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.
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
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
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 Aubock II Rare Salt and Pepper Shakers, Walnut & Horn, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful and rare pair of Midcentury modern minimalism salt and pepper shakers from the 1950s. Designed and manufactured by Werkstatte Carl Aubock Vienna. The drop shaped shakers ...
Wood
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
Big Auböck Bottle Opener 'Marked'
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, AT
Big Auböck bottle opener ( marked ) Original condition.
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
Carl Aubock Polished Brass Hand Bottle Opener #4224
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock polished brass hand bottle opener #4224. This whimsical 1950's hand bottle opener by Carl Aubock is a wonderful example of the marriage ...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Ashtray by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, 1948
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Carl Auböck II Model 3597 Ashtray, Austria, circa 1948 patinated brass stamped on the bottom great orignal patina - untouched very small flat area at lip of ledge also works very ...
Brass
Carl Auböck #3431 Leaf Ashtray, Patinated Brass, Austria, 2022 Design
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3431 ashtray "Leaf", Austria 2022.
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3431 'Knopferl' Brass Tray
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, 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 Aubock 1950s Butler Brass Ashtray for Illums Bolighus, Denmark
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Illums Bolighus
Located in Malmö, SE
A brass and walnut mid-century lidded ashtray with amazing original patina. Designed by Carl Auböck, Austria in the 1950s. Sold at 'Illums Bolighus' in Copenhagen, Denmark. Great ...
Brass
Brass Coaster by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Polished Finish, 17cm
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #5509-1 coaster, Austria.
Brass
Vintage Brass Aubock Auboeck Bottle Opener Mid-Century Modern Breweriana Barware
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s mid century modern bottle opener. Made by Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria. Nice addition to your room or just for use at your bar or bar cart. Found at an estate sal...
Brass
Carl Aubock III Enameled „CULINAR“ Pot With Lid, Ostovics Vienna, Austria, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful black-and-white enameled cooking pot with lid from the 1970s. This pot is part of the Culinar series, designed by Carl Auböck III for Ostovics Vienna. We especially appre...
Metal, Enamel, Iron
Carl Auböck Leather Tray
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Carl Auböck tray in leather and brass, Austria. Super beautiful.
Brass, Nickel
Original Auböck Egg Cup Made from Nutwood and Brass
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a unique piece of Art Deco design. The egg cup consists of beautiful warm nutwood and nickel-plated brass. They were hand crafted in the renowned Austrian workshops of Ba...
Brass, Nickel
Bottle Opener Model 4224 by Carl Auböck, 1949
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Brussels, BE
Bottle Opener Model 4224 by Carl Auböck, 1949
Brass
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 Aubock Midcentury Black Cast Iron Bowl or Ashtray, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful modernist metal bowl or ashtray, made of grey or black cast iron from the 1950s. Designed and manufactured by Carl Aubock in Austria. ...
Iron
Carl Auböck Wine Bottle Server Wicker Handle Nickel Silver 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Basel, BS
Carl Auböck bottle holder in a rarely seen nickel silver version, made in Vienna in the 1950s. Nickel silver with a hand-woven wicker handle. Cleaned and polished. Width: 22 cm De...
Metal
Carl Aubock for Amboss 35 Piece Flatware Set Mid Century Modern
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Atlanta, GA
Modernist stainless steel flatware set, designed by Carl Aubock for Amboss, Austria, circa 1960s. This is a 5 piece set for 7 guests, 35 pieces total. The largest piece measures 8.25...
Stainless Steel
Rare Carl Aubock Copper & Brass Tripod Floor Ashtray, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare modernist vintage floor standing ashtray from the 1950s, designed and executed by Carl Auböck, Vienna. The bowl of this beautiful...
Brass, Copper
Carl Auböck Ashtray "Marked by Auböck"
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, AT
Carl Auböck ashtray "Marked by Auböck" Original condition.
Brass
$330 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4828 Cane and Steel Knife
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, 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
$456Sale Price|43% Off
Austrian Midcentury Steel and Leather Fish Bottle Opener by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Bestecke Solingen
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming fish shaped stainless steel and cognac brown leather bottle opener has been designed by Carl Auböck, Modell Nr. 4687. Produved by Solingen Germany...
Stainless Steel
Original Aubock Brass Cigar Extinguisher trumpet
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This brass cigar extinguisher is handcrafted at the original family workshop in Vienna, it it shaped as trumpet and feels satisfyingly weighty to the touch. Please note, as this piec...
Brass
Complete Aubock Egg Holder Set, Designed in the Early 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A set of 6 egg cups, a very characteristic item by the Auböck workshop, Vienna. The six massive brass rings bear a beautiful patina but can be polished. Measure: height of one egg...
Brass
Carl Aubock II Walnut Knife Holder with 6 Amboss Knives, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Lovely set of six beautiful midcentury fruit knives and a holder / stand, made of walnut and cork. Designed by Carl Aubock II and manufactured by Carl Auböck workshop in midcentury, ...
Stainless Steel
Carl Auböck Fish Shaped Bottle Opener, Vienna, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, AT
Carl Auböck fish shaped bottle opener, Vienna, 1950s Bottle opener model no. 4687 Carl Auböck II.
Stainless Steel
Coin Tray by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, AT
Coin tray by Carl Auböck Original condition.
Brass
Solid Brass Ashtray by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 1960s Mid-Century Modern
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck ashtray in solid brass, executed in an organic, pebble-like form with a small integrated rest, characteristic of Auböck’s sculptural yet fun...
Brass
$420Sale Price|20% Off
Carl Auböck Neptune Fish Bottle Opener
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful Carl Aubock Neptune Fish Bottle Opener. Heavy Steel. Leather has gorgeous patina and shows well. Dimensions: 9.5L x 1.45 W
Steel
Coffee pot by Carl Auböck 1950s for Werkstätte Carl Auböck. ( signed )
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, AT
Coffee pot by Carl Auböck 1950s for Werkstätte Carl Auböck. ( signed ) Original condition
Brass, Copper
One of two anchor-shaped-Cork Screws by Werkstätte Carl Auböck Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Anchor-shaped-Cork Screw Austria, 1960s
Brass, Steel
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 Brass Ashtray, Model 3317, Austria 1935
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Den Haag, NL
Carl Auböck brass ashtray, model 3317, Austria 1935.
Brass
Werkstätte Carl Auböck II Fondue Pot and Burner Set in Copper and Brass 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Troy, MI
Fondue set by Carl Aubock II Austria circa 1950s Complete set with lidded copper pot inset to brass tripod stand and brass warmer Signed in 3 places 10 inch overall width 5.5 inch ...
Brass, Copper
Signed Carl Auböck Brass Nutcracker with Leather Handles
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This nutcracker is an original piece of Mid-Century craftsmanship. The design and execution by the Wiener Werkstatte Carl Aubock. Fully signed Aubock and Made in Austria. It is made ...
Brass
Carl Aubock Big Brass Key Cork Screw, Bottle Opener Paperweight, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful cork screw bottle opener & paperweight in the shape of a large golden key, designed and executed by Carl Aubock Vienna, Austria, 1950s. The big model. A Carl Aubock clas...
Brass
Carl Aubock Big Brass Key Cork Screw, Bottle Opener, Paperweight, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A sculptural Midcentury corkscrew and bottle opener combination from the 1950s. In the shape of a large key, designed by Carl Aubock, executed by...
Brass
Carl Auböck #4280 Oval Cup, Patinated Brass, Modern Design, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4280 oval cup, Austria, 2022.
Brass
Beautiful Carl Aubock Mid-Century Horn Pepper Or Salt Mill, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant modernist pepper- or salt mill, made of cow horn, designed and executed by Carl Aubock in the 1950s. In very good condition, marginal...
Metal
$25,000 / set
Collection of Vintage Carl Aubock Pieces
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A collection of rare Carl Aubock vintage pieces. Total of twelve comprising of bowls, bookends, pitcher, most are signed.
Brass
Beautiful Carl Aubock Cast-Iron Pepper Salt Mill with Peugeot Grinder, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and solid modernist pepper- or salt mill with Peugeot grinder, made of black-finished cast iron. Designed and executed by Carl Aubock in th...
Iron
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Carl Auböck II Teapot, model 3879 Austria 1950's
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chicago, IL
Carl Auböck II Teapot, model 3879 Austria 1950's Handcrafted in Austria during the 1950s for Werkstätte Carl Auböck. This exquisite piece combines form and function, showcasing a uni...
Copper
Auböck Big Brass Key Paperweight & Cork Screw, Midcentury, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Carl Auböck "Big Key" bottle opener, corkscrew & paperweight in solid brass, made by Werkstätten Carl Auböck in 1950s. The key is in a very good con...
Brass
Set of 4 Carl Aubock 1950s Brass Egg Cups Holders for Illums Bolighus, Denmark
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Illums Bolighus
Located in Malmö, SE
Set of 4 beautiful midcentury Brass Egg Cups with amazing original patina. Designed by Carl Auböck, Austria in the 1950s. Sold at 'Illums Bolighus' in Copenhagen, Denmark. Great o...
Brass
$2,490 / set
Stoneware Cafe Set by Carl Auböck for Ostovics
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Stoneware pottery cafe set designed in the 1970s by Carl Auböck for Ostovics. Anthracite/blue glaze. Excellent original condition.
Stoneware
Carl Auböck #3979 Organic Ashtray, Patinated Brass, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3979 ashtray "Organic", Austria 2022.
Brass
small organic form brass ashtray element by Carl Auböck, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: ashtray element Design: Carl Auböck, 1950s Producer: Auböck Workshop Vienna, Austria Origin: Austria Age: 1950s Description: Original 1950s ashtray eleme...
Brass
Round Brass Cup by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Patinated Finish, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4279 round cup, Austria 2022.
Brass
Carl Auböck Drinking Glass Carrying Rack, Wood, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A minimalist and elegant mid-century modern long tray or drinks carrier / drinking glass caddy featuring six clear long drink glasses from the 1960s. Designed and crafted by Carl Aub...
Brass
Midcentury Original Auböck Ashtray and Extinguisher Made from Brass
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful set consisting of an ashtray and matching extinguisher. Both were crafted from brass and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. The ash...
Brass
Original Midcentury Carl Auböck Brass Bottle Opener in the Shape of a Key
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful bottle opener in key shape. It was crafted from brass and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. The item represents the typical reduce...
Brass
$1,760Sale Price / set|20% Off
Carl Aubock Tableware Service Tray and Skillet for Two with Amboss 2060
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Amboss Austria
Located in Chicago, IL
Carl Aubock Tableware Service Tray and Skillet for Two with Amboss 2060 Flatware. Each set has a stainless steel skillet, wooden handle, wood block tray, A...
Stainless Steel
Copper, Brass & Wicker Teapot, Carl Auböck II, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
A copper teapot with a cane wrapped brass handle, designed by Carl Auböck II during the 1950s. This angular copper teapot was designed by the 2nd Carl Auböck during the 1950s, and ...
Brass, Copper
A Pair Of Original Carl Auböck Brass Candlesticks Ca' 1950's
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An unusual pair of brass candlesticks by Carl Aubock, Austria, ca' 1950's. Model 3600. A great modernist design that has been reissued-these are the original production.
Brass
Nutcracker with Cane-Wrapped Handles by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
This hand nutcracker by Werkstätten Carl Auböck combines solid cast metal with tightly wrapped cane handles, transforming a simple kitchen tool into a sculptural object. The oval c...
Brass
Glass Pitcher with Leather Sleeve by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Glass pitcher with hand-stitched leather sleeve and handle by Werkstätte Carl Auböck. The clear cylindrical glass body is fitted with a thick natural leather wrap, stitched by hand a...
Leather, Glass