Skip to main content

Collectibles and Curiosities

80
5,709
293
254
to
615
3,070
3,003
6,256
6,137
6,173
457
249
199
173
149
135
121
81
69
68
55
45
43
29
27
26
25
15
826
1,666
3,217
547
1,011
1,213
551
128
77
167
187
140
234
204
173
105
121
3,168
1,943
1,399
732
461
3,441
1,310
1,077
968
670
34
22
21
21
14
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Color:  Brown
19th Century Diorama of Sailing Ship ‘Eleanor’
Located in Dublin 8, IE
19th Century diorama of the sailing ship ‘Eleanor’ in original glazed case. Painted antique shadowbox diorama of a three-masthead clipper ship alo...
Category

19th Century Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood

Solid Brass Ships Engine Telegraph
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass ships engine order telegraph by Joseph Harper and Sons of New York. With ahead and astern ships commands. Mounted to a wood base. Cracked Face....
Category

1930s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Mahogany Prayer Bench with Green Velvet
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique prayer chair in a bedroom for your daily devotions! Crafted in France, circa 1870, the traditional mahogany kneeler sits on...
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Tony Duquette Goodman, Wendy and Hutton Wilkinson 1st Edition 2007
Located in London, GB
Published by Abrams 2007, hardback"American artist and design legend Tony Duquette (1914 1999) was known for his over-the-top style in interiors, jewelry, costumes, and set design. His clients included Elizabeth Arden, the Duchess of Windsor, and Herb Albert...
Category

Early 2000s Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Artisan Made Brass and Onyx Large Sail Boat Sculpture Signed DeMott
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-766 Hand made brass and onyx sail boat.
Category

1970s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Picasso & Marie-Therese, L'Amour Fou by Richardso & Diana Widmaier, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Picasso and Marie-Therese, L'amour Fou by John Richardso, Picasso and Diana Widmaier. Published by Gagosian Gallery, New York, 2011. 1st Ed exhibition(4/14-6/25/2011) hardcover catalog with dust jacket. Picasso and Marie-Thérèse: L’amour fou brings together the paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints inspired by one of Picasso’s most ideal models and enduring passions. The exhibition is curated by the eminent Picasso biographer, John Richardson, together with Marie-Thérèse’s granddaughter, art historian Diana Widmaier Picasso, who is currently preparing a catalogue raisonné of Picasso’s sculptures. In 1927, on a street in Paris, Picasso encountered the unassuming girl, just shy of eighteen years old, who would become his lover and one of modern art’s most famous muses. “I am Picasso,” he announced. The name meant nothing to Marie-Thérèse so he took her to a bookshop to show her a monograph of his paintings and asked if he could see her again. Flattered and curious, she agreed, and thus began a secret love affair that would establish Marie-Thérèse as the primary inspiration for Picasso’s most daring aesthetic experiments in the decade to come. With A flip book...
Category

2010s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

King George IV Authentic Antique Strand of Hair 18th Century / 19th Century
Located in Jersey, GB
In 1811 King George IV (1762-1830) stepped up as Prince Regent in place of his father George III, who was no longer well enough to rule. An enthusias...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Antique Gilt Wooden Gothic Art Hand Carved Gargoyle Wall Bracket Shelf / Corbel
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and amazingly hand carved, Gothic gargoyle bracket. If you are a collector of rare and striking Gothic antiques then this bracket could be the perfect addition to your collection. This all handcrafted and marvellously hand carved antique wall bracket in the form of a squated and winged gargoyle with a grotesque head is one of the best works of Gothic art we have ever seen. Its perfect posture and the top quality carved details of its creepy head, its lion's tail, its claw feet and its deeply carved wings are some of the elements that make this antique truly extraordinary. The beautifully carved edge on the shelf has the most amazing shape and combined with the ancient patina of its entirely gilt surface, this Gothic Revival bracket is an absolute joy to look at. This finest quality antique can be the perfect base or display for a statuette, a small clock, a vase, etc. However, because of its uniqueness, its top quality workmanship and its extreme decorative appeal, this wall bracket certainly does not need anything on top. Thanks to the brass hooks on the back this fascinating gargoyle shelf...
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

20th Century Vintage Thorens Gramophone AD-30 Disc Player Music Box
Located in Sofia, BG
Here we present a vintage Thorens Gramophone AD-30 disc player/ music box, Thorens model #755, circa 1975. The nostalgic solid wood cabinet was hand crafted by Thorens and features a...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Islamic "Alhambra" Silvered Bronze Quran Cabinet in the Islamic Nasrid Style
Located in New York, NY
An Islamic "Alhambra" silvered bronze Quran cabinet in the Islamic Nasrid style, Attributed to Rafael Contreras, circa 1880. Of rectangular form with crest and pendant finials to base, with two hinged doors above a drawer, the lock hidden by a hinged plate, profusely cast with vegetal and geometric designs, the doors in openwork, the reverse stamped with maker's mark, 'GESETZLICH GESCHUTZT...
Category

19th Century German Islamic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Antique New Williams Arts & Crafts Leather Treadle Belt Sewing Machine Cum Table
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Under-appreciated but exceptionally made Antique New Williams Company treadle sewing machine with leather belt and working mechanism. Inside it ...
Category

Early 1900s Canadian Arts and Crafts Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

19th Century Child’s Mahogany Bagatelle Table, circa 1840
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th century child’s mahogany Bagatelle table, circa 1840, mounted on a period custom base. The shallow rectangular mahogany case is hinged to open as ...
Category

1840s English Regency Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

Cowhide First Aid Swiss Army Backpack
Located in Evergreen, CO
This is an excellent example of a Swiss made army backpack. Complete with all straps and very minimal wear to the cow hair on the exterior, and no rips in the interior canvas. This...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cowhide, Canvas

The Power Look at Home Decorating for Men by Egon Von Furstenberg 1st ed. 1980
Located in London, GB
Published by William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1st edition 1980 Furstenberg, Egon von, Prince and Karen Fisher A unique and of its time but a great and highly collectable source boo...
Category

1980s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

19th Century French Normandy Carved Oak Child Feeding Chair with Rush Seat
Located in Dallas, TX
Feed your baby in style in the antique child chair with attached feeding tray table. Crafted in Normandy, France circa 1870 and built of oak, the ...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Country Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rush, Oak

Maison Jansen Decoration 1st Edition 1971
Located in London, GB
Published by Société d'études et de publications économiques, Paris, 1971 Jansen Decoration ,a rare 1971 publication in both French and English about the famous interior decoration ...
Category

1970s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Ohio State Basketball Trophy c.1935-1936 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Ohio State Journal Trophy basketball trophy top sponsored by "Morrey Jewelers" This was part of the Columbus Basketball League 1935- 1936. A r...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

Mid19th Century Spanish Virgin Mary of the Sacred Heart Painted Wooden Sculpture
Located in Marbella, ES
Antique mid-19th century Spanish hand carved painted wooden sculpture of Virgin Mary of the Sacred Heart with glass eyes.
Category

19th Century Spanish Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

19th Century Baroque Style Baptismal Charger in Brass
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A 19th century baptismal plate in brass with beveled flower decoration to celebrate the birth of the infant. The dish can be wall-mounted.
Category

Mid-19th Century European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1940s Hermès Dupré-Lafon Flip Top Cigarette Box
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Rare 1940s Hermès Flip top Box, designed by Paul Dupré-Lafon (1900-1971), used to store cigarettes. Light brown leather with saddle stitching on the ext...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Oyster Perpetual Datejust Gold Watch, Jewelry, 70s
Located in Valladolid, ES
Outstanding Rolex made in yellow gold, 18 carats. All the characteristics are detailed below... if you want to know any other information, do not hesitate to contact us. Model OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST 6917 - Movement: Automatic mechanical...
Category

1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Late 19th Century Sailor's Knot Board
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Sailor's Folk Art Knot Board, circa 1880s, an intricate and elaborate array of approximately 41 bends, hitches, knots, splices, rigging and other fa...
Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rope, Oak

19th Century Tortoise Shell Decorative Hair Comb or Head Piece
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning and large antique 19th century tortoise shell, celluloid, or Bakelite hair comb or head piece with an intricate carved floral and open scroll ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Dave Jacobson Knife with Redwood Burl Handle and Teak Knife Sheath, USA - 2023
Located in Berlin, DE
Dave Jacobson Knife with Handle made in Redwood Burl and Knife Sheath in Teak, USA - 2023. We have another Dave Jacobson knife, made with a Hickory handle.
Category

2010s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Giraffe Circus Toy c.1903-1935
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Jointed wooden giraffe manufactured in the 1900s by the Schoenhut Piano Company as part of the Humpty Dumpty Circus collection. Made from c...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

19th Century Louis XIV Style Marquetry Baby Grand Piano by Collard & Collard
By Collard & Collard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very fine Anglo-French 19th century rosewood, palisander, amboyna and satinwood marquetry (inlaid) art-case baby grand piano, the works by "Collard & Collard". The intricately deco...
Category

Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

1960s Vintage Italian Vincenza 18-Karat Brushed Gold Bamboo Bangle Bracelet
Located in Haarlem, NL
Vintage Classic 18-karat gold faux-bamboo Italian, Vincenza made bracelet. Consists of nine gold etched and brushed finish bamboo segments which, when closed, form a solid heavy (33g...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Vintage Tobacco Advertising Sign, Belgium, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
1950s Advertising Sign for the Belgian Tobacco Brand VDC - Deinze. This Litho Cardboard Sign has lots of colors due the different packages and types of tobacco flavors. Made in Brussels - Belgium by J.De Grève and co. This Vintage Sign can stand as a Counter Display Sign ( standing system has never been used before ) or can be hung as Wall Decoration - Wall Art It's a New Old Stock Sign, so in very good condition. Only the left upper corner has a small trace due storage through the time. Tobacco collectables - vintage signs - retro wall decoration...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Kelly Wearstler Evocative Style
Located in New York, NY
For her first book in ten years, Kelly Wearstler, one of the most irreverent and fascinating designers working today, continues to push boundaries with her inventive and opulent inte...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Eric Phillippe Collection 12 by Eric Phillipe (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Superb dealer's catalogue of Art Deco and Modernist furniture and decorative arts, primarily from Scandinavia and the U.S. Elegantly designed and printed, with beautiful typography and excellent colour photos of 29 exquisite and rare items, all fully annotated and described. Features designs by James Mont, Frank Lloyd Wright, Terence Harold Robsjohn...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Red and White Porous Ceramic Noughts+Crosses Board, Brass Pieces, Walnut Edge
Located in London, GB
Red and White Porous Ceramic Noughts and Crosses Set with Brass Pieces. This simple game would make a lovely, light-hearted yet sophisticated gift....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Large Female Cougar Taxidermy Mount
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Idaho female cougar on faux rock ledge. Newer mount. Length including base 64"H, top of ears to bottom of tail 36", protrudes 23". PERIOD: Contemporary ORIGIN: British Columbia, Can...
Category

2010s Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Antique Jewelry Box Art Deco Period
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique Art Deco period jewelry box, styled by Jacques Kreisler, circa early-20th Century, New York, New York. Box is an aubergine ...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Architectural Staircase Model, England, Circa 1890
Located in Culver City, CA
Architectural staircase model England circa 1890 Oak spiral staircase with ebonised balustrade and a central pillar.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Salmon Fly Fishing Reel cabinet coattail
Located in DE MEERN, UT
Dutch reel cabinet! On the waterfront, the place where fishermen meet, fish together, admire each other's fishing tackle, and drink a good glass of whiskey with each other. This cabi...
Category

2010s Dutch Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Platinum

Pair of Vintage 1950s German Schonherr Superspeed Wooden Skis with Bindings
Located in London, GB
Pair of vintage German Schonherr Superspeed wooden skis with bindings. In good vintage used condition considering their age which I believe to be around 1950s/60s. Please refer to ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Rustic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Chrome

Stanford White in Detail
Located in New York City, NY
A rich presentation of the sensual and scenographic effects created by the Legendary Stanford White, whose designs extend beyond architecture to encompass lavish interiors, jewelry, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Leather Backgammon Set
Located in Milan, IT
Dynamic and unpredictable, this backgammon boardgame set is a lavish accent piece for both modern and traditional interiors. The set box is crafted exclusively of Canaletto walnut, w...
Category

2010s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Swiss Gold Musical Fob Seal, Circa 1820
Located in Madrid, ES
Pendant with music box. Gold. Switzerland, around 1820. Pendant made of gold of alloys with different metals to give it different tones that pr...
Category

Early 19th Century European Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Other

Designing History the Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House
Located in New York, NY
The long-awaited insider's look at one of the design milestones of the twenty-first century: Michael S Smith's celebrated decoration of the Obama White House, featuring a foreword by Michelle Obama. Created for design enthusiasts, political aficionados, and students of Americana, Designing History...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Pierre Yovanovitch Interior Architecture
Located in New York, NY
Paris-based designer Pierre Yovanovitch debuts his first book showcasing his trademark French luxury aesthetic and unique vision of contemporary elegance. With his interiors and f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Biedermeier Walnut Miniatur Chest of Drawers
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The miniature or model chest of drawers dates back to the Biedermeier period and was made with walnut veneer on a softwood body. The chest of drawers is in very good restored conditi...
Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut, Softwood

Antique Italian Carved Walnut Oratoire Prie Dieu Prayer Kneeler
Located in Carimate, Como
A good antique Italian Oratoire or Prie Dieu walnut cabinet crafted in beautiful wood, it stands on short legs over a knee resting platform base. The religious kneeler features two s...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

1960’s plaster anatomical model of dogs brain, Phywe Germany
Located in Hoogeveen, NL
Rare old anatomical plaster model of the dog's brain. Beautiful details on a plastic/bakelite base. Worn (small cracks, base repare) but still in good condition as shown in the image...
Category

1960s German Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bakelite, Plaster

20th Century Green Stone and Jade Necklace by Fumiko Ukai
Located in Point Richmond, CA
20th century Jade and Stone Necklace by Fumiko Ukai of Berkeley, CA An elegant necklace created by the late Berkeley jewelry designer Fumiko Ukai, composed of nicely graduated carve...
Category

20th Century American Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone

Premier Quality Shoulder Mount Taxidermy Burchell's Zebra
Located in New York, NY
Premier quality shoulder mount taxidermy Burchell's zebra, a southern subspecies of the plains zebra, from South Africa. This exquisite piece of art measures 37” x 16” x 30”, making it a rare and unique find for collectors and nature enthusiasts alike. The Burchell's zebra is named after the British explorer and naturalist William John Burchell and is also known as the bontequagga, Damaraland zebra, or Zululand zebra. This zebra specimen boasts distinctive brown and white stripes that are particularly wide, creating a striking contrast against its coat. Moreover, each individual's stripe pattern is unique, which acts as an identifying characteristic similar to fingerprints in human beings. This shoulder mount taxidermy specimen is an excellent representation of the natural beauty and diversity of Burchell's zebra, which inhabits open savannas, woodlands, and scrublands of southeastern Africa. This mount is not only visually appealing, but it also adds a touch of versatility to any living space. It can be easily mounted on a wall or as a table mount, making it an ideal focal point in a variety of settings. Whether it's displayed in a dinning room, office, living room or library this zebra mount...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary African Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Zebra Hide

Upstate Living Spaces with Space to Live
Located in New York City, NY
This inspiring collection of unique, intimate, and authentic interiors will have city- and country-dwellers alike dreaming of carving out a personal haven far from the five boroughs....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Wooden Mask, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Wooden Decorative Mask, mid-20th Century. Wood and fabric. 61 x 24 cm. Good conditions!
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Pair of Late 18th Century Gold Wood and Gesso Baroque Altar Vases
Located in Hastings, GB
A pair of late 18th Century German baroque altar vases, in carved and gilded wood, small areas of gilt loss and patina as to be expected given their age. These would have been displa...
Category

1780s German Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Pleyel Grand Piano, Paris 1870
Located in Littleton, CO
This Pleyel concert grand piano crafted in Paris in 1870 is a timeless masterpiece that embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of 19th-century French piano manufacturing. Pleyel ins...
Category

17th Century French Romantic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut

Guapo Backgammon
Located in Paris, FR
Backgammon Guapo with solid mahogany and solid walnut case, with walnut hinge and magnetic closing with button. Covered with suede leather and with leather inlaid playing surface. Ga...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Mahogany, Walnut

Stunning Faux Books Walnut & Satinwood Smoking Pipe Rack Holder with Drawers
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer this lovely Walnut & Satinwood Faux books pipe rack with internal drawers A very good looking and decorative piece, its designed to hold three pipes in t...
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Satinwood, Walnut

1937 Stromberg-Carlson 228-L Console Radio Restored Bluetooth
Located in Oakland, CA
1937 Stromberg-Carlson 228-L Console Radio Restored Bluetooth. Stromberg Carlson was well know for its commitment to quality and their products are often called the “Rolls Royce” of radios. This outstanding set has been electronically restored and plays great, with awesome tone quality, on both AM and Shortwave bands. The cabinet has been professionally refinished using the proper stains, toner, and lacquer. This is an exceptional radio very nice size and beautiful dial. The chassis has been service and 1/8th input added which will allow you to use this with your iPhone, smartphone, iPods, or record player. Access your old vinyl, or tune into Pandora, Apple Music, or the playlist on your computer to provide the tunes and use the Bluetooth connection to bring the warm, bright, analog sound of a tube amplifier...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

The Silver Spoon Classic
Located in New York City, NY
A luxurious collection of the best recipes from the world's leading Italian cookbook - with all new photography and design First published in 1950, Il Cucchiaio d'Argento, or its English-language offspring The Silver Spoon, is the ultimate compilation of traditional home-cooking Italian dishes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Pipe Holder in Hardwood by Jean Gillon, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian mid-century modern decorative pipe holder was designed by Jean Gillon for WoodArt in the sixties. Handcrafted with hard rosewood (also known as jacaranda), the pipe ho...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Silver Brass Pocket Sundial Compass French, circa 1780
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Silver brass octagonal dial with fo...
Category

Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Brass

19th Century Italian Carved & Painted Primitive Male Santos Wood Sculpture
Located in Encinitas, CA
19th century Italian hand carved and painted primitive male Santos wood sculpture, circa 1840. Measures: 22.2” H x 6.3” W x 4” D.
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Primitive Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Carved and Painted Children's Toy Skittle Game Set from England, circa 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four sets of skittle pins painted to look like toy soldiers from 1940s England. The bright, cheery colors and elegant carving make these an especially char...
Category

1940s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

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.

Read More

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.

Recently Viewed

View All