Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Clairtone Project G2 Series T11 Console Stereo System & Garrard Turntable
By Clairtone
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
On offer is a rare completely original Clairtone G2 Series Home Stereo System from 1966 featuring two distinct exotic wooden boxes one that houses the tun...
Category
1960s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Rare Baldwin Acrosonic Spinet Piano in Walnut, Brass & Cane, USA, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Introducing a stunning Mid-Century Modern Acrosonic spinet piano made by Baldwin in the late 1960's. It's Danish modern tapered leg design and solid walnut wood cabinet...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Danish Design Midcentury Pianette by Louis Zwicki in Mahogany, 1950s
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Danish design
A rare Danish midcentury pianette made of mahogany. It is called pianette due to the 82 keys rather than the standard 88 of a full size piano. This pianette is made by ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Vintage Brass Menorah
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage brass menorah in a lovely star shape.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
FORNASETTI Butterfly Poker Card Game Set Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage butterfly poker card game set box, screen print on wood, with two decks of playing cards, eight dices and chips / Designed by PIero Fornasetti, made in Milan Italy by Fornase...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1970s Astonishing Swift 1778 Model Ship. Handmade. Made in England
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing Ponant model ship in walnut wood. Handmade. Made in England. This model is amazing and in excellent condition and all handmade. A true piece of history.
Dimension: ...
Category
1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
White Brionvega RR126 Radiophonograph & Record Player by Castiglioni, Italy 1965
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous Brionvega RR126 a.k.a. the “Musical Pet”. This iconic radio phonograph and record player was designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1965.
Fully original, in ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Onyx Marble Turntable Telephone 18 Carat Gold Italy
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful and high-quality onyx marble rotary or dial telephone with 18 carat gold-plated elements, marked Onix Telephone at the bottom, Made in Italy, circa 1950s-60s.
Very decorat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Gold Plate
Syrian Style Mosaic Wooden Inlaid Marquetry Box Backgammon Set
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning mosaic Backgammon set featuring a traditional Syrian style design and fine craftsmanship. Made in Morocco.
The board/ box is made of various woods and inlays. A genuine wo...
Category
20th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Fruitwood, Walnut
Vintage Mahjong Case, Chinese, Gaming Set, Locking Form, Mid Century, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Mahjong case. A Chinese, mahogany and celluloid gaming set, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Fascinating locking case, redol...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
1960s Stunning Smoking Set in Ceramic by Rosenthal. Made in Germany
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Stunning Smoking Set in Ceramic by Rosenthal. Made in Germany The table lighter works perfeclty. This smoking set is in excellent condition.
Dimension :
Ashtray 5,51 x 3,93 x ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Onyx
Original Catalog – Picasso Peintures 1955-1956 at Galerie Louise Leiris, 1957
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – Picasso Peintures 1955-1956 at Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris, 1957
Artist: Pablo Picasso
Exhibition: Picasso Peintures 1955-1956 – Galerie Louise Leiri...
Category
1950s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1970s Stunning Pink and White Chess Set in Volterra Alabaster Handmade Made in I
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Stunning pink and white chess set in Volterra alabaster. Handmade. Made in Italy, this set is in excellent condition, with all the pieces intact and flawless.
So rare to find i...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Alabaster
Vintage Custom Made Oak Backgammon Table with Bakelite Checkers
Located in San Diego, CA
A super cool vintage custom made oak backgammon table with bakelite checkers, circa 1970s. The table is in very good vintage condition and measur...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Antique Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bakelite, Oak
1960s, Stunning Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi with ashtray, box and table lighter, everything is handmade carved. Made in Italy. This smoking set is in excellent condition.
...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Alabaster
Blaupunkt Colorado 60's Plant
By Blaupunkt
Located in Milano, IT
System with power of 5 5 W. consisting of tube radio, and turntable in addition Bluetooth system (BT 5.3) that allows you to connect any kind of smartphones and tablets, all complete...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1960s, Stunning Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi with ashtray, box and table lighter, everything is handmade carved. Made in Italy. This smoking set is in excellent condition.
...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Alabaster
SK4/1 record player by Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot for Braun, 1950s Germany.
Located in Landgraaf, NL
SK4/1 record player by Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot for Braun, 1950s Germany. In the mid-20th century, the world of domestic audio equipment witnessed a revolutionary transformation with the introduction of the Braun SK...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Sailor Scottish Terrier Drinking Beer Cigarette Box, 1950s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Midcentury sailor Scottish terrier drinking beer cigarette box, France, 1950s. Wood, metal and synthetic. Glass eyes. Measures: Height 8.2" (20.8cm), width 9" (22.9cm), depth 5.3" (1...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid Century German Grundig 2440 Table Top Tube Radio Stereo
By Grundig
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century modern circa 1960s Grundig Werke model 2440 walnut bakelite tube radio, made in Germany. Serial #1322605287
Dimensions:
9" x 21.5" x 12"h
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bakelite
1980s Gorgeous Piero Fornasetti Backgammon in Excellent condition. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Piero Fornasetti backgammon for Dal Negro in walnut wood , the set is in excellent condition and includes four dices, the doubling cube, two dice shaker, all 30 checke...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut, Wood
Original Walt Disney "Winnie the Pooh" Comic Strip Art 1981
Located in San Diego, CA
Hard to find original Walt Disney "Winnie the Pooh" comic strip art (King Features Syndicate), circa 1981. The piece is presented in a black wood frame with white mat. The piece is...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Quad Electrostatic Loudspeakers, Rare Midcentury Modern Set Collectors Speakers
By Design Acoustics, Quad Manufacturing 1
Located in Antwerp, BE
The original ESL decorative pieces of art objects electrostatic speakers in its range in production between 1957 and 1985, has been hailed in Sound & Vision as one of the most import...
Category
1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
1930s Entomology Moth & Butterfly Collection Wall Display Rare Extinct Bugs
By Grant Wood 1
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Interesting piece from an Iowan Estate. This piece is unsigned. The folklore I was told by the seller about the piece is that this was originally from the Grant Wood Estate. Howeve...
Category
1930s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Set of 2 Brass Furniture Leg Embellisher, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of two brass decorative embellishers imitating feline paws. Designed by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use...
Category
1930s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1970s Grundig Cube Box Design Speaker Set Futuristic Mid Century Modern
By Grundig
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Original Grundig Cube Speaker Audiorama Design.
Amazon design, cube shape mounted in tripod base. Original vintage unrestored.
Speaker box 12 h x 8.5 d x 7.25 w
Pr...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Jaguar XK 120 Roadster 1950, Rare Collection Car, A+ Condition incl. Expert Op.
By Jaguar Cars Ltd.
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
We offer you the chance of buying this breathtaking, rare Jaguar XK 120 which had its first road legal in february 1950. There has been built only a very little number of these cars,...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage Stereo Phonograph/AM FM Tuner Console, Model: Brionvega rr126 Radiogram
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Iconic design by the Castiglioni Studio for Brionvega first introduced in 1966. This later example produced circa 1970. This stereo phonograph/AM FM receiver console is fully functio...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
1970s Hand Hammered Sterling Silver Spiral Cuff Bracelet Taxco
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
Mexico
style of Spratling
2.5 W x 1.63 D x 2.13 H
Stamped
Original vintage wear
Refer to images listed
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
1960s Stunning Blue Table Lighter in Murano Sommerso Glass By Flavio Poli
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Stunning red and yellow table lighter in Murano sommerso glass By Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy
The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly
Dimension:
2,7...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Murano Glass
Modernist Architectural Model in Stained Plywood 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Modernist Architectural Model in Stained Plywood, presumably Dutch, 1950s.
This highly tasteful 1950s Modernist architectural model is well crafted in stained plywood and solid wood...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1970s Astonishing Swift 1778 Model Ship. Handmade. Made in England
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing Ponant model ship in walnut wood. Handmade. Made in England. This model is amazing and in excellent condition and all handmade. A true piece of history.
Dimension: ...
Category
1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Stereo RR-126 radio by Pier Giacomo & Achille Castiglioni for Brionvega, 1960s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Brionvega wood-colored stereo radio. The radio and record player work perfectly, it has been completely overhauled. There is a bluethoot connection for GSM. Dimensions in closed posi...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Miniature School Desks in Red and Black Painted Metal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adorable vintage mini school desks in red and green wire and painted metal. In original condition with visible wear including loss of paint. A little matching lounge chair set is als...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
"Oblique Strategies" by Brian Eno & Peter Schmidt - Peter Norton Christmas Gift
Located in Soquel, CA
"Oblique Strategies" by Brian Eno & Peter Schmidt - Peter Norton Christmas Gift
This piece is from a series of Christmas gifts, given yearly by Peter Norton and his family. This one is from 1996. The white container is Corian, with a solid weight and feel. Within, there are bright and whimsical cards, each congaing a strategy or inspiration for thinking creatively.
In 1970, Peter Schmidt created "The Thoughts Behind the Thoughts", a box containing 55 sentences letterpress printed onto disused prints that accumulated in his studio, which is still in Eno's possession. Eno, who had known Schmidt since the late 1960s, had been pursuing a similar project himself, which he had handwritten onto a number of bamboo cards and given the name "Oblique Strategies" in 1974. There was a significant overlap between the two projects, and so, in late 1974, Schmidt and Eno combined them into a single pack of cards and offered them for general sale. The set went through three limited edition printings before Schmidt suddenly died in early 1980. Sixteen years later software pioneer Peter Norton convinced Eno to let him create a fourth edition as Christmas gifts for his friends.
Overall size: 6.25"W x 5"D x 2"H
Card sizes: 3"H x 4.13"W
Peter Norton (b. 1943) is an American programmer, software publisher, author, and philanthropist. He is best known for the computer programs and books that bear his name and portrait. Norton established his family foundation with his former wife Eileen Norton in 1989. The foundation’s primary focus is on supporting contemporary visual arts nationwide. For more than two decades, the Peter Norton Family commissioned annual limited edition artworks to give to friends, colleagues, and museums during the holidays. The “Christmas Projects” evolved from modest prints created in small runs to complexly fabricated objects and editions up to 5,000—with all those gift labels reportedly printed personally by Peter Norton. Each year’s artwork was always a surprise, as was the recipient list.
Brian Peter George Eno (b. 1948) is an English musician, songwriter, record producer and visual artist. He is best known for his pioneering contributions to ambient music and electronica, and for producing, recording, and writing works in rock and pop music.
Peter Schmidt (1931 - 1980) was a Berlin-born British artist, painter, theoretician of color and composition, pioneering multimedia exhibitor and an influential teacher at Watford College of Art. He was part of a generation of art school teachers in the 1960s and 1970s who had great impact on some students who later went on to work in art and music. He worked with Hansjörg Mayer, Brian Eno, Mark Boyle, Dieter Roth and had associations with Russell Mills...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic, Paper
Exhibition Catalog – 25 Originales: Litografías y Aguafuertes by Pablo Picasso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – 25 Originales: Litografías y Aguafuertes by Pablo Picasso, Sala Gaspar, 1987
Artist: Pablo Picasso
Exhibition: 25 Originales: Litografías y Aguafuerte...
Category
1980s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Jean Royere Book by Catherine and Stephane de Beyrie and Jacques Ouaiss
By Jean Royère
Located in New York, NY
Book with stiff pictorial wrappers showcasing the work of renowned French designer Jean Royere, with many of the designs in this collection originating from Lebanese commissions. Pub...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
'Batman' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Japanese, 1966
Located in Devon, GB
Fabulously kitsch and colourful, this rare Japanese B2 poster advertised the first full length feature film of the DC Comics character Batman. Released by 20th century Fox in 1966 as...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen, Paper
Infinity Kappa Stereo Speakers
By JBL 1
Located in Fulton, CA
Exceptional and impressive pair of vintage (James Bullough Lansing) JBL KAPPA stereo speakers. Circa. 1980. Statement pieces worthy of a fine collector or advanced audiophile enthusi...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
TIFFANY & CO. 1982 Elsa Peretti Bean Petrol Pocket Lighter In Polished Solid
Located in Miami, FL
Pocket petrol lighter designed by Elsa Peretti (1940-2019) for Tiffany & Co.
The bean is one of the most iconic Elsa Peretti's designs, that she created for the Tiffany Studios, back in the 1970's. This petrol pocket lighter is one of her creations, crafted with a sportive casual look in solid brass.
Weight: 46.95 Grams, (30.09 Dwt).
Measurements: 62 mm by 29 mm by 15 mm (2.44 x 1.14 x 0.59 Inch).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed in full as follows, "©ELSA PERETTI 1982 TIFFANY & CO. BRASS".
Elsa Peretti
She was a very important and iconic American designer that joined Tiffany & Co in the 1974 and change the role of diamonds and color gemstones in fashion for the everyday wear and elevating the status of the sterling silver jewelry. Mostly using unusual gemstones and materials, all her creations are as modern today as ever.
Collateral: This Elsa Peretti lighter...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1950s Olympic Tape Measure Peoples Republic of China
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic Tape Measure
made Peoples Republic of China
Cover made from dappled rich dark tricle bake-lite
includes gilt brass fittings and cloth tape.
5.25 dia...
Category
1950s Chinese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Hand Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Midcentury Elephant Handmade Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
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...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Wood Geloso Television GT1014, 1950s, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
This GTV1014 was one of the first 21-inch b / w televisions produced by Geloso.
It uses the intercarrier system as an audio-video medium frequency. The chassis is mounted inside th...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Plastic, Wood
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Heart Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1970s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original astonishing playing cards box by Piero Fornasetti in walnut wood . It's in excellent condition and includes two packs of vintage Dal Negro cards, 7 dices, and chips. T...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Walnut
20th Century European Foosball / Football Table c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
This mid-20th-century foosball table, with its captivating two-tone color scheme of black legs and a hardwood body, embodies an era when it was a centerpiece in Italy's bustling Mart...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
White Brionvega RR126 Radiophonograph & Record Player by Castiglioni, Italy 1965
Located in Roma, IT
Fabulous Brionvega RR126 a.k.a. the “Musical Pet”. This iconic radio phonograph and record player was designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1965.
Fully original, in ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Jesus on Cross Figurine by Hagenauer Made from Nutwood and Sooted Brass
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a Mid-Century Jesus fetish by Austrian Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien. The cross is made from beautiful, warm-toned nutwood and slightly varnished. The Jesus figurine is made ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Iron
Spage Age Model "Discoverer" Television Designed by Philips, Netherlands, 1980's
By Philips
Located in Antwerp, BE
Space Age vintage model "Discoverer" television 14 GR 1220 GB manufactured by Philips, Netherlands, 1980s. The space age design outstanding shape tv makes this design piece so fascin...
Category
1980s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Acrylic, Plexiglass
Louis Vuitton Boxing Glove Kit, 2010s France
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Insane Louis Vuitton x Karl Lagerfeld boxing glove set. 1/25 ever made. Brand new, sealed, and untouched. Kit comes with two Louis Vuitton boxing gloves...
Category
2010s French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Military Terrestrial Telescope, Canadian, Officer Of The Watch, CKC, WW2
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage military terrestrial telescope. A Canadian, chromed brass naval Officer of the Watch refractor by the Canadian Kodak Company, dating to the WWII period, circa 1940...
Category
Early 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Swiss Powder Compact in Mother of Pearl & Gold Plating
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish vintage powder compact with mirror executed in gold plated metal and showcasing a front tiled with mother of pearl. Swiss made circa 1930-60. Measurements: D: 8 cm, H:dept:...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate
19th Century French Iron Balance - Antique Brass Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French intricate brass balance with different weights in solid brass, in good condition. The iron scale is topped with the original polished brass plates. The scale reads ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
Dunhill Aquarium Half-Giant Table Lighter
By Dunhill, Ben Shillingford
Located in Northampton, GB
Novelty Google Eyed Fish
From our Accessories collection, we are delighted to offer this Dunhill Aquarium Half-Giant Table Lighter. The Aquarium Lighter with a Silver Plated body features a lucite...
Category
1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
1950s Zenith Brown Bakelite Portable Radio Nonworking
By Zenith
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Zenith portable radio
9 h x 14.5 w x 8.75
Bakelite cover with rubber handle.
Original knobs. Minos scuffs present.
Tested and not working.
Review images listed.
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bakelite
Mid Century Gold Bracelet 18K 2 tone Italian Mesh Bracelet 1960s Gold Honeycomb
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
18k Yellow and White gold flexible mesh bracelet.
expertly crafted with an intricate honeycomb / beehive pattern of yellow and white gold creating two-color unique geometric design....
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Carl Auböck Midcentury Lucky Charm Pig Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
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...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Taschen Case Study Houses: The Complete CSH Program 1945-1966 Jumbo edition
By TASCHEN
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Case Study Houses: The Complete CSH Program 1945-1966 published by Taschen.
Complete CSH Program 1946-1966 hardcover book
Arts and Architecture Southern California
13.5 w x 19.25 h...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Paper
American Mid Century Petite Portable Magnetic Chess Set Metal & Walnut
Located in San Diego, CA
A unique rare 1950's portable magnetic chess set walnut caze with metal board , very nice condition original box and instructions .
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mannequin of a Young Girl in Black Dress, Shop Display, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original shop window display child mannequin for primary school clothing, she wears a black dress as an example for children's uniforms from the 1950s.
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paint
1960s, Stunning Alabaster Smoking Set by Romano Bianchi
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Stunning alabaster smoking set by Romano Bianchi with ashtray, cigarette box and table lighter, everything is handmade carved. Made in Italy. This smoking set is in excellent c...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Alabaster
Italian Mid-Century Floor Electric White Metal and Plastic Popcorn Machine, 1960
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century floor electric white metal and plastic popcorn machine, 1960s
Floor standing electric popcorn machine with square base in cream wh...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Alfred Dunhill Gold Plated RollGas Cigarette Lighter with Box and Papers
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Alfred Dunhill Gold Plated Briquet Rollagas Cigarette Lighter
Vintage boxed Dunhill lighter with booklet stamped at purchase 1988
Stamped Dunhill and Swiss Made on base.
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Peanut Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Niels Erik From Modernist Silver Pendant Necklace with Agate
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A late 1960s or early 1970s pendant necklace by Danish silversmith N. E. From. The ovale pendant has a polished insert of red/rose agate. Its comes with its original 50 cm box neckla...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Agate, Sterling Silver
FORNASETTI Chess Board Game Set Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage chess board - game set box for Dal Negro by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s. The box is made in walnut wood, and it includes chess game, checkers game, card game...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Marco Zanuso, Richard Sapper, TS 502 Cube Radio, Brionvega 1964 Original working
Located in London, GB
Marco Zanuso, Richard Sapper, (designers)
TS 502 ‘Cube’ radio
Designed 1964, produced from 1965 by Brionvega, Italy. This example dating from the 1960s.
ABS plastic case in two equ...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
1960's Gucci Horsebit Silver Bracelet by Antonio Fallici
By Gucci
Located in Van Nuys, CA
An early 1960's Gucci silver bracelet featuring the classic Horsebit design, a metal piece traditionally used in horse bridles consisting of two rings connected by a bar, famously used on Gucci loafers.
Antonio Fallaci...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
'Maison Kuiper' Ocelot Fur Hat, 1950s
Located in Tilburg, NL
'Maison Kuiper' Ocelot fur hat, Model Sissy, The Netherlands, 1950s.
This is a rare beret style hat in ocelot fur made by 'Maison Kuiper' a very high-end...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fur
Vintage Gloster Meteor F4 Airplane Model with Postcard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool vintage Gloster Meteor F4 Airplane Model with desk model with black and white postcard, circa 1960s. The model is in very good condition and measures 9.5" wingspan x 8.5...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modernist Brass Menorah signed Morningstar Metalworks
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and elegant Mid-Century Modernist Brass Menorah signed Morningstar Metalworks origiantes from the United States, C. 1998. This piece features a well balanced rectilinear b...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter Designed by Ettore Sottsass. circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter with the Original Case. circa early 1970s
Created by famed Italian designer/architect Ettore Sottsass...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-century Modern collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Line Vautrin, Dunhill, and Kay Bojesen. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $130,932 while the average work can sell for $755.