Somso On Sale
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1950s American Models and Miniatures
Bone
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Metal
Antique 1850s Unknown Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Natural Fiber
Vintage 1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Art Glass
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Iron
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Granite
Antique 18th Century European Models and Miniatures
Bronze, Gold
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Plastic, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Figurative Sculptures
Metal
Late 20th Century Moroccan Tribal Moroccan and North African Rugs
Cotton, Wool
1990s Statues
Bronze
20th Century European Modern Models and Miniatures
Marble, Amethyst, Silver, Other
Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases
Ceramic
Finding the Right models-miniatures for You
There’s a place in every room for antique and vintage models and miniatures to fit in as small pieces of decor with character. Given their diversity of design, they are well suited to fit any style of space. From boats and spaceships to animals and race cars, there is a model for every taste.
Among the earliest known uses of miniatures are models found in Egypt dating back to 3,000 B.C. They were placed in pyramids as part of religious ceremonies. Elsewhere in the ancient world, small-scale architectural models were used in burial rituals. Since then, people have made miniaturized models for a variety of purposes.
Around the turn of the last century, toy companies created sought-after miniatures like trains. In the 1930s, airplane model kits took off in popularity. Later, Pop artists helped turn these kid treasures into a higher art form, such as Andy Warhol’s 1983 Toy Paintings.
Many people now use miniatures to decorate. Miniatures and models can be a playful accent, especially in areas of leisure, like a living room, salon or bedroom. Some collect miniatures to show off a range of favorite passions, while others focus on one type of model to add sophistication to their home.
Models can depict animals, people or places — as they do for an interactive project called Gulliver’s Gate in New York — and can contribute to the curation of a space or express a personality. Connoisseurs can find folk art and historical miniatures from every era. They have been created in classic and modern designs ranging from kitsch collectibles to old-world oddities.
Explore the collection of models and miniatures on 1stDibs today to build your collection and bring whimsical joy to your home.