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 Aubock Culinar Flatware for Collini (Thirteen Pieces)
By Collini 1, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
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
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
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 2060 Flatware, 42 pcs., Complete For 6 Persons, Amboss Austria, 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Amboss Austria, Neuzeughammer
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
Coin Tray by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Coin tray by Carl Auböck Original condition.
Brass
Big Auböck Bottle Opener 'Marked'
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Big Auböck bottle opener ( marked ) Original condition.
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 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
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 II French Horn Bottled Opener, 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chicago, IL
Carl Auböck II French Horn Bottled Opener, 1950 model 4567, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria Impressed manufacturer's mark to underside of French horn 'Made in Austria’ Solid Brass wi...
Brass
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 #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 Aubock Enameled Pot with Lid by Riess, Orange, White, Green, Austria, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful enameled pot with lid, designed by Carl Aubock Vienna. Executed by Riess, Austria, 1970s. Diameter without handle 6 in Orange, white and green, white interior. Excellent condition, very marginal signs of age. We are offering other matching Carl Aubock pans...
Metal, Enamel
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 Modern Key Large Brass Cork Screw, Bottle Opener, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful and oversized, vintage Mid-Century brass key combines a corkscrew for opening wine bottles and a bottle opener for crown caps. This piece was designed and handcrafted ...
Metal, 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
Carl Auböck Straw Holder & Corkscrew, Walnut & Brass, Mid-Century Austria, 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful, minimalistic Mid-Century Modern wooden straw holder with an integrated corkscrew bottle opener, designed and executed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria, in the ...
Metal, Brass
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
Coffee pot by Carl Auböck 1950s for Werkstätte Carl Auböck. ( signed )
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Coffee pot by Carl Auböck 1950s for Werkstätte Carl Auböck. ( signed ) Original condition
Brass, Copper
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
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 Aubock 1950s Butler Brass Ashtray for Illums Bolighus, Denmark
By Illums Bolighus, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
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
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
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
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 Leather Tray
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Carl Auböck tray in leather and brass, Austria. Super beautiful.
Brass, Nickel
Brass Ice Bucket with Cane Handle by Werkstätte Carl Auböck Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
This ice bucket elevates barware to a small study in contrast: a reflective, tapering brass vessel paired with woven cane elements that temper the metal’s formality with warmth and ...
Brass
Extra Large Carl Auböck Brass Key Cork Screw, Bottle Opener, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and very large mid-century corkscrew or bottle opener in the shape of a key, model no. 3687. This is the largest model available, measuring 6 inches in length. Designed a...
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
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
Set of 4 Carl Aubock 1950s Brass Egg Cups Holders for Illums Bolighus, Denmark
By Illums Bolighus, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
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
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
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
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
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 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
Brass Coaster by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Polished Finish, 17cm
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #5509-1 coaster, Austria.
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 Ashtray "Marked by Auböck"
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Carl Auböck ashtray "Marked by Auböck" Original condition.
Brass
Carl Auböck Fish Shaped Bottle Opener, Vienna, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Carl Auböck fish shaped bottle opener, Vienna, 1950s Bottle opener model no. 4687 Carl Auböck II.
Stainless Steel
Carl Auböck Model #4224 'Hand' Brass Bottle Opener
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, 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
Carl Auböck II Drinking Glass Carrying Rack, Leather & Brass, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A minimalistic and beautiful midcentury modern long tray drinks carrier / drinking glass caddy with 6 clear glasses from the 1950s. Designed and executed by Carl Aubock II in Vienna....
Brass
Large Carl Aubock Brass Key Corkscrew Bottle Opener Paperweight, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful sculptural Mid-Century cork screw bottle opener in the shape of a big key. This is a rare and not common model, designed by Carl Aubock, executed b...
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
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
Vintage Auböck String Bottle Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Heavy and solid sculptural looping wire bottle holder by Carl Aubock II. In excellent shape, surface shows fine patina, according to age. The rattan grip wrapping still fully intact....
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
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 Midcentury Glass Pitcher Jug by Ostovics Culinar, Austria, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful pitcher or jug for water, soft drinks or juice, designed by Carl Auböck, executed by Ostovics Culinar in Austria in the 1970s. A beautiful, unus...
Glass
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
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
Bottle Holder by Auböck Around 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Bottle holder by Auböck around 1950s Original condition The wine bottle is not included, it is only for the photo shooting.
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
$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
Mid Century Modern Carl Auböck Salt and Pepper Shakers Tableware Vienna 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This presented salt and pepper shakers in a wooden cup shows a great design by Carl Auböck, Vienna 1950s. Two shakers made of horn, which are a pleasure to ...
Teak, Horn
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
Midcentury Carl Aubock Cast Brass and Cane Handle Bottle Caddy / Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Southampton, NJ
A 1950s brass bottle holder or caddy by Carl Aubock. This bottle holder features its original woven cane handle and it has acquired an overall arm patina from use. A chic and highly ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4682 'Face' Polished Brass Bottle Stopper
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4682-1 'Face' Polished Brass Bottle Stopper. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly charming and refined brass 'Face' bottle stopper is hand-fabricated in polishe...
Brass