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 Model #9070-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9070-1 Polished Brass Drawer Pull Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese drawer pull is executed in polis...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Carl Auböck Basket made of Copper and Wicker, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in München, BY
Rare Mid Century Modern Carl Auböck basket made of copper and wickerwork, Austria 1950s. The basket is in an age-appropriate used condition. Inside, there are signs of use. The wick...
Copper
Bottle Holder with Cane-Wrapped Handle by Werkstätte Carl Auböck Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
This bottle holder by Werkstätten Carl Auböck is made from a single bent brass rod forming a continuous frame that supports the bottle at the base while the upper loop acts as handle...
Brass
Carl Auböck Ashtray "Marked by Auböck"
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Carl Auböck ashtray "Marked by Auböck" Original condition.
Brass
Pair of original Aubock Leather Wraped Hip Flasks
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Made in Vienna by Carl Aubock II. 2 Sculptural Vintage Bottles. The bigger bottle comes with two shot glasses into the Screw cap and the smaller one come with one shot glass. Both ma...
Brass
$400 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4903 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4903 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Brass
Exceptional, Elegant and Heavy Brass Letter Opener by Carl Auböck, Vienna, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in München, BY
Unique Mid-Century Modern letter opener. Designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria, 1950s. Executed in solid brass and leather. Measurements: Length 8.07 in. (20...
Brass
Extremely Rare Mid-Century Modern Teak Serving Tray by Carl Auböck Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern serving tray by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, Austria, 1950s. Executed in solid teak wood and brass handle. Dimensions: Overall Length: 15....
Brass
$432Sale Price|40% Off
Carl Aubock Mid-Century Brass and Leather Nutcracker, Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Modernist brass nutcracker designed and executed by Werkstätte Carl Aubock in the 1950s. In good condition with charming patina. Marked.
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Hand Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist hand keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and m...
Brass
Carl Aubock II Rare Brass Corkscrew Cup Model 3710 Austria 1940s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Troy, MI
Carl Auböck II model 3710 Austria c. 1949 Turned wood cup with elongated oval brass handle that removes to a reveal a functioning corkscrew Original patina Signed both to the bottom...
Brass
Turned Wooden Bowl by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Hand-turned wooden bowl with a thick rounded rim and softly carved interior. The form is simple and sculptural, emphasizing the natural grain of the wood, which shows warm color vari...
Wood
Carl Auböck fish bottle opener, teak, 1950's, mid century
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in BELFORT, FR
Mid-century modern Carl Auböck bottle opener, metal and teak wood.
Metal
Carl Auböck Model #8040-1 Polished Brass Knob
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #8040-1 polished brass knob. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in polished brass b...
Brass
Brass Fruitbowl by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Sculptural fruit basket by Werkstätten Carl Auböck made of curved brass rods held between two hammered brass end pieces. The open wire construction forms an elegant, boat-shaped si...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model 4279 Brass Cup, Patinated Finish
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model 4279 Brass Cup, Patinated Finish Designed in the 1950s, this refined sculptural Viennese cup is executed in patinated brass with a polishe...
Brass
Carl Auböck Optimist Pessimist Handcrafted Brass Sculpture, model #4059
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass figure called "optimist / pessimist", model #4059, designed by Carl Auböck back in 1957. A very charming object, which can be positioned in two ways, as an optimist or pessimist. Please see the video. Handmade of solid patinated brass by Werkstätte Auböck...
Brass
$216Sale Price|40% Off
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 handles 7" orange, white and green, white interior very good cond...
Enamel, Metal
Hand-Carved Wooden Tray by Werkstätte Carl Auböck Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Oval serving tray carved from solid wood with a raised rounded rim and shallow interior. The simple, organic shape highlights the natural grain, showing warm variations from light ...
Wood
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
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Carl Aubock Iron & Brass Coin Medal Midcentury Bookend, Austria, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This is a rare modernist book end, designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck III in the 1970s. The bookend consists of a large brass medal, which displays the coat of arms of the hous...
Brass, Iron
Vintage Carl Aubock Set of Three Magnifying Glass Paperweights ca' 1950's
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A set of three hexagonal magnifiers made of solid brass by Carl Aubock, Austria, ca' 1950's. Wear and patina appropriate to age.
Brass
Signed Heavy Brass Ashtray by Carl Auböck Vienna Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
The piece on offer is a unique example of mid-century craftsmanship. It was designed and produced by the renowned Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck. Aubock was visibly influenced by the German school of Bauhaus as he did part of his studies there. This influence is also noticeable in the presented item. This archaic heavy ashtray...
Brass
$552Sale Price|20% Off
Carl Aubock Midcentury Walnut & Leather Clothes Brush, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful modernist wall-hung coat rack clothes brush from the 1950s. Designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck in Vienna during the 1950s, this piece is made of solid walnut wood a...
Leather, Walnut
rare variation of the famous no. 3703 ice bucket plus tongs
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
previous unknown smaller version of the model no.3703
Metal
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
Rare Mid-Century Modern Candlestick No 3433 by Carl Auböck Austria 1937
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in München, BY
A real collectors item. Extremely rare and lovely Mid-Century Modern candlestick. Model No 3433. Designed by Carl Auböck for Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria, 1937. Executed...
Brass
Vintage Carl Auböck Nutcracker Teak and Brass, Vienna Austria Modern Design 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Poul Knudsen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage nutcracker by Carl Auböck, Wiener Werkstätte, Austria. Made ca. 1950s. It´s made from teak and brass. It remains in very good condition with a beautiful patina.
Brass
Carl Auböck Vienna Bottle Stopper, Horn, Leather, Cork, MidCentury Austria, 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning minimalist bottle stopper from the 1950s, designed and meticulously handcrafted by the renowned Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria. This vintage Auböck piece is exp...
Brass
Auböck Brass Key Paperweight & Cork Screw, Corkscrew, Midcentury, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Carl Auböck "Key" bottle opener, corkscrew & paperweight in solid brass, made by Werkstätten Carl Auböck in 1950s. The key is in a very good condition. We ship via DHL...
Brass
Key-shaped Corkscrew with pierced Bow Handle, by Carl Auböck Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Corkscrew designed like an old-fashioned key, with a pierced, scrollwork “bow” handle in a warm brass tone. A steel spiral worm extends from the stem, and a separate cylindrical slee...
Brass, Steel
Carl Aubock Carving Knife and Fork Set, 1960s, Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A carving knife and a carving fork from the 1960s, made in Vienna, by Carl Auböck - signed on the knifeblade. The set is made of hand forged stainless Alpine steel [Alpenstahl]. The handles are made of wood. On one side of the knife blade is the marking "Stubai Tirol, Alpenstahl Handgeschmiedet Stainless". The other side has the manufacturers mark / signature "Design Carl Auböck Wien...
Stainless Steel
Box made of Wood, Brass and Cork by Werkstätte Carl Auböck Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Small box by Werkstätten Carl Auböck with curved wooden lid and brass body, lined with cork inside. The design combines a warm wood surface with brushed brass sides, creating the ch...
Brass
Stainless Steel & Leather Bottle Opener "Neptune" by Carl Auböck, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Barcelona, ES
Bottle opener made out of leather wrapped stainless steel. Designed by Carl Auböck for the Viennese Werkstätte Auböck in the 1950s. Promotional/gift product for Kelly Däck, once ...
Stainless Steel
Carl Auböck Pair of #4101 Bookends "Melies", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Pair of #4101 bookends "Melies", Austria 2022.
Brass
Original Vintage 60‘S Umbrella Stand by Carl Aubock Vienna
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Carl Auböck vintage umbrella stand from brass and cast black lacquered iron Model # 4293 by Carl Auböck for Workshop Carl Auböck with beautiful patina. Stamped Auböck. Authentic piec...
Brass, Iron
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 Handcrafted Midcentury Foot Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist foot 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
$492Sale Price / item|40% Off
Mid-Century Modern Aorta Vase by Carl Auböck, Polished Brass, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful organic flower vase, model #3974, designed by Carl Aubock II in 1950. Executed by Werkstätte Auböck in Vienna / Austria. Handmade of bras...
Brass
Set of Seven Mid Century Modern Coat Hangers by Carl Auböck Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in München, BY
Set of seven elegant and lovely Mid Century Modern coat hangers. Designed by Carl Auböck for Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria, 1960s. Executed in massive brass-plated steel. ...
Brass, Steel
Carl Aubock Vase or Decanter with Wicker Top, Midcentury, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful minimal modernist vase or decanter „Tuberkulinkolben", designed and executed by Carl Aubock II in the 1950s. Made of handblown clear glass with nice wickerwork / rattan o...
Glass
$534Sale Price|40% Off
Carl Auböck Martini Newspaper Midcentury Glass Pitcher, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful glass pitcher from the 1950s, designed and crafted by Carl Auböck in Austria. Typically these pitchers feature a leather belt but this particular piece is adorned with a ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Brass & Cognac Leather Magazine Rack, Signed, # 4019, 1950, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Timeless Mid-Century Modern newspaper/magazine stand no. 4019 designed by Carl Auböck II from early 1950s, signed and manufactured by Auböck Werkstätte in Vienna. It's made of solid ...
Brass
Cactus Holder, Vienna, Around 1950s by Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Cactus holder Vienna around 1950s by Auböck. Original condition.
Brass
$585 / item
Key and Cork Screw by Carl Aubock
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Wonderful large grass old key, with hidden steel screw In original good condition with normal wear and tear.
Brass, Steel
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Carl Aubock Mid Century Horn Desk Pen & Pencil Tray & Holder, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A decorative and rare desk penholder from the 1960s, designed and executed by Carl Aubock, Vienna. Made of horn, in very good condition.
Horn
Carl Auböck Signed Serving or Ice Tongs Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Aubock serving tongs, marked on the inside (Auböck MADE IN AUSTRIA). Made of stainless steel, attached to a wooden Handle, leather wrapp Excellent condition, most probably executed by the Amboss Manufactory in Upper Austria...
Stainless Steel
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4082 Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4082 Brass Bowl Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass. Originally conceiv...
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Peanut Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist peanut keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Brass
$264Sale Price|40% Off
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 6.25". Orange, white and green, white interior. Excellent condition, very marginal signs of age. We are offering many other Carl Aubock pans...
Metal
Carl Auböck Magazine Rack, Leather Nickel, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous and large magazine or newspaper tray made of nickeled brass and moos or dark green leather designed by Carl Auböck in midcentury in 1950s. V...
Brass, Nickel
$526Sale Price|40% Off
Auböck Rooster Bottle Stopper, circa 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Auböck rooster bottle stopper, circa 1950s This beautiful bottle stopper is in excellent original condition Marked on the bottom.
Brass
Moustache grooming Set in original Wooden Box by Werkstätte Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Vintage moustache grooming set in original wooden box labeled “Brosse à Moustache.” Includes a small horn comb and matching brush with natural bristles and horn handle. Light wear co...
Horn, Wood
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
Midcentury Carl Auböck Brown Tan Leather Note Dispenser Holder, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Mid-Century Modern note holder from the 1950s, designed an executed by Carl Auböck, Vienna. Made of cognac brown leather. In good condition, including the original paper....
Leather
Pair of Rare Carl Aubock Brass and Tin Book Ends, First Generation, 1935-1945
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Vintage, made in the very first pre-war period of the existance of the werkstatte Aubock in Vienna. Model number: 3531 - Illustrated in the exhibition catalogue of the Vienna Historical Museum. For sale are a pair of super rare bookends...
Brass, Pewter
$414Sale Price|40% Off
Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Nutcracker, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful modernist nutcracker from the 1950s, made of solid brass, designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck in Vienna/Austria.
Brass
Auböck White Wine Bottle Holder, Midcentury, Brass and Leather, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Minimalistic Auböck white or rosé wine bottle holder in solid brass with leather handle, made by Werkstätten Carl Auböck in 1950s. This pourer was designe...
Brass
Four Carl Aubock Butterly Fledermaus Suede Leather Chairs, Vienna, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to four unique customized Carl Auböck Midcentury Model No. 42 Butterfly Chairs from the 1960s, designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck. These chairs were custom-made for a client...
Iron
Carl Aubock Mid-Century Brass Nutcracker, Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful Modernist brass nutcracker designed and executed by Werkstätte Carl Aubock in the 1950s. In good condition with charming patina. Marked. Also ingraved at the handle.
Brass