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.
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
$1,114Sale Price|20% Off
Austrian Midcentury Black Steel and Wicker Side Table by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming small Austrian Midcentury Modern rectangular sized table or stool designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950 in very nice original condition with so...
Steel
$290 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5262 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5262 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Pro...
Brass
$3,250 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3511 Walnut Table
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, George Nakashima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3511 walnut table. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural table is executed in beautifully grained walnut. Reminiscent of the organic mode...
Walnut
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
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Patinated Brass and Cane Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Patinated Brass and Cane Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated...
Brass
$620 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4317 Long Brass Dish
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4317 Long Brass Dish Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass. Originally conceived as a fountain pen...
Brass
Pair of Large Carl Auböck Model #4101 'Melies' Patinated Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of large Carl Aubock Model #4101 'Melies' patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated an...
Brass
Original Midcentury Carl Auböck Comb Made from Horn
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful half-moon shaped comb. The item was hand-crafted from horn and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. It's a remarkable example of the ...
Horn
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
Vice Versa Floor Lamp by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Brass, Mid-Century
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Vice versa lamp #4105-3 by Carl Auböck in brass.
Brass, Aluminum
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #1937 'Bamboo' Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #1937 'Bamboo' bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed hand cut and polished bamboo and bras...
Brass
Square Wicker Side Table #2/ Carl Auböck II, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in London, GB
Description A small square sized table designed and made by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, circa 1950. The table's frame is made from slender steel bar which has been lacquered i...
Steel
Carl Auböck #4230 Cork Screw "Skull", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4230 cork Screw in brass, Austria.
Brass, Steel
Carl Auböck Model #4019-2 Cognac Leather and Brass Magazine Rack
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4019-2 Cognac Leather and Brass Magazine Rack Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural magazine rack is executed in beautifully grained brown...
Brass
$430 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4206C Polished Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #4026A polished brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl or catch-all is executed in polished brass. Originally con...
Brass
$760 / item
Carl Auböck Model #7240 Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #7240 Brass Vase Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in darkly patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl ...
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 #7127 Letter Opener "Flat", Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #7127 letter opener "Flat", Austria 2022.
Brass
Carl Auböck Dust Brush, Wood, Mid-Century Modern, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Dust Brush, Austria 1960s.
Wood
$2,960 / set
Grouping of Eight Carl Auböck Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Grouping of eight Carl Auböck brass bookends. Includes one pair each of Models #3651, #3652, #3653 & #3654. Designed in the 1950s, these i...
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
Carl Auböck Zebra Bell in Brass and Leather, Patinated Finish, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck ##3604-2 Bell "Zebra", Austria 2022 with brown leather strap. Also available with a black leather strap or a manila grip.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Newspaper Tray by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4488 newspaper tray in leather and brass, Austria. New. Available in brown or black leather.
Brass
Crown-Shaped Brass Bowl by Werkstätte Carl Auböck Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Crown-Shaped Brass Bowl Werkstätte Carl Auböck 1960s
Brass
Carl Auböck Brass Nutcracker, Mid-Century Modern, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass nutcracker by Werkstätte Carl Auböck with curved handles and ribbed detailing near the hinge. Sculptural mid-century design with warm patina and light surface wear from age and...
Brass
Horn Bowl by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Horn Bowl, Austria 1960s.
Horn
Brass Coaster by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Polished Finish, 17cm
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #5509-1 coaster, Austria.
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3469 Polished Brass Candleholders
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3469 Polished Brass Candleholders. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished and patinated brass...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4682 'Face' Polished Brass Bottle Stopper
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, 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
Carl Auböck Model #4482 Patinated Brass Square Dish
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4482 Patinated Brass Square Dish Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass. O...
Brass
Original Carl Auböck Decorative Brass Dish in the Shape of a Leaf
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a beautiful decorative dish in the shape of a leaf. It was hand-crafted from brass and designed by the renowned workshops of Carl Auböck in Austria. It is a perfect examp...
Brass
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
1 of 8 Hanger by Carl Auböck for Illums Bolighus, Denmark, 1950's
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Illums Bolighus
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eight hangers designed by Austrian architect and designer Carl Auböck in 1950's and produced by Illums Bolighus in Denmark. Solid teak wood and brass. Individual price, eight hanger...
Brass
Set of Five Patinated #4982 Wall Hooks by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of five patinated #4982 wall hooks by Carl Auböck.
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 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
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
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4994 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4994 patinated brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Brass
$700 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3974 Brass Vase, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3974 Brass Vase, Austria Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in darkly patinated and polished brass by Werkstä...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5655 'Seahorse' Brass Figurine Keyring
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #5655 'Seahorse' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass. Price is per...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Vintage Rattan Beech Iron Carl Auboeck Bar Cart 1951 Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern Organic vintage bar cart or serving trolley by Carl Auböck and executed by Werkstätte Auböck 1951, Vienna. An amazing bar car or serving trolley by Carl Auboeck fr...
Iron
$370 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished brass by Wer...
Brass
Patinated Brass Wall Sconces by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Pair of wall lamps by Carl Auböck, New. Socket: 2x E14. Please note: Lamp should be fitted professionally in accordance to local requirements.
Brass
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Carl Aubock Werkstatte #5606 Nickel Chess Set in Box Vintage Midcentury
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Carl Aubock III chess set Austria, 1968 Beech, stained beech, nickel-plated steel, enameled steel Box W 18 x D 6 x H 1 5/8 in. King H 2 15/16 in. Sold with vintage original...
Nickel
Small Carl Auböck Model #7247-2 Patinated Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small Carl Auböck model #7247-2 patinated brass vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass...
Brass
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
Carl Aubock Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brass Leather Coat Hook, 1960, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage coat hook model# 4650 designed by Carl Auböck and manufactured by Carl Auböck workshop 1960 Vienna. The gorgeous stitch...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3846 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3846 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. The Auböck #3846 booke...
Brass
$510 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4965 Hook in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4965 Hook in Nickel Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. P...
Nickel
Carl Auböck Handmade "A-436" Nut Bowl with Brass & Wicker Handle, 1955
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful nut bowl by Carl Auböck II handmade in his workshop in Vienna, Austria, 1955. Made out of carved mahogany, the bowl has a brass handle that follow the shape of the same bow...
Mahogany
Carl Auböck Model #9035-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, 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
Pair of Large Carl Auböck Model #4219 'Hands' Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Large Carl Auböck Model #4219 'Hands' Brass Bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. Hand fu...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5735 Brass Foot Figurine Keyring
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #5735 brass foot figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass. Price is per item. O...
Brass
1950s Original Carl Aubock Neptune Fish Can + Bottle Opener Vintage Signed
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Older original marked Aubock opener. This was made by the Carl Aubock Workshop Austria (not AS Solingen Germany!) Almost fully intact leather handle, some loss to front bottom edge, ...
Stainless Steel
Carl Auböck Letter „J" 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 "J", crafted from solid, polished brass. Model #4919, designed by Carl Auböck II, crafted in the 1960s in the Carl A...
Brass
$1,590 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4118 Polished Brass Watering Can
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4118 Polished Brass Watering Can Designed in the 1940s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese watering can is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl A...
Brass
Wooden table lighter by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s.
Brass
Carl Auböck Mid Century Vintage Black Brass Umbrella Stand Cane Holder 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage authentic umbrella stand or cane holder by Carl Auböck for workshop Auböck, 1950s Austria. The authentic umbrella stand is in original condition with belo...
Brass, Iron
$2,040Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Microscope "Neopan" by Carl Aubock 1963, Reichert Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare award-winning microscope, model Neopan, designed in 1963 by the Viennese architect and designer Carl Aubock. Executed by Reichert Austria. In good condition, fully workin...
Metal