Railway Signal Bell or Quirky Countertop Courtesy Bell
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Railway Signal Bell or Quirky Countertop Courtesy Bell Dating from the late 19th century this is a Railway Brass Signal Bell. This lovely period railway item is well made, and woul...
Brass
Old Bronze Hand Bell, Town Cryer’s or School Bell
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Old Bronze Hand Bell, Town Cryer’s or School Bell A Great piece, the bell is made in solid bronze and has a beautiful lignum vitae turned handle and a loud ring The bell is 12” hig...
Bronze
Set of Seven Leather Volumes of Daniel De Foe's Works
By George Bell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare set of Daniel Defoe's works published in 1878 by George Bell & son's in London. George Bell & Sons was a reputable publisher in the 19th century, known for producing ...
Leather, Paper
Victorian Brass Courtesy Counter Top Bell, Reception Desk Bell
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian brass courtesy counter top bell, reception desk bell Made in solid brass, in good ready to use with a demanding ding, the bell is 4” in diameter and 4” high NV315.
Brass
Victorian Brass Courtesy Counter Top Bell, Beehive Brass Bell
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian brass courtesy counter top bell, beehive brass bell Made in the style of a beehive solid brass, good and ready to use with a high pitched ding, the bell is 3” in diamete...
Brass
19th C Handheld Muffin Bell Town Crier Fire Alarm Bell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Usually two Criers would use them to alert the town folks. The bell works great and the sound is very loud. Rare and collectible.
Metal, Bronze
Antique Asian Bronze buddhist bell Tibetan Meditation Prayer Ghanta Bell
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique Asian Bronze buddhist bell Tibetan Meditation Prayer Ghanta Bell. Buddhist Tibetan Meditation Prayer Bell. A Bronze ritual bell "DRILBU" in Tibetan or commonly known as "Ghan...
Bronze
Victorian Decorative Iron Courtesy Counter Top Bell, Reception Desk Bell
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Victorian Decorative Iron Courtesy Counter Top Bell, Reception Desk Bell Made and cast in iron, in good condition and ready to use with a demanding ding, the bell is 6” in diameter ...
Iron
Large Antique Heavy Bronze Bell, College, Ship or Servants’ Bell ca. 1880
Located in Nottingham, GB
A magnificent and exceptionally substantial late 19th-century bronze bell, presented in its impressive original-style oak lattice support. Measuring approximately 10 inches across th...
Bronze
Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell This is a very heavy piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell This is a very heavy piece the clapper is a replacement The bell is Sound no cracks and a great long echoing ring The bell is 12.5” in diameter and 1...
Bronze
Bohemian Beaded Bell Pull
Located in New York, NY
Bohemian beaded bell pull. Nineteenth century hand tied blown clear and amethyst glass extravagantly beaded bell pull. Bohemia, mid 19th century Dimensions: 6” long finial; 116” i...
Blown Glass, Beads
Brass Table Bell On Stand
Located in Cheshire, GB
A polished brass table bell, suspended within a decorative arched frame surmounted by a turned finial. The bell is supported on a baluster-shaped pedestal with a moulded hexagonal ba...
Brass
Old Brass Hand Bell, Town Cryer’s or School Bell A Great piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Old Brass Hand Bell, Town Cryer’s or School Bell A Great piece larger and heavier than most, the bell is made in solid brass and has a beautiful sycamore turned handle with a brass ...
Brass
American Victorian Brass School Bell
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian brass school bell with light wood handle
Brass
French 19th Century Cow bell
Located in Round Top, TX
A very charming 19th century Cow Bell from the South of France. A terrific accent piece for any casual living area.
Metal
Art Dec Chrome Courtesy Counter Top Bell, Reception Desk Bell Made in chrome
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Art Dec Chrome Courtesy Counter Top Bell, Reception Desk Bell Made in chrome, in good condition and ready to use with a demanding ding, the bell is 4” in diameter and 4” high TCS92
Chrome
19th Century Painted Wood Carousel Swan Child's Seat with Bell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Whimsical 19th century Continental painted and carved wood swan form carousel seat with bell.
Wood
Late Edo Period Vajra Bell (Ghanta)
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A finely cast ritual bell (ghanta) from the late Edo period (c. mid-19th century), made of brass with a five-pronged vajra (go-kosho) handle. This sacred implement would have been us...
Bronze
Silver bell with relief and cut handle
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver bell with embossed and cut-out handle. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Javali II Title. Weight: 78.28 grams. Dimensions: 4.8cmx8.5cm. Content: 833/1000....
Silver
$299Sale Price|20% Off
Antique English Brass reception bell 19th Century
Located in Chonburi, TH
Antique English Bronze reception bell with original patina. The bell still works great!
Bronze
$215Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Pyrenees Mountain Cow Bell in Brass
Located in SAINTE-COLOMBE, FR
Antique Pyrenees Mountain Cow Bell in Brass A wonderful detection device used by cattle farmers in the Pyrenees mountains. The handmade leather strap adorned with copper rivets a...
Brass, Copper, Steel
Antique Victorian Bronze Bell With Wrought Iron Bracket
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique Victorian bronze bell with wrought iron bracket. Made in England circa 1900, this bronze ships bell has a custom-made wrought iron bracket, ready to install as a doorbell...
Brass
Antique Bronze School Master's Bell With Turned Handle
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An antique handbell, commonly used as a school, town crier, or table service bell. This particular style consists of a bronze body paired with a lathe-turned wooden handle and a bron...
Bronze
17th Century Dutch Bronze Bell with Figural Owl Finial
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
An unusual antique bronze bell surmounted by a sculptural owl finial, likely Dutch and dating to the 17th century. The piece combines functional design with highly expressive animal ...
Bronze
Mid-Late 19th Century English Needlepoint Bell Pull
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid-late 19th century English needlepoint bell pull. A very rare & splendid example with gilt bronze lion mask mounts; maroon backing. Floral, floret & geometric motifs. 75" long, 3....
Thread, Yarn
20 Vol. Leatherbound Set- Bell's Edition, Dramatik Writings Of Will. Shakespeare
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Published London, 1788, John Bell. Nicely leather bound in brown with fine tan, brown and gilt spines. Watery green inside the boards. 5 3/4" H x 3 7/8" W x 1" D Condition: the spi...
Leather, Paper
$324Sale Price|65% Off
Silver bell with beaded reliefs and cut-out handle
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver bell with crimped reliefs and cut-out handle. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: boar II Title. Weight: 94.09 grams. Dimensions: 5.6cmx9.5cm. Content: 833/...
Silver
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
Cut silver inkwell with reliefs, three lidded tanks & bell
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver inkwell with reliefs and applications, three tanks with lid, bell and pen rest. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Lisbon Crown. Weight: 266.24 grams. Dime...
Silver
$5,250Sale Price|30% Off
Embossed silver inkwell with reservoirs, bell & claw-shaped feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Embossed silver inkwell with two reservoirs, bell, pen holders and four claw-shaped feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Lisbon Crown. Weight: 944.35 grams. D...
Silver
$683Sale Price|65% Off
Silver bell with pierced angelic motifs on marble base
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver bell, engraved with angelic and floral motifs, resting on a marble base with an interior mechanism. Metal: Silver. Origin: European. Mark: Absent. Weight: 390.97 ...
Silver
$875Sale Price|30% Off
Silver pierced bell with floral reliefs and internal mechanism
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver bell, cut and embossed with floral motifs, mechanism inside. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 149.91 grams. Dimensions: 6.5x8.5c...
Silver
$1,879Sale Price|65% Off
Silver inkwell with two tanks, bell & four claw feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver inkwell with two reservoirs and a bell with relief angels and applications, resting on four claw-shaped feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Porto Coro...
Silver
Nest Of Seven Bell Metal Measures For East Sussex, England
Located in Essex, MA
Nest of seven bell metal measures by Bate , London. Largest is an imperial gallon and desending to an imperial half gill. Made for the county of East Sussex , England. Dated 1824 wit...
Bronze
Antique Tibetan Buddhist Bronze Vajra Ghanta Ceremonial Ritual Bell
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
An unusual antique Tibetan Buddhist bronze ceremonial object combining the symbolic forms of the ritual bell, or ghanta, and the vajra, or dorje, into a single integrated piece. Rich...
Bronze
Antique English Victorian Brass Desk Bell, Circa 1880-1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Brass Desk Bell, Circa 1880-1890.
Brass
Antique English Polished Brass Counter / Desk Bell c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful and highly decorative desk or counter bell, my favourite kind with the more unusual clapper to the side rather than the ones you ring from the top. The hinged clapper is ...
Brass
19th Century Italian Antique Bronze Bell with Nautical Design
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Italian antique bronze bell: may be a Nautical Bell or a Church bell because it was recovered in the Mediterranean sea in front of Genoa many years ago. It has a bullet hole on one ...
Bronze
$1,059Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Schoolmaster's Hand Bell, English, Bronze, Dinner Chime, Edwardian, 1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique schoolmaster's hand bell. An English, bronze and ebonised lignum vitae dinner chime, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. A tactile and substantial example,...
Bronze
$1,225Sale Price|30% Off
Silver door bell with guilloché, blue enamel, Fabergé style
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver doorbell with guilloche decoration and blue enamel in the Fabergé style, 19th/20th century. Metal: Silver. Origin: European. Brand: Unknown. Weight: 118.87 grams....
Silver
$1,750Sale Price|30% Off
Victorian silver bell with garlands, ropes & angel on tortoiseshell base
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Victorian silver bell trimmed with cords, garlands, floral motifs, and topped with an angel perched on a tortoiseshell base. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: Birmi...
Silver
Ancient Bronze Buddhist Ghanta Hand Bell with Vajra / Dorje Handle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine ancient bronze ghanta bell. In a Buddhist style. With engraved and embossed geometric decoration to the bell body. The handle with a 3 point vajra device with each point em...
Bronze
Oversized Industrial Pyrex Glass Bell Jar With Large Side Arm
By Pyrex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized Industrial Pyrex glass bell jar is certainly a unique and an impressive art object. At 29" height and 20.5" diameter this bell jar, dome, clouche can be used any way y...
Glass
$513Sale Price|65% Off
Silver pierced bell with spiral floral motifs and interior mechanism
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver bell, cut-out, spiral with floral motifs and mechanism inside. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 259.6 grams. Dimensions: 7.8x8cm...
Silver
Oversized Industrial Pyrex Glass Bell Jar With Small Side Arm
By Pyrex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized Industrial Pyrex glass bell jar is certainly a unique and an impressive art object. At 29" height and 20.5" diameter this bell jar, dome, clouche can be used any way y...
Glass
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
Victorian silver pierced bell with shells, garlands and zoomorphic feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Victorian silver bell trimmed with shells and garlands, resting on a corded base and three zoomorphic feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: English. Brand: Biirmingham. Weight: 2...
Silver
$598Sale Price|65% Off
Silver bell with pierced floral lid, mechanism and four feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver bell with cut-out and embossed lid with floral motifs, mechanism inside and resting on four feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weigh...
Silver
Antique Italian Bell Jar with Gilt Base, Circa 1780, Great Patina
Located in Stamford, CT
18th century Italian bell jar with a gilt wood base on ball feet. A very cool item, the giltwood base worn down to the red bol, giving it a wonderful surface patina. The top of the b...
Glass, Giltwood
Antique Brass on Leather Horse Sleigh Bells, Circa 1900's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Brass on Leather Horse Sleigh Bells, Circa 1900's.
Brass
Large Japanese Buddhist Bronze Temple Bell with Resonant Tone, 19th Century
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A fine and impressive Japanese Buddhist bronze temple bell dating to the early–mid 19th century, notable for its substantial scale, well-preserved decorative elements, and beautifull...
Bronze
Edgar Allan POE. The Bells & Other Poems. LIMITED EDITION SIGNED BY EDMUND DULAC
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: POE, Edgar Allan. TITLE: The Bells And Other Poems. PUBLISHER: London: Hodder and Stoughton, n.d., (1912). DESCRIPTION: LIMITED SIGNED EDITION. 1 vol., 12-5/16" x 10-1/2"...
Leather
Antique Veranda Supper Bell, Brass, Oak, Afternoon Tea Gong, Edwardian, C.1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique veranda supper bell. An English, brass and oak afternoon tea gong, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. A charming porch gong with an attractive metallic a...
Brass
Early 20th Century #131 5-Tone Railroad Dinner Bell Chimes by Deagan
By Deagan
Located in Dekalb, IL
c. 1910s-1920s; J.C. Deagan, Inc. - Chicago, IL Compact five-tone railroad dinner bell chime set-also known in period catalogs as Liberty Chimes-mounted to a stepped hardwood base a...
Metal
A brass ship’s bell from Peninsular & Orient liner S.S. Ballarat
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This bronze ship’s bell is incised with the legend ‘Ballarat’ and has a suspension bracket and plaited rope bell-pull. The interior is painted white. It is impressed on the shoulder ...
Brass
Antique Tea Ceremony Gong, Oriental, Carved Stand, Brass Bell, Edwardian, C.1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique tea ceremony gong. An Oriental, carved mahogany stand with brass bell, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. A beautifully decorative and sonorous piece, com...
Brass
Antique Cast Metal Figural & Mechanical Robed Woman Dinner or Service Bell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique dinner or service counter bell is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Edwardian style. The bell ...
Metal, Silver Plate, Steel
Antique Music Box with Mandarin Automata Bell Strikers by Cuendet, c. 1890
Located in London, GB
A rare, cute, and very entertaining cylinder music box with four bells and two automata strikers made by J. Cuendet in Geneva, Switzerland, c. 1890. For a full video with sound pleas...
Brass, Steel
Antique Drum Bell & Castanet Music Box with Butterfly Strikers, Paillard, c.1890
By Paillard Frères 1
Located in London, GB
A very attractive antique music box with drum, bells and castanet made by Paillard in St Croix, Switzerland, c. 1890. The music movement of this music box is a real treat. The six e...
Brass, Enamel, Steel
Large Buddhist Bronze Temple Bell with Dragon Motifs and Inscription, 18th Centu
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This stunning and unusually large Japanese Buddhist bronze temple bell dates to the 18th century and is richly decorated with two finely cast dragons in high relief. The bell bears a...
Bronze
$2,346Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Mounted School Bell, English, Bronze, Oak, Pine, Georgian, Circa 1800
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique mounted school bell. An English, bronze bell on oak and pine plinth, dating to the Georgian period, circa 1800. Of superb proportion and Georgian appeal Displa...
Bronze
$598Sale Price|65% Off
Silver bell with floral reliefs, mechanism inside and resting on four feet
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver bell with floral reliefs, mechanism inside and resting on four feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 308.91 grams. Dimensions: ...
Silver
Antique Bell Pulls
Located in Witney, OXFORDSHIRE
A highly decorative pair of mid-19th century bell pulls.
Cast Bell by J. Warner & Sons
By J Warner & Sons Ltd.
Located in Kent, GB
John Warner & Sons were a family business established in 1763 with a continuous history of over two centuries. Warners cast bells for churches and Cathedrals across the world but the...
Rare Early Plantation Bronze Bell, 19th Century
Located in By Appointment Only, Ontario
Rare bronze bell with wooden handle. From Louisiana plantation, mid-19th century.
Bronze
Pair of 19th Century Large Bell Metal Bronze Urli Cooking Pots
Located in Brisbane, Queensland
Pair of late 19th century large bronze Urli cooking pots with stands. Traditionally from South India, these large bronze pots were used in cooking, but today often feature in well-ap...
Bronze
Unavailable
H 20 in W 11 in D 0.1 in
George III Period Mahogany Bell-Top Bracket Clock by McCabe of London
Located in Cambridge, GB
George III period mahogany bell-top bracket clock by McCabe of London; the eight-day striking movement fitted with an arched and painted enamel dial, in a fine quality case with gild...
Geneva music box with bells
Located in STRAČOV, CZ
Antique music box decorated with rosewood and marquetry. The machine has six melodies, it is marked. Condition: before restoration, a new comb is needed - see photo. Dating: second h...
Wood
Antique Ships Bell from S.S. Beechfield
Located in Norwich, Norfolk
Bronze ships bell from S.S.Beechfield Zillah Shipping Company inscribed 1922 with a coloured plan of the ship.
Bronze
Unavailable
H 7.88 in W 1.78 in D 5.52 in
Roxburghe Press Harald Williams Matin Bells and Scarlet and Gold
Located in Leeds, GB
Presentation copy, first edition, given to the Cavendish family, the Dukes of Devonshire at their seat Chatsworth House, circa 1897. The contents: Dedication, Apologia pro Arte Mea, ...
Huge Cast Bronze William Brend Bell, Dated 1624
Located in Norwich, GB
Huge cast bronze William Brend bell, dated 1624.
Bronze
Bronze Ships Bell from HMS Monarch Dated, 1878
Located in Salisbury, GB
A bronze ships bell from HMS Monarch 1878. A wonderful piece of memorabilia from a historic battleship.
Bronze
Antique Large Victorian Hand Bell with Wooden Walnut Handle
Located in Glencarse, GB
Antique large Victorian hand bell with wooden walnut handle. Measures: 14 inches height 6.5 inches bell diameter.
Unavailable
H 6.25 in W 2.75 in D 2.75 in
Early 19th Century Gilded Bronze Bell, Highly Architectural Design
Located in Lafayette, CA
Architectural model and Gothic Bell, Paris. Fire-gilded bronze on a marble base, 6-1/2” H., circa 1815. This lovely French bell is both a model of a Gothic architectural element,...
Marble, Bronze
20th Century French Brass and Shell Table Bell, circa 1900
Located in Umberleigh, Devon
A lovely French brass table bell with four polished shells inset in brass gilt (has a nice ring to it), circa 1900. Measurements: Height 3 1/2" (approx 9cm) Diameter 2" (approx ...
Brass
Cannonball and Bell Lowpost Bed in Cherry, circa 1840
By American Beds Co
Located in Billerica, MA
Cannonball and bell lowpost bed in cherry, circa 1840. 4 Posts will be built to a size of your choosing. Refit to: Full: $4800.00 Queen: $5400.00 King: $6500.00 Choose a...
Cherry
1910s-1920s Diamond Bell and Full Jewel 5c Cigars Walch Tin Sign
By A.k. Walch
Located in Orange, CA
These tin signs date between 1890-1915. This sign was used on the outside of a cigar/smoking shop -- this is a true collectible for the tobacco enthusiast.
Tin
Bell and Feather Carved Low Post circa 1820 in Cherry
By American Beds Co
Located in Billerica, MA
Bell and feather carved low post circa 1820 in Cherry. 4 posts will be built to a size of your choosing. Refit to: Full: $4800.00 Queen: $5400.00 King: $6500.00 Choose a...
Cherry
Unavailable
H 20.08 in W 25.2 in D 11.82 in
A Swiss Amboyna 'bells-in-sight' Cylinder Animated Music Box, ca. 1880
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
with eight melodies and dancers, coin operated.
Amboyna
Unavailable
H 45.28 in W 57.09 in D 32.29 in
An Imposing Swiss 'bells-in-sight' Six Cylinder Music Box Samuel Troll, 1880
By Samuel Troll
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
An Imposing Swiss Mandoline And 'bells-in-sight' Interchangeable Six Cylinder Music Box And Desk, Samuel Troll, Circa 1880. Prominently signed and inscribed with number 'Samuel Troll...
Amboyna
Unavailable
H 48 in W 3.75 in D 3.75 in
Cannonball and Bell Low Post Bed in Cherry circa 1840 New Hampshire
By American Beds Co
Located in Billerica, MA
Cannonball and bell low post bed in cherry circa 1840 new Hampshire. 4 posts will be built to a size of your choosing: Full: $6200.00 Queen: $6800.00 King: $7800.00 Cali K...
Cherry
Unavailable
H 80 in W 19 in D 9 in
Exception Marquetry Longcase Tall Case Clock, Christopher Gould, London
Located in Chesterfield, GB
The fine quality 8 day duration weight driven movement has five finned pillars and outside count wheel striking which strikes each hour on a bell. The collects are domed and the cloc...
Wood
Antique C.S. Bell & Co. Cast Iron Bell on Stand
By C.S. Bell & Co.
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Marked C.S. Bell & Co. 20 Hillsboro O. on one side and No. 20 yoke on the other. The largest bell produced by the company in Hillsboro Ohio. Bell dimensions: 19 inches in diameter a...
Iron
ENGLISH BRASS BELL
Located in New York, NY
Vintage brass bell inscribed with the word "Anglia". The inscription probably refers to the coastal region of East Anglia in England, where the bell may have been made. A fitting at ...
18th Century Church Bell, circa 1780
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century church bell. Origin: France, circa 1780 Measurements: 22" W x 15" D x 13 1/2" H. Bell diameter is 8".
Bronze
A set of square shaped Bells.
Located in New York, NY
A set of square shaped Cow Bells on stands.
Metal
Bell Tower Clock Face, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A 77" diameter clock face from northern France.
Metal
Old Brass Hand Bell, Primary School Bell
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Old Brass Hand Bell, Primary School Bell Great little piece one was school bell of calling the children in from break. It is made in solid brass and has a golden beech turned handle...
Brass
Brass Courtesy Counter Top Bell, Reception Desk Bell
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Brass Courtesy counter top bell, reception desk bell Made in solid brass, in good condition and ready to use with a demanding ding, the bell is 4” in diameter and 4” high TCC46.
Brass
E.F. Caldwell Gilt Bronze and Lapis Bell Push
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Pittsburgh, PA
This elegant bell push is in the Louis XVI style, and signed Edward F. Caldwell.
Stone, Bronze
Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior.
Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.
The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.
Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.
Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
It’s never too early for good design. These interiors combine elevated furnishings and a youthful spirit, resulting in spaces that are at once elegant and whimsical.
Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.
New or old, the coverlets add old-time charm to any space.
Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.
The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.
Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.