A few weeks ago, I was at an Estate Sale and spotted this darling little desk set. I ask about it and the young man said it was his grandmother's and he knew nothing about it.
As I stood there looking it over, he went inside and got his grandmother and she came out. She was delighted that I was so intrigued with the set.
She said it was German but had no idea how old it was. It had been in her family for over 50 years tho.
It is made of heavy metal and painted. The set consists of a small stand up calendar. The pages are kind of like a perpetual calendar. You switch out the days and the month title.
The other piece was for "calling cards" - probably what we would call business cards.
This is the ink well and also holds the ink pen.
It even has the little heavy glass ink well in it still.
This was the piece I could not identify. It is curved on the bottom with a felt like fabric on it and a handle on top.
This is the bottom of it. She informed me it was a blotter. After you used the ink to write, you blotted it with this piece so as not to blur your writing. The felt is rather worn. But, I will leave it as is.
Interesting set, eh?
Enjoy!
Judy
This set is so precious! I'm so glad grandma was on hand to fill you in on its history.
ReplyDeleteThanks Betsy. Isn't it sweet? And the little grandmother that owned it was so excited that I was excited about getting it.
DeleteJudy
What a lovely surprise. I wouldn't have guessed metal although that makes such good sense because the desk set has retained its beauty. Love the teal colour and how very nice that you could meet the woman who had it all this 50 years.
ReplyDeleteJoy
It is really heavy. I was surprised when I picked it up. A treasure for sure.
DeleteJudy
I've never seen anything like it! How neat to get the whole set! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe someone hadn't snatched it up before me.
DeleteJudy
OK.. I'm jealous. I collect inkwells. How much did you have to pay for it? Sure you don't want to sell it to me? :-) I think the one part is for holding letters. The front of the inkwell is for holding the dip pen for writing, I bet there was a matching pen at one time. The blotter held absorbent material, possibly felt, for blotting up with the ink would flow out too much from the pen when writing. You're so lucky! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteYou'll really be jealous when I tell you I only paid $10 for the set! I love it and think I'll keep it. I thought the same thing about there was probably a pen with it at one time. The blotter does have felt on the bottom. It's a little worn but that makes it more precious to me.
DeleteThanks for visiting.
Judy
Such a sweet set!! Love the color and the uniqueness of it all.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda. I thought it was such a sweet set also.
DeleteJudy
What a find! I've never seen a set like that. Plus it must have been nice to talk to the lady.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I had never seen a set like that either especially the blotter. The little lady was so thrilled that I fell in love with it and wanted it.
DeleteJudy
I was hoping you bought this set and glad you did, now it has a good home.
ReplyDeleteI saw it and did buy it. Without any hesitation! LOL
DeleteThanks for dropping by.
Judy
What a sweet bit of history! It is lovely and I love the colors.
ReplyDeleteFlowerLady
It was so neat talking to the lady it belonged to. She was excited that I was excited. LOL
DeleteJudy
What an amazing find. Great set and a joy to find out the history of it.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Thanks Brenda. I was certainly intrigued by it.
DeleteJudy
I've never seen anything like this and to find the complete set. It is such a pretty shade of blue. So glad you found out the history of the set. Lucky, lucky find!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that at one time, there was probably a pen that went with it. But, I'm lucky there were as many pieces as there were.
DeleteJudy
I LOVE that set! So wonderfully folky and charming. I have an ink blotter that I got years and years ago.
ReplyDeleteSo nice talking to you yesterday, my friend!
xo
Claudia
Thanks Claudia! I just love the set. Good talking to you. I always enjoy hearing your sweet voice.
DeleteJudy
How sweet! The little painting on it is so pretty. That's a great find. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacey. I think it is a treasure for sure.
DeleteJudy
How precious. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy!! I was very lucky to find it.
DeleteHave a good weekend.
Judy
Love it:) enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!
ReplyDeleteThanks Theresa! Have a great weekend.
DeleteJudy
It's a magnificent set. I love everything about it, the color, the style. How lucky to find such rare pieces.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dayle. I think at one time, it probably had a pen to fit in the curved out section of the inkwell but I feel fortunate to get as many pieces as I did.
DeleteThanks for dropping by.
Judy
Judy, what a precious set. Good find and so sweet that you got to talk to the woman who owned it. I was going to say it was a blotter, but you beat me to it..I answered you to thank you for your kind words to me, but in case you don't get it, I am telling you again..Happy Weekend..Judy
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy! Love that I got to talk to the lady and she was so delighted that I was so thrilled with the purchase. Hope you are doing well.
DeleteJudy
Judy, It's definitely a one of a kind piece! Great find! I know you will put it in a very special place!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Jody ♥
Thanks Jody!! I'm in love with it.
DeleteJudy
This set is gorgeous! Will you display it on a desk in your house?
ReplyDeleteThanks Mel. I have a small room off of my bedroom that is going to be a little office. I have a 50+ year old Ethan Allen drop front secretary that I will be using and I'm sure it will go there. I haven't gotten to that room yet. LOL
DeleteJudy
This little desk set is interesting, and I love the turquoise color. That was nice of the grandmother to come out and tell you about it, and how special that it has been in her family for over 50 years! Just the fact that it's German and from another country makes it so interesting. I always enjoy your finds, Judy.
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
Thanks Sheri - I was amazed someone else hadn't snatched it up.
DeleteHave a good weekend.
Judy
It is a beautiful set, imagine all the letters it has seen.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
Thanks Meredith. I can only imagine it's history.
DeleteJudy
Judy what a wonderful find and oh the History!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty color too:)
Thanks Jemma. I feel very fortunate to have found it.
DeleteJudy
That is a sweet little desk set, in a beautiful color! It looks well cared for; I bet someone treasured it even before the grandmother. Nice find!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it was well loved for a long time!!
DeleteThanks for visiting,
Judy
You have a wonderful eye for finding beautiful and unusual things. I think it is a gift. Can't wait to see your new home as you near finishing it. Big job I'm sure but it will be very special and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHi ,, i love your blog ,, you have a new follower
ReplyDeleteAngelica
Hi Angelica - Thank you and I'm excited you are following.
DeleteHave a great weekend.
Judy