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 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 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
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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
$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 #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
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 Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' Brass Bottle Opener
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' brass bottle opener. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bottle opener is executed in polished brass. Price is per item. ...
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
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3848 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3848 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. Each piece bears the ...
Brass
Brass Desk Paperweight in original wooden Box, byWerkstätte Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass desk paperweight by Werkstätten Carl Auböck, preserved in its original wooden presentation box printed “la plume de ma tante.” The object is formed as a long, faceted shaft w...
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
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
$430 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3844 Polished Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #3844 polished brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl or catch-all is executed in polished brass. Originally conc...
Brass
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
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
$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
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
$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
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
1930s Carl Aubock Large Art Deco Jewelry Storage Cigarette Box, Roll Top, Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare, curved and large Art Deco storage box, jewelry box, or cigarette dispenser featuring a roll-top lid with a small brass handle, dating from the 1930s. This is an early design ...
Brass, Nickel
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4635 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4635 Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished 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 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
Carl Auböck #7211 Letter Opener "Turned", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #7211 letter opener "Turned", Austria 2022.
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4233-4 Brass and Leather Paper Knife
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4233-4 Brass and Leather Paper Knife Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural knife is executed in polished brass and handwoven brown leather...
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
$370 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4982 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #4982 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Paperweight #5371 or 5788 "Heart", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight #5371 or 5788 "Heart", Austria. Price is per piece. Available in different sizes.
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
Wooden Fruit Bowl with Six Knives by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Turned wooden fruit bowl by Werkstätten Carl Auböck with integrated central cork knife holder, accompanied by six fruit knives by Ed. Wüsthof, Solingen, with cane-wrapped handles. ...
Steel
$682 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3975 Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #3975 brass vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in polished and darkly ...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Brass and Cane Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 Brass and Cane 'Flatiron' Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished or patinat...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass. Each piece...
Brass
$780 / item
Carl Auböck Model #7228 Patinated Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #7228 Patinated Brass Vase Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in darkly patinated and polished brass by Werkst...
Brass
$800 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3794 'Aorta' Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #3794 'Aorta' brass vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass by Werkst...
Brass
Carl Aubock II Rare Brass & Leather Table Desk Lamp #4280, Vienna, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and rare sculptural minimalist mid century modern table or desk lamp, model no. 4280. Designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck II in 1949. This lamp is made of brass and ...
Brass
$440 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Nickel-Plated Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Nickel-Plated Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in nickel-plated brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, A...
Brass, Nickel
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 Auböck Paperweight #4223 'Hand', Cast Brass, Polished, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight #4223 "Hand", Austria.
Brass
Rare No.A-436 bowl by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
flawless carl auböck wood bowl.
Brass
$350 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck...
Brass, Nickel
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Hand Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Hand keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ma...
Brass
1930s Carl Aubock Large Art Deco Jewelry Storage Cigarette Box, Roll Top, Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare, curved and large Art Deco storage box, jewelry box, or cigarette dispenser featuring a roll-top lid with a small brass handle, dating from the 1930s. This is an early design ...
Brass, Nickel
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Hook in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #5261 hook in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Nickel
1950s Carl Auböck Stamped Austrian Leather & Brass Loop Handle Wastepaper Basket
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional, rare, and highly collectible Mid-Century Modern wastepaper basket, designed by the master of Austrian "tactile modernism," Carl Auböck II (1900–1957), and hand-crafted at the prestigious Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria, circa 1950s. Officially designated as Model No. 4202 in the archival Auböck workshop records, this exquisite piece features a beautifully tapered cylindrical form—measuring 7.88 inches in diameter at the top and elegantly narrowing to 5.88 inches at the bottom—meticulously hand-wrapped in a rare white/cream-toned thick double-cowhide leather. The basket features structural vertical seams bound by contrasting, robust black hand-stitching that beautifully frames the piece. Serving as the design's signature focal point is a heavy, organically sculpted teardrop-shaped cast brass/bronze loop handle mounted to the front via a leather loop sleeve. The interior reveals a rich, warm natural cognac leather lining. Distinguishing itself entirely from common modern replicas and unauthorized reproductions, this rare vintage original features the definitive workshop hallmarks. Besides the proper dimensions, the bronze handle is crisply hand-stamped "Auböck" alongside the official "Made in Austria" origin mark, providing ironclad provenance for the serious collector. A quintessential example of the Bauhaus and Wiener Werkstätte traditions that defined the Auböck workshop, this functional objet d'art showcases an incredible, authentic original patina. Offered in very good vintage condition with age-appropriate light wear and minor scuffing to the white leather exterior, this investment-grade desk accessory is a magnificent addition for discerning collectors of fine mid-century Austrian design. Carl Aubock leather bin, Werkstatte Carl Aubock basket, Austrian mid century desk accessory, Vienna modern brass handle, Bauhaus waste basket leather, Illums Bolighus Aubock, Tactile modernism object, Luxury leather paper bin, 1950s Vienna office decor, Rare white leather basket.
Bronze
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4575 Patinated Square Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4575 Patinated Square Brass Bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and geometric pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass with ...
Brass
$330 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4828 Cane and Steel Knife
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4828 cane and steel knife. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural knife is executed in polished steel and handwoven cane. Price is per it...
Steel
$232Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carl Auböck Up to Three Midcentury Polished Brass Card Holder, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
*Actually up to three pieces available* A beautiful card stand, made of polished brass, designed and executed in the 1950s by Carl Auböck, Austria. To be used for business cards, fol...
Brass
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 Patinated Brass Candle Holders
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Utrecht, NL
Pair of patinated candle holders designed by Carl Aubock in 1948. This signature piece from the Auböck collection is hand made manufactured in Vienna Austria workshop ever since 1948...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4099 Patinated Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4099 Patinated Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass....
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Brass Bookends by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Classis pair of Carl Auböck bookend in a patina and polish brass mix.
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3854 'Atom 2' Brass Vase, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3854 'Atom 2' brass vase, Austria Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in darkly patinated brass by Werkstätte...
Brass