Baroque Style Brass Inkwell Set and Letter Holder Stand
Located in Doylestown, PA
Baroque style solid brass double inkwell set with letter holder, c. 1900-1910.
Category
Antique Early 1900s European Baroque Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Brass Inkwell Set
Polished Brass Islamic Moorish Style Desk Inkwells Set
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
This demonstrates the rarity and unique quality of such jar inkwells. Great brass decorative Islamic art object.
Category
Antique 19th Century Lebanese Moorish Inkwells
Materials
Brass
19th Century English Brass Inkwell & Writing Desk Set, c.1880
$417Sale Price|48% Off
19th Century English Brass Inkwell & Writing Desk Set, c.1880
Located in Worcester, GB
19th Century English Brass Inkwell & Writing Desk Set, c.1880 A charming Victorian-era brass inkwell and writing desk set from c.1880, offering both functionality and decorative app...
Category
Antique 19th Century British Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Black Glass and Brass Inkwell With Letter Rack Desk Set
Located in Land O' Lakes, FL
Designed for both beauty and function, the set includes a removable inkwell, an attached letter rack, and a pen rest.
Category
Vintage 1920s American Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Fantastic Gilt Bronze Brass and Cut Glass Horseman & Hound Dog Desk Inkwell Set
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Marvelously detailed French antique desk accessory inkwell made of gilt bronze and nickel plate having sculptural horseman in period outfit accompanied by loyal hound dog at his side...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Inkwells
Materials
Bronze, Nickel
Antique English Presentation Inkwell & Desk Set with Horse Jockey Theme
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique desk set has no maker's signature, but is presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1890 and done in the period Victorian style. The set is comp...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Inkwells
Materials
Onyx, Brass
19th Century French Dore Gilt Gold Metal Double Inkwell Set
Located in Atlanta, GA
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...
Category
Antique 1890s English Victorian Inkwells
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Gold Leaf
Original Art Nouveau Brass & Copper Ink well set circa 1900
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A real nice looking Art Nouveau Ink Well set ,hand made and cast in Brass and with a Copper base plate with Nouveau design . Polished brass casting of what looks like a Tiger or Pant...
Category
20th Century European Art Nouveau Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Green Leather Desk Set by Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Rich brown leather desk set by Jacques Adnet, France, 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Victorian gilt inkstand desk set in the Gothic style
Located in London, GB
Victorian gilt inkstand desk set in the Gothic style English, 19th Century Height 19cm, width 27cm, depth 12.5cm This wonderful inkstand is a fine piece of Victorian period design. ...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Gothic Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Brass, Walnut and Ebonized Double Inkwell Set
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
English Victorian inkwell set. This walnut set has been accented with an ebony color and an overall brass decoration, mid-late 10th century.
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Antique Victorian Hand Crafted Mahogany & Brass Desktop Lamp & Inkwell Set
Located in Reading, Berkshire
The Stand Is Fitted Additionally With One Brass Inkwell Pivotable Pen Stand Brass Perpetual Calendar.
Category
Antique Early 19th Century British Victorian Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Lacquered Desk Set With Brass Bound Bevelled Glass Inkwell
$961Sale Price / set|60% Off
Art Deco Lacquered Desk Set With Brass Bound Bevelled Glass Inkwell
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Art Deco Lacquered Desk Set With Brass Bound Bevelled Glass Inkwell. With Brass Mounts Raised On Four Brass Feet.
Category
Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Chrome, Brass
Antique Georgian Brass Mounted Double Inkwell Stand With Two Hand-Blown Inkwells
$1,561Sale Price / set|35% Off
Antique Georgian Brass Mounted Double Inkwell Stand With Two Hand-Blown Inkwells
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Rare Set of 19th Century Antique Georgian Mahogany & Brass Mounted Double Inkwell Stand With Original Handblown Glass Inkwells Brass Topped Inkwells With Hinged Brass Collar Moun...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Victorian Ebonised Desk Set With Two Cut Glass Inkwells Decorated With Brass
$1,293Sale Price / set|35% Off
Victorian Ebonised Desk Set With Two Cut Glass Inkwells Decorated With Brass
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Lovely Victorian Ebonised Desktop Tidy With Two Cut Glass Inkwells, With Attractive Brass Rails & Decorative Idents & Drawer Supplied With A Modern Day Quill Pen, Notepad ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Victorian Desk Sets
Materials
Chrome, Brass
Antique Candle Sticks and Inkwell Émeaux de Bresse Desk Set Enamel Brass France
Located in Munich, DE
This beautifully enamelled set comprising an inkwell and two candlesticks will cheer up any room. A fine example of the wonderful enamel work executed in Bresse around 1870. The mast...
Category
Antique 1870s French Victorian Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Inkwell
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper inkwell By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 3.5"W x 3.5"D ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Sets
Materials
Brass, Copper
Roycroft Arts & Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Inkwell
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period brass finished hand hammered copper inkwell By Roycroft (signed with impressed orb and cross mark) USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 3.25"W x 3.25"...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Sets
Materials
Copper, Brass
1875s Silver-plated Brass Desk Inkwell with Crystallized Ink and Engraved Detail
Located in Marbella, ES
Desk inkwell in the shape of a chest, made of brass with a functional design. When opened, it reveals compartments that include crystallized ink bottles, a writing palette with a gla...
Category
Antique 19th Century European Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Egyptian Revival Sphinx Inkwell by Maitland Smith
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.
Category
20th Century Egyptian Revival Desk Sets
Materials
Marble, Brass
Vintage Maitland-Smith Egyptian Revival Tessellated Marble Inkwell
$600Sale Price|60% Off
Vintage Maitland-Smith Egyptian Revival Tessellated Marble Inkwell
By Maitland Smith
Located in Waxahachie, TX
This exquisite Vintage Maitland-Smith Egyptian Revival Tessellated Marble Inkwell is an impressive piece of craftsmanship that seamlessly blends function with artistic beauty. Its de...
Category
1990s Philippine Egyptian Revival Desk Sets
Materials
Stone, Brass
Islamic Ottoman Inkwell and Feather Set Made From Brass and Papier Maché
Located in Vienna, AT
It is an old Ottoman inkwell made from brass with typical ornaments and little turquoise accents.
Category
Antique 18th Century Asian Islamic Scholar's Objects
Materials
Brass
Recent Sales
Antique Brass Double Inkstand, Inkwell, Desk Set, Scotland 1910, H526
Unavailable
H 7.75 in W 12 in D 7.5 in
Antique Brass Double Inkstand, Inkwell, Desk Set, Scotland 1910, H526
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Brass double inkstand, inkwell, desk set, Scotland 1910, H526 Scotland 1910 Solid brass With letter holder to the back Pen holder to the back Pair of brass inkwells with lid...
Category
Vintage 1910s Asian Inkwells
Materials
Brass
1960s Italian Sarreid Ltd. Brass Inkwell Desk Set
By Sarreid Ltd.
Located in Richmond, VA
Listed is a gorgeous, 1960s Italian brass inkwell desk set, by Sarreid Ltd. This desk set includes two 'inkwells' (one is a functioning inkwell with removable cap, the second is a pa...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
19th Century English Brass Inkwell & Writing Desk Set, circa 1880
Located in Worcester, Worcestershire
Minor wear commensurate with age 19th century English brass inkwell & writing desk set, circa 1880.
Category
Antique 19th Century European Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
1930s Art Deco Rouge Marble Desk Set with 2 Inkwells Glass Linings and Pen Well
Unavailable
H 19.69 in W 4.34 in D 11.42 in
1930s Art Deco Rouge Marble Desk Set with 2 Inkwells Glass Linings and Pen Well
Located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
1930s Art Deco rouge marble desk set with 2 inkwells glass linings and pen well. Extremely well made and heavy marbled art deco set. Will include a working fountain pen and desk ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Marble, Brass
Finest Antique French Pink "Boulle" Inkwell / Desk Set, circa 1830
Located in Bath, GB
A truly exquisite and rare antique inkstand / desk set made in France, circa 1830. Made from fine polished brass, it has pink enamel and Mother of Pearl worked into the brass in a bo...
Category
Antique 1830s French Louis Philippe Inkwells
Materials
Brass
English Desk Set and Stationery Box
Located in Austin, TX
An English desk set and stationery box of walnut with ebonised accents featuring a stationery box mounted to a moulded top with two cut glass and brass inkwells and recessed slot for...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Inkwells
Materials
Brass
1950s Italian Six Piece Leather Desk Set
Located in Chicago, IL
Finely-made five-piece Italian desk set in dark brown leather with tooled and gold leafed borders. Included in the set are a leather and suede letter organizer, a leather covered not...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Black Vitrolite and Brass Desk Set with Pen Rest, Inkwell & Stamp Caddy
Sold
H 4.5 in W 11.5 in D 7 in
Art Deco Black Vitrolite and Brass Desk Set with Pen Rest, Inkwell & Stamp Caddy
Located in New York, NY
This American Art Deco desk set was produced, circa 1925. The set includes a pen rest, an inkwell, a letter holder and a stamp caddy.
Category
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
English Desk Set with Inkwells and Stationery Box
Located in Austin, TX
Featuring a stationery box with hinged lid mounted to a moulded compartment with hinged cover, on two turned legs, opening to two fitted cut-glass and brass inkwells. With key.
Category
Antique Early 1900s English Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
English Burl Walnut Desk Set Stationary Box with Inkwells and Pen Holder
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
The base of the desk set is sitting on four turned feet supporting a dovetailed drawer and then above has two fitted areas that contain two original glass inkwells and a pen rest.
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Antique Italian Louis XV Rocaille Desk Stand with Double Inkwell
Located in Forney, TX
A late 19th century Italian gilded solid brass desk ornament. The elaborately decorated, highly detailed, Louis XV style, Rocaille form encrier, with a raised back single slot letter...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Louis XV Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Inkwell and Ink Stand with Letter Holder in Louis XV Style
Sold
H 6.3 in W 16.93 in D 11.03 in
19th Century French Inkwell and Ink Stand with Letter Holder in Louis XV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
19th century inkwell and ink stand made of brass with double letter holder in the back. Made in France in Louis XV Style. There is one small top decoration of the left inkwell that ...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
19th Century J J Mechi Mahogany Writing Slope Befit with a Pair of Inkwells
Sold
H 7.88 in W 19.69 in D 10.83 in
19th Century J J Mechi Mahogany Writing Slope Befit with a Pair of Inkwells
By John Joseph Mechi
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Comes with the original heavy metal topped inkwells and notepad, modern quill and stand and vintage inkpen.
Category
Antique 19th Century British Campaign Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
19th Century Mahogany Writing Slope Befit with a Pair of Inkwells by J J Mechi
Sold
H 7.88 in W 19.69 in D 10.83 in
19th Century Mahogany Writing Slope Befit with a Pair of Inkwells by J J Mechi
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Item has lever action hidden compartment. Has an oval front brass plaque ideal for engraving a message if the item is a gift.
Category
Antique 19th Century British Campaign Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Antique 3 piece Inkwell and Candle Set
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 3 piece Brass English Victorian and Candle sticks set.
Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Vintage Art Deco Polished Brass Double Inkwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Art Deco polished brass double inkwell. Great patina. The set is made up of double inkwell with attached pen tray.
Category
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Antique World War 1 Trench Art British Tank 1919 Brass Inkwell Desk Set WWI
Sold
H 3.55 in W 6.3 in D 3.94 in
Antique World War 1 Trench Art British Tank 1919 Brass Inkwell Desk Set WWI
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Amazing ! This Trench art piece from 1919 "A British Mark IV tank" as a functional Inkwell desk decoration. Made out of shells, bullet casings & uniform buttons by soldiers in the t...
Category
Vintage 1910s Belgian Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Materials
Brass, Copper
A Portoro Black and Gold Marble Inkwell Desk set
Located in NYC, NY
A fine Desk Inkwell or Inkstand with groves for pens on the sides and front made in the rare Portoro Black and Gold marble. Simple modern design is similar in composition to one ...
Category
Vintage 1940s French Inkwells
Materials
Brass
English Desk Set with Inkwells from the Arts & Crafts Era
Located in Austin, TX
An English desk set of walnut with ebonised black accents with a moulded top with recessed area for pens and two fitted spaces for inkwells.
Category
Antique 19th Century English Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Ink well set with green marble
Located in Wien, Au
Ink well set with green marble polished and stove enamelled excellent condition
Category
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Inkwells
Materials
Marble, Brass
Antique Letter Holder, Inkwell, Art Nouveau, Circa 1930s, Belle Epoque
Sold
H 4.73 in W 5.91 in D 7.88 in
Antique Letter Holder, Inkwell, Art Nouveau, Circa 1930s, Belle Epoque
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique desk utensil from brass. Letter holder with inkwell.
Category
Vintage 1930s French Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Exquisite Victorian Rosewood & Leather Tooled Writing Slope, Inkwell and Pen
Sold
H 5.52 in W 16.15 in D 9.65 in
Exquisite Victorian Rosewood & Leather Tooled Writing Slope, Inkwell and Pen
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century Rosewood handcrafted exquisite writing slope with tooled leather, fitted interior befit with original glass inkwells and secret compartment. Would make an ideal gift fo...
Category
Antique 19th Century British Campaign Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Exquisite Victorian Rosewood & Leather Tooled Writing Slope, Inkwell and Pen
Sold
H 5.52 in W 16.15 in D 9.65 in
Exquisite Victorian Rosewood & Leather Tooled Writing Slope, Inkwell and Pen
Located in Reading, Berkshire
19th Century Rosewood handcrafted exquisite writing slope with tooled leather, fitted interior befit with original glass inkwells and secret compartment. Would make an ideal gift fo...
Category
Antique 19th Century British Campaign Desk Sets
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Malachite Inkwell Set
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
An early 20th century malachite inkwell desk set with two fitted crystal inkwells with brass lids, brass candle holder on malachite base, hexagonal malachite box and letter opener.
Category
Early 20th Century Inkwells
Materials
Malachite, Brass
Gilded Brass Desk Set
Located in Seattle, WA
Gilded Brass Set with brown and white agate stones: two candlesticks, one penholder, inkstand, stationery box and binder. Stationery box is marked: Howell - James & co Regent street ...
Category
Antique 19th Century English Inkwells
Glass and Brass Double Ink Set, USA, 1960's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of half circle glass and brass ink wells forming a circle, USA, 1960's.
Category
Vintage 1960s American Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Louis Vuitton Writing Set with Two Crystal Inkwells
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Double Bay, NSW
A custom-made piece from Paris, this incredible writing set is complete with two crystal ink wells from the famed St Louis crystal designer. Finished in LV monogram exterior with...
Category
2010s French Modern Trunks and Luggage
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Antique English Gilt Gold Brass Letter Holder and Double Inkwell Desk Set
Sold
H 7 in W 11.5 in D 7.5 in
Antique English Gilt Gold Brass Letter Holder and Double Inkwell Desk Set
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique English gilt gold brass letter holder and double inkwell desk set.
Category
Early 20th Century European Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Montblanc Writing Set, Fountain Pen Holder and Crystal Inkwell, circa 1960s
Sold
H 8.5 in W 12 in D 8 in
Montblanc Writing Set, Fountain Pen Holder and Crystal Inkwell, circa 1960s
By Montblanc
Located in Pau, FR
Très chic, never used Montblanc writing set, composed of a fountain pen holder and a leaded crystal inkwell with a heavy brass lid on a shiny black resin base, circa 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s German Modern Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Antique Ink Well Set Solid Brass & Marble, Desk Set, gifts for men, desk accessory
Sold
H 15 in W 12 in D 12 in
Antique Ink Well Set Solid Brass & Marble, Desk Set, gifts for men, desk accessory
Located in Harrisburg, PA
This solid brass antique ink well set has a beautiful patina the inside of the ink bowl sows evidence of much use. The screw holding the finial on the lid has been replaced. The...
Category
Antique 1870s Unknown Empire Inkwells
Materials
Brass
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White Shell Inlaid Antique Middle Eastern Damascene Damascus Mirror 66"
$14,900
H 66 in W 34 in D 1.5 in
White Shell Inlaid Antique Middle Eastern Damascene Damascus Mirror 66"
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Levantine Middle Eastern Moorish Damascene antique Mirror, Late 19th Century. White shell abalone Inlaid Middle Eastern Mirror. Antique Middle Eastern Moorish mirror in the Turkish S...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Lebanese Moorish Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace ...
Materials
Walnut, Shell, Abalone
French Empire Style Green Glass Inkwell with Gilt Mounts
Located in Nashville, TN
Second Empire green glass inkwell circa 1870 .rare color .Encased in gilt metal Empire styled mounts ,swans drinking from a fountain. The lid shows a woman with bust . The ovoid gree...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Empire Inkwells
Materials
Glass
Very Large Oriental Mirror In Marquetry, 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Very large mirror in the oriental style, with carved wooden decoration, geometric marquetry of wood, mother-of-pearl and bone, Moorish arch, cartouche with stylized Arabic inscriptio...
Category
20th Century Asian Moorish Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mirrors
Materials
Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Antique Writing Desk and Chair Set circa 1920s, Moorish Style Inlaid Desk
$9,250 / set
H 49.91 in W 43.71 in D 25.79 in
Antique Writing Desk and Chair Set circa 1920s, Moorish Style Inlaid Desk
Located in Miami, FL
Very fine antique Moorish style inlaid writing desk and chair set, circa 1920's. This hand-carved, intricately detailed example has absolutely incredible inlay work and fine woods to...
Category
Early 20th Century Lebanese Moorish Desks
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Monumental Antique Islamic Ottoman Safavid Astrological Astrolabe on Stand 1720
$29,000
H 76 in W 44 in D 32 in
Monumental Antique Islamic Ottoman Safavid Astrological Astrolabe on Stand 1720
Located in Portland, OR
An incredibly rare 18th Century monumental palace size Ottoman Islamic astrolabe on an easel stand, Turkey, circa 1720. This rare palace size Astrolabe on stand is in two sections, t...
Category
Antique Early 18th Century Turkish Islamic Scholar's Objects
Materials
Brass, Steel, Gold Leaf
19th Century Belgian Louis XV Style Repoussé Brass Inkwell with Letter Holder
$595
H 7.5 in W 11.5 in D 7.5 in
19th Century Belgian Louis XV Style Repoussé Brass Inkwell with Letter Holder
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a gentleman’s desk or study with this elegant antique inkwell and letter holder from Belgium, circa 1880. Designed in the Louis XV Rococo taste, the desk accessory stands on...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Louis XV Inkwells
Materials
Brass, Metal
Inkwell travel desk Islamic symbols
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Inkwell travel desk Islamic symbols Inkwell with Islamic symbols Circa 1900 Origin France Middle East Gold and silver patina with Islamic symbols and monograms Very good general cond...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Islamic Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
English Brass Two-Compartment Letter Holder with Neoclassical Decorations
$985
H 7.5 in W 8.5 in D 5 in
English Brass Two-Compartment Letter Holder with Neoclassical Decorations
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian brass letter holder featuring two compartments separated by highly decorative cast brass dividers with acorn finials and impressed domes, Condition: Good; Wear con...
Category
20th Century British Victorian Letter Openers
Materials
Brass
LOVELY ANTIQUE FRENCH BAROQUE REPOUSSE GiLT BRASS CHERUB INKWELL LETTER STAND
$926 / item
H 7.49 in W 11.82 in D 7.88 in
LOVELY ANTIQUE FRENCH BAROQUE REPOUSSE GiLT BRASS CHERUB INKWELL LETTER STAND
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique French Baroque Repoussé gilt brass Cherub ink well letter holder stand A very decorativ...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Inkwells
Materials
Brass
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Brass Inkwell Set For Sale on 1stDibs
Find many varieties of an authentic brass inkwell set available at 1stDibs. A brass inkwell set — often made from metal, brass and wood — can elevate any home. There are many kinds of the brass inkwell set you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A brass inkwell set made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Louis XV — is very popular.
How Much is a Brass Inkwell Set?
A brass inkwell set can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,650, while the lowest priced sells for $140 and the highest can go for as much as $5,260.
Finding the Right Desk-accessories for You
Whether you’ve carved out a space for a nifty home office or you prefer the morning commute, why not dress up your desk with antique and vintage desk accessories? To best tiptoe the line between desk efficiency and desk enjoyment, we suggest adding a touch of the past to your modern-day space.
Desks are a funny thing. Their basic premise has remained the same for quite literally centuries: a flat surface, oftentimes a drawer, and potentially a shelf or two. However, the contents that lay upon the desk? Well, the evolution has been drastic to say the least.
Thank the Victorians for the initial popularity of the paperweight. The Industrial Revolution offered the novel concept of leisure-time to Europeans, giving them more time to take part in the then crucial activity of letter writing. Decorative glass paperweight designs were all the rage, and during the mid-19th-century some of the most popular makers included the French companies of Baccarat, St. Louis and Clichy.
As paper was exceedingly expensive in the early to mid-19th-century, every effort was made to utilize a full sheet of it. Paper knives, which gave way to the modern letter opener, were helpful for cutting paper down to an appropriate size.
Books — those bound volumes of paper, you may recall — used to be common occurrences on desks of yore and where there were books there needed to be bookends. As a luxury item, bookend designs have run the gamut from incorporating ultra-luxurious materials (think marble and Murano glass) to being whimsical desk accompaniments (animal figurines were highly popular choices).
Though the inkwell’s extinction was ushered in by the advent of the ballpoint pen (itself quasi-obsolete at this point), there is still significant charm to be had from placing one of these bauble-like objets in a central spot on one’s desk. You may be surprised to discover the mood-boosting powers an antique — and purposefully empty — inkwell can provide.
The clamor for desk clocks arose as the Industrial Revolution transitioned labor from outdoors to indoors, and allowed for the mass-production of clock parts in factories. Naturally, elaborate designs soon followed and clocks could be found made by artisans and luxury houses like Cartier.
Find antique and vintage desk accessories today on 1stDibs.
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