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Antique Desk Sets

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Bronze Pair of Letter Holders with Horses and Nymphs
Located in Newark, England
definition, set against a rear-mounted tower of tiered letter compartments. The tiered racks are adorned
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Pattern Bronze Doré Stamp Box
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
, Arts & Crafts, or Art Nouveau decor. Several matching desk accessories available separately.
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Pattern Bronze Doré Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
, Arts & Crafts, or Art Nouveau decor. Would also make an excellent catchall. Several matching desk
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Doré Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze "Zodiac" pattern desk letter holder
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

English Edwardian Mahogany Book Stand, Circa 1900
Located in High Point, NC
ornament for any desk or bookcase. It is truly a lovely piece.
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Mahogany, Satinwood

French Art Deco Mahogany and Brass Letter Stand, 1920s
Located in Knivsta, SE
the 1920s–1930s, this letter stand would have originally graced a refined desk or writing table
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze and Abalone Blotter Ends With Leather
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
, together with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside of blotter
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century Viennese Bronze Pen Wipe Pig Figurine, circa 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
a special addition to any collection of Viennese bronzes, desk figurines, or early 20th-century
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Victorian Campaign Brass Bound Coromandel Writing Slope With Secret Compartment
Located in Reading, Berkshire
three small drawers. Item is sold with a new quill pen set, two glass inkwells &; a working key
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Victorian Campaign Brass Bound Writing Slope With A Green Leather Interior
By Joseph Bramah
Located in Reading, Berkshire
illustrative purposes. Exquisite Gift For The Writing Enthusiast. Antique lap desks had hinged writing
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Viennese Bronze Pen Wipe Figurine, circa 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
a special addition to any collection of Viennese bronzes, desk figurines, or early 20th-century
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Antique Victorian Rosewood Writing Slope With Inlaid Brass Leather Interior
Located in Reading, Berkshire
. Calendar shown for illustrative purposes. Exquisite Gift For The Writing Enthusiast. Antique lap desks
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Pair Of Antique Roycroft Hammered Copper Bookends With Galleons c1910
Located in Big Flats, NY
border, and the copper has developed a rich patina over time. Te set is signed.
Category

Early 20th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Copper

Roycroft Arts Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Letter Opener, Circa 1920s
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
original vintage condition, with beautiful patina. Several matching desk accessories available separately.
Category

1920s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass, Copper

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré and Abalone Letter Opener
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
. Several matching desk accessories available separately.
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Roycroft Arts Crafts Brass Finished Hammered Copper Pen Tray, 1920s
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
vintage condition, with beautiful patina. Several matching desk accessories available separately.
Category

1920s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass, Copper

Roycroft Arts Crafts Hammered Brass Over Copper Letter Rack
By Roycroft
Located in South Bend, IN
original vintage condition, with beautiful patina. Several matching desk accessories available separately.
Category

1920s American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass, Copper

19th Century Rosewood Writing Slope Decorated With Beautiful Inlay Throughout
Located in Reading, Berkshire
quill pen set, large vertical Glass Silver inkwell And The Original "shannon ruler". main pic at bottom
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Blotter Corners With Leather Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous set of four Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze blotter corners featuring
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Henry Chawner Georgian Sterling Silver Ladies Inkstand
By Henry Chawner
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
sterling silver desk Standish has a navette shaped form onto four bracket feet. This inkstand is
Category

1780s English George III Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

19th Century Rosewood Writing Slope Decorated With Beautiful Inlay Throughout
Located in Reading, Berkshire
a green velvet slope with a gold trim. Item is sold with a new quill pen set working key
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Massive Vienna Bronze Double Devil Figure Match Holder with Tray
Located in Danville, CA
This is a rare massive double Devil figure desk tray match holder. The winged devils are holding a
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Rosewood Writing Slope Decorated With Beautiful Inlay Throughout
Located in Reading, Berkshire
slope. Item is sold with a new quill pen set working key with silk key swing. When in writing
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Vinyl Record Stand by Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
This orange vinyl record stand was produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden during the second half of the 20th century. Executed in molded plastic, the piece reflects the functional yet gra...
Category

Early 1900s Scandinavian Modern Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Plastic

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze "Zodiac" pattern desk letter holder rack
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Antique Bachelor s Writing Slope, English, Correspondence Box, Regency, C.1830
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
box dating to the Regency period, circa 1830. A superior example of portable desk furniture
Category

1830s British Regency Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

French Arts and Crafts, Copper Wall Hanging Letter Rack
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
holders set on an Oak frame, the copper plates and the arts and crafts style depicting 2 old kitchens, one
Category

1920s Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Copper

Tiffany Studios New York Modeled Greek Key Bronze Blotter Ends
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ends signed to the underside) New York
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York "Adam" Bronze Doré Blotter Ends With Leather Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
or Neoclassical style swags, with a custom green leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

French Champlevé Enamel Ormolu Letter Rack, Late 19th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
champlevé enamel and gilt bronze letter rack, dating to the late 19th century. This jewel-like desk
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Ormolu

French Empire Gilt Bronze and Marble Standish
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
French Empire Gilt Bronze and Marble Standish 19th Century. The bust inscribed on the reverse Baril 1830. The rectangular green and white marble platform supporting a bust of Napole...
Category

19th Century Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Empire Cast Iron Pocket Watch Stand with Martial Decoration, circa 1820
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Cast Iron Pocket Watch Stand with Martial Decoration, circa 1820 Striking Empire-period pocket watch stand in cast iron, dating from the early 19th century, circa 1820. A po...
Category

1820s Empire Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Iron

English Victorian Ebonized Seal Presser
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian ebonized and gilt corporate seal presser with stenciled floral design.
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Sets

French Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Pen Tray
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau sterling silver rectangular pen holder tray with floral corners.
Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Desk Sets

Block holder in rosewood with silver application
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Notepad holder in rosewood with silver application in relief with Portuguese symbols, cut-out crown and reference to D. Manuel II King of Portugal. Metal: Silver. Origin...
Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

Rosewood letter holder with silver applications, monogram card
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Rosewood letter holder with silver applications, monogram card and rectangular base with pearly frieze. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight...
Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

19th Century Bronze Letter Rack - Gothic Revival
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
decorative, this letter rack is both functional and collectible, perfectly suited for a refined desk or
Category

1890s French Gothic Revival Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Stone block holder with red tones, silver appliqués, and raised flower lid
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Stone block holder with red tones, silver applications and a raised flower on the lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 855.74 grams. D...
Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

Silver tower-shaped pen holder resting on a base with four half-ball feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver tower-shaped pen holder resting on a base with four half-ball feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Javali II. Title: Weight: 64.92 grams. Dimensions: 1...
Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

Silver Libra holder with reliefs
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver pound holder with reliefs. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: Birmingham. Weight: 19.51 grams. Dimensions: 3x1.5cm. Content: 925/1000. Assay Mark: Yes, 1910. ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

Silver Libra holder with reliefs
Silver Libra holder with reliefs
$150 Sale Price
50% Off
Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Doré and Abalone Pen Brush
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Nouveau or Art Deco period gilt bronze and inlaid abalone pen brush or pen wipe By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measu...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York American Indian Pattern Bronze Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze "American Indian" pattern desk
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Graduate Pattern Bronze Blotter Ends
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
" pattern, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside of blotter
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Bronze Doré Pen Tray
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Deco or Arts & Crafts gilt bronze pen tray featuring Zodiac designs By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures:...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Zodiac Pattern Bronze Letter Rack
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period bronze "Zodiac" pattern desk letter holder rack
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Victorian Silver Plate Writing Slope In The Shape of a Book With Compartments
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Unusual Victorian Oak Desk Slope In The Shape of a Book With Internal Divisional Sections Complete
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

American Country Style Oak Gavel
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style oak judges gavel.
Category

Early 20th Century American Rustic Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Oak

French Bronze Card Holder Ashtray
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian (19th Century) bronze card holder / ashtray in the form of an open woven basket with 2 handles.
Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Ash

American Country Style Wood and Brass Gavel
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style wood and brass judges gavel.
Category

Early 20th Century American Rustic Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

English Victorian Reception Bell
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian-style receptionist bell with a square black metal base supporting a brass harp holding the bell.
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Silver blotter with engraved plant motifs, raised handle and surrounding frieze
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver blotter with engraved plant motifs, raised handle and surrounding frieze. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 146.62 grams. Dimensi...
Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze and Abalone Rocker Blotter
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Art Nouveau or Art Deco period gilt bronze and inlaid abalone rocker ink blotter By Tiffany Studios (signed on the side) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measu...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze Zodiac Bookends, Circa 1910
By Tiffany Studios
Located in South Bend, IN
& Crafts, or Art Nouveau decor. Several matching desk accessories available separately.
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Bronze

Silver paper clip with King Luiz for the Lisbon Agricultural Exhibition
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver paper clip with the figure of King D. Luiz and alluding to the Lisbon Agricultural Exhibition. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

Silver blotter with cutout handle and stone Art Nouveau base
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver blotter with cutout and relief on the handle, on a stone base in the Art Nouveau style. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Javali II Title. Weight: 444.12 ...
Category

19th Century European Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

Rare English Regency Writing Slope With Decorative Brass Trim by Wells Lambe
By John Lambe
Located in Reading, Berkshire
writing desks (writing boxes, as we know them today) and dressing cases. Antique lap desks had hinged
Category

19th Century British Regency Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Mahogany bookstand 19th century
Located in MILL, NL
Solid mahogany book stand / book holder. From England, 19th century. Adjustable as desired. Dimensions: 33W x 38H x 21D cm
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Desk Sets

Materials

Mahogany

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Antique Desk Sets For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique desk sets is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, bronze and wood, all antique desk sets available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of antique desk sets available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique desk sets bearing Victorian or Art Nouveau hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Many antique desk sets are appealing in their simplicity, but Tiffany Studios, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Platerías Martínez produced popular antique desk sets that are worth a look.

How Much are Antique Desk Sets?

Antique desk sets can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,766, while the lowest priced sells for $95 and the highest can go for as much as $74,861.

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.

Questions About Antique Desk Sets
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An antique Davenport desk is a small writing desk, usually with four drawers on one side. The desk would have elaborately decorated supports and a recessed space for adequate legroom. Shop a collection of Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Davenport desk is a type of small desk with a distinct inclined desktop. The desktop covers a large storage compartment meant for keeping paper and other writing materials. Popular in the 19th century, Davenport desks are still sought after today. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique Davenport desks from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    What antique desks are called depends on their design. A desk with chair cutouts on both sides is a partner desk, while one with a pull-down writing surface is a secretary. On a Davenport desk, the desktop lifts to reveal a storage area. Find a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 5, 2024
    To identify an antique tea set, look closely to determine who the manufacturer is. Locate the hallmark on the bottom of a saucer, teapot or cup. A maker’s mark on one of these items is the best indicator of the set’s origin. If you snap a photo with your smartphone or tablet, you can conduct a reverse image search to jump-start your research. Professionals recommend consulting auction catalogs, books and trusted online resources such as museum exhibition materials. With some research, you may be able to match the marking to the manufacturer's name and, from there, identify the pattern and age. 

    In 17th-century England, Chinese tea began to arrive at ports in London. Mass production of porcelain tea sets took place in the 18th century, and during the early 1800s, tea became widely affordable, and the concept of teatime took shape all over England

    Reputable soft-paste porcelain makers include Sèvres, Capodimonte and Chelsea, while Meissen was the first European maker of hard-paste porcelain. Bone china manufactories of note include Spode, Minton and Derby, which was later called the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company.

    Generally, a tea set is considered vintage if it’s at least 20 years old, while antiques are at least 100 years old. Although a maker’s mark is generally a helpful indicator of a given manufacturer, forgeries have occurred over the years. Look for other signifiers of a material, time period or style if you are uncertain of your piece’s origin. For help with identification, seek out a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer.

    Find antique tea sets on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    To tell if a roll-top desk is an antique, look closely at the materials. Real antiques feature hardwoods like cherry, mahogany and black walnut. If you detect the use of engineered woods, the desk is a reproduction. Also, early pieces show off irregular dovetail joints. Joints that appear perfectly uniform indicate that a roll-top desk is a more recent mass-produced piece. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted antique roll-top desks.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A variety of factors can determine the exact age of an antique roll top desk. Some things to look for is the type of wood and craftsmanship used to create the desk. Typically, older desks will be made from heavier wood. You can also check for a maker’s marks to determine the age. When in doubt, work with a certified appraiser to determine the authenticity of your roll top desk. You’ll find a variety of expertly vetted roll top desks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    An antique secretary desk will range in value depending on its authenticity and condition. The price can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On 1stDibs find the antique secretary desk you’re looking for today.