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.
Mid-Century Modern Brass Bookends by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Classis pair of Carl Auböck bookend in a patina and polish brass mix.
Brass
Pair of Polished Horn Bowls by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of two shallow oval bowls hand-carved from natural horn, one in light translucent tones and the other in darker brown-black coloration. The organic form follows the natural cur...
Horn
$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
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3653 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3653 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass. Each pi...
Brass
Carl Auböck #6086-1 Paperweight or Paperknife, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass paperknife by Carl Auböck.
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Shell Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist shell keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Length including...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3854 'Atom 2' Brass Vase, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3854 'Atom 2' brass vase, Austria Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in darkly patinated brass by Werkstätte...
Brass
1950s Carl Auböck Stamped Austrian Leather & Brass Loop Handle Wastepaper Basket
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional, rare, and highly collectible Mid-Century Modern wastepaper basket, designed by the master of Austrian "tactile modernism," Carl Auböck II (1900–1957), and hand-crafted at the prestigious Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria, circa 1950s. Officially designated as Model No. 4202 in the archival Auböck workshop records, this exquisite piece features a beautifully tapered cylindrical form—measuring 7.88 inches in diameter at the top and elegantly narrowing to 5.88 inches at the bottom—meticulously hand-wrapped in a rare white/cream-toned thick double-cowhide leather. The basket features structural vertical seams bound by contrasting, robust black hand-stitching that beautifully frames the piece. Serving as the design's signature focal point is a heavy, organically sculpted teardrop-shaped cast brass/bronze loop handle mounted to the front via a leather loop sleeve. The interior reveals a rich, warm natural cognac leather lining. Distinguishing itself entirely from common modern replicas and unauthorized reproductions, this rare vintage original features the definitive workshop hallmarks. Besides the proper dimensions, the bronze handle is crisply hand-stamped "Auböck" alongside the official "Made in Austria" origin mark, providing ironclad provenance for the serious collector. A quintessential example of the Bauhaus and Wiener Werkstätte traditions that defined the Auböck workshop, this functional objet d'art showcases an incredible, authentic original patina. Offered in very good vintage condition with age-appropriate light wear and minor scuffing to the white leather exterior, this investment-grade desk accessory is a magnificent addition for discerning collectors of fine mid-century Austrian design. Carl Aubock leather bin, Werkstatte Carl Aubock basket, Austrian mid century desk accessory, Vienna modern brass handle, Bauhaus waste basket leather, Illums Bolighus Aubock, Tactile modernism object, Luxury leather paper bin, 1950s Vienna office decor, Rare white leather basket.
Bronze
Carl Auböck Model #4272-2 'Rooster' Brass Bell
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #4272-2 'Rooster' brass bell. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass. The brass is unlacquered and will develop a patina over time. Shine can be restored with brass polish if desired. A handcrafted piece, the brass rooster bell...
Brass
Carl Aubock Modernist Walnut Leather Candlestick Candle Holder, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare midcentury candleholder from the 1950s by Carl Auböck. It is completely handmade and has a cylindrical top, made of walnut with a brass interior on leather covered stem and a ...
Metal, Brass, Iron
Brass Dish / Ashtray by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Small oval dish in solid brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck. The sculptural, asymmetrical form with one raised lip is characteristic of Auböck workshop design, combining functional us...
Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Elephant Handmade Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist elephant keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte A...
Brass
$1,360 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4629 'Stufenuhr' Brass Wall Clock
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4629 'Stufenuhr' Brass Wall Clock Originally designed in the late 1960s by Carl Auböck III, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese wall clock is executed...
Brass
Carl Auböck #4273-2 Paperweight "Foot", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4273-2 Paperweight "Foot", Austria 2022.
Brass
Carl Aubock Horn Letter Opener, Paper Knife, Vienna, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A decorative and rare minimalist Mid-Century letter opener from the 1960s, designed and handcrafted by the Werkstätte Carl Auböck workshop in Vienna. Handmade from a single piece of ...
Horn
$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 Handcrafted Midcentury Hand Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Hand 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
Signed Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Foot Paperweight Handmade Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist paperweight in the shape of a foot, 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 Vase Decanter with Brown Leather Top, Midcentury, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful minimalist Mid-Century Modern vase or decanter, "Tuberkulinkolben" designed and executed by Carl Auböck II in the 1950s. This piece is made of handblown clear glass and f...
Leather, Glass
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Polished Brass Wall Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Polished Brass Wall Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austri...
Brass
$430 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Wall Hook in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4995 Wall Hook in Nickel Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austri...
Nickel
Signed Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Foot Paperweight Handmade Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist paperweight in the shape of a foot, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and m...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Nickel Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Nickel Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this beautifully refined Viennese paperweight is hand-fabricated in polished nickel-plated brass b...
Nickel, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Horn and Brass Keepsake Box by Carl Auböck II, Vienna, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
An exceptional mid-century modern modernist box designed by Carl Auböck II for the renowned Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria, circa 1950. This rare collector's piece featur...
Metal, Brass
Two Carl Aubock Mid-Century Horn Desk Pen & Pencil Holder Cups, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Up to two decorative handmade desk pen and pencil holders from the 1950s. Large models, designed and manufactured by Werkstätte Carl Aubock, wo...
Horn
Carl Aubock Table Magnifier 1950 Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Carl Aubock table magnifier, mid-20th century. Crafted from solid brass with high-quality optical glass, this elegant piece exemplifies Aubock’s meticulous craftsmanship and function...
Brass
Carl Auböck Monumental Lifesize Brass Foot Sculpture, Werkstätte Auböck, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
We are offering this impressive 13“ long and 8“high brass foot sculpture, designed and manufactured by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Vienna, Austria. This charming and attention-grabbing ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Raffia Umbrella Stand, Wastepaper Basket, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Very rare simple and elegant midcentury umbrella stand or wastepaper basket designed by Carl Auböck II and manufactured by Werkstätten Auböck in the 1950s, Austria. It's made of raff...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4330-2 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4330-2 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Aubö...
Brass
Carl Auböck #3470 Patinated Brass Candleholder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck #3470 Patinated Brass Candleholder Designed in the 1940s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese candleholder is executed in darkly patinated brass by Werkstätte Car...
Brass
Carl Aubock Vase Decanter "Tuberkulinkolben" Raffia Wicker Top, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful minimal modernist vase or decanter „Tuberkulinkolben", model no. 4748, designed and executed by Carl Aubock II in the 1950s. Made of handblown clear glass with nice wicke...
Glass
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
$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
Solid Bronze Carl Auböck Heart Neiman Marcus Paperweight Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in San Diego, CA
Solid bronze egg paperweight by Carl Aubock and sold through Neiman Marcus. Austria. 1970s.
Bronze
Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Seahorse Handmade Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist seahorse keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped a...
Brass
Auböck Cigarette Box, Ash Wood and Nickel Plated Brass, 1930s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Aubock cigarette box, made of ash wood and nickel plated brass, openable from both sides. Adorable early Art Deco box, by the famous Bauhaus Architekt...
Brass, Nickel
$1,218Sale Price|20% Off
Fine Cherry Wood Art Deco Box Carl Auböck, 1930s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Nice, well preserved Art Deco box made of cherry wood. By Carl Auböck, 1930s. Listed as a scetch drawing in catalog "Die Kataloge der Werkstätte Carl Auböck 1925-1975" [The catalo...
Copper
$370 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4330 Hook in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4330 Hook in Nickel Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Nickel
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Razor Blade Brass Paperweight #5378, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A handmade paperweight in the shape of a razorblade, model 5378, originally designed by Carl Aubock in the 1950s. A very charming piece, reissued by Werkstätte Auböck in Vienna / Aus...
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Heart Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist heart keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck ...
Brass
Mid-Century Carl Auböck Black Leather & Brass Wastepaper Basket, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant, vintage Mid-Century Modern paper basket / paper bin from the 1950s. Designed an executed by Werkstätte Carl Aubock, Vienna / Austria. Handmade and hand-sewn ...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Horn Pen Stand by Carl Auböck Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This mid-century modern piece by Carl Auböck exemplifies the distinctive artistry of Austrian design. Crafted from natural horn, it serves as a stylish pen stand, adding a touch of o...
Horn
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Hook in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #5261 hook in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Nickel
Carl Auböck Chrome Box with Leather Lid, 1930s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A refined early piece from the Carl Auböck workshop, dating to the 1930s. This chrome-plated box features clean, modernist lines contrasted by a hand-stitched leather lid — a hallmar...
Chrome
Pair of Carl Auböck #3469 Patinated Brass Candleholders
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck #3469 patinated brass candleholders. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished and patinated brass by W...
Brass
Austrian Midcentury Walnut and Brass Fish Shaped Money Box by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This Charming and rare fish shaped money box was designed and manufactured by the Austrian architect and designer Carl Auböck. It features a walnut body with brass details and is mar...
Brass
$560 / item
Brass and Cane Letter Opener by Carl Aubock
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
For five generations the design house of Carl Aubock has been turning ordinary objects like paperweights and bookends into extraordinary objects of beauty in an old town house in Vie...
Brass
$1,880 / set
Set of Four Carl Auböck Brass Objects
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of four Carl Auböck brass objects. Includes Carl Auböck model #4072/G 'Rooster' brass bell, model #3600 'Crown' brass bowl, model #3514 brass bowl and model #4224 'Hand' brass ...
Brass
Carl Auböck #4162-2 Candlestick "Cobra", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4162-2 candlestick "Cobra", Austria 2022.
Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Tuning Fork Handmade Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist tuning fork keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Length inc...
Brass
$350 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 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, Nickel
$2,578Sale Price|20% Off
Large Teak Bowl with Brass and Leather Handle by Carl Auböck, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Teak bowl, shell element Design: Carl Auböck, 1950s Producer: Auböck Workshop Vienna, Austria Origin: Austria Age: 1950s Description: Original 1950s bowl...
Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Star Sea Star Starfish Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist star 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
Pair of Carl Auböck #7234 Brass Candleholders
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck brass #7234 candleholders. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished and patinated brass by Werkstätte ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4965 Large Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4965 Large Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria...
Brass
Carl Auböck Brass Heart Paperweight #5371-Large
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Auböck Brass Heart Paperweight #5371-Large produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same standards, high-quality materials, molds ...
Brass
Auböck bussines card holder around 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Auböck bussines card holder around 1950s Original condition
Brass
$400 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated and polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #3310-4 'Flat' Brass and Leather Table Bell
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3310 Large Brass Bell with Leather Handle Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly functional and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass with a rich brown le...
Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Very Large Hand Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist XL Hand keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and...
Brass