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Silver Incense Boat 'naviculae', Possibly Portugal, 18th Century
Silver Incense Boat 'naviculae', Possibly Portugal, 18th Century

Silver Incense Boat 'naviculae', Possibly Portugal, 18th Century

Located in Madrid, ES

with oval foot decorated with relief elements and moldings, balustrade foot and body with light boat

Category

Antique 18th Century European Rococo Religious Items

Materials

Silver, Other

1950's model of a motor boat named Rainbow
1950's model of a motor boat named Rainbow

1950's model of a motor boat named Rainbow

$2,480

H 15.5 in W 32.5 in D 9.5 in

1950's model of a motor boat named Rainbow

Located in London, GB

A 1950's model of a motor boat "Rainbow" with a 2 cc engine. Well built model with good scale

Category

Mid-20th Century English Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sunshine Yellow Boat Bookends
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sunshine Yellow Boat Bookends

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Sunshine Yellow Boat Bookends

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

powder-coated boats are both form and function. Fabulous pair displayed on a bookshelf or desk or

Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Metal, Iron

Vintage Nautical Decor: Fairground Ladybug Boat, Spain, Circa 1970
Vintage Nautical Decor: Fairground Ladybug Boat, Spain, Circa 1970

Vintage Nautical Decor: Fairground Ladybug Boat, Spain, Circa 1970

Located in Barcelona, ES

Fairground Ladybug Little Boat Manufactured in Spain, circa 1970. In original condition with

Category

Vintage 1970s Spanish Nautical Objects

Materials

Fiberglass

Boat Blueprint Plan of the John Hacker Runabout "Baby Doll"
Boat Blueprint Plan of the John Hacker Runabout "Baby Doll"

Boat Blueprint Plan of the John Hacker Runabout "Baby Doll"

Located in Norwell, MA

double cockpit runabout. The detailed boat plan shows the deck plan, hull lines, bow lifts, engine

Category

Vintage 1930s North American Nautical Objects

Materials

Paper

"Cat Boat" Mechanical Toy Penny Bank, American, circa 1968
"Cat Boat" Mechanical Toy Penny Bank, American, circa 1968

"Cat Boat" Mechanical Toy Penny Bank, American, circa 1968

By Utexiqual Products

Located in Incline Village, NV

sailors riding their boat in full sail. It is quite substantial in both size and weight. To operate, (with

Category

Vintage 1960s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Aluminum, Iron, Tin

Solid Brass Deck Cowl from a Boat by Perko
Solid Brass Deck Cowl from a Boat by Perko

Solid Brass Deck Cowl from a Boat by Perko

Located in Norwell, MA

Solid brass deck vent from a yacht with a maker's badge from Perkins Marine Lamp and Hardware Corporation, Miami, Florida. Highly polished and lacquered. The cowl has a ten-inch diam...

Category

Vintage 1960s North American Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Boat in wood , Year: 1930, France, Style: Art Deco
Boat in wood , Year: 1930, France, Style: Art Deco

Boat in wood , Year: 1930, France, Style: Art Deco

$6,000

H 29.34 in W 22.45 in D 4.34 in

Boat in wood , Year: 1930, France, Style: Art Deco

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

live in the golden years, this is the boat that your project needs. We have specialized in the sale of

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Nautical Objects

Materials

Bronze, Chrome

Wood, Water, and Light: Classic Wooden Boats by Joel White Stated 1st Ed
Wood, Water, and Light: Classic Wooden Boats by Joel White Stated 1st Ed

Wood, Water, and Light: Classic Wooden Boats by Joel White Stated 1st Ed

Located in valatie, NY

Wood, Water, and Light: Classic Wooden Boats by Joel White. Published by W. W. Norton & Company

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Books

Materials

Paper

Rene Umberto Scarponi 1932 Patented Boat Cigarette & Cigar Holder & Ashtray
Rene Umberto Scarponi 1932 Patented Boat Cigarette & Cigar Holder & Ashtray

Rene Umberto Scarponi 1932 Patented Boat Cigarette & Cigar Holder & Ashtray

Located in Hanover, MA

cabin cruiser boat issued US design patent 87,647 in 1932 to R. U. Scarponi of 1929 54th Street Brooklyn

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Copper

Four Foot Cased J Boat America's Cup Yacht "Enterprise"
Four Foot Cased J Boat America's Cup Yacht "Enterprise"

Four Foot Cased J Boat America's Cup Yacht "Enterprise"

Located in Norwell, MA

Museum quality model of the 1930 America's Cup yacht "Enterprise." Fitted to a custom made mahogany showcase with table. With planked deck, skylights, binnacle, winches, etc. Over...

Category

1990s Nautical Objects

Materials

Wood

Antique Boat's Half Hull Plaque, English, Decorative Maritime Model, Edwardian
Antique Boat's Half Hull Plaque, English, Decorative Maritime Model, Edwardian

Antique Boat's Half Hull Plaque, English, Decorative Maritime Model, Edwardian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique boat's half hull plaque. An English, mahogany and pitch pine decorative maritime

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Nautical Objects

Materials

Wood, Pine

John Demott Brutalist Mid-Century Torch Cut Metal Clipper Ship Boat Sculpture
John Demott Brutalist Mid-Century Torch Cut Metal Clipper Ship Boat Sculpture

John Demott Brutalist Mid-Century Torch Cut Metal Clipper Ship Boat Sculpture

By Curtis Jeré

Located in Chattanooga, TN

x 15.5” High This listing is for the boat alone. The table is sold separately and the chair has

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Stone, Metal, Brass

Swedish Folk Art Miniature “Snipa” Boat Model from Bohuslän, Late 19th Century
Swedish Folk Art Miniature “Snipa” Boat Model from Bohuslän, Late 19th Century

Swedish Folk Art Miniature “Snipa” Boat Model from Bohuslän, Late 19th Century

Located in Knivsta, SE

Swedish Folk Art Miniature “Snipa” Boat Model from Bohuslän, Late 19th Century A beautifully

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Models and Miniatures

Materials

Birch, Pine

Antique Eight Spoke Mahogany Ship Boat Steering Wheel Nautical Maritime
Antique Eight Spoke Mahogany Ship Boat Steering Wheel Nautical Maritime

Antique Eight Spoke Mahogany Ship Boat Steering Wheel Nautical Maritime

Located in Antwerp, BE

-1900 in date. This exceptional nautical collectable features eight elegant trunking cylindrical spokes

Category

20th Century Belgian Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

Green and Red Painted Antique Wood Boat Rudder on Iron Stand
Green and Red Painted Antique Wood Boat Rudder on Iron Stand

Green and Red Painted Antique Wood Boat Rudder on Iron Stand

Located in Troy, MI

Found in England, this circa 1900 wooden boat rudder is mounted on an iron display stand. Rudder

Category

Early 20th Century English Rustic Nautical Objects

Materials

Iron

Antique Handmade Boat Model on Pedestal with Bone Inlay over Wood
Antique Handmade Boat Model on Pedestal with Bone Inlay over Wood

Antique Handmade Boat Model on Pedestal with Bone Inlay over Wood

Located in Yonkers, NY

An antique handmade boat model on pedestal from the early 20th century, with bone inlay over wood

Category

Early 20th Century Indonesian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Bone

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2015
Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2015

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2015

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Incredible boat: in solid wood. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

2010s Chilean Art Deco Nautical Objects

Materials

Steel

Scale Model of the Short Brothers Flying Boat the Golden Hind
Scale Model of the Short Brothers Flying Boat the Golden Hind

Scale Model of the Short Brothers Flying Boat the Golden Hind

$1,874Sale Price|20% Off

H 8.25 in W 16 in D 12.25 in

Scale Model of the Short Brothers Flying Boat the Golden Hind

Located in London, GB

Scale model of the Short Brothers S.26 G-Class flying boat G-AFCI the Golden Hind. The Short S

Category

Mid-20th Century English Models and Miniatures

Materials

Aluminum

Art Deco Macassar Wood and Metal Sail Boat Model, France circa 1930
Art Deco Macassar Wood and Metal Sail Boat Model, France circa 1930

Art Deco Macassar Wood and Metal Sail Boat Model, France circa 1930

By Travail Francais

Located in Atlanta, GA

impeccable craftsmanship justify its place among high-value decorative collectibles. Dimensions: 13 in wide

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Nautical Objects

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2016
Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2016

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2016

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

New York you can se the promotional posters of the boats that would take them to a new life. Between

Category

2010s Chilean Art Deco Nautical Objects

Materials

Steel

Original Boat Launch Blueprint from Frederick D. Lawley of Quincy, Massachusetts
Original Boat Launch Blueprint from Frederick D. Lawley of Quincy, Massachusetts

Original Boat Launch Blueprint from Frederick D. Lawley of Quincy, Massachusetts

Located in Norwell, MA

Original blueprint for a marine launch from the famous naval architect and boatbuilder Frederick D. Lawley (1878–1953) of Quincy, Massachusetts. The legend plate shows: General arran...

Category

Vintage 1970s North American Nautical Objects

Materials

Paper

Presentation Rowing Oar Trophy, Fitzwilliam House, 1st Lent Boat 1950
Presentation Rowing Oar Trophy, Fitzwilliam House, 1st Lent Boat 1950

Presentation Rowing Oar Trophy, Fitzwilliam House, 1st Lent Boat 1950

Located in Oxfordshire, GB

Antique Rowing Oar, 1950 Fitzwilliam House, Lent Boat. The full-length oar, 12 foot long, is an

Category

Mid-20th Century British Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Pine

"Ships of War - Screw Gun Boat" lithograph by Day & Son, 1864
"Ships of War - Screw Gun Boat" lithograph by Day & Son, 1864

"Ships of War - Screw Gun Boat" lithograph by Day & Son, 1864

Located in London, GB

A Victorian framed print of "SHIPS OF WAR - Screw Gun Boat" by Day and Son, Lithographers to the

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Nautical Objects

Materials

Paper

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024- ANcho
Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024- ANcho

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024- ANcho

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Incredible boat: in solid wood. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

2010s Chilean Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Steel

Sir Harold Dudley Clayton: Naval architect and boat builder’s plans for Zinita
Sir Harold Dudley Clayton: Naval architect and boat builder’s plans for Zinita

Sir Harold Dudley Clayton: Naval architect and boat builder’s plans for Zinita

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

Sir Harold Dudley Clayton: Naval architect and boat builder’s plans for Zinita, 1909. Four framed

Category

Early 20th Century English Nautical Objects

Materials

Paper

Antique Brass Nautical Maritime Plunger Operated Yacht Boat Fog Horn 27"
Antique Brass Nautical Maritime Plunger Operated Yacht Boat Fog Horn 27"

Antique Brass Nautical Maritime Plunger Operated Yacht Boat Fog Horn 27"

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 19th - early 20th century brass plunger operated fog horn. Cylindrical body with horn attached to one side, pierced lid, and round, black finial on the plunger. Pair of brackets...

Category

Early 20th Century Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Large Solid Mahogany Boat Bed from the Empire Period
Large Solid Mahogany Boat Bed from the Empire Period

Large Solid Mahogany Boat Bed from the Empire Period

$10,387

H 44.89 in W 78.75 in D 47.25 in

Large Solid Mahogany Boat Bed from the Empire Period

Located in Paris, FR

Large boat bed in solid mahogany flamed, mahogany veneer, with rich decoration of finely chased and

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Empire Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel  Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024
Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel  Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Incredible boat: in solid wood. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

2010s Chilean Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Steel

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel  Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024
Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel  Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Incredible boat: in solid wood. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

2010s Chilean Art Deco Nautical Objects

Materials

Steel

Lot of 62 Britains Vietnam War Toy Soldiers Land Rover Jeep Artillery Boat
Lot of 62 Britains Vietnam War Toy Soldiers Land Rover Jeep Artillery Boat

Lot of 62 Britains Vietnam War Toy Soldiers Land Rover Jeep Artillery Boat

By Britains, Ltd.

Located in Dayton, OH

/ cannons / pieces of artillery (one by Crescent Toy Co.), one boat, and one Land Rover. "The "W. Britain

Category

Mid-20th Century Toys and Dolls

Materials

Metal

20th Century Mahogany & Rosewood Speed Boat Made in the State Prison, c.1930
20th Century Mahogany & Rosewood Speed Boat Made in the State Prison, c.1930

20th Century Mahogany & Rosewood Speed Boat Made in the State Prison, c.1930

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

this boat was built by a New York State prisoner in the 1930’s, he reputedly made four of these boats

Category

20th Century American Nautical Objects

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood

1970s Ritz Italora Italy Car or Boats Sport Set Clock Design by Da
1970s Ritz Italora Italy Car or Boats Sport Set Clock Design by Da

1970s Ritz Italora Italy Car or Boats Sport Set Clock Design by Da

By Italora

Located in Biella, IT

Ritz Italora Italy car or boats sport set clock design by DA in years '70 the clock is

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Metal

Hand Crafted Large Wooden Model Boat, Denmark circa 1900's
Hand Crafted Large Wooden Model Boat, Denmark circa 1900's

Hand Crafted Large Wooden Model Boat, Denmark circa 1900's

Located in Round Top, TX

This large model boat was crafted in Denmark in the 1900's. At 7.5' long, the large size makes it a

Category

20th Century Danish Arts and Crafts Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel  Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2014
Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel  Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2014

Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2014

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

“Ellis Island Immigrant Building” in New York you can se the promotional posters of the boats that would

Category

2010s Chilean Art Deco Nautical Objects

Materials

Steel

A rare group of three early 20th Century Kelvin-engined motor boat Models, presu
A rare group of three early 20th Century Kelvin-engined motor boat Models, presu

A rare group of three early 20th Century Kelvin-engined motor boat Models, presu

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

A rare group of three early 20th Century Kelvin-engined motor boat Models, presumably made for

Category

Early 20th Century Scottish Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass

12' Presentation Rowing Oar Trophy, Cambridge University 1st & 3rd Trinity Boat
12' Presentation Rowing Oar Trophy, Cambridge University 1st & 3rd Trinity Boat

12' Presentation Rowing Oar Trophy, Cambridge University 1st & 3rd Trinity Boat

Located in Oxfordshire, GB

Antique Rowing Oar, Fairbairn Cup 1946, 1st & 3rd Trinity Boat Club 1946. The full-length oar, 12

Category

20th Century British Sporting Art Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Pine

Big Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel  Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024
Big Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel  Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024

Big Art Deco Inspired Boat in Wood and steel Designer: Marcelo Peña, 2024

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Incredible boat: in solid wood. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and

Category

2010s Chilean Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Steel

Single Carved Boat Bed Louis-Philippe in Mahogany, Circa 1840
Single Carved Boat Bed Louis-Philippe in Mahogany, Circa 1840

Single Carved Boat Bed Louis-Philippe in Mahogany, Circa 1840

$3,900 / item

H 42.92 in W 43.51 in D 80.91 in

Single Carved Boat Bed Louis-Philippe in Mahogany, Circa 1840

Located in Miami, FL

Beautiful boat bed in carved mahogany Louis Philippe period. Its small dimensions allow it to be

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Louis Philippe Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Mahogany

Rustic Decorative Model Boat With Holes For Fishing or Large Creel, circa 1940
Rustic Decorative Model Boat With Holes For Fishing or Large Creel, circa 1940

Rustic Decorative Model Boat With Holes For Fishing or Large Creel, circa 1940

Located in Round Top, TX

The many holes in this large 7' model boat served a specific purpose; it was used while fishing as

Category

Mid-20th Century Hungarian Rustic Nautical Objects

Materials

Wood

Large Hand Carved Wooden Model Boat, Denmark circa 1900's
Large Hand Carved Wooden Model Boat, Denmark circa 1900's

Large Hand Carved Wooden Model Boat, Denmark circa 1900's

Located in Round Top, TX

This large model boat was crafted in Denmark in the 1900's. At just over 6' long, the large size

Category

20th Century Danish Arts and Crafts Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

Presentation Rowing Oar Trophy, 1st Trinity, 2nd Boat, 3rd On The River
Presentation Rowing Oar Trophy, 1st Trinity, 2nd Boat, 3rd On The River

Presentation Rowing Oar Trophy, 1st Trinity, 2nd Boat, 3rd On The River

Located in Oxfordshire, GB

presentation rowing oar, dating from 1874, attributed to Trinity College Boat Club. This full-length oar

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Pine

Early 20th C Stern Name Board "Naomi" Clovelly Fishing Boat Naval Maritime Ship
Early 20th C Stern Name Board "Naomi" Clovelly Fishing Boat Naval Maritime Ship

Early 20th C Stern Name Board "Naomi" Clovelly Fishing Boat Naval Maritime Ship

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A charming folk art hand painted mahogany name board for the Clovelly (Devon) fishing vessel Naomi. Below has the owner and skippers initials Oscar Stanley Abbott. Age related losse...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Nautical Objects

Materials

Hardwood

Four-Panel Painted Screen Depicting Boats and Riverside Figures
Four-Panel Painted Screen Depicting Boats and Riverside Figures

Four-Panel Painted Screen Depicting Boats and Riverside Figures

Located in Yonkers, NY

painting, showing Chinese laborers in traditional dress loading a boat at the edge of a busy river, with

Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Nautical Log in Its Wooden Box to Measure Boats Speed Walker Early 1900s
Nautical Log in Its Wooden Box to Measure Boats Speed Walker Early 1900s

Nautical Log in Its Wooden Box to Measure Boats Speed Walker Early 1900s

Located in Milan, IT

Log of brass signed Walker’s Excelsior IV Patent Log, For Yacht, Motor Launches and Fishing Craft from the early 1900s. It is an ancient nautical instrument, which measured the dist...

Category

Early 20th Century British Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Boat Bed in Natural Wood and Bronze Decoration
19th Century French Boat Bed in Natural Wood and Bronze Decoration

19th Century French Boat Bed in Natural Wood and Bronze Decoration

Located in Sofia, BG

Boat bed frame in natural wood with detached columns. Varnished bronze trim, France, circa 1870.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Wood

Antique Silver Filigree Model Ship with Enamel Crosses, Portuguese, 20th
Antique Silver Filigree Model Ship with Enamel Crosses, Portuguese, 20th

Antique Silver Filigree Model Ship with Enamel Crosses, Portuguese, 20th

Located in Wembley, GB

• Nautical decorative art • Antique silver miniature • Filigree silver boat • Collectible silver object

Category

Antique Early 1900s Portuguese Art Deco Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver Leaf, Sterling Silver, Silver Plate, Silver, Metal

19th-Century Watercolor by Claude Thiénon – River Scene with Boat and Church
19th-Century Watercolor by Claude Thiénon – River Scene with Boat and Church

19th-Century Watercolor by Claude Thiénon – River Scene with Boat and Church

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

, watercolor with boat scene, French countryside artwork, collectible fine art, historical watercolor, framed

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Paintings

Materials

Wood, Paint

Vintage Italian Murano Art Glass Ashtrays Venetian Sculpture of Gondolas
Vintage Italian Murano Art Glass Ashtrays Venetian Sculpture of Gondolas

Vintage Italian Murano Art Glass Ashtrays Venetian Sculpture of Gondolas

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

gondola balances on a golden wave shape. A real treasure especially if you collect boats and are an art

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Post-Modern Paperweights

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass

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Boat Collectables For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of boat collectables for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct boat collectables — often made from wood, metal and brass — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of boat collectables available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Boat collectables bearing Folk Art or Mid-Century Modern hallmarks are very popular at 1stDibs. Euréka, Polaris and Arthur Sewall & Co. each produced beautiful boat collectables that are worth considering.

Finding the Right Collectibles-curiosities for You

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.

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