Lot 322

Antique Napoleon III Style Gilt and Ebonized Bronze Desk Set with Cut Glass Inkwells and Toledo Scissors 5"X12"X6"

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Antique Napoleon III Style Gilt and Ebonized Bronze Desk Set with Cut Glass Inkwells and Toledo Scissors 5"X12"X6"

Estimate: $5 - $1,000

Current Bid: $20

(4 Bids)

by Swisher Bros. Auction
June 7, 2026 3:00 PM EDT
Live Auction
471 Frankfort Rd
Shelbyville, KY, US 40065

This late 19th-century desk set is designed in the Napoleon III or Second Empire style, constructed from gilded cast metal, likely bronze or brass, with ebonized decorative elements. The rectangular base stands on four foliate-scrolled feet and is fitted with two square inkwells made of diamond-cut glass, topped with hinged gilded metal lids. A central lidded compartment features a cast figure of a reclining lion. A shallow, recessed pen tray runs along the front of the top surface, flanked by two ornate scrolled handles. The front of the stand houses a pull-out drawer with a wooden interior and a front face decorated with a dark-patinated metal frieze showing a grapevine and fruit motif. The drawer is fitted with a central bud-form pull. The underside of the set is covered in a worn brown felt baize. Accompanying the set are two accessories: a pair of scissors with gilded handles and etched blades marked TOLEDO at the pivot, and a paper knife with a dark ebonized wood handle and a steel blade.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa

Shipping

SHIPPING. Shipping may take 2 to 4 weeks. Bidders with an out of state address will automatically be set to ship unless pick-up arrangements are made during the pick-up days. We ship through a local 3rd party company, Fragile Pack, 502-423-0000. They collect all paid for items every Thursday (subject to change if schedules conflict), take them back to their location, pack it all up and will call you directly to verify the shipping address, collect shipping payment and provide all tracking information. Failure to complete the shipping, refusing to complete the shipping or in the event items are returned by the shipper due to no contact the items will be forfeited, your account will be disputed and banned from future sales, no refund will be issued. Shipping estimates unable to be given by the house and requests will be ignored. You can however, call the shipper directly.

Swisher Bros. Auction

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $299 $10
$300 $699 $25
$700 $1,499 $50
$1,500 + $100