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 Jardiniere, Plants Table or Bench, Flower Trough, Iron & Wicker
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful rectangular mid-century flower bench / plant table from the 1950s. This authentic vintage minimalist piece was designed and handcrafted by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienn...
Metal, Iron, Sheet Metal
Mid-Century Carl Auböck Brass Door Handle/Door Fixture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This complete set of a door fixture is an exemplary piece of Mid-Century design. It was created by renowned Austrian designer Carl Auböck and produced in Austria in the 1950s. It is ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #9031-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9031-1 polished brass drawer pull. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in poli...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #9070-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9070-1 polished brass drawer pull. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in poli...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #9050 'Chunky Grip' Nickel Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9050 'Chunky Grip' Nickel Drawer Pull Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in choice of polished brass or nickel-...
Brass, Nickel
Carl Auböck Model #9037 'Bow' Nickel Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9037 'Bow' Nickel Drawer Pull Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in choice of polished brass or polished nickel...
Brass, Nickel
Carl Auböck Model #9061-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9061-1 polished brass drawer pull. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in poli...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #9060-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9060-1 polished brass drawer pull. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in poli...
Brass
Watering Can in Brass and Copper by Carl Auböck, 1950's
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Watering Can in Brass and Copper by Carl Auböck, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass and copper Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced in Denmark by Illums Bolighus Dim...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #9037 'Bow' Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9037 'Bow' Polished Brass Drawer Pull Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in choice of polished brass or polishe...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #9050 'Chunky Grip' Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9050 'Chunky Grip' Polished Brass Drawer Pull Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in choice of polished brass or...
Brass, Nickel
Brass Fireplace Set by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Stand & Tools, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
The Fireplace Set consists of a stand, a shovel, a tong and a hook. The measurements given apply to the stand. The shovel measures D58-W14-H4cm, the tong 56-12-2 and the hook 58-6-4cm.
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #9063-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #9063-1 polished brass drawer pull. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in poli...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #9035-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9035-1 polished brass drawer pull. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in poli...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #9030-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9030-1 polished brass drawer pull. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in poli...
Brass
Rare Watering Can in Brass and Copper by Carl Auböck, 1950's
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Watering Can in Brass and Copper by Carl Auböck, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass and copper Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced in Denmark by Illums Bolighu...
Copper
Pair of Hammered Aluminum Door Pulls x2
Located in Hanover, MA
Paif of vintage Italian hammered aluminum door pulls. New Old Stock. We have two pairs available. Priced per pair (left and right).
Aluminum
1970s Greek Key Drawer Cabinet Pulls Patinated Brass
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Midcentury Hardware Greek Grecian Key Brass Pulls mounting 2.25 spread. No screws. Set of two .75 d x 5 long x 2 d Preowned original vintage ...
Brass
Twig Door Pull - Handcrafted Polished Brass - PullCast
By Pullcast
Located in Rio Tinto, PT
Twig Door Pull portraits extended strength and character, a key architectural Door Hardware element to your designs. This luxury Door Pull empowers you to uplift any atmosphere you a...
Brass
$2,977 / set
H 44 in W 103 in D 1.5 in
Pair of Mid Victorian Handwrought Iron Meadow Gates With Simple Scroll Details
Located in London, GB
A pair mid Victorian handwrought iron and hand riveted meadow gates with simple scroll details at each upper end, and a simple latch with a swing over clasp to the top. Measuremen...
Wrought Iron
1970s Polished Solid Brass Campaign Drawer Pulls
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of six 1970s polished solid brass camping style drawer pulls. Newly professionally polished to a high shine. Mounting hardware is not included.
Brass
Drawer pull in solid brass – Earth Prints collection – Ø 8 cm
Located in Marrakech, MA
Rounded solid brass drawer pull – organic inspiration: This drawer pull in solid brass is part of the Earth Prints collection, which explores natural inspiration through simple form...
Brass
19th Century Louis XV Style Jardinière or Plant Stand
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Winter Park, FL
A late 19th century French Louis XV style Rococo bronze mounted jardinière, or planter, on a pedestal stand. Kingwood marquetry veneer. Decorated with two Sèvres hand painted porcela...
Bronze
$227 / item
H 1.19 in W 3.15 in D 0.4 in
Luxury Pull Handle Various Metal &Leather Color Finishes Tube Shape Nickel Small
By Jover + Valls
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Door & drawer pull handle Artisanal architectural elements that privilege the sense of touch. Made with brass, metal precision pieces cnc turned that are hand finished using uniqu...
Brass
Italian Brass Door Handles 1950s
Located in CA, CA
A pair of Italian 1950s brass door handles with a textured hand hammered finish forming a v-shape.
Brass
$1,306Sale Price|40% Off
H 8.27 in W 3.55 in D 1.19 in
Mid-Century Modern Brass Italian Door Handle, Circa 1940
Located in Ibiza, Spain
This Mid-Century Modern door handle, crafted from solid brass, exemplifies the design aesthetics of Italy in the 1940s. Its iconic style and durabl...
Brass
$1,225Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 0.75 in W 2.25 in D 1.5 in
Set of Six Sherle Wagner Ribbon and Reed Cabinet Drawer Pulls
By Sherle Wagner
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of six Sherle Wagner ribbon and reed cabinet drawer pulls in brass/bronze gold finish. Like new condition. Price is for the set of six. Sherle...
Bronze
Italian 1950s Brass Door Handles
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid brass door handle in concave round form Measuring diameter 9.8 x 11.2 total of the two handles
Brass
Sold
H 8 in W 17 in D 4.25 in
Mid Century Modern Vintage Brass Watering Can by Carl Auböck II , circa 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Troy, MI
Vintage Carl Aubock II Brass Watering Can Austria Sculptural watering can designed by Carl Auböck II circa 1950s Model 4118 in solid brass produ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Fireplace Tool Set, Wrought Iron, Austria, 1940s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A minimalistic, beautiful Modernist set of three fire tools and stand, designed and executed by Viennese designer Carl Auböck II (1900-1957) in Austria. An original work from the lat...
Brass, Iron, Wrought Iron
Easel Standing Fireplace Tool Set by Carl Auböck 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
In this listing you will find a Modernist set of four fireplace tools in wrought iron with wooden handles with leather straps, all resting on a easel form wrought iron and brass. The...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Carl Auböck Planter, Cane Wicker Black Metal, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A planter with the original cane, wicker, and internal liner in zinc and a black painted metal frame designed by Carl Auböck, manufactured by Carl Auböck workshop in midcentury, circ...
Zinc, Metal
Carl Auböck Leather-Wrapped Fire Tools
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iron and leather fire tool set with brush, hook, log grabber, shovel and brass stand by Viennese designer Carl Auböck. This is an original work from...
Brass, Iron
Carl Auböck Wicker Table, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A rectangular wicker top side table by Carl Auboeck, Vienna, manufactured in Mid-century, circa 1950. The frame is made of slim steel bars painted in black. The tabletop is in excell...
Metal
Carl Auböck Brass Hooks
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
Brass hook by Carl Auböck made in the Viennese workshop in the 1950s. Set of 5 available
Brass
9x Carl Aubock 5-Shaped Brass Hooks for the Wooden Coat Rack, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to nine 5-shaped brass hooks, designed by Carl Aubock, Vienna. To be used with the Carl Aubock coat rack. Stamped and in excellent condition. ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Wicker Planter
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
Planter in wicker and black painted iron. Lined in lead and in very good condition.
Iron
Large Wicker Planter By Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
Large tall planter with the original wicker in great condition. Made in the workshop in Vienna in the 1950s , only the liner has been changed.
Wicker
Wicker and Iron Planter by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
A truly elegant shrubbery planter by Carl Auböck. Simple in design but wonderful, this planter would feel great on a veranda or in conservatory. Original wicker still in perfect con...
Wicker
Sculptural Double Hooks by Carl Aubock
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
Great solid brass double hooks made by Austrian modernist Carl Aubock.
Brass