What is a novelty inkwell?

A novelty inkwell is a functional desk container shaped to resemble an animal, bird or object like a cannon. These pieces disguised everyday utility behind whimsical figural designs popular in the Victorian era. Craftsmen cast them in brass or bronze, frequently incorporating glass eyes and hinged lids to conceal the glass ink insert within.

How do I date a brass desk set?

Dating relies on stylistic clues, manufacturing techniques and prevailing design movements such as Rococo Revival, Aesthetic Movement or Art Deco. Victorian pieces often feature heavy ornamentation and naturalistic animal motifs. Later Edwardian and 1920s examples introduce simpler geometric lines or streamlined forms, while maker marks and registration numbers stamped into the metal provide precise chronological reference points.

Were model cannons used on desks?

Model cannons produced in brass, bronze and cast iron served primarily as decorative paperweights or desk ornaments rather than functional artillery. Makers mounted them on wooden carriages made of oak or mahogany. These pieces reflect nineteenth and early twentieth-century military interests, often finished with polished metal barrels and functional carriage wheels.

How should I clean antique brass?

Antique brass benefits from gentle dusting and minimal intervention to preserve its accumulated age and patina. Aggressive metal polishes remove the historical surface darkening that collectors value. If cleaning is necessary, a soft cloth with mild soapy water removes grime without stripping the soft metallic sheen built up over decades of handling.

Home > Cast Brass Desk Accessory > Page 2

Cast Brass Desk Accessory

33 items · page 2 of 3

← Page 2 of 3 →

A cast brass desk accessory brings weight, character and utility to a workspace, offering solid metal construction shaped into inkwells, letter racks and bookends.

Wonderful Pair of Tall Ship Brass Book Ends – Circa 1930

1920 - 1940

Save

Wonderful Pair of Tall Ship Brass Book Ends – Circa 1930

From Kingsdown Antiques

£165

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Antique French Art Nouveau Copper Ink Stand

1900 - 1920

Save

Antique French Art Nouveau Copper Ink Stand

From Past to Present

£125

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

1920 - 1940

Save

World War II Bronze Paperweight.

From Jane Short Antiques

£100

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

19th century

Save

Victorian Knife Sharpener

From Hatchwell Antiques

£185

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Large Antique English Brass Owl Inkwell C.1890

19th century

Save

Large Antique English Brass Owl Inkwell C.1890

From Puckerings

£2,600

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Wonderful Large Antique Edwardian Brass Cannon

1900 - 1920

Save

Wonderful Large Antique Edwardian Brass Cannon

From Unique Antiques by Emma Jade

£425

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

Antique English Figural / Novelty Ostrich Inkwell C.1880

19th century

Save

Antique English Figural / Novelty Ostrich Inkwell C.1880

From Puckerings

£595

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Outstanding Antique Victorian Brass Desk Set

19th century

Save

Outstanding Antique Victorian Brass Desk Set

From London City Antiques

£485

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Large Victorian Agriculture Brass Letter Clip 1845 Whitehouse & Son Antique

19th century

Save

Large Victorian Agriculture Brass Letter Clip 1845 Whitehouse & Son Antique

From Andrew Nethercott Antiques

£120

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

1900 - 1920

Save

Polished Steel Signal Cannon

From Shackladys Antiques

£345

3+ MONTHS AGO

metal

Several desk pieces take the form of Scottish terriers, owls and French bulldogs equipped with staring glass eyes to watch over your daily correspondence.