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 Handcrafted Midcentury U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully...
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Paperweight Jingle Bell #5039, Brass, Leather, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A handmade paperweight in the shape of a sleigh bell, model #5039, originally designed by Carl Aubock III back in the 1960s. A very charming piece, reissued by Werkstätte Auböck...
Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Lucky Charm Pig Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist pig keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Aus...
Brass
$360 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4329 Polished Brass Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist midcentury wall hook is executed in choice of patinated brass, polished brass, or p...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #5371 'Heart' Polished Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this beautifully refined Viennese paperweight is hand-fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Ca...
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Anchor Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist Anchor keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Nickel Plated U-Shaped Brass Key Ring Chain Holder Knopferl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist U-shaped keyring / keyholder / keychain "Knopferl", model #4617-2, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Identical to the brass key ring...
Brass, Nickel
Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4223 'Hand' Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstätte Car...
Brass
$380 / item
Carl Auböck #4995 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck #4995 Patinated Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished and patinated brass by We...
Brass
$350 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4327 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4327 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, Nickel
Large Carl Auböck Model #4751 'Paperclip' Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #4751 'Paperclip' brass paperweight. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkst...
Brass
$400 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4056 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 #4867 2-inch 'Egg' Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4867 2-inch 'Egg' Brass Paperweight Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is hand fabricated in polished brass by Werkstät...
Brass
Carl Auböck #4233-2 Brass and Cane Letter Opener, Mid-Century Modern Design
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4233-2 Letter Opener, Austria 2022.
Brass
$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
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 Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #3603L Large Brass and Leather Bell Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural bell is executed in polished brass an...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #7250 Polished Brass 'Swing' Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #7250 Polished Brass 'Swing' Vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and modern vase is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria....
Brass
$360 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4329 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4329 Patinated Brass Hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist midcentury wall hook is executed in choice of patinated brass, polished brass, or ...
Brass
Large Carl Auböck Model #5072 'Chain' Polished Brass Paperweight
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #5072 'Chain' polished brass paperweight. Executed in brass-plated cast iron and designed in the 1950s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese paperweight is...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3848 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3848 brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass. Each piece bears the ...
Brass
$240 / item
Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck #4330/1 Polished Brass Hook Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produc...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4099 Patinated Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4099 Patinated Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and polished brass....
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4233-4 Brass and Leather Paper Knife
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4233-4 Brass and Leather Paper Knife Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural knife is executed in polished brass and handwoven brown leather...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3847 Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3847 Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished and patinated brass. Each piec...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #5261 metal wall hook in polished brass, Austria. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile minimalist Viennese hook is executed in choice of patinated brass, polished...
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
$370 / item
Carl Auböck Model #4982 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #4982 polished brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Brass
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 Patinated Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #4100 patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated brass. Each piece...
Brass
Carl Auböck Paperweight #5371 or 5788 "Heart", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight #5371 or 5788 "Heart", Austria. Price is per piece. Available in different sizes.
Brass
$472Sale Price|20% Off
Carl Aubock Mid-Century Horn Desk Pen & Pencil Holder Cup, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A decorative handmade desk pen and pencil cup holder from the 1950s. Designed and manufactured by Werkstätte Carl Aubock, workshop in Vienna / Austri...
Horn
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
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
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
$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
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
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Brass and Cane Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 Brass and Cane 'Flatiron' Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished or patinat...
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
$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
$300 / item
Carl Auböck Model #5262 Patinated 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 darkly patinated brass with polished brass accents by W...
Brass
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
$430 / item
Carl Auböck Model #3844 Polished Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #3844 polished brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl or catch-all is executed in polished brass. Originally conc...
Brass
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 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
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 #4273-2 Paperweight "Foot", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4273-2 Paperweight "Foot", Austria 2022.
Brass
Polished Brass Wall Hook, Carl Auböck Model #4995, Mid-Century Modern Design
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
Mid-Century Modern Carl Auböck Folding Brass and Horn Letter Opener
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
An exceptional and rare mid-century modern letter opener designed and executed by the renowned Werkstätte Carl Auböck in Vienna, Austria, circa 1950. This exquisite desk accessory fe...
Metal, 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 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
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
Carl Aubock II Rare Brass & Leather Table Desk Lamp #4280, Vienna, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and rare sculptural minimalist mid century modern table or desk lamp, model no. 4280. Designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck II in 1949. This lamp is made of brass and ...
Brass
Carl Auböck Model #4206A Patinated Brass Bowl
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck model #4206C patinated brass bowl. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese bowl or catch-all is executed in patinated brass with a polish...
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
Carl Auböck Model #4630 Large Patinated Rare Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4630 Large Patinated Rare Brass Bookends Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of minimalist bookends are executed in patinated brass...
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 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 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
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
$360 / item
Carl Auböck Model #9040 Polished Brass Knob
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Auböck Model #9040 Polished Brass Knob Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte...
Brass