What materials were traditionally used in Victorian brass desk sets?

These sets typically feature cast or rolled sheet brass with hand-fitted fastenings, often embellished with natural banded agate cabochons and beaded metallic borders.

How can an antique brass desk set be styled in a modern interior?

Place the set on a modern executive desk, home office credenza, or library console table to introduce warm metal tones and tactile Victorian craftsmanship.

for sale €1,463 $1,588

£1,250

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2016

View Dealers Stock Page

About Us

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.
Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

Relevant Links

Gothic Revival Desk Set

Victorian Stationery Casket

Id #SA1199784

PDF

SAVE

Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C

Name: Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1199784
Price: 1250 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Regent Antiques

Description

This is a fine antique Victorian brass and agate cabochon inlaid two piece desk set, circa 1860 in date.

The set comprises a dome topped rectangular stationary casket and a matching leather bound blotter both with stunning and decorative applied agate cabochon borders.

There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector.

Condition:

In excellent condition. As antique items, the pieces show signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, they display beautifully.

Dimensions in cm:

Height 2.5 cm x Width 22 cm x Depth 28 cm - Blotter

Height 16 cm x Width 22 cm x Depth 11 cm - Casket

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 inch x Width 9 inches x Depth 11 inches - Blotter

Height 6 inches x Width 9 inches x Depth 4 inches - Casket

Agate is the name given to numerous varieties of banded Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. Its name comes from the Achetes River in Sicily, where Agates were first found. Usually banded in layers, or stripes, some varieties have "eye" markings, or specks of colour, some have fossilized inclusions, and others are solid. Called the earth rainbow, the concentric bands of Agate form in nearly every colour the earth can produce, including a colourless form. There are various types of agate like: Blue Lace, Crazy Lace, Dendritic, Fire, Laguna & Moss.

Historically, Agate has been discovered with the artifacts of Neolithic people, and was used as healing amulets and ornamentation dating back to Babylon. Its medicinal uses continued through the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations, and spread throughout Africa and the Middle East into Russia. Agate sparked a world renowned stonecutting and polishing industry in Germany that flourished from the 15th to the 19th century, and exists today.

Meaning: Agate promotes inner stability, composure, and maturity. Its warm, protective properties encourage security and self-confidence. Agate stops the burning desires for things we do not need, and assists those juggling commitments or multiple jobs. Agate is useful as a protection amulet when traveling, and is especially effective against traffic accidents.

Cabochon gemstones generally have a smooth, domed top surface and a flat base. They are likely to have natural inclusions and markings and highlight other visual effects such as play of color, cat's eye, and asterism.

Our reference: A5113a

Physical Dimensions

Height

2.5cm (0.98")

Width

22cm (8.66")

Depth

28cm (11.02")

Declaration

Regent Antiques has dated this Victorian Brass Desk Set to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1199784

Dealers Internal Reference

A5113a

Description

This is a fine antique Victorian brass and agate cabochon inlaid two piece desk set, circa 1860 in date.

“

The set comprises a dome topped rectangular stationary casket and a matching leather bound blotter both with stunning and decorative applied agate cabochon borders.

Regent Antiques

fig 1. An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. — fig 1. Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C

There is no mistaking its unique quality and design, which is sure to make it a treasured piece by any discerning collector.

Condition:

In excellent condition. As antique items, the pieces show signs of use commensurate with age, these minor condition issues are mentioned for accuracy and, as seen in the accompanying photographs, they display beautifully.

fig 2. An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. — fig 2. Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C

Dimensions in cm:

Height 2.5 cm x Width 22 cm x Depth 28 cm - Blotter

Height 16 cm x Width 22 cm x Depth 11 cm - Casket

Dimensions in inches:

Height 1 inch x Width 9 inches x Depth 11 inches - Blotter

Height 6 inches x Width 9 inches x Depth 4 inches - Casket

fig 3. An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. — fig 3. Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C

Agate is the name given to numerous varieties of banded Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. Its name comes from the Achetes River in Sicily, where Agates were first found. Usually banded in layers, or stripes, some varieties have "eye" markings, or specks of colour, some have fossilized inclusions, and others are solid. Called the earth rainbow, the concentric bands of Agate form in nearly every colour the earth can produce, including a colourless form. There are various types of agate like: Blue Lace, Crazy Lace, Dendritic, Fire, Laguna & Moss.

fig 4. An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. — fig 4. Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C

Historically, Agate has been discovered with the artifacts of Neolithic people, and was used as healing amulets and ornamentation dating back to Babylon. Its medicinal uses continued through the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations, and spread throughout Africa and the Middle East into Russia. Agate sparked a world renowned stonecutting and polishing industry in Germany that flourished from the 15th to the 19th century, and exists today.

fig 5. An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. — fig 5. Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C

Meaning: Agate promotes inner stability, composure, and maturity. Its warm, protective properties encourage security and self-confidence. Agate stops the burning desires for things we do not need, and assists those juggling commitments or multiple jobs. Agate is useful as a protection amulet when traveling, and is especially effective against traffic accidents.

fig 6. An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. — fig 6. Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C

Cabochon gemstones generally have a smooth, domed top surface and a flat base. They are likely to have natural inclusions and markings and highlight other visual effects such as play of color, cat's eye, and asterism.

Our reference: A5113a

Physical Dimensions

Height

2.5cm (0.98")

Width

22cm (8.66")

Depth

28cm (11.02")

Date of Manufacture

Regent Antiques has dated this Victorian Brass Desk Set to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1199784

Dealers Internal Ref

A5113a

About the Dealer

Regent Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2016

We specialise in english and continental furniture, silver, porcelain and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Regent Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations

Regent Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA CINOA

PDF

SAVE

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons.

1 / 17

Archive I

Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C

Archive II

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View II

Archive III

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View III

Archive IV

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View IV

Archive V

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View V

Archive VI

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View VI

Archive VII

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View VII

Archive VIII

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View VIII

Archive IX

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View IX

Archive X

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View X

Archive XI

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View XI

Archive XII

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View XII

Archive XIII

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View XIII

Archive XIV

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View XIV

Archive XV

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View XV

Archive XVI

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View XVI

Archive XVII

An antique mid-19th century English brass desk set featuring a domed casket and matching tray, both set with polished agate cabochons. View XVII

During the mid-19th century, personal desk accessories gained prominence alongside the growth of postal services, featuring sheet brass construction decorated with polished semi-precious gemstones such as agate cabochons.

Authentic pieces display hand-cut gemstone mountings, subtle surface oxidisation in recessed details, heavy gauge brass, and precise hand-assembled joins rather than modern cast reproductions.

Dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and avoid harsh chemical abrasives that can strip historical patination or weaken the adhesives holding the gemstone cabochons.

Regent Antiques

Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Impressive Antique Coromandel and Mother of Pearl Desk Stand

Antique Armenian Brass Divit Qalamdan 18th Century Signed Traveling Pen Case

Mid 19th Century English Tortoiseshell & Inlaid Brass Desk Stand in the Napoleon III Style

Ntique Regency Rosewood Inlaid Writing Desk Set with Inkwells

19th Century Ormolu and Mahogany Desk Set

Magnificent Quality Antique 19th Century French Cast-brass Desk Set

Regent Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories

Regent Antiques

Antique English Brass Agate Cabochon Mounted Two Piece Desk Set Mid 19th C

Visitors also looked at these ⇣

Impressive Antique Coromandel and Mother of Pearl Desk Stand

Antique Armenian Brass Divit Qalamdan 18th Century Signed Traveling Pen Case

Mid 19th Century English Tortoiseshell & Inlaid Brass Desk Stand in the Napoleon III Style

Ntique Regency Rosewood Inlaid Writing Desk Set with Inkwells

19th Century Ormolu and Mahogany Desk Set

Magnificent Quality Antique 19th Century French Cast-brass Desk Set

Regent Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

What defines mid-19th century English brass desk accessories?

What materials were traditionally used in Victorian brass desk sets?

How can one identify authentic mid-19th century brass desk sets?

How can an antique brass desk set be styled in a modern interior?

How should antique brass and agate items be preserved?

Add keywords to the filter

Price

Era

Movements

Material

Origin

Stock Location

Freshness

Online Payments

Categories