1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

VERY OT: Glass what?

Discussion in 'PUBLIC Vintage Chatter - Anything and everything' started by Patentleathershoes, Dec 11, 2004.

  1. Patentleathershoes

    Patentleathershoes VFG Veteran VFG Past President

    This is a 1930s glass desk.....what?

    Of course I know what this is, but the proper name is escaping me. Not desk set. Desk tray? desk thingie...? It would hold pens, pencils, and other necessities. In the old days, the spaces were for two ink bottles, but nowadays paper clips and other whatnots are more in fashion.

    I know I will feel mighty silly when someone tells me.

    <img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/patentleathershoes/desk1.jpg" width=576 height=356>



    Chris
     
  2. jthomas6759

    jthomas6759 Registered Guest

    today i would call it a desk organizer, but back then.....i also like desk tray, but i also don't like desk set for this one single piece.
    julie
     
  3. bigchief

    bigchief Alumni VFG Past President

    Chris -

    I'm sure you're right about its intended function - but FWIW at first glance I thought 'cigar accessory' --- ?! I don't know, I'm probably nuts. Sometimes not a cigar is just not a cigar? Anyway it's a beautiful thing :)

    Vintage [something] Heavy Glass Desk Accessory?

    Carolyn
     
  4. I think I would be inclined to use both Tray and Organizer in my title!

    It's a pretty what-ca-ma-call-it!!

    ~Maureen
     
  5. Patentleathershoes

    Patentleathershoes VFG Veteran VFG Past President

    [​IMG]

    Well, there are no slots to have pens stand up like in a pen set. But I was told..which made sense...that two ink bottles would stand in those holes. However, i picked up a glass ink bottle seperately once and it didn't fit. I am thinking it was just a commercial ink bottle that you would put in there and toss out. I think a sponge for stamps or a rubber stamper would go in the middle.

    Maybe it could be a cigar thing, but maybe it was just never used. I don't know enough about cigars to say what would go where. Maybe matches in the middle?

    I was half considering parting with it because my office is not decorated like that anymore, but i may use it for something different. (and things you keep to "oh i will use that for pens" really does accumulate!)

    I have a small 30s glass freezer box I use in the bathroom to but my makeup in. It looks so much nicer than other bathroom specific items. This may find some sort of use with that. Not sure yet.

    I'll get rid of other things instead maybe :P Story of my life, right??!??
     
  6. artizania

    artizania Alumni + VFG Past President

    The horizontal grooves at the front - that's where you LAY down your pen/s...looks like you have room there for 2 or 3 pens.

    The centre rectangular section is for stamps, or bits & pieces (eg rubber band, paper clips etc)

    The two circular wells - yeah, you might fit a bottle in there, BUT more likely they would just be filled with.........ink!! (Remember, this is from the days when your pen would simply be a nib on a stick - so you have to keep dipping it in ink in order to write.)

    Nice attractive piece of office/desk furniture. Chris ...............I've seen them used NOW on dressing tables for various bits and bobs! :)
     
  7. b*a*vintagequeen

    b*a*vintagequeen Registered Guest

    My first thought was ink wells and the pens laying down in front....very nice piece!
     
  8. Patentleathershoes

    Patentleathershoes VFG Veteran VFG Past President

    Thanks guys.

    I get so tongue tied sometimes.

    various bits and bobs! "

    goodness knows I have plenty of those lying around ! Not to forget doodads and thingamabobs
     
  9. artizania

    artizania Alumni + VFG Past President

    Well Chris, as my old grandma used to say - " look after the thingamabobs and the doodads will take care of themselves"!!



    :)
     
  10. Patentleathershoes

    Patentleathershoes VFG Veteran VFG Past President

  11. bartondoll

    bartondoll Guest

    LOL Margaret!

    Chris, I would agree that now this would be called a desk organizer (and maybe then too), but I have also seen this type of item referred to as
    a desk butler. You could call it 'jeeves' :)
     
  12. hws4sale

    hws4sale Registered Guest

    What about a pen & ink caddy?
    Just my 2 cents worth.
    Paula
     

Share This Page