How do I identify Victorian pieces?

Victorian desk items often feature heavy sterling silver, turned fruitwood, or intricate brass mounts reflecting nineteenth-century design trends. Look for British hallmarks on silver items or traditional forms like string boxes and apprentice chests.

Were these items meant for daily use?

Most desk accessories served practical purposes in offices and writing rooms, from dispensing string to holding postage stamps and ink. Their robust construction in metal and dense wood allowed them to withstand regular handling by writers and clerks.

How do I date Art Deco items?

Art Deco pieces typically date from the 1920s and 1930s, featuring geometric styling and modern materials like Bakelite, Catalin, and opalescent glass. Stylised animal forms and mechanical novelties such as table lighters are also characteristic of this era.