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Antique Sussex Map, Brighton "London-by-the-Sea", Edward Weller 1885
Antique Sussex Map, Brighton "London-by-the-Sea", Edward Weller 1885

Antique Sussex Map, Brighton "London-by-the-Sea", Edward Weller 1885

Located in Langweer, NL

Please examine photographs carefully for complete condition details. Framing Tips: This map displays beautifully in a dark walnut, black, or mahogany frame with an ivory museum mat.

Category

Late 19th Century British Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Colonial Map of Celebes Sulawesi & Lesser Sunda Islands, 1884
Antique Colonial Map of Celebes Sulawesi & Lesser Sunda Islands, 1884

Antique Colonial Map of Celebes Sulawesi & Lesser Sunda Islands, 1884

Located in Langweer, NL

No major tears or losses observed. Framing tips: This map frames beautifully with a soft off-white or light taupe mat and a medium-dark walnut, ebonized, or antique gilt frame.

Category

1880s Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Rare 1683 Mallet Miniature Map of Japan “Iaponia” with German Text
Rare 1683 Mallet Miniature Map of Japan “Iaponia” with German Text

Rare 1683 Mallet Miniature Map of Japan “Iaponia” with German Text

Located in Langweer, NL

A strong dark impression with attractive paper tone. Framing tips: This miniature map displays exceptionally well in a dark walnut, black lacquer, or lightly gilt frame paired with ...

Category

Late 17th Century French Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Blaeu Map of Castile Spain, Castilla León Madrid Toledo, 1642
Antique Blaeu Map of Castile Spain, Castilla León Madrid Toledo, 1642

Antique Blaeu Map of Castile Spain, Castilla León Madrid Toledo, 1642

Located in Langweer, NL

The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be on scale with the original.

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Napoleonic Wars: Germany Allied Military Campaign Map by Ausfeld, 1814
Napoleonic Wars: Germany Allied Military Campaign Map by Ausfeld, 1814

Napoleonic Wars: Germany Allied Military Campaign Map by Ausfeld, 1814

Located in Langweer, NL

No visible plate mark, consistent with the production method. Framing tips: This map frames very well in a classic or scholarly interior.

Category

Early 19th Century German Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Halmahera, Ternate, Tidore,  Moluccas by Dornseiffen - 1884
Antique Map of Halmahera, Ternate, Tidore,  Moluccas by Dornseiffen - 1884

Antique Map of Halmahera, Ternate, Tidore, Moluccas by Dornseiffen - 1884

Located in Langweer, NL

No major tears or losses observed. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully with a wide off-white or warm ivory mat and a dark walnut, black lacquer, or antique gilt frame.

Category

1880s Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Blaeu Map of Savoy & Alps, Geneva Piedmont France Italy, c.1642
Blaeu Map of Savoy & Alps, Geneva Piedmont France Italy, c.1642

Blaeu Map of Savoy & Alps, Geneva Piedmont France Italy, c.1642

Located in Langweer, NL

The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Caesar’s Gallia Veteris – Blaeu Map of Ancient Gaul, France c.1642
Caesar’s Gallia Veteris – Blaeu Map of Ancient Gaul, France c.1642

Caesar’s Gallia Veteris – Blaeu Map of Ancient Gaul, France c.1642

Located in Langweer, NL

Paper remains strong and stable. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully in a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide cream or ivory mat, enhancing the warmth of the paper and...

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of La Plata, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Patagonia, 1860
Antique Map of La Plata, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Patagonia, 1860

Antique Map of La Plata, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Patagonia, 1860

Located in Langweer, NL

Any images showing the print framed are for presentation purposes only. The map is supplied unframed.

Category

Mid-19th Century British Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

1884 Antique Decorative World Map – Mercator Projection, Victorian Era Print
1884 Antique Decorative World Map – Mercator Projection, Victorian Era Print

1884 Antique Decorative World Map – Mercator Projection, Victorian Era Print

Located in Langweer, NL

Frame is NOT included. Framing tips: This map presents beautifully when framed with a neutral archival mat in off-white or ivory to highlight the hand-coloring.

Category

1880s Scottish Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Blaeu Map of Beauce & Perche France, c. 1642 Hand Color
Antique Blaeu Map of Beauce & Perche France, c. 1642 Hand Color

Antique Blaeu Map of Beauce & Perche France, c. 1642 Hand Color

Located in Langweer, NL

The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be on scale with the original.

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Decorative Antique Map of France in Departments – Collectible Print, 1884
Decorative Antique Map of France in Departments – Collectible Print, 1884

Decorative Antique Map of France in Departments – Collectible Print, 1884

Located in Langweer, NL

Framing tips: This map is well suited to a wide archival mat in ivory or pale cream to highlight the soft coloring of the departments.

Category

1880s Scottish Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of British North America, Canada and Hudson Bay, 1860
Antique Map of British North America, Canada and Hudson Bay, 1860

Antique Map of British North America, Canada and Hudson Bay, 1860

Located in Langweer, NL

Any images showing the print framed are for presentation purposes only. The map is supplied unframed.

Category

Mid-19th Century British Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Blaeu Map of Sedan & Donchery France, c. 1642 Hand Color
Antique Blaeu Map of Sedan & Donchery France, c. 1642 Hand Color

Antique Blaeu Map of Sedan & Donchery France, c. 1642 Hand Color

Located in Langweer, NL

The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be on scale with the original.

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Blaeu Map of Gâtinais & Sénonais France, c. 1642 Hand Color
Antique Blaeu Map of Gâtinais & Sénonais France, c. 1642 Hand Color

Antique Blaeu Map of Gâtinais & Sénonais France, c. 1642 Hand Color

Located in Langweer, NL

The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be on scale with the original.

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

World Map in Mercator’s Projection – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, Leiden 1876
World Map in Mercator’s Projection – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, Leiden 1876

World Map in Mercator’s Projection – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, Leiden 1876

Located in Langweer, NL

Colors remain soft and even, and the impression is strong with no tears or repairs. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully when mounted on a light ivory mat with a slim black o...

Category

1870s Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Blaeu Map of Boulogne & Calais Coast – Maritime France, Ships c.1642
Blaeu Map of Boulogne & Calais Coast – Maritime France, Ships c.1642

Blaeu Map of Boulogne & Calais Coast – Maritime France, Ships c.1642

Located in Langweer, NL

Paper remains strong and well-preserved. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully in a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or cream mat, emphasizing the warmth of the...

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

1855 "New-York City & County Map" by Charles Magnus
1855 "New-York City & County Map" by Charles Magnus

1855 "New-York City & County Map" by Charles Magnus

By Charles Magnus

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

The work was published in 1855 by Charles Magnus and is presented in a wooden archival frame. Published by one of the best known and most prosperous printers in the mid to late 1...

Category

1850s American Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique New England Map Blaeu c.1642 – Nova Belgica & Anglia, Ships
Antique New England Map Blaeu c.1642 – Nova Belgica & Anglia, Ships

Antique New England Map Blaeu c.1642 – Nova Belgica & Anglia, Ships

Located in Langweer, NL

A well-preserved and attractive impression. Framing tips: This map is ideally suited to a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or museum-white mat, allowing the fine engr...

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of North America, Canada, United States and Mexico, 1860
Antique Map of North America, Canada, United States and Mexico, 1860

Antique Map of North America, Canada, United States and Mexico, 1860

Located in Langweer, NL

Any images showing the print framed are for presentation purposes only. The map is supplied unframed.

Category

Mid-19th Century British Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Terra Firma, Blaeu c.1642 – Antique Map of New Granada & Popayán
Terra Firma, Blaeu c.1642 – Antique Map of New Granada & Popayán

Terra Firma, Blaeu c.1642 – Antique Map of New Granada & Popayán

Located in Langweer, NL

A well-preserved and attractive impression. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully in a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or museum-white mat, emphasizing the str...

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Ohio Map c.1888 – Buckeye State Railroads, Towns & Settlements
Antique Ohio Map c.1888 – Buckeye State Railroads, Towns & Settlements

Antique Ohio Map c.1888 – Buckeye State Railroads, Towns & Settlements

Located in Langweer, NL

No tears or significant damage. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully in a dark mahogany or walnut frame with a cream or ivory mat.

Category

Late 19th Century American Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Map Bedfordshire WilliamSchmollinger Dunstable Priory Woburn Abbey Moules Gothic
Map Bedfordshire WilliamSchmollinger Dunstable Priory Woburn Abbey Moules Gothic

Map Bedfordshire WilliamSchmollinger Dunstable Priory Woburn Abbey Moules Gothic

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

Engraved surface 267 x 203mm approx. 10-1/2” x 8” Rare in this early state and with original colour In a brown mount and traditional black and gold map frame.

Category

19th Century English Victorian Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Map Bedfordshire WilliamSchmollinger Dunstable Priory Woburn Abbey Moules Gothic
Map Bedfordshire WilliamSchmollinger Dunstable Priory Woburn Abbey Moules Gothic

Map Bedfordshire WilliamSchmollinger Dunstable Priory Woburn Abbey Moules Gothic

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

Engraved surface 267 x 203mm approx. 10-1/2” x 8” Rare in this early state and with original colour free floated on a cream mount and traditional black and gold map frame

Category

19th Century English Victorian Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Tartary, Siberia & China – Tirion, Amsterdam c.1730
Antique Map of Tartary, Siberia & China – Tirion, Amsterdam c.1730

Antique Map of Tartary, Siberia & China – Tirion, Amsterdam c.1730

Located in Langweer, NL

Slight toning to the sheet and minor edge wear. Framing tips: This historically rich map would be well-suited to a classic black or dark walnut frame, paired with an ivory or pale ...

Category

Mid-18th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

17th Century Blaeu Map of France, Gallia, Hand Colored, c.1642
17th Century Blaeu Map of France, Gallia, Hand Colored, c.1642

17th Century Blaeu Map of France, Gallia, Hand Colored, c.1642

Located in Langweer, NL

Any images showing the print framed are for visual inspiration only. The map is supplied unframed.

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Map of Switzerland with Cantonal Boundaries – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, 1876
Map of Switzerland with Cantonal Boundaries – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, 1876

Map of Switzerland with Cantonal Boundaries – Nieuwe Hand-Atlas, 1876

Located in Langweer, NL

No tears, repairs, or staining. Framing tips: This map’s balance of color and topographic texture makes it ideal for framing with a cream or soft ivory mat and a narrow black or wal...

Category

1870s Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Ontario Antique Map c.1888 – Western Counties, Heartland Province Railroads
Ontario Antique Map c.1888 – Western Counties, Heartland Province Railroads

Ontario Antique Map c.1888 – Western Counties, Heartland Province Railroads

Located in Langweer, NL

Strong impression with crisp detail. Framing tips: This map is ideal for display alongside its companion, “Ontario No. 2.”

Category

Late 19th Century American Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Canada Antique Railroad Map c.1888 – British America, Cities & Regions
Canada Antique Railroad Map c.1888 – British America, Cities & Regions

Canada Antique Railroad Map c.1888 – British America, Cities & Regions

Located in Langweer, NL

Mild handling marks to the margins, not affecting the printed area. Framing tips: This map works well as the centerpiece of a Canadian collection.

Category

Late 19th Century American Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Mexico Map Blaeu c.1642 – New Spain, Early Colonial Detail
Antique Mexico Map Blaeu c.1642 – New Spain, Early Colonial Detail

Antique Mexico Map Blaeu c.1642 – New Spain, Early Colonial Detail

Located in Langweer, NL

A well-preserved and attractive impression. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully in a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or museum-white mat.

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Blaeu Map of Persia, Caspian Sea & Arabia, Hand Colored, c.1642
Blaeu Map of Persia, Caspian Sea & Arabia, Hand Colored, c.1642

Blaeu Map of Persia, Caspian Sea & Arabia, Hand Colored, c.1642

Located in Langweer, NL

The map is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map Paris & Île-de-France – Blaeu Hand Colored c.1642
Antique Map Paris & Île-de-France – Blaeu Hand Colored c.1642

Antique Map Paris & Île-de-France – Blaeu Hand Colored c.1642

Located in Langweer, NL

Plate mark visible. Framing tips: This map excels in a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory mat, creating a classic museum presentation that enhances the warm hand colori...

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Batavia Jakarta Indonesia, Dutch East Indies, c.1750
Antique Map of Batavia Jakarta Indonesia, Dutch East Indies, c.1750

Antique Map of Batavia Jakarta Indonesia, Dutch East Indies, c.1750

Located in Langweer, NL

Please study the photographs carefully. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully in a dark walnut, ebonized, or museum-black frame with a wide warm ivory mat.

Category

Mid-18th Century French Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Rare 1888 Map of Arizona – Railroads, Mines & Early Frontier Settlements
Rare 1888 Map of Arizona – Railroads, Mines & Early Frontier Settlements

Rare 1888 Map of Arizona – Railroads, Mines & Early Frontier Settlements

Located in Langweer, NL

Clear plate impression throughout. Framing tips: This map’s historic charm is best complemented by a frame in walnut or dark oak, enhancing its antique character.

Category

Late 19th Century American Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Central Italy & Early Roman Empire – Wilkinson c.1800
Antique Map of Central Italy & Early Roman Empire – Wilkinson c.1800

Antique Map of Central Italy & Early Roman Empire – Wilkinson c.1800

Located in Langweer, NL

Any presentation images showing the map framed are for visual inspiration only. The map is supplied unframed.

Category

Early 19th Century British Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Historic Map of Poland and Lithuania – Tirion Edition c.1740
Historic Map of Poland and Lithuania – Tirion Edition c.1740

Historic Map of Poland and Lithuania – Tirion Edition c.1740

Located in Langweer, NL

No tears or repairs are present. Framing Tips: This historic map is well suited for framing in a simple, narrow black or gold moulding to match its cartographic elegance.

Category

Mid-18th Century Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Cairo, Babylon & Heliopolis – Antique Map of Ancient Memphis Region, 1776
Cairo, Babylon & Heliopolis – Antique Map of Ancient Memphis Region, 1776

Cairo, Babylon & Heliopolis – Antique Map of Ancient Memphis Region, 1776

Located in Langweer, NL

Margins are wide, with the plate mark clearly visible. Framing tips: This map would be ideally framed with a soft off-white mat and a thin black or walnut-brown wooden frame to enha...

Category

Late 18th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Arctic Polar Map – Greenland, North Pole & Russian Empire Regions, 1857
Arctic Polar Map – Greenland, North Pole & Russian Empire Regions, 1857

Arctic Polar Map – Greenland, North Pole & Russian Empire Regions, 1857

Located in Langweer, NL

Colours remain fresh, and the paper is firm and stable. Framing tips: This polar map will look striking in a dark wood or black frame to emphasise its scientific and historical valu...

Category

Mid-19th Century German Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Blaeu Bermuda Map, Somers Isles, Atlantic Chart, Hand-Colored, c.1642
Blaeu Bermuda Map, Somers Isles, Atlantic Chart, Hand-Colored, c.1642

Blaeu Bermuda Map, Somers Isles, Atlantic Chart, Hand-Colored, c.1642

Located in Langweer, NL

The elongated format lends itself well to horizontal placement above a desk or console, or as a refined standalone focal point within a curated wall of early maps. Technique: Copper...

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Europe Map with Political Boundaries – Collectible Wall Art, 1884
Antique Europe Map with Political Boundaries – Collectible Wall Art, 1884

Antique Europe Map with Political Boundaries – Collectible Wall Art, 1884

Located in Langweer, NL

Plate mark visible. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully with a wide archival mat in cream or ivory to enhance the soft pastel coloring.

Category

1880s Scottish Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map Asia Minor Turkey Levant, Lapie 1838 – Hand Colored Engraving
Antique Map Asia Minor Turkey Levant, Lapie 1838 – Hand Colored Engraving

Antique Map Asia Minor Turkey Levant, Lapie 1838 – Hand Colored Engraving

Located in Langweer, NL

Plate mark visible. Framing tips: This map would present beautifully in a dark walnut or black frame with a wide ivory or off-white mat to emphasize its classical tone.

Category

Early 19th Century French Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Moluccas by Porcacchi, circa 1620
Antique Map of the Moluccas by Porcacchi, circa 1620

Antique Map of the Moluccas by Porcacchi, circa 1620

Located in Langweer, NL

Plate mark faintly visible. Framing Tips This map is ideally suited for a classic walnut or dark ebonized frame with a soft ivory or warm grey mat to complement the aged paper tone.

Category

Early 17th Century Italian Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map Paris, SDUK Plan, Linen Backed, Hand Colored c.1855
Antique Map Paris, SDUK Plan, Linen Backed, Hand Colored c.1855

Antique Map Paris, SDUK Plan, Linen Backed, Hand Colored c.1855

Located in Langweer, NL

Any images showing the map framed are for visual inspiration only. The map is supplied unframed.

Category

Mid-19th Century British Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Valois, Picardy France – Blaeu Hand Colored c.1642
Antique Map of Valois, Picardy France – Blaeu Hand Colored c.1642

Antique Map of Valois, Picardy France – Blaeu Hand Colored c.1642

Located in Langweer, NL

Plate mark visible. Framing tips: This map displays beautifully in a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or cream mat to enhance the warmth of the original hand coloring.

Category

Mid-17th Century Dutch Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Java Indonesia, VOC Period, Decorative Cartouche, c.1750
Antique Map of Java Indonesia, VOC Period, Decorative Cartouche, c.1750

Antique Map of Java Indonesia, VOC Period, Decorative Cartouche, c.1750

Located in Langweer, NL

Please study the image carefully. Framing tips: This panoramic map benefits from a wide, museum-style presentation.

Category

Mid-18th Century French Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Saint Domingue Map 1793 – Colonial Haiti and Dominican Republic Plan
Saint Domingue Map 1793 – Colonial Haiti and Dominican Republic Plan

Saint Domingue Map 1793 – Colonial Haiti and Dominican Republic Plan

Located in Langweer, NL

No staining or tears within the engraved image. Fully suitable for framing. Framing tips: Frame this map in a thin black or dark wood moulding to maintain a classic archival look.

Category

Late 18th Century English Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

England & Wales in 1857 – Decorative Antique Map with Rail Routes
England & Wales in 1857 – Decorative Antique Map with Rail Routes

England & Wales in 1857 – Decorative Antique Map with Rail Routes

Located in Langweer, NL

Please refer to the image for detail. Framing tips: A classic map like this pairs well with a black or dark mahogany frame and an off-white mat.

Category

Mid-19th Century German Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Kalmykia – Vandermaelen Lithograph of Central Asia, 1827
Antique Map of Kalmykia – Vandermaelen Lithograph of Central Asia, 1827

Antique Map of Kalmykia – Vandermaelen Lithograph of Central Asia, 1827

Located in Langweer, NL

Strong paper with no tears, repairs, or foxing, except for both bottom corners. Framing tips: This map’s subdued elegance is well-suited to minimalist or vintage-style frames in mat...

Category

Early 19th Century Belgian Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Ottoman Empire in Europe – Antique Map by Reilly, Vienna, 1796
Ottoman Empire in Europe – Antique Map by Reilly, Vienna, 1796

Ottoman Empire in Europe – Antique Map by Reilly, Vienna, 1796

Located in Langweer, NL

Edges with only minimal wear, making it highly suitable for framing or archival collection. Framing tips: This impressive map deserves a museum-style presentation.

Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Ancient Britain – Roman England, Wales & Scotland, c.1818
Antique Map of Ancient Britain – Roman England, Wales & Scotland, c.1818

Antique Map of Ancient Britain – Roman England, Wales & Scotland, c.1818

Located in Langweer, NL

Particularly effective when displayed as part of a Roman Europe or classical map grouping. Technique: Engraving with original outline color Maker: Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon d’Anvill...

Category

Early 19th Century British Framing Antique Maps

Materials

Paper

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Framing Antique Maps For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of framing antique maps available for sale. Frequently made of paper, wood and glass, all framing antique maps available were constructed with great care. Framing antique maps have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Framing antique maps are generally popular furniture pieces, but Neoclassical, Mid-Century Modern and Victorian styles are often sought at 1stDibs. George F. Cram, Herman Moll and Townsend MacCoun each produced beautiful framing antique maps 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.

Questions About Framing Antique Maps
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    Antique picture frames can be very valuable, particularly if they are older and have maintained their high quality. Some designs are considered classically attractive and are more valuable even if they are not as old.
    1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
    Yes, antique picture frames are considered valuable. They are regarded as high-value collectibles and can often be seen in exhibits without canvases, as art pieces on their own. Made of wood traditionally, antique picture frames remain very popular owing to their ability to be shaped in varied profiles. You can choose from a wide variety of antique picture frames, including designs in antique and vintage, new and contemporary, and 21st century pre-owned styles on 1stDibs.

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