Collectibles and Curiosities
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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Color: Beige
Color: Green
20th Century Made in Japan Brass Opera Binocular, 1950s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice opera binocular from the 50s in its original fabric pouch and box.
Made of brass. Removable handle using a small key.
Adjustment of the view thanks to a wheel at the fron...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Christie's Christopher Howe, The First Twenty Years, Wednesday 24 March 2004
By Christie's
Located in valatie, NY
Christopher Howe: The First Twenty Years (Wednesday 24 March 2004 at 10.30 A.M.) Christie's South Kensington, Published by Christie's, London, 2004. 1...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Fan in Its Antique Box
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Hand painted antique fan in a special old wooden box decorated thirty years ago with decoupage by an Italian artist.
The fan is perfect. From my private ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Other Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk
Vintage Hermes Factice Equipage, Paris
Located in Berlin, DE
Very rare and collectable fact from the noble brand Hermes Paris with original sticker.
Is perfect for interior decoration.
Category
1980s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Antique Map of Germany by T. Kitchin, circa 1780
Located in Langweer, NL
Attractive map with decorative cartouche from "A New Geographical, Historical, and Commercial Grammar and Present State of the Several Kingdoms of the World by William Guthrie, print...
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Print of 'The Adoration of the Magi' Made after Ghirlandajo 'c.1890'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'The Adoration of the Magi'. Original antique print on chine collé, made after the painting by Ghirlandajo. Source unknown, to be determined. Published circa 1890.
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Collection of Antique Tin Litho Sand Toys
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a collection of 5 early sand toys. The look is very graphic. The are makers are McDowell, Chein, Wolverine and Ohio Art. They date from the 1920s. Con...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
ZIL Semi-Trailer Truck Toy, 1980s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large Zil semi-trailer truck toy.
A large vintage metal truck toy with a red cabin and a bright green trailer. The color and painting is still original....
Category
Late 20th Century Russian Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Rare Collection of 35 Antique Plaster Medal Models
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Rare collection of 35 plaster casts from XIX century, as Grand Tour Souvenir.
I found them like this: You can put them in frame according to the size...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Lux Mini Hoops Made by Moniomi, Round Handcrafted Marble Basketball Hoop
Located in Miami, FL
A playful and graphic layering of marble patterns that utmost depict the ALTIS aesthetics. Hues of blushes and burgundies are reflected amidst the marbles, hand-woven cotton and copp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble, Copper
Milton, John, Paradise Lost, A Poem in Twelve-Books, 'Third Edition, 1678'
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: MILTON, John.
TITLE: Paradise Lost. A Poem In Twelve-Books. The Third Edition. Revised and Augmented by the same Author.
PUBLISHER: London: by S. Simmons, 1678.
DES...
Category
1670s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Walter Albini Published by Carla Sozzani 1st Edition 1990
Located in London, GB
A very scarce book published by Carla Sozzani founder of 10 Corso Como in Milan as a tribute to Walter Albini (1941-1983) and his contribution to Italian...
Category
1990s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Pair of Panoplies with Fencing Foils, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of panoplies with fencing foils 19th century
Large wooden panoples carved in the shape of a heraldic shield and upholstered with green cloth. There are a total of 8 swords of t...
Category
1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Map, Exploring The World
Located in New York City, NY
300 stunning maps from all periods and from all around the world, exploring and revealing what maps tell us about history and ourselves.
Selected by an international panel of cartographers, academics, map dealers and collectors, the maps represent over 5,000 years of cartographic innovation drawing on a range of cultures and traditions.
Comprehensive in scope, this book features all types of map from navigation and surveys to astronomical maps, satellite and digital maps, as well as works of art inspired by cartography.
Unique curated sequence presents maps in thought-provoking juxtapositions for lively, stimulating reading.
Features some of the most influential mapmakers and institutions in history, including Gerardus Mercator, Abraham Ortelius, Phyllis Pearson, Heinrich Berann...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Design for Children Play, Ride, Learn, Eat, Create, Sit, Sleep
Located in New York City, NY
A comprehensive, genre-defining survey of children's product and furniture design from Bauhaus to today
Design for Children, a must-have book for all style-conscious and design-sav...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage 1920s Black Japanned Dry Fly Fishing Box
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage black Japanned dry fly fishing box.
A black japanned tin fly box with cream interior and four compartments with transparent celluloid lids so ...
Category
1920s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Engraving of a Map of Florida, the Gulf Coast, Caribbean & Central America, 1728
Located in Langweer, NL
This exceptional antique map, titled "Nouvelle Carte Marine de Toute les Cotes de l´Amerique" and alternatively known as "Nieuwe groote en seer Curieuse Paskaart van Geheel-WestIndie...
Category
Mid-18th Century European Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Napoleon Beating Austrians The Battle of Castiglione Italy Old Print, 1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Castiglione'.
Original antique print of the Battle of Castiglione. The Battle of Castiglione saw the French Army of Italy under General Napoleon Bonaparte a...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Salvador Dali, Dali Edited by Max Gerard 1968
Located in London, GB
Published by De Draeger 1968
First edition of this lavishly illustrated work by Salvador Dali which was organised and edited by Max Gerard who collated the subject of this book. The War: The Landscape; Gala; The still life; eroticism; Mysticism; space-time; Oneros; Towards an imperial classicism; Chronological index; celebrating sixty-four years of Salvador Dali I Domènech...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
New York 'World's Fair' Bamboo Lamp with Parasol Shade by Christopher Tennant
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The World’s Fair Collection is a family of fixtures handmade from sustainably sourced materials and upcycled antique paper parasols given to visitors at ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cement, Brass
Petite Vintage Micro Mosaic Brooch Millefiori Venice Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous petite micro mosaic jewelry. No restoration has been carried out on this charming little piece, which remains in very stabile and fun...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Uranium HOBE Festoon Bib Glass Necklace Earrings Hollywood 1930s Jewelry
By Hobé Jewelry
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Black Japanned Prog setting filled with Emerald, Peridot, and Citrine Rhinestones in Round, Emerald and Teardrop Cut. The Citrine Rhinestones are Vaseline Glass and Glow Brilliantly under UV light. Oversized stones and incredible detail make this Hobé set a piece of Costume Jewelry History.
The Earring’s fit very securely and are constructed with a built in cushion roller for comfort. They measure 1.25”
The Necklace is a Festoon Bib with jointed connectors creating a tailored fit that moves along with you. This stunning necklace will glitter and sparkle with every breath while lighting up the room. One jewel connection is fused, this might be an old repair, pictured. The Necklace measures 15” long
Each piece is signed Hobé with the signature used 1920’s to the 1950’s.
HOBE Jewelry
The original Hobe family was in business in the US from 1927 to 1995. William Hobe...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Copper
Grand Tour Model of the Temple of Caster and Pollux in Giallo Antico
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Grand Tour carved Giallo Antico Grand Tour model of the temple of Caster and Pollux. High quality, likely later black marble base, Corinthian columns supported by temple foundations below cornice.
Most likely Vatican workshops...
Category
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
Marble Chess Board
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Inlaid marble chess board.
Category
1980s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
Pacific Natural at Home
Located in New York, NY
Author Jenni Kayne, Foreword by Vincent Van Duysen.
Jenni Kayne, the creator of the laid-back, luxe California lifestyle brand, shows us how to create s...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Pair of Solid B&W Telescopic Speakers, 1980
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Pair of solid B&W telescopic speakers - Circa 1980
Adjustable
Very rare and excellent sound
Measures: H 60 x D 20 cm.
Category
1980s European Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Endre László Szász for Hollohaza Porcelain Violin
By Endre Szasz
Located in Delft, NL
Endre László Szász for hollohaza porcelain violin, Hungary 1979-1980.
A Hungarian porcelain violin on a round stand with a brown painted scene o...
Category
20th Century Hungarian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Two French Sevres Discs in Biscuit with Profile of a Young Lady
Located in Sofia, BG
Two discs in fine white biscuit made by Sevres in France in the late 19th century. Both have identical form of a left profile of a young lady, her hair held up by a lace headdress. D...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Dickens, Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, First Edition in 19 Parts
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DICKENS, Charles.
TITLE: The Life and Adventures Of Nicholas Nickleby. (20 Parts in 19).
PUBLISHER: London: Chapman and Hall, 1838.
DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION IN TH...
Category
1830s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Sotheby's Property from Collection of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman, London Residence
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's property from the collection of Mrs. Charles Wrightsman The London Residence New York 4/28/10 Sale 8625. First edition softcover. One of the greatest collections of 18th c ...
Category
2010s American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Christie's Sale Catalogue of the Contents of Castlegar, Ballinalsoe, Co. Galway
By Christie's
Located in valatie, NY
Christie's Sale Catalogue of the Contents of Castlegar, Ballinalsoe, Co. Galway and remaining contents of Somerton, Castleknock on 24th and 25th May, 1988. 1st Ed softcover auction c...
Category
1980s Northern Irish Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Atlas of Interior Design Dominic Bradbury
Located in New York City, NY
“Flipping through a few pages will transport you . . . Armchair travelers rejoice.” – AD PRO
Explore interior-design masterpieces around the globe from the 1940s to today with this unique geographically arranged survey – discover iconic rooms in 9 continental regions in this ground-breaking survey spanning more than 50 countries
This unparalleled global survey features more than 400 of the most inspirational residential rooms from the past eight decades. With the work of icons of interior design past and present, such as Kelly Behun, Stéphane Boudin, Jacques Grange, Peter Marino, Brigette Romanek...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Andrianna Shamaris Papua Tribal Headwear
Located in New York, NY
Tribal headwear from Papua. Marabou feathers. Set on a modern stand. Large collection available. Please inquire.
Andrianna Shamaris, Inc. The Leader In Modern Organic Design™
Category
2010s Tribal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
New Map of North America from the Latest Discoveries, 1763
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique 18th century map of the North American seaboard.
Entitled "A New Map of North America from the Latest Discoveries 1763".
By the Cartographer/Engraver - John Spil...
Category
Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Swiss Miniature Chess Table with Stanhope Lens
Located in Stamford, CT
Carved bone miniature chess set and table, Switzerland, 19th century. With white and red chess pieces, though some pieces are missing. The Stanhope...
Category
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bone
Art Deco Two English Pottery Glass Eyed Dog Figures
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Two delightful English Art Deco pottery novelty dog figures with glass eyes made by Fielding’s and Crown Devon and dating from the 1930’s. The small figures portray two small puppy d...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Rock Crystal Column
Located in New York, NY
Carved rock crystal column:
Measures: 3.25" x 3.25" x 11".
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rock Crystal
Italian Mid-Century Modern Professional Chess Board with Pawns, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Professional chess board with pawns, 1980s
Professional chessboard in metal, wood and plastic. The game board measures 37.5 x 37.5 cm and the single box measures 4.37 x 4.37 cm. The ...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Ceramic Peacock Bird Sculpture with Flowers in Blue, Yellow and Green
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A pretty brightly painted ceramic sculpture of a peacock. This piece depicts a bird with bright blue yellow and green features, perched upon a tree stump ...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic, Paint
House & Garden’s Complete Guide to Interior Decoration, Hardcover Book, 1953
Located in Philadelphia, PA
House & Garden’s Complete Guide to Interior Decoration – Hardcover Book, 1953 Edition.
First published in New York in 1947 by Simon and Schuster, this is the updated 1953 Edition,...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Sea Chart of Hudson Bay and Arctic Canada by Van Keulen, circa 1681
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Pascaarte vande Noorderzee Custen van America (..)'. Sea chart of Hudson Bay and Arctic Canada. Compass roses, loxodromic lines, and ships decorate the oceans and...
Category
Late 17th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique 18th Century Map of the Province of Pensilvania 'Pennsylvania State'
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique of the colony of Pennsylvania.
Noted at the top of the sheet as a 'Map of the province of Pensilvania'.
This undated and anonymous map is thought to be from the Gentleman's Magazine, London, circa 1775, although the general appearance could date it to the 1760's.
The southern boundary reflects the Mason-Dixon survey (1768), the western boundary is placed just west of Pittsburgh, and the northern boundary is not marked.
The map has a number of reference points that likely refer to companion text and appear to be connected to boundaries. The western and southern boundaries are marked Q, R, S, for example. A diagonal line runs from the Susquehanna R to the Lake Erie P. A broken line marked by many letters A, B, N, O, etc., appears in the east.
There are no latitude or longitude markings, blank verso.
Framed in a shaped contemporary gilt wooden frame and matted under a cream colored matte.
Bearing an old Graham Arader Gallery...
Category
18th Century British American Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Mid-20th Century Ceramic Montserrat Virgin Memorabilia
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mid-20th Century traditional Spanish 'Montserrat' virgin statue made of ceramic.
Made in Barcelona, Spain.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pre...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Solid Brass Ships Nautical Miles Gauge
Located in Norwell, MA
Made in England by Thomas Walker and Son LTD Birmingham. Triple dial, anchor logo, nautical miles, and per mile and hundred miles gauges. Great piece of nautical décor.
Weight: 8 ...
Category
1970s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Charles DICKENS, Our Mutual Friend, 1865 A PERFECT SET IN THE ORIGINAL 19 PARTS
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DICKENS, Charles.
TITLE: Our Mutual Friend. (20 Parts in 19).
PUBLISHER: London: Chapman and Hall, 1865.
DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION A PERFECT SET IN THE ORIGINAL 19 PARTS. first issue of text with "pricipal" for "principal" in part 14, illustrated by Marcus Stone, original pictorial blue paper wrappers.
CONDITION: A completely unsophisticated set with none of the spines being rebacked, some wear to the head and foot of spines, chipping to a few corners, internally clean and bright...
Category
1860s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Map of Western States, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa by A & C. Black, 1870
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Western States, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa with portions of Illinois & Indiana'. Original antique map of Western States, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota,...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Map of Persia, Afghanistan and Balochistan, 1859
Located in Langweer, NL
The antique map titled "Persia, Afghanistan and Beloochistan" is a remarkable historical document originating from 'The Imperial Atlas of Modern Geography', published by W. G. Blacki...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver St. Paul's Church Collector's Spoon
Located in Miami Beach, FL
An early 20th century Tiffany & Co. souvenir spoon for St. Paul's Church. There is a finely detailed depiction of Manhattan's St Paul's Church on handled and the back has additional ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver vintage necklace Leaf shaped by Heribert Engelbert AB, Sweden 1957
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant vintage silver necklace with oval leaf shaped elements nicely connected to each other. Made by Stigbert for Heribert Engelbert AB Stockholm, Sweden in 1957. This beautiful mid-century chokernecklace is divided into several rods of shaped leafs connected to each other. The necklace is stamped Sterling Sweden, HE Stigbert B9.
Measure total lengt 42 cmL, each link 2.5 cmL and 1.5 cmW. Good vintage condition.
Engelbert is an upmarket, exclusive jeweler...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Collection of Catalogs 1925 Paris Decorative Arts Expo
Located in Doylestown, PA
An important collection of 11 various catalogs from the 1925 Partis Decorative Arts Exposition, including a large edition of iron works, the “Pavillion of Excellence” the Polish, Cze...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Inviting Interiors A Fresh Take on Beautiful Rooms
Located in New York, NY
Written by Melanie Turner
The first book from Atlanta interior designer Melanie Turner, whose pretty work has a modern edge.
Inspired by fashion and borrowing a palette from nature, Melanie Turner's interiors possess a timeless quality that celebrates architectural details and Classic design. In this fresh and serene first book, Turner shares her secrets for creating understated, sophisticated, and functional rooms. Balance, scale, light, and subtle coloration all factor into her designs, creating a timeless effect.
The elegant spaces featured in the book maintain an emphasis on simplicity and understated glamour, featuring a blend of clean lines, found and Fine objects, and custom-designed, sculptural furniture. Divided by look, the book features multiple homes illustrating each style. "Calm" showcases cool, white interiors, accented by natural textures like wicker and bone. "Clarity" celebrates graphic, contrasting rooms filled with black and white. "Collected" revels in richer colors, accessorized with lush velvet, rich patterns, and metallic accents. "Color" celebrates the power of a palette-driven interior, from spring green, to pale pink, to midnight blue. "Cool" is driven by a funky 1970s vibe, with macramé chairs...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Japanese Kusazoshi Book Edo Period, circa 1860
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique Japanese Kusazoshibook Edo period, circa 1840
Woodblack print book
Book dimensions 176mm x 117mm
There are damages because it is antique item as we show on the photos....
Category
1860s Japanese Edo Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Book L'Utopie du tout plastique, 1960-1973, Norma Editions
Located in FERROL, ES
L'Utopie du tout plastique, 1960-1973 book. Norma Editions.
Edition by Philippe Decelle, Diane Hennebert and Pierre Loze. Year 1994.
Foundation pour l'architecture, Brussels.
...
Category
1990s Belgian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
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
Book of the Hunt by Gaston Fébus, One-Time Only Limited-Edition Facsimile
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This is a one-time only facsimile edition limited to 987 copies of a Medieval illuminated manuscript, the Book of the Hunt, by the Fren...
Category
2010s French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Vintage Music Drum, 1970’s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Vintage music drum, made in the 70’s in Czechoslovakia. It was originally originally part of a drum kit. In good Vintage condition.
Measures: Height: 46 cm...
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Vintage Whiting & Davis Evening Bag
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
A perfect elegant vintage American evening bag! All beaded by Whiting & Davis Co. - For You, now. With classic style and color, this vintage ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American American Classical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Acrylic
Sotheby's Summer Travel New Grand Tour, Aspen, Basel & Dukes of Northumberland
By Sotheby's
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's Summer Travel The New Grand Tour, Aspen, Basel and More The Dukes Of Northumberland 500 Years Of Collecting, June-July 2014 London and New York. Published by Sotheby's, 2014. 1st Ed softcover. Beautifully illustrated catalog with great information on museums, books on travel, summertime attractions in NYC, Aspen Art...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique and Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities for Sale
Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior.
Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.
The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.
Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.
Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.
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Pamela Shamshiri Shares the Secrets behind Her First-Ever Book and Its Effortlessly Cool Interiors
The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.
Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier
Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.
Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure
Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.
Whaam! Blam! Pow! — a New Book on Pop Art Packs a Punch
Publishing house Assouline and writer Julie Belcove have teamed up to trace the history of the genre, from Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama to Mickalene Thomas and Jeff Koons.
The Sparkling Legacy of Tiffany & Co. Explained, One Jewel at a Time
A gorgeous new book celebrates — and memorializes — the iconic jeweler’s rich heritage.
What Makes a Gem-Encrusted Chess Set Worth $4 Million?
The world’s most opulent chess set, weighing in at 513 carats, is literally fit for a king and queen.
Tauba Auerbach’s Geometric Pop-Up Book Is Mighty Rare, Thanks to a Hurricane
This sculptural art book has an epic backstory of its own.
Step inside the Storied Mansions of Palm Beach’s Most Effervescent Architect
From Spanish-style courtyards to fanciful fountains, these acclaimed structures abound in surprising and elegant details.
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