Desk Accessories
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Desk Accessories For Sale
Carl Auböck Nickel Plated U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", model #4617-2, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Identical to the brass key ring...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Italian Lucite Pen Pencil Desk Holder By Designer Rede Guzzini
By Rede Guzzini
Located in New York, NY
An Italian Lucite pen, pencil, marker and small paper desk organizer/holder, Postmodern period or Modern style, by designer Rede Guzzini, circa 1980s, Italy. A great desk accessory a...
Category
1980s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Lucite
Italian Alabaster Marble Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
An Italian dark brown alabaster marble jewelry box with a blue matte metal hinge. Box can hold jewelry or other small items. A great piece for a...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Alabaster, Metal
A Pair of Ketland and Co. Flintlock Pistols
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of 18th century English flintlock pistols by Ketland and Co. having proof-marked brass barrels, walnut stocks and engraved steel locks, both with original ramrods and both in ...
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Walnut
$3,900 / set
TRAVERTINE SPHERE, Sahi Natural Stone Ball, Book Shelf and Coffee Table Decor
Located in St Petersburg, US
SAHI by Haand: 10 cm (4") travertine sphere, crafted with exceptional hand quality. This elegant decorative object seamlessly blends natural beauty with versatility, making it an ide...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Minimalist Desk Accessories
Materials
Travertine, Marble
Hand-Crafted Solid Walnut Paperweight by Sam Maloof
By Sam Maloof
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice hand-crafted solid walnut block paperweight by Sam Maloof, circa 2000s. The piece was crafted in the Maloof wood shop with his classic joinery and is in like new conditi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American American Craftsman Desk Accessories
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Rosewood Writing Slope Decorated With Beautiful Inlay Throughout
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Beautiful 19th Century Rosewood Writing Slope Decorated With Stylish Inlay Throughout.
The slope features a well executed fitted interior.
Interior when folded out, is finished wit...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
$1,369 Sale Price / set
40% Off
Stylized Sitting Cat Sculpture / Paperweight by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous stylized sitting cat sculpture / paperweight by Baccarat, circa 1990s. The piece is in excellent condition with no visible imperfections and has great clarity. Signed on the...
Category
Late 20th Century French Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...
Category
Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Desk Accessories
Materials
Malachite, Bronze
Jewelry Box Rhodonite Quartz Bronze
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and rare pink and black rhodonite quartz jewelry box with bronze/brass frame and a midnight blue velvet interior, circa early-20th ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Desk Accessories
Materials
Quartz, Brass, Bronze
Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Seahorse Handmade Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist seahorse keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Orange Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Chinese Puddingstone Calligraphy Brush
Located in Chicago, IL
Along with paper, ink and inkstone, the brush is one of the Four Treasures of the scholar’s studio. Arguably the most important tool, the brush served as a direct link to the artist’...
Category
20th Century Chinese Desk Accessories
Materials
Stone
Caithness Glass Ascension Paperweight by Alastair Macintosh Scotland, Ca 1980
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful Caithness glass paperweight named "Ascension", designed by Alastair Macintosh and dating to the last quarter of the 20th century.
The paperweight has a cone, egg shaped form, having colours including blue swirl with orange net to the centre and medium bubble and smaller controlled bubbles, making a very distinctive design.
The Caithness Glass Company began making paperweights circa 1962 Paul Ysart,Colin Terriss,Alistair Macintosh,Margot Thomson Inns Burn where some of Caithness makers designers of Caithness glass paperweights.
The makers mark is etched to the base with CAITHNESS ASCENSION SCOTLAND and a scratched edition number alongside as per the images.
This paperweight weighs about 500 gram.
Caithness glass
The company was founded in 1961 by Robin Sinclair and initially only made bowls, vases and drinking glasses. After Paul Ysart joined the company a year later, that paved the weigh for Paperweight production, with regular factory production starting in the late 1960s.
In 1974 the first millefiori and lampwork paperweights...
Category
20th Century Scottish Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Blown Glass
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Pearl Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Tangerine Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can ...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Resin
Italian Snakeskin Picture Frame, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A '70s Modern Italian red burgundy suede and snakeskin picture frame, circa 1970s, Italy. Frame can sit in two positions: vertical (as shown) o...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Animal Skin, Suede, Glass
Vintage Japanese Cast Iron Gourd Suiteki Water Dropper
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage cast iron suiteki water dropper in the shape of a gourd. Traditionally used for calligraphy or ink painting. Made in Japan, original sticker attached.
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
Tapio Wirkkala Stainless Steel Puukko Knife with Leather Sheath Hackman Finland
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala Puukko Knife by Hackman Finnish Design
This vintage Puukko knife, designed by renowned Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala and produc...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Emperor Wilhelm I. Metal Catchall Shows National Monument, Antique German, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful metal tray or catchall to hold quills. Made of cast Iron, has some nice patina, but this is old-age. A beautiful piece for your desk or any room. It was made for the 100th ...
Category
1890s German Art Nouveau Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Iron
Fine Quality Antique Victorian French Freestanding Inlaid Boulle Desk Set
Located in Suffolk, GB
Fine quality antique Victorian French freestanding inlaid boulle desk set having a quality ornate shaped brass handle flanked by a pair of original cut glass inkwells with inlaid bou...
Category
1850s French Victorian Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
$1,694 Sale Price
20% Off
Handsome Frog Prince Crystal Paperweight By Marcolin Art Crystal Sweden c1988-91
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Wearing a crown of silver inclusions, a handsome frog prince paperweight of clear crystal by Marcolin, Sweden
Italian brothers Josef and Benito Marcolin founded Marcolin in Sweden af...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Elephant Handmade Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist elephant keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte A...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Tiffany
Co. Sterling Silver Letter Opener
By Tiffany
Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver letter opener.
Additional Details:
In sterling silver.
By Tiffany & Co.
Marked to the end of the handle for Tiffany & Co. / 925 / © / 1995
Simply a wonderful letter...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
Classic Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Vendome Trinity Rollerball Pen
Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Vintage Cartier 18ct Gold Plated Vendome Trinity Oval Rollerball Pen Complete With Cartier Box
Guarantee Card.
Made in Paris, France
Cartier pens are designed by Cart...
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold Plate
Malachite Jewelry Box
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful and substantial green Malachite decorative or jewelry box, circa late-20th century. This green Malachite box has a hexagon shape with a white onyx marble star with gold gilt detail on top lid. A great decorative piece or jewelry box (as demonstrated), to hold necklaces, rings, earring, cufflinks, etc., on a vanity, nightstand, dresser, desk, credenza, walk-in-closet, etc. Very good condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Dimensions: 3.38" Depth x 4" Width.
Purple charoite box shown also available, search 1stDibs ref. #: LU1314228491742
Green malachite box with cameo, search ref. #: LU1314228492012 (SOLD)
Small gold and malachite turtle...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Malachite, Onyx
$1,850
Murano White Latticino Filigrana on Pink Glass Paperweight, Vintage
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Murano glass paperweight features white filaments intricately superimposed and intertwined within the coral pink glass in filigrana or latticino technique. Controlled bubble...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
New Brush Stand Solid Wenge Wood Small Holds 12
Located in Somis, CA
Our calligraphy brush stands are made of solid wenge wood, a prized, sustainable, exotic wood with beautiful grains. Top of the stands are deco...
Category
2010s Chinese Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood, Wenge
$49 Sale Price / item
34% Off
Daum Crystal Marly Car Relief Paperweight or Decorative Sculpture
By Daum
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning crystal car paperweight or decorative sculpture is by Daum, France, and was hand-made in the 1980s. The design is from artist and sculptor Xa...
Category
1980s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Elsa Peretti for Tiffany
Co. Sterling Silver Padova Magnifying Glass
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver magnifying glass.
In sterling silver.
Designed by Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
In the Padova pattern.
Marked to one side of the handle for Tiffany & Co. / © Elsa ...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Sterling Silver
English Wedgwood Basalt Jasperware Scallop Seashell Box, circa 1980s
By Wedgwood
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful special edition English Wedgwood black basalt Jasperware small oval box with gold scallop seashell design, circa late-20th century, 1980s, England. Piece is matte black stoneware with gold scallop seashell design on top lid. The box was created in the mid-1980s as a special edition for members of the Wedgwood Collectors Society, marked on inside lid area in gold (as shown.) Markers mark 'Wedgwood', 'Made in England', on bottom as shown. Piece can neatly hold a cocktail ring or other small items, etc., or just be beautiful as a standalone piece decorative object. English wood box...
Category
Late 20th Century English Desk Accessories
Materials
Stoneware
Black Forest Wood Carved Brienz Bear Inkwell German Vintage, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1890s black forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a Bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and glass eyes. Found at...
Category
1890s German Black Forest Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Wood
Beautifully Styled Ceylonese Porcupine Quill, Lidded Dark Wood Conical Pot
By SILVA (Sri Lanka)
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Superb Ceylonese porcupine quill lidded pot in a most unusual conical shape
Fashioned in dark wood and decorated with quill pieces
All quills are present and in excellent order. Int...
Category
1950s Sri Lankan British Colonial Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Hardwood
Mini Briefcase Business Card Holder Burgundy Faux-Croc — NOS with Mirror 1990s
Located in Toronto, CA
A standout 1990s novelty accessory, this miniature briefcase card holder is crafted in a rich burgundy faux-crocodile texture with gold-tone hardware and fully functioning latches. I...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Post-Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Mirror, Faux Leather
$171 Sale Price / item
25% Off
Black Box Bird Duck Mosaic
Located in New York, NY
A black resin rectangular box with mosaic inlaid mallard duck bird on pond with cattail plant flower; all inlaying was done by hand with natural materials...
Category
Late 20th Century American Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
Christmas Ceramic Houses for Candle Light Deco in Shape of a Village Around 1970
Located in Wien, AT
Handcrafted Christmas ceramic houses for candle light deco in shape of a village around 1970s
The church dimensions are:
Hight: 25cm
Wide: 11cm
De...
Category
1970s German Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Ceramic
XL Calligraphy Brush Jade Archer
s Rings 17" Engraved
Located in Somis, CA
The extra large, extraordinary 17" Chinese calligraphy brush captivates with its fusion of history, symbolism, and artistic finesse. Comprising a collection of seven jade Archer's ri...
Category
2010s Chinese Qing Desk Accessories
Materials
Jade
$360 Sale Price
20% Off
Murano Opalescent White Blue Bubbles Italian Art Glass Dove Bird Figurines
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful pair of vintage Murano hand blown opalescent blue and white, with controlled bubbles Italian art glass dove bird figurines. The pair is documented to the Fratelli Toso Comp...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Opaline Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
$487 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Milan, IT
Optical microscope signed F.lli Koristka Milano n. 42870 produced between 1920/30, of chromed and black painted brass, three-magnification turret, consisting of a stand and a plate w...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
French Bronze and Gilded Bronze Inkwell and Candlestand 19th Century
Located in Cheltenham, GB
A large and impressive early 19c French bronze and gilt bronze inkwell, the central chased handle with a pair of candle arms terminating in lion masks, 2 tray wells either side of a ...
Category
19th Century Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
$2,065 Sale Price
48% Off
KITA LIVING Hikari Oil Burner
Located in Bomonti, TR
Dedicated to moments of tranquillity and serenity, Hikari Oil Burner is a living object that embodies a form within the balance of the Japandi style and the 1980s deconstructivism movement. It defines a sculptural volume of conic pieces that complete each other distinctively. Crafted with softly brushed aluminium, Hikari Oil Burner is designed by Gökhan Eryaman and İsmail Dağlı...
Category
2010s Turkish Japonisme Desk Accessories
Materials
Aluminum
$219 / item
Italian Typewriter Olivetti 1930 Ivrea M40
By Olivetti
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian typewriter Olivetti 1930 Ivrea M40.
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Metal
$1,245 Sale Price
30% Off
Art Deco Gray Stone Chinese Stamp with Hand Carved Guardian Lion Motif
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Art Deco stamp was realized in China, circa 1925. It features a volumetric rectangular body crowned with a hand carved guardian lion (a Chinese leitmotif) and accompan...
Category
1920s Chinese Art Deco Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Jade
Large Antique Campaign Brass Mounted Writing Box. English C.1840
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful solid tropical hardwood writing box or slope
Fabulous colour and figure in the wood
Fine brass hardware
2 side drawers and one secret drawer*
Replaced leather
With Key...
Category
1840s English Campaign Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
CHANEL Snow Globe
By Chanel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
CHANEL winder holiday snow globe featuring Chanel gift bags, boxes, and N.5 perfume bottle / Made in France
This comes in original box
Diameter: 4 inches / Height: 5.5 inches
1 avail...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
$525 Sale Price
30% Off
1930s Art Deco Portoro Marble and Brass Italian Desk Set
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An art deco desk set manufactured in Italy in the Thirties, in original conditions with small signs of use and age, brass it's in original patina. Dimensions are of the Inkstand. Thi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble, Brass
Early 19th Century French Ormolu Bronze Inkwell
Located in Greven, DE
Empire Inkwell on Circular Base
Origin: France
Material: Gilt bronze (Ormolu)
Date: Circa 1800–1810
Dimensions:
H × D: approx. 16 × 19 cm
Description:
Classical-style inkwell in t...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
1970s Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Silver Plate Elephant Figurine Paperweight
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Dansk Mid-Century Silver Plate Animal Elephant Figurine Paperweight.
Vintage Dansk silver plate elephant figurine paper weight.
Marked Dansk Designs Japan.
Dimensions: 1.75ʺW × 2.25ʺ...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Scandinavian Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Silver Plate
Cartier Santos 18ct Gold Plated
Brushed Steel Ballpoint Pen in Original Box
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Cartier Brushed Steel
18ct Gold Plated Santos Stylo Bille Must II
Pen comes with Hard Case and Booklet
Cartier pens are designed by Car...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Gold Plate, Steel
Victorian Military Campaign Burr Walnut, Brass Writing Slope
Leather Interior
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique British Military Campaign 19th Century Burr Walnut
Brass Bound Writing Slope With Ebonized Trim.
The Interior Features a tooled Blue Leather Scriver, A Single Glass Ink...
Category
19th Century British Campaign Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Brass
$1,584 Sale Price / set
60% Off
Tiffany Studios New York Pine Needle Bronze Doré and Slag Glass Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze and slag glass "Pine Needle" pattern inkwell
By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside)
New York, USA, Early 20th Century
...
Category
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Teak Desk Georg Petersens Selectform Denmark Letter Paper Entryway Table Shelf
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Georg Petersens Selectform desk organizer, Denmark, c.1960s. Great condition.
W 23.5 x D 8.5 x H 6 in
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Teak
Baccarat Rare Concentric Close Pack Mushroom Glass Paperweight
By Baccarat
Located in Bishop
s Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare antique French glass paperweight containing a close pack mushroom design by renowned glass makers Baccarat and dating from around 1850. The large and heavily made paperweight ...
Category
1850s French Antique Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass
1930s Art Deco Portoro Marble Italian Inkwell and Signature Pad
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Very precious Italian inkwell and signature pad with original paper. It's made with very rare portoro marble, particular for its black with brown and gold veins. Price is for the com...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Desk Accessories
Materials
Marble
Fratelli Toso Murano Blue Millefiori Flower Italian Art Glass Paperweights
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Priced per item (3 different designs available).
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown flower designs Italian art glass paperweights. They are documented to the Fratelli Toso company....
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine
$240 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Erik Höglund Art Glass Medallions - Sculptural Ashtrays or Paperweights, Sweden
By Erik Höglund
Located in Bochum, NRW
Erik Höglund Art Glass Medallions - Sculptural Ashtrays or Paperweights, Sweden, 1960s
A striking pair of hand-cast glass medallions by renowned Swedish artist Erik Höglund, circa 19...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Art Glass
Toso Murano Green Orange Millefiori Flower Italian Art Glass Paperweights
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Priced per item (3 different designs available).
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown flower design Italian art glass paperweights. They are documented to the Fratelli Toso company. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Murrine, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
$240 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Baccarat Paperweight with Millefiori and Horse Gridel Silhouette, 1973
By Baccarat
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Baccarat paperweight features complex patterned millefiori set around a large horse silhouette cane, with smaller animal silhouette canes placed on a white lace background.
...
Category
1970s French Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso
1980
s Postmodern Memphis Design George Matsumoto Magic Cube Hidden Office
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Ingenious, Memphis Era, Postmodern "Magic Cube" with hidden compartments filled with desk/office supplies.
Designed by renowned Japanese-American, modernist architect, George Matsum...
Category
1980s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Desk Accessories
Materials
Plastic
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 ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Desk Accessories
Materials
Bronze
Antique, New and Vintage Desk Accessories
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.