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.
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s Polished and stove enameled
Brass
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
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 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
$2,940Sale Price|40% Off
Carl Auböck 2060 Flatware, 42 pcs., Complete For 6 Persons, Amboss Austria, 1950
By Amboss Austria, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 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
Set of Six Straw Coasters with Brass Holder by Werkstätte Carl Auböck , 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of six handwoven straw coasters with matching brass stand. The coasters are made from tightly braided natural fiber arranged in a spiral pattern, each with a small open center de...
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
Knife with Cane-Wrapped Handle by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Kitchen knife by Werkstätten Carl Auböck with stainless steel blade and wrapped cane handle. The long, gently tapered blade contrasts with the warm, ribbed grip, creating the charac...
Metal
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
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Coin Tray by Auböck around 1950s Original condition
Brass
Carl Auböck #4666 Bottle Opener "Lock", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4666 bottle opener "Lock", Austria 2022.
Brass
1950s Carl Auböck Charcuterie Picnic Board & Knife Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Carl Auböck Picnic Charcuterie Board and Knife Set from Austria stamped by maker Single walnut wood board and knife- three sets are available- Wood .75 thick x 7.75 w x 6.38 d, knife...
Stainless Steel
Carl Auböck Walnut Board and Cheese Knife
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Walnut Board and Cheese Knife Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural set includes one model #4363 serving or cutting b...
Steel
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
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
$640Sale Price|20% Off
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
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
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
Neptune Fish Bottle Opener, leather & steel by Carl Auböck for Amboss Midcentury
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Amboss Austria
Located in Stockholm, SE
A classic Midcentury Modern fish-shaped bottle opener, made of stainless steel with dark-brown tan leather. Model #4687, designed by Carl Auböck for Amboss Austria. In very good c...
Metal
$840Sale Price|40% Off
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
Knife with Curved Horn Handle by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Knife with polished steel blade and naturally curved horn handle. The grip follows the organic shape of the horn, creating a comfortable hold while giving the knife a strong sculptu...
Steel
Carl Auböck #3844-2 Brass Ashtray, Patinated Finish, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3844-2 ashtray, Austria 2022.
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
$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
$474Sale Price|40% Off
Carl Aubock Big Brass Key Cork Screw, Bottle Opener, Paperweight, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A Midcentury combination corkscrew, bottle opener, and paperweight dating from the 1950s. Shaped like a large key, it was designed by Carl Auböck and crafted by his workshop in Vienn...
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
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
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 #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 Brass Ashtray, Model 3317, Austria 1935
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Den Haag, NL
Carl Auböck brass ashtray, model 3317, Austria 1935.
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
$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
Austrian Midcentury Steel and Leather Fish Bottle Opener by Carl Auböck
By Bestecke Solingen, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
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
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 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
$632Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$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
$165Sale Price|40% Off
Carl Aubock Brass Maria Theresia Coin Bottle Opener, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass coin bottle opener, designed and executed by Carl Aubock in the 1950s. In good condition with nice patina.
Brass
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
Carl Auböck copper and brass pan vienna 1950 Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Carl Auböck, copper / brass pan vienna 1950 Austria, Good original condition
Brass, Copper
$918Sale Price|33% Off
Dinner Bell Signed by Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Dinner bell signed by Auböck Original condition.
Brass
Carl Aubock Vienna Signed Vintage Brass & Leather Nutcracker, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass nutcracker, model no. 4051-4, designed and manufactured in the 1950s by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria. This heavy, solid brass piece features handles wr...
Brass
Auböck Bottle Stopper Vienna Around, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Auböck Bottle Stopper Vienna Around, 1950s Original condition
Brass
Big Auböck Bottle Opener 'Marked'
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Big Auböck bottle opener ( marked ) Original condition.
Brass
$294Sale Price|40% Off
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
$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
Carl Auböck Letter „N" Initials Brass Bottle Opener #4919, Vienna, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
One (1) beautiful mid-century bottle opener featuring the initial "N", crafted from solid, polished brass. Model #4919, designed by Carl Auböck II, crafted in the 1960s in the Carl A...
Brass
$2,700Sale Price|40% Off
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
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
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
$474Sale Price|40% Off
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
Bottle Opener in Key Design by Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Bottle Opener in Key Design by Auböck Original condition
Metal, 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
Bottle Opener in Key Design by Auböck ( marked )
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Bottle Opener in Key Design by Auböck ( marked ) Original condition
Metal, Brass
Wooden Serving Tray with Brass Handles by Werkstätte Carl Auböck Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Oval serving tray by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, made of solid wood with applied brass handles on both sides. The contrast between warm stained wood and satin brass fittings reflect...
Brass
Carl Auböck Bottle Opener, Austria, 1950s — Woven Bast Handle, Stainless Steel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A classic mid-century bottle opener from the Carl Auböck workshop, crafted in the 1950s. The handle is tightly wrapped in natural bast, giving the piece its unmistakable tactile warm...
Stainless Steel
Bottle Holder by Auböck Around, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Bottle Holder by Auböck Around, 1950s (The bottle is only for the photoshooting and it is not included.) Original condition
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4230 'Skull' Polished Brass Corkscrew
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4230 'Skull' Polished Brass Corkscrew. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese corkscrew is execute...
Brass