20th Century Desk Accessories

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.  

Vintage "Bubbles" art glass paperweight, circa 1990s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3.25"D x 3"H. Much better looking in person t...

W.M.F inkwell art nouveau racing car Origin Germany Circa 1915 Excellent condition. It has all its original parts Electroplated metal Sealed on the back The car is a Mercedes Benz of...

An Italian '70s modern alabaster marble round decorative sphere or paperweight, circa 1970s, Italy. Marked "Genuine Alabaster", "Hand Carved", "Made ...

Vintage sterling silver letter opener torchon, Italy, 1970s.

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...

Italian red marble desk letter holder, 20th century Desk letter holder with rectangular base in red marble. The structure is parallelepiped-shaped w...

A Perthshire Bouquet Flash Overlay Paperweight, 1997 Additional information: Date : 1997 Origin : Scotland Features : A bouquet of four flowers, t...

These Vintage Boho Cut Glass Inkwells are charming and elegant, featuring intricate cut glass designs that capture the light beautifully. Perfect for adding a touch of vintage sophis...

A small bronze male tribal warrior figure sculpture piece, in the style of Hagenauer, Tribal style, circa 20th century. A male bronze tribal figure holdi...

Enamel Dollhouse furniture, consists of table, settee and four chairs, decorated with single figures and romantic scenes.

Mid-Century Modern round solid brass safe handle, 1950s Germany 5.9kg massive brass. Very good condition, light wear of usage and patina.

Antique 20th Century English gilt solid silver and enamel desk set, comprising a pencil, letter opener, and small knife. Each piece is decorated with inlaid white enamel, with the pe...

Polished Brass Duck head bookends, pair Offred for ale is a pair of vintage classic Duck Head bookends in polished brass. These will be an ...

Rare pair of original, American made, Marked, Native American / Indian bookends. In the earliest years of the 1900s a lady artisan working out of New York created these now very r...

John Deacons Presse-papiers Millefiori with Yellow and White, 1960 Beautiful paperweight large white yellow 1960 by John Deacons. Glass paperweight. A paperweight is an object that...

Beautiful obelisk, handmade in Italy, by Seguso, Murano. Quite tall-16". Unusual color-light purple that changes with light. Polished pointed top. Nicely cut and polished edges-see p...

Monique Gerber French bronze cast letter opener in a very sculptural and minimalist form. Designed Monique Gerber. Can be used as a sculptural object or paper weight as well. Remin...

Exact origin unknown. Handsome desk accessory.

This stunning mid-century bowl is an exquisite example of craftsmanship, carved from gold tone fluorite, and beautifully enhanced with a rim and base of natural black onyx. The rich,...

Vintage Wise & Son sterling silver Cigarette Case with 14k gold inlays. Very good condition.

An elegant European clear cut crystal desk or table lamp, circa 20th century. A beautiful lamp with modern cuts up and down entire lamp. Lamp is made from one piece of crystal. Lamp ...

Set of five rosewood and rubber mail stamps by Bruno Munari for Danese, Italy, c.1960s. Bruno Munari was an Italian graphic artist and industrial designer ...

Paper tray designed by Florence Knoll in 1948. This two-tier paper tray is composed of ebonized molded walnut plywood. The trays rotate around a rear central post of brushed aluminum...

A solid brass nautical style (boat) propeller pen holder, circa mid-20th century. A great accessory for a desk, home/office, etc.

A gorgeous antique Art Nouveau period "Grapevine" inkwell By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.13"W x 4.13"D x 3.75"H. Very good original vintage cond...

Travel back in time with this impressive antique desk set by Thornhill & Co, London, dating back to circa 1910. Crafted with care and wrapped in rugged Nile crocodile skin, this se...

Pair of paperweights in the shape of pebbles, circa 1970, France. Gilded bronze. Dimensions: pebble one: 9 x 8 x 3 cm, pebble two: 8 x 7 x 3 cm. All purchases are covered by our Buye...

Incredibly rare set of four murano blown glass egg sculptures, attributed to Archimede Seguso, Italy 1970s. This astonishing set, heavily spatialis...

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze "Graduate" pattern desk letter holder rack with verdigris green patina By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New Y...

This is a vintage draughtsman's set. A German, nickel silver drawing instrument set by Riefler, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950. Nine...

A fine antique paperweight. Comprised of Blue John (also known as Derbyshire Spar), a rare form of fluorite from England with distinct purple & yell...

Marcel Bing was the fourth child of Sigfried/Samuel Bing (1838-1905), the great collector of Japanese art and founder of the gallery L'Art Nouveau Bing located at 22 rue de Provence in Paris. Marcel trained as a jeweler, creating jewelry and vase mounts for the gallery and took over its management upon his father's death in 1905. Bibliography: - L’art appliqué revue internationale, le style moderne...

British The Eclectic Copycat Brass Stencil Typeface Tool A from Tom Dixon, in Flawless conditions. Designed from 2000 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Mat...

1960's New Old Stock Vintage Pocket Police Whistle And Badge Set. We recently came across a large hoard of new old stock hardware and general merchandise items, laying untouched si...

A Rare and Exquisite Italian Art Deco / Mid-Century Modern desk or table lamp featuring the craftsmanship of the design leaders of the 20th Century and uniting timeless materials: me...

Seal figure bookens Signed ((M. Bertin)) bronze and portoro marble Art Deco, France.

An elegant comb hand-carved from cow horn with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern.

A wonderful example of Arts and Crafts Hammered Copper. Hand-crafted classic design with a hammered texture; a welcome addition to the Arts and Crafts space. The letter opener is ...

Ronson Large Table Lighter 1980

Vintage Wooden Chopping Boards - Large Size - Good Quantity Available. Sourced from Hungarian and Romanian street markets, crudely made and well used small chopping boards made mai...

Art Nouveau inkwell. Made by Emile Langlois in Paris, ca 1920. Hemispheric clear glass bowl with garland acid-etched to sides and diaper cut to underside. Neck collar 950 silver as i...

Hilarious pair of Murano Angel fish with a whiff of Ninja about them Crafted in hand blown glass from Murano, Italy Circa 1970's Height 8.5 inch, Wi...

A beautiful bronze Figurine paperweight or desk accessory. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of bronze and enameled parts. Shows two Gnomes standing on a base w...

This is an antique drawing instrument set. A German, brass cartographer's or architect's technical drawing set, by Richter, dating to the E...

Beautiful antique Ink Extinguishing Cradle, France, circa 1930. Nicely chiseled depiction of a woman´s face in a typical Art Nouveau manner.

Elephant piggy bank sculpture. The brass sculpture has a slit at the top which allows you to drop in coins and cash. Bottom plug will need to be replaced to allow it to function as a...

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!

The toy typewriter, DIAL Typewriter, is a rare and peculiar model, manufactured in the early 20th century. XX, circa 1920 by Louis Marx and Company. Instead of a conventional keyboar...

A charming and decorative nutcracker set, featuring a cherry wood bowl, a brass hammer and a brass anvil. Designed and crafted in the 1950s by Richard Rohac in Vienna, Austria, the s...

Beautiful inkstand in carved crystal, with frame and cover in embossed silver. Signed by Lucien Gaillard (1861-1942), 107 rue La Boétie, Paris. Lucien Gaillard arises from silve...

French leather desk set of five pieces all wrapped in genuine leather in special cognac colour. The set contains a large desk pad, a small open paper tray, a bigger paper box with orange leather interior and a cover and two small leather boxes with orange leather interior as well. All pieces are decorated with small anchors at the corners. They also have scratches and stains due to the age and usage but there were no restorations and the authentic look is beautiful. Super elegant set for your desk. All items stamped Saint Gill Paris...

A gorgeous Art Deco period patinated bronze inkwell featuring symbols of the Zodiac By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 4"W x 4"D x 2"H. Good o...

FACTORY / HOUSE: Jaeger LeCoultre Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: World Time with Date Feature METAL / MATERIAL: Lacquered Bronze CIRCA: 1950's MOVEMENT / CALIBER: 8 Day Manually Wound DIAL / HANDS: Bronze Dial, Dauphine Hands DIMENSIONS: 6.25 inches in diameter. Round Raised back 1" to 3" ATTACHMENT / LENGTH: / Regular Length WARRANTY: 18 months on the movement. Jaeger LeCoultre is renowned worldwide for their technological achievements in horology. They are the quiet designers behind Cartier's European Watch and Clock...

A bench-made solid teak desk organizer with dovetail joinery, comprising five correspondence dividers, a slim drawer and open storage.

A vintage ink pen / rotary phone dialer / paper weight made of lacqered polished brass with an ink pen insert. The pen is model number 5037 and was de...

Vintage Danish teak desktop organizer with a variety of compartments for office accessory storage. Year: 1970s Origin: Denmark Style: Mid-C...

This bronze and steel sculpture features a brass pestle that sits atop a steel mortar. Though not an actual mortar and pestle, this piece resembles just t...

Italian hand carved wood bear sculpture by Bern.

Gorgeous standing magnifying glass with metal surround and metal antler detail, sitting on a antler horn tripod base. The glass in great condition. Great for the office or on a shelf!