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.
Large glass decanter element with leather Handle by Carl Auböck, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: decanter element Design: Carl Auböck, 1950s Producer: Auböck Workshop Vienna, Austria Origin: Austria Age: 1950s Description: Original 1950s decanter ele...
Leather, Glass
$420 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Nickel-Plated Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Nickel-Plated Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in nickel-plated brass by Werkst...
Brass, Nickel
Carl Auböck Paperweight #4751-1 Paperclip, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Huge #4751-1 paperweight in the shape of a paperclip, Austria. New.
Brass
$1,090 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4276 'Single Flower' Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #4276 'Single Flower' brass vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in darkly p...
Brass
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass "Leaning on Tree Stump Figural Sculpture #4068
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass "Leaning on Tree Stump Figural Sculpture #4068 designed in the 1950's. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using...
Brass
Carl Auböck Paperweight #5378-1 "Razor Blade", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass paperweight #5378-1 in the shape of a razor blade by Carl Auböck, New.
Brass
Carl Auböck #4059 Optimist Pessimist Sculpture, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck sculpture #4059 "Optimist Pessimist" in patinated brass, Austria. New.
Brass
Carl Auböck #5072-1 Paperweight "Chain", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
#5072-1 Paperweight in the shape of a chain by Carl Auböck. Made of gold plated steel. Austria. New.
Gold Plate, Steel
Cigarette Box by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Brass and wooden cigarette box, designed by Carl Auböck, shows a beautiful guilloche top surface. The brass shows fine patina, enriched by the contrast of the wooden sides of the box...
Brass
Carl Aubock Round Leather Storage Box with Lid, Vienna, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant round lidded storage box, vintage from the 1950s, designed and handcrafted by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna/Austria. Originally intended as a cigarette dis...
Leather
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
Carl Auböck II Brass Tray, Bowl, Vide-Poche, Maria Theresia Coin, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful solid brass coin tray or dish, designed and executed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck II in the 1950s. Suitable as a jewelry bowl or „vide-poche“. In good condition with nice pa...
Brass
very rare double box by carl auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Munich, DE
another very rare piece from the auböck workshop.
Metal
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3469 Polished Brass Candleholders
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, 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
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
$5,805 / set
Carl Auböck Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of bookends designed by Carl Auböck.
Brass
Slim Vase by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Patinated Brass, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3974 "Slim" vase, Austria, 2022.
Brass
Collar Vase by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Polished Brass, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3975 "Collar" vase, Austria, 2022.
Brass
Carl Auböck #3544 Pen or Brush Rest in Brass and Brown Leather, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3544 pen or brush rest in brass and brown leather, Austria 2022.
Brass
Glove Vase by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Patinated Brass, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3788 "Glove" vase, Austria, 2022.
Brass
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass "Optimist" Sculpture #4049
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock Patinated Brass "Optimist" Sculpture #4049. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same standards, high-quality materials...
Brass
$636Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carl Auböck Model #3794 'Aorta' Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #3794 'Aorta' Brass Vase. This exceptionally crafted vase by Carl Aubock is a wonderful example of the marriage of form and functionality that has made the Aubock ...
Brass
Carl Aubock Mid Century Horn Desk Pen Holder, Vienna, 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. We are offering many other Aubock objects in ...
Horn
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
Authentic Vintage Carl Auböck III "Zumbusch" Hand Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A rare and iconic mid-century modern sculptural object designed by the renowned Austrian modernist Carl Auböck III (1924-1993) for the Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna. Designed circ...
Brass
$287Sale Price|20% Off
Austrian Midcentury Walnut Candleholder by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming Austrian Midcentury Modern candleholder was designed and crafted by Carl Auböck for Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna Austria, Mod. No 4661. It features a ball-shaped de...
Walnut
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
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
Leather Penrest by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Small desk tray made of stitched natural leather, slightly curved to form a shallow resting surface for pens, pencils, or small desk items. The hand-sewn edges and thick saddle leat...
Leather
Carl Auböck Brass Hand Letter Opener Letter Knife #7208
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A minimalist but charming letter opener in the shape of a hand. Model number 7208, handmade of solid polished brass, designed by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Fully stamped an...
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 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
Mid-Century Modern Large Wooden Bowl by Werkstätte Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large Wooden Bowl by Carl Auböck, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1950 to 1959 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information: Materials: Wood Style: Mid-Century Moder...
Wood
Brass Desk Paperweight in original wooden Box, byWerkstätte Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Brass desk paperweight by Werkstätten Carl Auböck, preserved in its original wooden presentation box printed “la plume de ma tante.” The object is formed as a long, faceted shaft w...
Brass
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 II Raffia Brass Wastepaper Basket, Paper Bin, Umbrella Stand, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and minimalistic vintage Mid-Century Modern wastepaper basket / paper bin on a tripod brass base from the 1950s. Model 3890, designed by Carl Auböck II and manufactured b...
Metal, Brass
Carl Aubock Vintage Zebra Dinner Bell #3604, Paperweight, Vienna, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A captivating, partly patinated mid-century table or dinner bell from the 1950s. Model #3604 „Zebra", designed and handcrafted by Werkstätte Carl Aubock in Vienna, Austria, this piec...
Metal, 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
Leather Desk Blotter by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Large desk blotter by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, made of thick natural leather with stitched edge and solid metal corner fittings. The rectangular writing pad shows a beautifully ag...
Metal
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
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
$1,207Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Glass Vase from Carl Auböck, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, Austria
A hand blown glass vase from Carl Auböck, made in the 1950s, From Vienna, Austria.
Glass
Vintage Carl Auböck Brass Pipe Modernist Paperweight #5188, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
An Austrian brass paperweight, displaying a pipe, designed an executed in the 1950s by Carl Aubock, Vienna. Model #5188. A very decorative item, in very good condition. Marked.
Brass
Carl Auböck #4317 Fountain Pen Rest, Patinated Brass, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4317 Fountainpen Rest, Austria, 2022.
Brass
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
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 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
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
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
$1,590 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4118 Polished Brass Watering Can
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, 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
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 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
Brass Paperweight 'Pipe' by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight "pipe" in brass, Austria 1960s.
Brass
Carl Auböck Aorta Vase, 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
Auböck bussines card holder around 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, Au
Auböck bussines card holder around 1950s Original condition
Brass
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
$287Sale Price|63% Off
Austrian Midcentury Horn Matchbox Holder by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
Minimalistic and pure shaped desk accessories, iconic for its Designer Carl Auböck and in excellent condition.
Horn
Carl Auböck #4103 Candleholder, Polished Brass, Modern Design
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4103 candleholder, Austria 2022.
Brass
$192Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carl Aubock Brass Cigar Snuffer #4117
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubock brass cigar snuffer #4117. Produced by Carl Auböck IV in the original Auböck workshop in Vienna, Austria using the same standards, high-quality materials, molds and techn...
Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Scoop Bowl or Ashtray with Handle, Brass, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful modernist bowl or ashtray featuring a curved handle, shaped like a scoop. Made of polished solid brass. Designed and crafted by Werkstätte Carl Auböck in the 1950s, this ...
Brass