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Monumental 19th C. French Brass Butcher's Balance Scale with Bull Head Finial
Monumental 19th C. French Brass Butcher's Balance Scale with Bull Head Finial

Monumental 19th C. French Brass Butcher's Balance Scale with Bull Head Finial

Located in New York, NY

Monumental 19th Century French Brass Butcher's Trade Scale with Bull Finial A rare and highly decorative 19th-century French butcher's or market balance scale, executed predominantly...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century English Brass and Marble Balance Scale from Bristol
Late 19th Century English Brass and Marble Balance Scale from Bristol

Late 19th Century English Brass and Marble Balance Scale from Bristol

Located in Dallas, TX

The scale stands on a substantial cast iron base with gilt-highlighted detailing, supporting a turned brass column topped with an ornate openwork iron finial.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass, Iron

Early 20th century brass letter scales made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1910
Early 20th century brass letter scales made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1910

Early 20th century brass letter scales made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1910

Located in Central England, GB

This unusual set of postal letter scales has great eye appeal. They are made in brass with a complicated cantilevered balance movement.

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Mahogany Balance Beam Scale
Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Mahogany Balance Beam Scale

Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Mahogany Balance Beam Scale

By W & T Avery

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Avery English Victorian Brass & Mahogany Balance Beam Scale. Circa Late 19th Century.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Brass Butcher’s Balance Scale with Ox Head, Circa 1890
Large Antique Brass Butcher’s Balance Scale with Ox Head, Circa 1890

Large Antique Brass Butcher’s Balance Scale with Ox Head, Circa 1890

Located in Barntrup, DE

A rare and visually commanding late 19th-century brass balance scale, attributed to J. Motk & Co., circa 1890.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass Nuremberg Tv Television Tower Scale Design Model, 1980s, German
Brass Nuremberg Tv Television Tower Scale Design Model, 1980s, German

Brass Nuremberg Tv Television Tower Scale Design Model, 1980s, German

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Scaled model of the Nuremberg television tower. Hand-spun in brass with a nice wooden base.

Category

Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Zimmerman Brass and Fruitwood Balance Scale from Dijon
19th Century French Zimmerman Brass and Fruitwood Balance Scale from Dijon

19th Century French Zimmerman Brass and Fruitwood Balance Scale from Dijon

Located in Dallas, TX

This elegant antique balance scale was crafted in Dijon, France, circa 1870. Rectangular in shape, the classic measuring device features a fruitwood case with fine marquetry fillet i...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Porcelain Balance Beam Scale
Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Porcelain Balance Beam Scale

Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Porcelain Balance Beam Scale

By W & T Avery

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Avery English Victorian Brass, Cast Iron & Porcelain Balance Beam Scale.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Antique Bayliss & Co 19th Century English Brass Apothecary Counter Scale Balance
Antique Bayliss & Co 19th Century English Brass Apothecary Counter Scale Balance

Antique Bayliss & Co 19th Century English Brass Apothecary Counter Scale Balance

By Bayliss & Coulthard

Located in Dayton, OH

An antique 4 lb mercantile balance by Bayliss & Co of Birmingham, England. Features a twisted iron stand and brass balance with tray and scoop. Makers mark engraved along top arm.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Berlin Radio Tower Brass on Wooden Base Scale Design Model, 1930s
Berlin Radio Tower Brass on Wooden Base Scale Design Model, 1930s

Berlin Radio Tower Brass on Wooden Base Scale Design Model, 1930s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Scaled model of the Berlin Radio tower. Rare collectible in metal on a wooden base. A nice architectural sculpture for every living or desktop. Made in the 1930s this item will be a ...

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass, Copper

Lufkin Rule Co Vintage Logging Scale Rule Stick Log Scaling Measuring
Lufkin Rule Co Vintage Logging Scale Rule Stick Log Scaling Measuring

Lufkin Rule Co Vintage Logging Scale Rule Stick Log Scaling Measuring

By Aaron Lufkin Dennison

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, a vintage logging measuring scale rule stick log scaling by Lufkin Rule Company.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Brass and Tassel Military Shoulder Scales with 78th Field Artillery Pins
Antique Brass and Tassel Military Shoulder Scales with 78th Field Artillery Pins

Antique Brass and Tassel Military Shoulder Scales with 78th Field Artillery Pins

Located in San Francisco, CA

Antique brass and tassel military shoulder scales with 78th Field Artillery enamel pins Interesting military items Mounted dimensions: 13" wide x 17" high Good antique condi...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arms, Armor and Weapons

Materials

Brass

Vintage Italian scales with brass pans from the Art Deco period, complete with we
Vintage Italian scales with brass pans from the Art Deco period, complete with we

Vintage Italian scales with brass pans from the Art Deco period, complete with we

Located in Milano, IT

The balance mechanism and structural elements are made of brass and metal, materials typically used for commercial scales of the period.

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

20th Century English Scale
20th Century English Scale

20th Century English Scale

Located in Atlanta, GA

Crafted from cast iron with a sturdy base and a brass beam, this scale embodies durability and elegance.

Category

20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Iron

19th Century French Iron Scale with Brass Pans and Aged Patina
19th Century French Iron Scale with Brass Pans and Aged Patina

19th Century French Iron Scale with Brass Pans and Aged Patina

Located in High Point, NC

This 19th Century French iron scale presents a striking combination of sculptural form and industrial utility, distinguished by its elegantly cast base and beautifully aged patina.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Iron Scale with Brass Pans, Antique Workshop Tool
19th Century French Iron Scale with Brass Pans, Antique Workshop Tool

19th Century French Iron Scale with Brass Pans, Antique Workshop Tool

Located in High Point, NC

This 19th Century French iron scale features a bold, well-crafted silhouette that reflects the utilitarian elegance of traditional French workshop tools.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

STEAM ENGINE 1880 Tom Thumb Patent Scale Model Car With Wheels Polished Brass
STEAM ENGINE 1880 Tom Thumb Patent Scale Model Car With Wheels Polished Brass

STEAM ENGINE 1880 Tom Thumb Patent Scale Model Car With Wheels Polished Brass

By Tom Thumb

Located in Miami, FL

This is a superb antique scale model created in America of the Tom-Thumb steam locomotive.

Category

Antique 1880s American Industrial Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Mid-19th Century English Brass and Iron Hanging Trade Spring Balance Scale
Mid-19th Century English Brass and Iron Hanging Trade Spring Balance Scale

Mid-19th Century English Brass and Iron Hanging Trade Spring Balance Scale

Located in Dallas, TX

Bring authentic industrial character and historical charm to a kitchen, wine cellar, butcher shop, or country house interior with this antique hanging trade scale. Crafted in Birming...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper, Wrought Iron

French 18th Century Balance Scale
French 18th Century Balance Scale

French 18th Century Balance Scale

Located in Round Top, TX

A handsome French 18th century balance scale in iron and brass. The balance mechanism is in iron.

Category

Antique 18th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Salter's spring balance weighing scales
Salter's spring balance weighing scales

Salter's spring balance weighing scales

By George Salter & Co. Ltd

Located in London, GB

A Salter's improved spring balance by George Salter & Co. To weight: 100 lbs. George Salter & Co.: Established in 1760 by Richard and William Salter, spring makers, began making ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Painted Red Cast Iron Scale
Antique Painted Red Cast Iron Scale

Antique Painted Red Cast Iron Scale

Located in Centennial, CO

A charming cast iron antique early 1900s scale with original red paint and a large brass tray.

Category

Early 20th Century American Rustic Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

American Victorian Scale and Height Measure
American Victorian Scale and Height Measure

American Victorian Scale and Height Measure

Located in Queens, NY

American Victorian standing scale with mahogany center post and brass weight and height measure with platform base on wheels (signed FAIRBANKS)

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century English Postal Scale
Early 20th Century English Postal Scale

Early 20th Century English Postal Scale

Located in Atlanta, GA

The brass has developed a natural patina over time, giving the scale an antique charm that speaks to its history and use.

Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French Vintage Massive Culinary Scale
French Vintage Massive Culinary Scale

French Vintage Massive Culinary Scale

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

This massive culinary or produce scale from Lyon, France is the perfect antique accessory to elevate any kitchen. The base is made of solid waxed pine with a fantastic vibrant patina...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rustic Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper, Iron

Quality pair of antique Victorian balance scales
Quality pair of antique Victorian balance scales

Quality pair of antique Victorian balance scales

Located in Ipswich, GB

Quality pair of antique Victorian balance scales, having a central cast iron support holding brass weighting pans accompanied by weights.

Category

Antique 19th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Napoleon lll Style Wood Marble Scale
Napoleon lll Style Wood Marble Scale

Napoleon lll Style Wood Marble Scale

Located in Guaynabo, PR

There is one “X” shaped holder at each side of the marble that holds the brass round shaped trays of the scale. There is a scratched decal in the front of the scale that read Minnes...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Napoleon III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass

18th Century English Mahogany Cased Stick Barometer by Dolland of London
18th Century English Mahogany Cased Stick Barometer by Dolland of London

18th Century English Mahogany Cased Stick Barometer by Dolland of London

By Dolland

Located in Dublin, IE

The main silvered brass scale calibrated from 28" to 31" and incorporating a sliding silvered brass vernier with brass knob and pointer.

Category

Antique 1790s English Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

English Stick Barometer by Worthington of London
English Stick Barometer by Worthington of London

English Stick Barometer by Worthington of London

Located in New Orleans, LA

The instrument features a thermometer and indicates atmospheric pressure on a silvered brass scale calibrated from 27" to 31" and engraved with weather indications.

Category

Antique 19th Century English Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Chinese Apothecary Balance Scale Stand
19th Century Chinese Apothecary Balance Scale Stand

19th Century Chinese Apothecary Balance Scale Stand

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Large Chinese carved wood apothecary balance scale with stand and storage drawer cabinet. It features beautiful carved fretwork on the top and sides featuring brass metal hardware an...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Ming Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Precision demountable scale for travel, France 1880.
Precision demountable scale for travel, France 1880.

Precision demountable scale for travel, France 1880.

Located in Milan, IT

Oak wood box, brass elements and glasses. Glass protection sides.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Germany Cutlery Pocket Knife Nuremberg Beer Scene 1900s
Antique Germany Cutlery Pocket Knife Nuremberg Beer Scene 1900s

Antique Germany Cutlery Pocket Knife Nuremberg Beer Scene 1900s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

The knife features handsome brass scales that have developed a warm, appealing patina over time, enhancing its authentic antique character.

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal, Brass

Victorian Wooden Scale Model Crane, circa 1880
Victorian Wooden Scale Model Crane, circa 1880

Victorian Wooden Scale Model Crane, circa 1880

Located in London, GB

Beautifully constructed in mahogany with brass binding and details and the original working metal winch and chains, all perfectly scaled.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Culinary Scale from Lyon
French 19th Century Culinary Scale from Lyon

French 19th Century Culinary Scale from Lyon

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

These markings, along with its larger size and 40 kilogram capacity signal that this scale would have been used in a commercial setting.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass

Palethorpes Butcher’s Balance Scales, Advertising Sausages
Palethorpes Butcher’s Balance Scales, Advertising Sausages

Palethorpes Butcher’s Balance Scales, Advertising Sausages

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Palethorpes Butcher’s Balance Scales, Advertising Sausages Palethorpes’ Butcher’s Scales with Brass Bell Weights The scale has a brass weight plate on one side and a Painted glass ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

20lbs standard scales by W & T Avery of Birmingham
20lbs standard scales by W & T Avery of Birmingham

20lbs standard scales by W & T Avery of Birmingham

Located in London, GB

A 20lbs standard verification balance by W & T Avery of Birmingham, dated 1908. Made for the City Borough of Blackpool. Lever marked: W&T AVERY Ltd BIRMINGHAM PATENT 24269-06 Fron...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 20th-Century English Sovereign Balance Scale by Harrison
Early 20th-Century English Sovereign Balance Scale by Harrison

Early 20th-Century English Sovereign Balance Scale by Harrison

Located in Atlanta, GA

This early 20th-century English sovereign balance scale, marked “Harrison”, was designed to verify the weight and authenticity of full and half sovereign gold coins.

Category

20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique American Iron Balance Weighing Scale with Weights
Antique American Iron Balance Weighing Scale with Weights

Antique American Iron Balance Weighing Scale with Weights

Located in Queens, NY

"American (early 20th Century) balance weighing scale Set on a concave rectangular cast iron beveled base with twist mid-section topped by a pointed finial. One chain beam balance fi...

Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Circa 1900 English Equal Arm Market Scale With Weights
Circa 1900 English Equal Arm Market Scale With Weights

Circa 1900 English Equal Arm Market Scale With Weights

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1900 equal arm market scale with weights, English. Marked: "W&T Avery Ld, To Weigh 7LB" & "Class.B".

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Victorian Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol
19th Century Victorian Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol

19th Century Victorian Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol Superb Large Brass and Iron Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cas...

Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Oversize steelbridge scale for butcher's use, Kingdom of Sardinia 1800.
Oversize steelbridge scale for butcher's use, Kingdom of Sardinia 1800.

Oversize steelbridge scale for butcher's use, Kingdom of Sardinia 1800.

Located in Milan, IT

Figurative brass Butcher’s weighbridge. Weighs up to 44 pounds. Complete of main “ Romano” principal weight and additionals “Romanos” for detailed weight. Pedimont and Sardinia King...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Tobacco Scale With Horn Trays – 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Antique Tobacco Scale With Horn Trays – 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Antique Tobacco Scale With Horn Trays – 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Located in Bilzen, BE

Pans: original bovine horn trays, very unusual and fragile, seldom preserved. Most comparable scales were made with brass or copper pans – making this example particularly rare.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass, Iron

19th Century Victorian Weighing Scales By J White & Son, c.1880
19th Century Victorian Weighing Scales By J White & Son, c.1880

19th Century Victorian Weighing Scales By J White & Son, c.1880

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th Century Victorian grocers scales consist of a cast iron base with a ridged brass column supporting a cast iron balancing arm from which white glazed stoneware plate is s...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

1940s English The Viking Scale & Weights by F. J. Thornton & Co. Ltd.
1940s English The Viking Scale & Weights by F. J. Thornton & Co. Ltd.

1940s English The Viking Scale & Weights by F. J. Thornton & Co. Ltd.

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

1940s The Viking scale & weights by F.J. Thornton & Co Ltd, Wolverhampton, UK.

Category

Vintage 1940s English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

City of Stuttgart TV Television Tower Aluminum Scale Design Model, 1970s
City of Stuttgart TV Television Tower Aluminum Scale Design Model, 1970s

City of Stuttgart TV Television Tower Aluminum Scale Design Model, 1970s

Located in Nuernberg, DE

Scaled model of the Stuttgart television tower. Hand-spun in Aluminum, with brass top.

Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

SAILING YATCH Magnificent Scale Model Ship In Fine Wood Oversized With Stand
SAILING YATCH Magnificent Scale Model Ship In Fine Wood Oversized With Stand

SAILING YATCH Magnificent Scale Model Ship In Fine Wood Oversized With Stand

Located in Miami, FL

A scale model ship of a Sailing Ship. This is a very nice scale model of an historical Sailing Ship. created around the 1960 and 1970.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Set of W T Avery 10 LB Bankers Balance Scales and Weights
Set of W T Avery 10 LB Bankers Balance Scales and Weights

Set of W T Avery 10 LB Bankers Balance Scales and Weights

By W & T Avery

Located in London, by appointment only

Magnificent set of very large bankers 10lb balance scales together with a contemporary set of stamped W T Avery weights 7, 4, 2, 1 lb. Fully restored, polished, and lacquered. Ave...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Early 20th Century King Edward vii W & T Avery Beam Scale
Large Early 20th Century King Edward vii W & T Avery Beam Scale

Large Early 20th Century King Edward vii W & T Avery Beam Scale

By W & T Avery

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

Large antique wrought iron and brass beam weight balance scale by W and T Avery Ltd. of Soho foundry Birmingham, England.

Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Set of Late 19th Century Double Faced French Bronze and Iron Butcher's Scales
Set of Late 19th Century Double Faced French Bronze and Iron Butcher's Scales

Set of Late 19th Century Double Faced French Bronze and Iron Butcher's Scales

Located in Fayetteville, AR

Additional detailing of cows' heads and scrolling leaves complete the look. Its original brass pans were stamped by the French government to certify accuracy.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Iron

FRENCH 1915 Mechanical WWI Biplane Airplane Scale Model In Copper and Bronze
FRENCH 1915 Mechanical WWI Biplane Airplane Scale Model In Copper and Bronze

FRENCH 1915 Mechanical WWI Biplane Airplane Scale Model In Copper and Bronze

Located in Miami, FL

This is a fabulous antique scale model of an SPAD S.XIII First-World-War fighter biplane, created in France during the early 20th century, back in the 1915-1920.

Category

Vintage 1910s French Industrial Architectural Models

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Copper

Antique English Spring Balance Scale Made by Salter 100 Years Old, Custom Stand
Antique English Spring Balance Scale Made by Salter 100 Years Old, Custom Stand

Antique English Spring Balance Scale Made by Salter 100 Years Old, Custom Stand

Located in New Orleans, LA

Antique English spring balance scale made by "Salter Co." on custom made stand, 100 years old. (Shown at center in group photo) Scale: 13" long x 3-1/2" wide Stand: 15" high x 4" ...

Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Kitchen 40 Pound Scale Cast Iron Balance w/ Ironstone Plate
Antique Victorian Kitchen 40 Pound Scale Cast Iron Balance w/ Ironstone Plate

Antique Victorian Kitchen 40 Pound Scale Cast Iron Balance w/ Ironstone Plate

By Young Son & Marlow

Located in Hyattsville, MD

No chips or cracks to the Stoneware tray. Heavy item about 60 lbs. Seems to be working, but you will need counterweights to use it, that will go on the metal tray. Ironstone stone...

Category

Antique 19th Century American High Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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Brass Scales For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of brass scales available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, brass and wood, all brass scales available were constructed with great care. Find 261 antique and vintage brass scales at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 2 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Brass scales have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of brass scales to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Victorian, Industrial and Mid-Century Modern brass scales are of considerable interest. W & T Avery, E. & T. Fairbanks & Company and Maco Braga each produced beautiful brass scales that are worth considering.

Finding the Right Collectibles And 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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