In Vienna’s Neubau district, a beautiful Biedermeier townhouse has been home to the Werkstätte Carl Auböck for more than 100 years. Inside the workshop, where production continues to this day, countless objects line the shelves, walls, tabletops and desktops.
The Viennese artist and designer Carl Auböck II was one of the quirkiest and most delightful and collectible of modern designers. A rather odd duck in the world of decorative arts, he was a peculiar talent whose specialties included smaller desk accessories and tabletop pieces such as corkscrews, paperweights, letter openers, bookends and bottle stoppers. He rendered these pieces in a combination of metal — most often brass — and such elemental materials as leather, knobby wood and animal horn, creating forms that could be almost Surrealist, from hands and feet to keys, birds and amoebae.
As a boy, Auböck was precocious and artistic. He studied drawing and at the same time trained in the workshop of his father, Karl Heinrich Auböck, a popular maker of traditional bronze figurines and collectibles. In 1919, Carl II went to Germany to study at the Bauhaus, where he was a pupil of the progressive artist and theorist Johannes Itten. While the Bauhaus is most associated with the rigidly ordered, functionalist architecture of its directors Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the school was in reality a liberal, spirited place — a crucible for imaginative, playful and avant-garde art and design. It was this spirit that imbued Carl II’s work from the time he left in 1921.
In 1922 or ’23, Carl Auböck II returned to Vienna to help care for his ailing father, and he took over the business. He created the Werkstätte Carl Auböck and a legacy that earned his objects cult status among collectors. The business was passed on to his descendants, who run the atelier that is still in operation today. Today, objects designed by Carl II make up 90 percent of Werkstätte Carl Auböck’s production, joined by the creations of architect and designer Carl IV, his grandson.
Vintage Auböck designs have a special character, a patina that only emphasizes how much the pieces have been loved and used. Carl Aubock II’s small furniture items — leather- or caned-sling magazine racks; free-edge wooden side tables with tubular bronze legs; wicker serving trolleys with turned beechwood wheels — are elegant and purposeful. His bijoux desktop objects, library tools, ashtrays and barware pieces evince a kind of mirthful practicality. They seem to ask: “If you need a corkscrew, or a paperweight, or a candlestick, why not make it fun as well as functional?” And indeed, why not?
Find a collection of vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck mirrors, seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Carl Aubock 6 Forks with Leather Holder, Corn Cob Skewers #3679, Vienna, 1930s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of six small forks with a leather holster, model no. 3679, designed by Carl Auböck and executed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna. Originally conceived in the 1930s, this model...
Brass, Nickel
Rare Carl Auböck Brass Standing Floor Ashtray, Smoking Stand, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful vintage and authentic minimalist standing ashtray / smoking stand from the 1950s, designed and crafted by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria. This sculptural piece...
Brass
Carl Auböck Brass Hand Catchall Vide-Poche Accessory Bowl, Vienna, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Catch-All storage utility bowl, model number 4209, designed by Carl Auböck IV and traditionally handcrafted by the Werkstätte Carl Auböck workshop. It consists of a round...
Brass
Carl Aubock Side Table, Flower Plant Bench, Iron, Rattan, Wicker, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful rectangular Mid-Century side table / bench from the 1950s. This authentic vintage minimalist piece was designed by Carl Auböck II and crafted by Werkstätte Auböck, Vienna...
Metal, Steel, Iron
Pair Carl Auböck Minimalist Mid-Century Brass Bookends #3653, Vienna, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of minimalist sculptural book ends in the organic shape. Model number 3653, handmade of solid patinated and partly polished brass. Designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in the 19...
Brass
AMBOSS Flatware by Carl Aubock Mid Century Modern Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Amboss Austria
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a flatware set by AMBOSS designed by Carl Aubock .Mid Century Modern Austria. Dimensions: Knive 8.38 , Spoon 7.75, Fork 7.75, Small spoon 5.88, Small f...
Stainless Steel
2x Vintage Carl Auböck II Nickel-Plated Brass Wall Hooks, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to 2 Midcentury brass wall hooks, model 4330, designed and executed in the 1950s by Carl Aubock II in Vienna, Austria. Sold and priced per piece. This is the more unusual nickel-p...
Brass, Nickel
Carl Aubock Culinar Flatware for Collini (Thirteen Pieces)
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Collini 1
Located in New York, NY
Culinar series flatware of stainless steel designed by Carl Aubock III (1924-1993) and manufactured by Collini, Austria in 1979. Thirteen pieces in total, consisting of the followin...
Stainless Steel
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully...
Brass
Carl Auböck Bar Cart Drinks Trolley Serving Cart, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful example of Minimalist Modernist design, this two-tier bar cart or drinks serving trolley dates back to the 1960s/1970s. Crafted by the workshop Werkstätte Carl Auböck in ...
Iron
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Shell Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist shell keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Length including...
Brass
Key shaped Corkscrew by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass corkscrew shaped like a large key, with an oval loop handle and a cylindrical shaft ending in a bottle-opener cut-out. The worm twists out from the body; surface shows light we...
Brass, Steel
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Anchor Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Anchor keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Brass
Carl Auböck 2060 Flatware, 42 pcs., Complete For 6 Persons, Amboss Austria, 1950
By Amboss Austria, Neuzeughammer, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A comprehensive set of midcentury flatware from the 1950s, the award-winning model 2060, designed by Carl Aubock and executed by Amboss Neuzeug Au...
Stainless Steel
Carl Auböck Midcentury Elephant Handmade Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist elephant keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte A...
Brass
Carl Aubock Vienna Rare Brass Wall Mirror No. 38, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare Mid-Century modernist wall mirror from the 1950s, designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria. The piece features a characteristically simple and minimalist de...
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Paperweight Jingle Bell #5039, Brass, Leather, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A handmade paperweight in the shape of a sleigh bell, model #5039, originally designed by Carl Aubock III back in the 1960s. A very charming piece, reissued by Werkstätte Auböck...
Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Patinated Brass Wall Coat Hooks, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Austrian Mid-Century Modern solid brass hook by Carl Auböck II. Made of polished and patinated solid brass and come with the original brass screws. The same hooks were sold...
Brass
Elegant Mid Century Modern Brass Pipe Holder By Carl Auböck, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in München, BY
Elegant midcentury brass pipe stand designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck, Austria circa 1950. The sculptural pipe stand is cast from solid brass. A great patina covers the bras...
Brass
1930s Carl Aubock I Roll Top Storage Box, Cigarette Dispenser, Walnut, Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A storage box with a roll-down lid from the 1930s. This is an early design by Carl Auböck I, handcrafted by the Werkstätte Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria. Handmade from walnut wo...
Brass, Nickel
Carl Auböck Midcentury Lucky Charm Pig Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist pig keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Aus...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #7250 Polished Brass 'Swing' Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #7250 Polished Brass 'Swing' Vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and modern vase is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria....
Brass
Carl Auböck, 2/40 Midcentury Brass Plated Coat Hangers, No.5714, 1960s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
2 of 40 Beautiful Mid-Century Modern cloth hangers designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck in 1960s. They are made of brass-plated solid steel. Of almost continuous organic shape wi...
Brass, Steel
Carl Auböck Model #5275 'Hand Zumbusch' Brass Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5275 'Zumbusch Hand' Brass Sculpture Designed in the 1950s, as an homage to German sculptor Kaspar von Zumbusch, this incredibly refined and sculptural bejeweled ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this beautifully refined Viennese paperweight is hand-fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Ca...
Brass
Carl Auböck Nickel Plated U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", model #4617-2, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Identical to the brass key ring...
Brass, Nickel
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Nickel Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Nickel Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this beautifully refined Viennese paperweight is hand-fabricated in polished nickel-plated brass b...
Nickel, Brass
Carl Auböck Neptune Fish Bottle Opener, Leather & Steel by Amboss Austria, 1950s
By Amboss Austria, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful fish-shaped mid-century bottle opener, made of stainless steel, covered with dark-brown tan leather. Model #4687, designed in 1995 by Carl Auböck, Vienna. Executed by Amb...
Stainless Steel
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Peanut Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist peanut keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Brass
$240 / item
Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produc...
Brass
Large Carl Auböck Model #4751 'Paperclip' Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4751 'Paperclip' brass paperweight. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkst...
Brass
Carl Aubock Cocktail Drink Glass Pitcher with Bamboo Stir & Cane Handle
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant clear tall glass pitcher with bamboo stirer and wrapped cane handle , circa 1970's great condition no chips or cracks.
Rattan, Glass
Set of Four Carl Auböck Chairs A7, Walnut Wood Velvet, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A set of four dining room or side chairs model A7 by Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1950. The chairs are made of warm toned walnut wood. The seats a...
Wood, Velvet, Walnut
$2,290 / item
Carl Auböck 'Nun' Floor Lamp in Brass
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck 'Nun' floor lamp in brass. Designed in 1950, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese lamps is executed in brass with a cast brass base and sc...
Brass, Iron
$350 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pr...
Brass
Big Auböck Bottle Opener 'Marked'
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Big Auböck bottle opener ( marked ) Original condition.
Brass
$360 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist midcentury wall hook is executed in choice of patinated brass, polished brass, or p...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Car...
Brass
Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Nickel Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Nickel Paperweight Executed in nickel-plated cast iron and designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is han...
Iron, Nickel
Carl Auböck Four Rare Midcentury Rattan Couch Tables, 1980s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful and rare rattan top coffee or side tables, manufactured by Carl Auböck Werkstätte in the 1980s, Vienna. The frames are made of black lacquered steel with woven rattan top. ...
Metal
Carl Auböck Model #4330-2 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4330-2 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Aubö...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3653 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3653 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Each pi...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3847 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3847 Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished and patinated brass. Each piec...
Brass
$360 / item
Carl Auböck Model #9040 Polished Brass Knob
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9040 Polished Brass Knob Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte...
Brass
Carl Auböck '4723' Patinated Brass Plug-In Wall Light With White Shade
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck '4723' Patinated Brass Plug-In Wall Light With White Shade. Designed in 1950, this versatile and minimalist Viennese lamp is executed in brass with a cast iron base and ...
Brass
Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Polished Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #5072 'Chain' polished brass paperweight. Executed in brass-plated cast iron and designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is...
Brass, Iron
$2,590 / item
Carl Auböck Vice Versa Floor Lamp
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Wiener Werkstätte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck vice versa floor lamp. These iconic and Minimalist Viennese floor lamps are executed in brass, wicker and cast aluminum designed by...
Iron, Brass
$300 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5262 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5262 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in darkly patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass an...
Brass
Rare Mid-Century Modern Leather Waste Bin by Carl Auböck III
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This exceptional leather wastepaper bin is a quintessential example of the "tactile modernism" that defined the Werkstätte Auböck in Vienna during the mid-20th century. Designed by C...
Leather
Authentic Massive Brass Ashtray and Extinguisher by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
In this listing you will find an extremely rare brass ashtray or pipe holder designed by Carl Auböck in 1948. It features beautiful and elegant lines, part of the exquisite craftsman...
Brass
$380 / item
Carl Auböck #4995 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck #4995 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished and patinated brass by We...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3431 'Knopferl' Brass Tray
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3431 'Knopferl' Brass Tray Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese tray is executed in patinated and p...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3881 Bamboo and Brass X-Lamp Floor Lamp
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3881 Bamboo and Brass X-Lamp Floor Lamp Designed in 1950, the versatile 'X-lamp' is an iconic midcentury Austrian lighting design. Executed in bamboo and brass wi...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5663 'Shell' Brass Figurine Keyring
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck model #5663 'Shell' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass. Price is per it...
Brass
Pair Carl Auböck Minimalist Mid-Century Brass Bookends #3847, Vienna, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of minimalist sculptural book ends in the organic shape. Model „T“ number 3847, handmade of solid patinated and partly polished brass. Designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in th...
Brass
Carl Auböck #4233-2 Brass and Cane Letter Opener, Mid-Century Modern
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4233-2 Letter Opener, Austria 2022.
Brass
Werkstätte Carl Auböck 'Nun' Brass Table Lamp With Paper Shade
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Werkstätte Carl Auböck 'Nun' brass table lamp with paper shade. Designed in 1950, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese lamps is executed in brass wit...
Brass, Iron
Carl Auböck Model #4867 2-inch 'Egg' Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4867 2-inch 'Egg' Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstät...
Brass
$2,960 / set
Grouping of Eight Carl Auböck Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Grouping of eight Carl Auböck brass bookends. Includes one pair each of Models #3651, #3652, #3653 & #3654. Designed in the 1950s, these i...
Brass