peterson hired Ericsson to adjust some telephones from the Bell Telephone Company. This inspired him to buy a number of Siemens telephones...

An outstanding late Victorian inkwell made from two cattle horns and mounted with silver plated fittings, a stunning combination and always highly sought-after; I haven't had one of ...

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...

A superbly carved figural Black Forest inkwell in the form of a Dog's head, with great detail and retaining two large glass eyes. The hinged lid opens to reveal an inner ink chamber...

Beautiful metal tray or catchall to hold quills. Made of cast Iron, has some nice patina, but this is old-age. A beautiful piece for your desk or any room. It was made for the 100th ...

Bronze Skull Over a Book Sculpture / Paperweight. This sculpture is a quiet thunderclap—elegant, solemn, and rich with philosophical weight. The skull atop the closed book, resting o...

A gorgeous ladies hand wall or desk letter / paper clip. Made of Ormolu, by Erhard & Sohne, Germany. Beautiful color and patina. This was made by Erhard & Sohne in the early 1890s-19...

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...

A wonderful and rare large figural inkwell, beautifully executed in the form of an Owl with fine detail. The hinged head lifts to reveal a fitted ink chamber which looks to be a ...

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...

Antique Victorian measuring sewing tape in a bell shape. Collectible

19th-century dore gold stag double ink well is an elegant and ornate piece crafted with a sense of luxury typical of the era. The glass Jars with delicate tops make this piece except...

Large, Victorian period, sterling silver-mounted controlled bubbles crystal inkwell with hinged lid, Boston, circa 1895, Bigleow ,Kennard and Co. makers. Measures: 3 3/4 inches high ...

Elegant Victorian Silver Eagle Page Turner from the late 19th Century crafted of 800 silver with faux ivorene bakelite blade. Ornately detailed eagle's head in 3D on end cap. 1890's ...

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...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique yellow gold and enamel parasol handle and rib tip set; an addition to our diverse enamelwork collection. This exceptional antique parasol handle...

Fabulous, rare, sterling silver (.950) Art Nouveau, Martele inkstand with ball feet and hinged lid, the Gorham Manufacturing Corp., Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1905. According to the PTB mark on the underside, most probably, the Gorham silversmith who made it...

Rare Austrian Majolica Frog water lily Inkwell circa 1890. Complete with the lid.

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian cut glass and English sterling silver mounted desk inkwell, part of our antique silver and gl...

Mounted horse hoof inkwell with horseshoe pen holder Inkwell shoe ferrer pen holder with beautiful finish, popular art work Shipping: L11 P19 ...

Wonderful very old professional office relic with a cheeky message; Hands off! Private papers. Reminiscent of the odd fellows Victorian Era designs. Created from some kind of powdere...

Late 19th century Victorian brass inkwell with winged griffons and a integrated pen tray. This is an impressive large 19th century Victorian brass inkwell accompanied on each side by...

A Baccarat crystal inkwell with decorated bronze. Circa 19th century, France. The interior is two inches deep and the opening is one inch wide.

Very large 19th century German silver mercury glas Kugel sphere having original brass ring. Kugel is derived from the German word for ball or sphere. These decorative reflective gla...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver and frosted glass match striker; an addition to our ornamental collection. This exceptional antique Victorian glass sterling match striker, with sterling silver mount, has a globular form. The surface of the frosted glass body has a textured finish which composes a match striker and incorporating the impressive applied monogram initials 'CIL'. The upper portion of this antique glass match striker...

Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910) French Art Nouveau Flambé Stoneware Inkwell with Lid, circa 1900 An exquisite and rare late 19th-century / early 20th-century French Art Nouveau ...

Art Nouveau Pierced Brass Folding Book Slide A very attractive piece with decorative brass ends which both fold flat and extend to hold more books securely The Slide is 6” high and...

A Charming Victorian Postcard or Stationary Stand, South Coast This is a very attractive piece, the box is made walnut and is sign written with local advertisements The cabinet has...

The pair of obelisks with gilt lion faces on front base and gilt lion paws at corners, signed indistinctly. Rome dated 1893.

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...

Large swiveling globe in plastered cardboard covered with printed paper. The meridian, attached to each pole, is in engraved brass. The base is in blackened turned wood. The colors a...

19th Century French Bronze Double Inkwell in Renaissance Revival Style was cast in bronze with extraordinary ambition and detail and is a fine example of the Renaissance revival styl...

Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat (1844-1910) Art Nouveau Flambé Ceramic Inkwell, c.1900 This elegant Art Nouveau inkwell (circa 1900) perfectly showcases the absolute mastery of ceramic gla...

Sterling silver tabletop double inkwell with aquatic and wavy pattern. Two glass inkwells with sterling silver tops. Maker JJ, made in Sheffield, England in 1891. A great gift and ad...

Onyx, Champlevé and Gilt Bronze Inkwell, France, circa 1890.

A letter knife or opener made of naturally shed Stag Horn with a Sterling Silver ferrule, England, circa 1890-1910. The Sterling ferrule is hand chased and formed as a double face o...

Pair of Barbotine ceramic dishes, Art Nouveau Period, France, circa 1890.

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...

An Unusual 19th century French Ormolu Mounted Globe Style Tantalus liquor set. The round globe top which rests on an elongated ormolu base is not common to find. The crystal top is m...

A Fantastic 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Dore Bronze Mounted Black Crystal Box. The box is composed of two sections of French black crystal wh...

Beautifully carved and richly expressive, this antique dog head letter opener is a fine example of late 19th-century Black Forest or Brienz craftsmanship. Hand-carved from wood, the ...

Victorian Period, sterling silver-mounted, controlled bubbles crystal inkwell with hinged lid, Ca. 1895, Boston, Goodnow and Jenks, - makers, The inkwell measures approximately 3 in...

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. ...

Antique solid brass mortar and pestle manufactured in Austria-Hungary around 1890 in the Historicism period. Originally used in pharmacies and apothecaries for grinding herbs and med...

A rare find, this fabulous figural desk bell was cast in metal in the form of a pig with a quality screwed construction. The mechanical bell can be wou...

This antique Edwardian inkwell from 1890 is covered in ornate detailing and was made by Elkington. Elkington was established in 1830's - 1963 in Birmingham, England. This inkwell has...

Lippich polarimeter, scientifi instrument made in 1893 signed Societé Genevoise Genève, brass and black metal. It is an optical instrument of analysis used to determine the concentra...

Wonderful pair of rare stand/table frames, made circa 1890. The construction is made of brass, into which a glass plate has been inserted, in between is place for the image you hav...

A classic example of the intricate woodcarving known as Black Forest, this inkwell depicts an adult bird feeding its offspring. This inkwell dates to circa 1890, placing it in the mi...

Japanese articulated copper spiny lobster sculpture on a solid rock Lapis Lazuli. Every single body parts are in working condition and no missing ...

Simply Fabulous! Vintage 19th century letter opener or page turner with an ornate sterling silver handle and bone blade. Hallmark corresponds to: Birmingham, England, circa 1897.

A late Victorian wood and bronze double inkstand with a molded ogival base and two carved quill rests. Shipping & Location This item is located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We offer...

Extremely fine cherub figural two-tone doré bronze with original crystal inkwells and ink inserts attributed to F. Linke. The two cherubs sit atop this beautiful bronze piece which i...

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver fox inkstand; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian silver inkstand / desk standish, has a rectangular form. This inkstand is fitted with a gallery, embellished with impressive pierced and applied scrolling foliate ornamentation. The shaped, incurved rims of the body and anterior rim of the sterling silver inkstand are ornamented with a paralleling applied gadroon decorated border. The surface of the fox silver inkstand incorporates a concave oval pen receiver. The body of the inkstand incorporates two ink bottle receivers flanking a rectangular stamp box. The impressive hallmarked ink bottles each have a tapering cylindrical form and are embellished with further pierced scrolling foliate ornamentation; these ink bottles secure to the stand with a screw fitment to the underside. Each ink bottle is fitted with a plain domed hinged cover and opens to allow access to the original glass liner. The central sterling silver stamp box...

A gorgeous candlestick. Made of metal with cloisonné enamel parts. Beautiful color and patina. This was made probably in the early 1890s-1900s. Fantastic piece for a Living Room.