$1,717Sale Price|20% Off
Unusual Architected Marble Bronze and Crystal Inkwell, Italy, 1890
Located in Brussels, BE
A cut crystal inkwell inserted in a massive architectural beige marble base.
Marble, Crystal, Bronze
$1,520Sale Price / set|41% Off
19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut Dog and Cat Head Inkwells with Pen Rest
Located in Haarlem, NL
I have never seen this before. He has no inkwell insert.
Glass, Bone, Walnut
Art Deco Desk Inkstand Set Marble, Inkwell and Pen Holder
Located in Poperinge, BE
In good condition consistent with age and material; there are a few small chips along the edge of the pen holder, and the glass inkwell insert is missing—please check the photos for ...
Marble
Franz Bergman Style 19th-Century Austrian Bronze & Coconut Camel Inkwell
By Franz Bergmann
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This hinged lid lifts to reveal the original gilt-lined inkwell insert, intact and well-preserved. The inventive pairing of natural exotic material with finely worked bronze reflects...
Bronze
Antique Victorian Inkwell with Glass Insert
Located in Stamford, CT
Decorative Victorian brass inkwell with a glass insert a nice size and good conversation piece for any desk.
Brass
$283Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Gutta-Percha Inkwell, Original Glass Inserts, Circa 1880s
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional Gutta-Percha inkwell with original glass inserts.
Glass, Resin
French Empire Steel Inkwell with Gilt Bronze Trim and Glass Inserts
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire (19th Century) steel inkwell with gilt bronze trim with four original glass inserts and a side drawer.
Bronze, Steel
Antique Gutta-Percha Inkwell, Desk Pen Tray With Glass Insert, Circa 1880s
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkstand with one glass for the ink in the center. Made of Gutta-Percha in a very nice condition.
Glass, Resin
19th Century English Walnut and Mother-of-Pearl Oval Inkwell with Glass Insert
Located in Dallas, TX
Add a touch of 19th-century elegance to your desk with this Victorian Aesthetic Movement inkwell, crafted in England circa 1870. The oval base is built from warm walnut and features ...
Mother-of-Pearl, Walnut
Bronze Western Fighting Buffalo Inkwell Green Onyx Base
Located in Toledo, OH
The inkwells are embossed with a fenced pastural scene and hold porcelain removable inserts.
Bronze
$800Sale Price|36% Off
Iridescent Art Nouveau Art Glass Inkwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Also includes original glass insert. The inkwell is in great condition with no chips, hairlines or repairs.
Art Glass
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Vienna Bronze Cold Painted Pineapple Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vienna bronze cold painted pineapple inkwell with porcelain insert.
Bronze
$800Sale Price|36% Off
Iridescent Art Nouveau Art Glass Inkwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Also includes original glass insert. The inkwell is in great condition with no chips, hairlines or repairs.
Art Glass
$750Sale Price|40% Off
Iridescent Art Nouveau Art Glass Inkwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Also includes original glass insert. The inkwell is in great condition with no chips, hairlines or repairs.
Art Glass
Vintage Gilt Bronze and Marble Inkwell
By G. None
Located in Bronx, NY
The figure is costumed in a draped gown & holding a long flowing shawl around her. Two decorative inkwells with glass inserts accent both sides of the bronze figure & this trio is mo...
Marble, Bronze
$752Sale Price|20% Off
Stately Antique Brass Bronze Inkwell, Around 1880
Located in Berlin, DE
Original glass insert. Inkwell with paw feet standing on a square molded marble base.
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Bronze Chinese Dragon Boat Inkwell 19th Century
Located in Rochester, NY
Chinese dragon boat double inkwell. Original glass inserts. Circa 1870's bronze.
Metal, Bronze
Vintage French Renaissance Silver Plated Figural Italian Inkstand Desk Inkwell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Renaissance Silver Plated Figural Italian Inkstand Desk Double Inkwell. Item features double inkwell with inserts, central candlestick holder, paw feet, figural faces...
Silver Plate
Period French Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Japanese Lacquer Chinoiserie Inkwell Tray
By Vernis Martin
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce nearly 300 year old Louis XV (1715-1774) period French gilt bronze ormolu mounted Japanned encrier (inkwell or inkstand) Paris, France, circa 1750, exceptionally executed i...
Bronze, Ormolu
$425Sale Price|34% Off
Bohemian Czech Art Nouveau Art Glass Inkwell with Water Lily Overlay
By Loetz Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
Also includes original glass insert. The inkwell is in great condition with no chips, hairlines or repairs.
Metal, Brass
$324Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Double Inkstand With Glass Inserts, Gutta-Percha, France, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkstand with two crystal inkwells. The base and the lids are made of gutta-percha, a molded resin, France, circa 1880. The lids feature brass hinged collars. A cla...
Glass, Resin
Early Villeroy & Boch Stoneware Inkstand
By Villeroy & Boch
Located in Forney, TX
Modeled as naturalistic grapevines, reminiscent of chamberstick form, the parcel gilt inkstand has three inserts, including an inkwell and pounce pot/ sander.
Pottery
Black Forest Antler Desk Set
Located in Northport, MI
The composition features an integrated letter or card holder formed from antler tines, paired with an original brass inkwell insert, creating a striking blend of organic material and...
Antler, Horn
A 19th Century Russian Hand-Cut Crystal and Dore Bronze Encrier de Bureau
Located in New York, NY
One open vessel is fitted with a pierced gilt bronze cover intended as a sander or pounce pot, while another retains an open circular collar designed for an inkwell insert. A narrow ...
Crystal, Ormolu
Edwardian English Leather Jewellery Box, Hinged Inkwell & Travel Toiletry Piece
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Antique Edwardian early XXc English pieces: leather jewellery box with a key, leather cased hinged inkwell with inner glass insert & leather travel toiletry piece / travel fla...
$2,950Sale Price|25% Off
Very Fine Linke Figural Doré Bronze Crystal Inkwell Ormolu Drawer Candelabra
By François Linke
Located in Roslyn, NY
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...
Bronze
19th Century French Black Forest Carved Walnut Smoker’s Desk Set
Located in Dallas, TX
A circular opening at the front is designed to hold an inkwell or removable insert, while the inset brass cup serves as an ash receiver or match holder.
Walnut
Art Deco Belgium Black Marble Desk Set Decorated with Bronze Bird
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Deco Belgium black marble desk set This 3-piece desk consists of an inkwell (with the original brass insert) Penn holder and a rocker blotter.
Belgian Black Marble
$953Sale Price|20% Off
Bronze Ink Set Around 1900
Located in Berlin, DE
Bronze ink set around 1900 Solid bronze, in the middle an inkwell with original glass insert. Germany, around 1900.
Bronze
Grand Tour in Bronze. Model of the Temple of Hercules Victor, Mid-19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Such models were often conceived with a practical secondary function: this example was most likely originally fitted as an inkwell with a glass insert, or possibly intended as a perf...
Marble, Bronze
Silver Plate Golf Ball Ink Well Lidded Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A handsome Silver Plated Golf Ball, which at one point was an Inkwell with a glass insert. The glass, while could be substituted, is no longer with the piece.
Silver, Silver Plate
Tiffany Studios Pine Needle Bronze and Slag Seven-Piece Desk Set
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Northport, MI
The set includes: A lidded inkwell with original glass insert An elongated pen tray A small stamp desk box (note: this slag glass panel has a viable fracture) A large paper cli...
Bronze
TIFFANY STUDIOS, BRONZE "PINE NEEDLE" INKWELL WITH GLASS INSERT
By Tiffany Studios
Located in New York, NY
TIFFANY STUDIOS, EARLY 20TH CENTURY, SIGNED AND NUMBERED BRONZE "PINE NEEDLE" INKWELL WITH GLASS INSERT AND GLASS LINING. SIGNED "TIFFANY STUDIOS NEW YORK 847".
Antique Austrian Vienna Bronze Dog Inkwell, circa 1900
Located in Torreon, Coahuila
Antique Vienna bronze dog inkwell circa 1900 Has the insert.
Bronze
Very Rare Original Frankart Figural Lady Inkwell & Pen Holder
By Arthur von Frankenberg
Located in Coral Gables, FL
The very rare American art deco figural inkwell and pen holder was designed in early 1920’s by sculptor Arthur Von Frankenberg for his company “Frankart” .The young lady has her han...
Spelter
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...
Brass
Unavailable
H 3.75 in W 8.25 in D 4.25 in
Antique French Empire Style Ink Stand, Desk Inkwell, France 1880, H527
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique French Empire style ink stand, desk inkwell, France 1880, H527 France 1880 Floral mounts to the back Gilt pierced three quarter gallery on top Pair of gilt inkwells with lid...
Brass
Unavailable
H 2.25 in W 5.5 in D 5.25 in
Antique Silver Plate Arts Crafts Double Inkwell Pen Rest, Scotland 1920, H550
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Silver Plated Double Inkwell With Pen Rest, Arts & Crafts, Scotland 1920, H550 Scotland 1920 Silver Plate Shaped open back with pen rest Pair of inkwells with ceramic insert...
Silver Plate
Antique Classic Brass Ink Well
Located in Seguin, TX
Circa 1890's brass inkwell with glass insert. Monogramed WRE on top, likely gilt finish at one time which has now worn off.
Brass
Unavailable
H 4 in W 9 in D 9 in
Antique Art Nouveau Gilt Bronze & Brose Double Inkstand, Scotland 1910, H547
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Art Nouveau gilt bronze & brose double inkstand, Scotland 1910, H547 Scotland 1910 Brass Shaped back with pen rest. Pair of inkwells with ceramic inserts. All standing on ...
Brass
Tiffany Studios Desk Set, Pine needle
By Tiffany Studios
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany Studios Desk Set, gold bronze dore, consisting of 4 blotter corners #997, 2 blotter ends #998, 1 pen tray #1004, Hand blotter #995, calendar #930, postal scale #872, stamp ...
Bronze
19th Century French Renaissance Revival Cast Bronze Inkwell
Located in Dallas, TX
This wonderful relic survives with its porcelain inkwell inserts, circa 1870 Measures 6 H x 11.5 W x 7.5 D.
Bronze
Tiffany Favrile Glass and Sterling Silver Decorated Inkwell by, Tiffany Studios
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Englewood, NJ
An extremely rare American Art Nouveau Tiffany Favrile Glass Decorated Inkwell by, Tiffany Studios decorated in an organic squash or gourd like form with iridescent zipper decoration...
Sterling Silver
Antique French Spelter Inkwell by A. Ouvet
Located in Victoria, BC
Enscribed “EXPOSITION COLONIALE PARIS 1931”. Missing inkwell insert. Measures approx. 6.25”w x 2.75”d x 4.5”h The exposition took place in the Vincennes Park, located to the ea...
Spelter
Rare Tiffany Studios Inkwell with Butterflies and Blue Glass Insert
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Petaluma, CA
A very special piece of Tiffany is what we are offering. All cast in bronze with exceptional patina, and iridescent blue glass liner and lid. All there, nothing missing or damaged. ...
Bronze
Sold
H 5.25 in W 6.75 in D 6.75 in
Egyptian Revival Figural Pharaoh Bronze & Brass Inkwell With Glass Insert c1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
This Antique Egyptian Revival inkwell, crafted from cast bronze and brass, dates to approximately 1880. The central bronze figure, depicting a pharaoh or deity adorned with a nemes h...
Bronze
Art Nouveau Double Inkwell, w/Original Glass Inserts by B&H, ca. 1910
By Bradley & Hubbard
Located in Petaluma, CA
This beautiful little inkwell has a strong commitment to the art nouveau movement. From the cameo of a woman with flowing hair to the finely detailed inkwell lids depicting swirling ...
Iron
Tiffany Studios “Grapevine” Inkwell
By Tiffany Studios
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany Studios New York square patinated bronze "Grapevine" inkwell with glass insert. circa 1900. Pictured in: William R.
20th Century Bronze Crab Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
20th century bronze crab inkwell. Great detail and original insert still present.
Bronze
Italian Bronze and Marble Inkwell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Bronze and marble inkwell with original glass insert. Footed urn with tilt lid and bronze pen rests mounted on burgundy marble.
Marble, Bronze
Tiffany Studios Pine Needle Inkwell
By Tiffany Studios
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany Studios New York square gilt-bronze "pine needle" inkwell with glass insert. Pictured in: William R.
Ormolu
Bronze Poodle Inkwell, France, 19th Century
Located in Norwalk, CT
A detailed figure of a standard poodle stands on this antique inkwell. All bronze with wood bottom. Interior holes for inkwells.
Bronze
Art Nouveau Tiffany Studios Scarab Inkwell
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Englewood, NJ
A rare American Art Nouveau bronze and glass and inkwell by, Tiffany Studios decorated as three scarabs with a lid and further decorated with a clear glass insert.
Bronze
Pewter Inkwell by Just Andersen, GAB Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Værløse, DK
Minimalist Pewter Inkwell designed by Just Andersen in 1930. * Pewter inkwell with glass insert and tray * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1119 * Manufacturer: GAB, Sweden (Gulds...
Pewter
Sold
H 4 in W 12 in D 10 in
Antique French Figural Louis XV Style Figural Bronze Double Inkwell Inkstand wit
Located in Chicago, IL
Item features cast bronze lions and central face, double inkwell with glass inserts, pen holder and other ornate pierced bronze details.
Bronze
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau "Blown Out" Inkwell by, Tiffany Studios
By Tiffany Studios, Louis Comfort Tiffany
Located in Englewood, NJ
An American Art Nouveau cast bronze, patinated and glass "Blown Out Inkwell" by, Tiffany Studios with. a rich patinated cast bronze reticulated and further blown out green glass an...
Bronze
Rare and Early Georg Jensen Ink Well in Sterling Silver with Glass Insert
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rare and early Georg Jensen ink well in sterling silver with glass insert. Dated 1915-1930. In very good condition. Early stamp. Measures: 21 x 13.5 cm.
Silver
Maison Boin-Taburet French Ormolu Bronze Inkstand
By Boin-Taburet
Located in Astoria, NY
Maison Boin-Taburet French Ormolu Bronze Inkstand, late 19th century, with cherub writing on a tablet surrounded by books flanked by two covered inkwells with clear glass inserts, ma...
Bronze, Ormolu
Sold
H 18 in W 10.25 in D 7.25 in
19th Century French Gilt Bronze Bouillotte Lamp with Inkwell & Marble Base
Located in Milford, NH
A fine French gilt bronze bouillotte lamp with double inkwell and glass inserts mounted on a green variegated marble base with pen holder, on a footed bronze base.
Marble, Bronze
Sold
H 3.75 in W 9.75 in D 4.5 in
Cold Painted Vienna Bronze 2-Piece Desk Set with Parrots, circa 1910
By Franz Bergmann
Located in Petaluma, CA
This 2-piece desk consists of an inkwell, with the original ceramic insert, and a rocker blotter.
Bronze
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.