Antique French marked Art Nouveau Bronze Wheat Sheaf Letter Opener , 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique French bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor and marked “Bronze” and “Fait main,” indicating hand-made production. T...
Bronze
Signed Rare Authentic Original French Art Nouveau Letter Opener Antique 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
French Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener, Feather and Pinecone Motif, 1890s to early 1900s A wonderful and original French Art Nouveau bronze letter opener, dating from the 1890s to ...
Bronze
20th Century Bronze Letter Opener in African Tribal Art Bakota Style
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Brass Figural Letter Opener, Bakota Style, Gabon, 20th Century This striking brass letter opener is crafted in the Bakota style of Gabon, Central Africa. The piece displays elegant ...
Bronze
Bronze Letter Opener Art Nouveau early 20th century signed Rischmann, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Superb Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener Bug, Flower & Leafs Motif Signed Rischmann, Late 19th–Early 20th Century An exceptional Art Nouveau bronze letter opener, signed Rischmann on...
Bronze
Antique Art Nouveau French Bronze Gilt Thistle Letter Opener Albert Marionnete
By Albert Marionnet
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Art Nouveau French Bronze Gilt Thistle Letter Opener Albert Marionnet France Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: Length 31.5cm Of notably large size, this letter opener is a...
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Art Nouveau French Ormolu Gilt Bronze Letter Opener E. Famin
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Art Nouveau French Ormolu Gilt Bronze Letter Opener E. Famin France Bronze Early 20th Century Dimensions: Length: 25cm This fine letter opener dates to the early 20th...
Bronze, Ormolu
Gucci Brown Leather Desk Letter Opener with Equestrian Motif, circa 1970
By Gucci
Located in Atlanta, GA
This rare Gucci-designed luxury leather desktop accessory was meticulously crafted in Italy, circa 1970. This exquisite letter opener embodies refined elegance and superior mastery.
Gold Plate
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Bronze Letter Opener with Mercury Handle
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century French Neoclassical gilt bronze letter opener with Mercury God motif on handle By: unknown Material: metal, bronze, copper, tin Technique: cast, molded, metalwork,...
Bronze, Tin, Copper, Metal
Art Nouveau gilt bronze letter opener, France, circa 1910 E. bernadaud
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Art Nouveau gilt bronze letter opener, France, circa 1910 – attributed to E. Bernaud Description: Elegant and refined letter opener from the Art Nouveau period, made in France aroun...
Bronze
Eagle Motif French Art Nouveau Letter Opener Antique 1900s signed Mauroy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
We are offering this wonderful and original heavy french art nouveau letter opener. The design dates back to the early 1900s to 1910s, the object is made of Bronze. We believe that t...
Bronze
Letter opener, solid bronze floral laburnum decor, Jugendstil Art Nouveau France
Located in Wien, AT
Very nice example of a letter opener, made out of solid bronze, from the famous Jugendstil - Art Nouveau period, around 1900. This object is a beautiful desk accessory made of high...
Bronze
19th Century Bronze Letter Opener with the Bust of a Lady
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful 19th century letter opener acquired in Paris France. The piece has the bust of a period lady at the top and is very sophisticated and elegant. A compliment to any desk or...
Bronze
Beautiful Bird Claw Bronze Letter Opener, Vienna Austria, 1920s Vintage Antique
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian bronze letter opener. Nice addition to your room, on your desk top or just for your collection of Austrian midcentury items. Found at an estate sale in V...
Bronze
Vintage Lerche Solingen German Desk Set with Scissors, Letter Opener and Stand
By Hans Stoltenberg-Lerche
Located in San Diego, CA
A sophisticated vintage desk accessory set by Lerche of Solingen, Germany, comprising a pair of precision scissors, a matching letter opener, and the original cylindrical stand. Exec...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
Antique Art Deco Art Nouveau Hammered Gilt Bronze Ormolu Floral Letter Opener
Located in Greven, DE
Antique Art Deco Art Nouveau Hammered Gilt Bronze Ormolu Floral Letter Opener Continental Bronze Early 20th Century Dimensions: Length 25.5cm Using a variety of crafting te...
Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Nature Grape Vine Letter Opener Silvestre Lyon
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Nature Grape Vine Letter Opener Silvestre Lyon France Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: Length 28cm Showcasing the beauty of the Art Nouveau style...
Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Nude Girl Bronze Letter Opener, 1910s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle ...
Bronze
Large Bronze Letter Opener Art Nouveau late 19th century signed DeLaune, France
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Superb Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener Signed DeLaune D´Apres Rude, Late 19th–Early 20th Century An exceptional Art Nouveau bronze letter opener, signed on the front and marked wit...
Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Bird & Roses Letter Opener, 1900s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique French bronze letter opener dating to the 1900s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and ...
Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Wheat Sheaf Letter Opener, 1910s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique French bronze letter opener dating to the 1910s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and ...
Bronze
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Goat Oak Leaves Nature Animal Letter Opener
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Goat Oak Leaves Nature Animal Letter Opener France Bronze c. 1900 Dimensions: Length 20cm Designed and made at the turn of the 20th centur...
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique French Signed Art Nouveau Bronze Duck Figure Letter Opener by Frecourt
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique French bronze letter opener by the sculptor Maurice Frécourt. Circa 1900. It is signed "Frécourt". This piece is in good condition with signs of age and use. Dim...
Bronze
Antique Gilt Bronze Letter Opener with Figure of a Dog, circa 1900
Located in Petaluma, CA
We bought a nice collection of letter openers and a few were very special, this is one of them. A nice presentation of an adorable dog moving along on the handle portion of the lette...
Bronze
Vintage Solingen German Desk Scissors & Letter Opener Set with Red Leather Case
Located in San Diego, CA
A finely crafted vintage desk set from Solingen, Germany, comprising a pair of precision steel scissors and a matching letter opener, housed in its original red leather sleeve. Known...
Gold Plate, Stainless Steel
A bronze paper knife letter opener depicting a dachshund head, Austria 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
The paper knife or letter opener was originally used for cutting open the pages of hand-produced books where the folding of the printed sheets creates some closed edges that require ...
Bronze
Antique French Art Deco Bronze Gemini Zodiac Sign Letter Opener Max Le Verrier
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Greven, DE
Antique French Art Deco Bronze Gemini Zodiac Sign Letter Opener Max Le Verrier France Bronze c. 1920s Dimensions: Length 21cm With a design inspired by the zodiac signs, th...
Bronze, Ormolu
Bronze Letter Opener Knife Depicting an Eagle Made by Sculptor Jules Moigniez
By Jules Moigniez
Located in North Miami, FL
Late 19th century bronze letter opener knife depicting an eagle made by french animalier sculptor Jules Moigniez By: Jules Moigniez Material: bronze, copper, metal Technique: lost w...
Bronze, Copper, Metal
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Gold Gilt Rope Letter Mail Holder, circa 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A small gold gilt 'rope' style desk letter mail holder, circa 1960s. Piece is metal with a gold gilt overlay in a rope design. A great piece for desk to hold small papers, etc., show...
Metal
A bronze paper knife opener dipicting a perched owl, Austria 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
The paper knife or letter opener was originally used for cutting open the pages of hand-produced books where the folding of the printed sheets creates some closed edges that require ...
Bronze
A bronze paper knife opener depicting a elephant head, Great Britain 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
The paper knife or letter opener was originally used for cutting open the pages of hand-produced books where the folding of the printed sheets creates some closed edges that require ...
Bronze
French Blue Gold and White Porcelain Desk Letter Mail Holder from Paris
Located in New York, NY
A French white porcelain desk letter or mail holder with small flowers and leaves in the Rococo design style, circa mid-20th century, Paris, France. Piece with scalloped edge is hand...
Porcelain
Vintage 20thC French Solid Silver & Gold Bookmark By S.T. Dupont, Paris
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Vintage 20th century French solid silver and gold bookmark/letter opener by S.T. Dupont of Paris.
Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Gold Pocket Penknife with Sheffield Steel Blades, 1899
Located in Nottingham, GB
A fine late Victorian 9ct gold penknife, hallmarked in Birmingham in 1899, combining practical design with the craftsmanship and quality materials characteristic of the period. The ...
Gold
Must de Cartier “Trinity Vendôme” Ballpoint Pen Gold & Silver France circa 1980s
By Cartier
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Must de Cartier “Trinity Vendôme” Ballpoint Pen, Gold & Silver Plate, France, circa 1980s An iconic vintage ballpoint pen by Cartier from the sought-after Must de Cartier Vendôme lin...
Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Dragon Motif Fountain Pen, Gold Overlay on Black, Acura, Mint in Box Circa 1990
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Acura Dragon Motif Fountain Pen, Gold Overlay on Black, Mint in Box, Late 20th Century A bold and highly decorative vintage fountain pen by Acura, featuring an elaborate high-relief ...
Resin
Art Nouveau Bronze Paper Knife Page Turner With Female Bust By Alexandre Caron
By A. Caron
Located in Norwich, England
An excellent Art Nouveau bronze paper knife page turner, depicting a female bust, and terminating in a blunt tapering point. Alexandre Caron (French, 1857-1932) signed 'A Caron', Le...
Bronze
$1,536Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Desk Set in Bronze by Gusum, A 5 Pieces Set, Signed
By Gusums Bruk
Located in Paris, IDF
A very rare desk set of 5 pieces made by Gosum. Sweden. Signed Bronze.
Bronze, Brass
German Brass and Leather Desk Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic leather desk set with chrome and gold letter opener and scissors with ribbon engraving.
Metal
Letter Opener and Ruler, 1980s Germany
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant gold colored metal letter opener with a metric ruler engraved along top edge.
Metal
Hermès Paris Letter Opener in Silver and Gold with Original Leather Case
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Hermès Paris Letter Opener in Silver and Gold with Original Leather Case An elegant letter opener from Hermès Paris, a refined piece that reflects the unmistakable sophisticated mini...
Bronze
Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Opener
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts and Craft or Art Deco period bronze "Zodiac" pattern letter opener By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 10.5...
Bronze
Bronze Letter Opener Set designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Matched Set with Bronze Letter Opener og Tray designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Bronze letter opener with tray in light-bronze * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B1502 & LB...
Bronze
Letter Opener Sterling Silver Blue Enamel on Guillochè Salimbeni
By Salimbeni, Giorgio Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Shaped letter opener with rectangular base in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamels on guillochè.
Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré and Abalone Letter Opener
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze and inlaid abalone letter opener By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 10"W x 1"D x 0.38"H...
Bronze
Bronze Deer Head & Letter Opener Sculpture Paperweight Antique, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative paperweight and Letter opener sculpture. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal or bronze. This item was purchased at an estate sale in Vienna,...
Metal, Bronze
Antique French Bronze Inkwell & Letter Opener, Signed "A. Marionnet" Circa 1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Bronze Inkwell with Letter Opener, Signed "A. Marionnet" Circa 1890. Inkwell: 9 1/2" H x 14 3/4" W x 9 1/2" D Letter Opener: 1/4" H x 12" W x 2" D
Bronze
Unicorn Mythical Creature Vienna Bronze Letter Opener, Antique Austria 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s Austrian letter opener. It has a nice patina. I did not clean it, so the next owner can decide what he wants to do with it. This highly collectible vintage piec...
Brass, Bronze
$316Sale Price / set|20% Off
French Set of Champleve Enameled Small Inkwell and Letter Opener
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a small bronze champleve enamel set of an inkwell and letter opener. Both of them depicts colorful hand painted flowers, “C” scrolls and foliages. The resting plate of the in...
Bronze
$476Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany Zodiac letter opener with fantastic patina # 1095 Arts and Crafts
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Mobile, AL
A gorgeous Tiffany Studios Zodiac pattern letter opener. These retains significant amounts of red colored patina and some green. And, although gorgeous, please note there is a ripp...
Bronze
Bronze desk Shell Plate and Letter Opener Auböck Hagenauer Era, Germany, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Karl Hagenauer
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Bronze metal shell plate element and letter opener element Origin: Germany Material: Bronze Wonderful bronze metal element shell plate and letter opener made in ...
Bronze
Fountain pen Ballpoint pen Tray and Letter Opener for Desk Set enamel Salimbeni
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Luxurious Desk Set Description:Elevate your workspace with this sophisticated set of desk objects, comprising a ballpoint pen, fountain pen, tray, and letter opener, all crafted from...
Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver
Art Deco Luxury Saddle Leather and Brass Desk Set, Italy, 1960
By Hermès, Jacques Adnet
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Classic 3-piece leather desk set in the style of Jacques Adnet, French Hermes designer with brass and chrome and brass letter opener and scissors. Letter metal gold plated letter op...
Metal, Brass
Shiebler Sterling Silver Letter Opener in Medallion-Inspired Homeric
By George W. Shiebler & Co., Galt & Bro., Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Homeric sterling letter opener. Made by George W. Shiebler & Co. in New York, ca 1890.
Gold, Sterling Silver
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.
The French sculptor shaped dense blocks into tactile forms meant to be used and held.
After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.