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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Color:  Gold
Color:  Purple
Lapis Lazuli Fully Polished Freeform
Located in BAARN, UT
Very intense good quality lapis blue with shiny pyrite details. Large piece.
Category

15th Century and Earlier Afghan Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Lapis Lazuli

Large Qajar and Enamelled Ghalian Section with Brass Hookah Base
Located in New York, NY
Large qajar and enamelled ghalian section with brass Hookah Base circa 1900, Persia The gold waisted body decorated with European scenes and portrait...
Category

19th Century Persian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Brass

Antique Phosphor Bronze World War 1 Submarine Wheel, 20th C
Located in London, GB
This is a suberb and rare antique British military World War 1, phosphor bronze submarine wheel, circa 1915 in date. This exceptional nau...
Category

1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Vintage 18k Gold Florentine Finish San MarCo Choker Necklace by Weingrill
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VINTAGE GRADUATED SAN-MARCO CHOKER NECKLACE WITH FLORENTINE FINISH By Carlo Weingrill, Italy circa 1960-80 Item # 109QJS24D A sophisticated choker necklace by the Italian jeweler ...
Category

20th Century Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

19th Century Italian Relief Bronze Plaque of Jesus Christ
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Well crafted with a beautiful patina, 1890's bronze relief plaque of Jesus from Italy measuring 10" x 7.5" x .75".
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Large Signed 19th Century Grand Tour Bronze Statue of Narcissus
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large 19th Century Grand Tour bronze sculpture of Narcissus after the original found in 1862 at Pompeii. Signed "Bucciano Napoli". When first found in Pompeii it was identified as Na...
Category

19th Century Grand Tour Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Les Picasso De Dora Maar, Succession De Madame Markovitch, Paris Auction Catalog
Located in valatie, NY
Les Picasso de Dora Maar, Succession de Madame Markovitch, Paris Auction Catalog. Piasa, Paris "LES PICASSO DE DORA MAAR. Succession de Madame Markovitch", October 27-28, 1998 Auctio...
Category

1990s French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Modern "Door Knocker" 14k Yellow Gold Earrings with Ruby, Sapphire and Emeralds
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF 14K YELLOW GOLD "DOOR-KNOCKER" EARRINGS Each set with a ruby, sapphire and emerald cabochon; marked respectively "VIA" & "14K" Item # C104245 A playful pair of modernist ea...
Category

20th Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

The Only Woman
Located in New York City, NY
A compelling gallery of women who made their way into a man's world, shown through group portraits, each featuring a lone woman An original approach to gender equality, this strik...
Category

2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Italian Vintage Crucifix in Bronze and Iron
Located in Milano, IT
Beautiful vintage crucifix of fine Italian manufacture from the 1950s. The vintage crucifix was made with nickel plated iron and gilded bronze. The v...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Brooch in the Shape of a Cross 19th Century 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Brooch in the shape of a cross xix century It is made of wood and golden metal. Measures: 8 x 5 cm Good condition.
Category

19th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Ocean, Exploring the Marine World
Located in New York City, NY
Experience the force, mystery, and beauty of the ocean and seas through more than 300 images - featuring underwater photography, oceanographic maps and scientific illustrations, as well as paintings, sculptures and popular films. Oceanography and art collide in this visual celebration of humans' relationship with the marine world. From early nautical cartography, scientific illustrations and astounding maps of the ocean floor to ancient Roman mosaics, Japanese woodblock prints and pop-culture ephemera Ocean takes readers across continents and cultures, spanning more than 3,000 years of history. Vivid, full-page images reveal prehistoric marine creatures and fossils, mysterious flora and fauna, mythical creatures of the deep and surfing icons of today. Explore the diverse groups of fish and coral on the Great Barrier Reef, jellyfish from the deepest location on Earth and life in the polar waters of the Arctic and Antarctic. Learn about the dangers facing our planet's oceans due to climate change activity and the dedicated efforts of conservationists to benefit our underwater ecosystems. Developed with a panel of marine biologists, research scientists, conservationists, photographers, museum curators and experts from organizations including the Wildlife Conservation Society and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Ocean illustrates Sylvia Earle's observation: 'Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea. Featured artists, designers, explorers, photographers and other creators include: Mary Anning, Brian Skerry, Jacques Cousteau...
Category

2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Impressionist Masterpieces by John House
Located in Bradenton, FL
Impressionist Masterpieces, National Gallery of Art, Washington by John House. Hardcover book with dustjacket. First edition, published in 1985 by Hugh Lau...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

18K Lantern Charm with Multicolored Stones
Located in Toledo, OH
18K Yellow Gold Lantern Charm with Multicolored Stones. Great condition. Measures 5/8" W x 1" H, 4.6 grams.
Category

Late 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold

WWII Ship's Bell from the Minesweeper HMS Queen of Thanet, Dated 1941
Located in London, GB
A WWII ship's bell from the Royal Navy minesweeper HMS Queen of Thanet, dated 1941. Pendant number J-30. Diameter: 27cm - 10 ½ inches. Height: 28 cm - 11 inches. HMS Queen of Thanet (J30), formerly HMS Melton, was a Racecourse-class minesweeper of the Royal Navy. She was built by William Hamilton & Company in Port Glasgow, Scotland. Melton was launched in March 1916 with the pennant number 898. During World War I she served with the Auxiliary Patrol. Post-war she was transferred to the Mine Clearance Service. Between the wars Melton was sold to Hughes Bolckow Shipbreaking Co in 1927. She was bought by The New Medway Steam Packet Company in 1929 and converted for excursion work on the River Medway and River Thames. She was renamed Queen of Thanet. For the next twelve years she could be found working from Sheerness and Southend. Regular excursions took her to Gravesend, Margate, Clacton and Dover as well as cross-channel voyages to Calais, Boulogne and Dunkirk. In September 1939 she was requisitioned by the Admiralty for minesweeping duties once more and commissioned as HMS Queen of Thanet, pennant number J30. In May 1940 she took part in the Dunkirk evacuation rescuing 4,000 men in four trips. Of that number, 2,000 were transferred from the ex-LNER steamer Prague, after the latter had been damaged by near misses from shells and dive bombers off Gravelines. For Operation Overlord in June 1944 she was stationed at Selsey as the Mulberry Despatch Control Ship. After the war she was returned in 1946 to her owners to recommence excursion work around the Thames Estuary. In January 1949 she was sold to Red Funnel and transferred to Southampton. After refitting at Thorneycroft's yard at Northam she was commissioned in the spring as the company's second Solent Queen. For the next two years she operated excursions from Southampton in the summer. In June 1951 while slipped for survey and repair, she caught fire and was written off as a constructive loss. She was scrapped by Dover Industries Ltd at Dover Eastern Docks in 1951 Literature on HMS Queen of Thanet see: Conway's All The World's Fighting Ships...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca xvii century. Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 14x6 cm. Good condition.
Category

17th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Flèche et Carquois by Line Vautrin, Pair of Gilt Bronze Earrings
Located in Brussels, BE
About Flèche et Carquois (Arrow and Quiver) by Line Vautrin Rare pair of gilt bronze earrings. One of the earrings represents an arrow which is placed on the side of the ear and gi...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Pablo Picasso Et Dora Maar. Une Histoire-Photographies De 1906 À 1946
Located in valatie, NY
Pablo Picasso et Dora Maar. Une Histoire - Des Oeuvres. Photographies de 1906 à 1946 - Vente Paris Maison de la Chimie - Paris 28 et 29 Octobre 1998. Published by Maison de la Chimie. First edition Softcover with die-cut blue cover. 93pp. Illustrated in b&w and color. Text in French and English. Important and hard to find catalog and historical document...
Category

1990s French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1860 Grand Tour Bronze Statue of Place Vendome Column with Napoleon, Marble Base
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for auction this stunning antique circa 1860 Grand Tour bronze statue of Place Vendome Column with Napoleon on top in so...
Category

1860s Italian Grand Tour Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Rare Patinated Antique Bronze Sculpture of the Immaculate Heart of Virgin Mary
Located in Lisse, NL
Marvelous quality, bronze Virgin Mary with the holy heart symbol on her chest. If you are a collector of antique and top-quality religious artefacts the...
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Murano, 1940, Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'V...
Category

1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Murano Glass

PIERRE BOULEZ, Bronze relief medallion by H.G. Adam, 1967
Located in Delft, NL
PIERRE BOULEZ, Bronze relief medallion by H.G. Adam, 1967 Obverse: Portrait of the French composer. Reverse: signed by Henri Georges Adam (right be...
Category

20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Arthur Secunda Acrylic Sculpture Title "Life" Signed, Numbered, 12/20
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful sculpture celebrating " Life" by the well known artist Arthur Second. This piece has a dedication under base as shown .Is signed and numbe...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Acrylic

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Sculpted Cuff-Links of “Bear & Bull"
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF FINELY SCULPTED "BULL & BEAR" 14K SOLID GOLD CUFF-LINKS Item # C104269 A positively exquisite pair of sid 14 karat gd cuff-links in the form of a Bl and Bear. Note the fine...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Bronze bracelet and ring set by Uni David-Andersen for D Andersen Norway 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely bracelet and ring bronze set designed by Uni David-Andersen in the 1960s Norway. This jewellery set has a Viking inspired look with rectangular shaped bracelet of connected se...
Category

1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Smoking Art Deco Table, France 1930 in Bronze and Opaline
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Table Material: opaline and bronze Style: Art Deco France We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at your disp...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Italian Grand Tour Bronze Censer with Birds
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine antique Italian attributed grand tour bronze lidded censer applied with birds dating from around 1860. The censer stands raised on a square ba...
Category

1860s Italian Grand Tour Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Lawrence Schiller Marilyn & Me a Memoir, Signed, Limited Edition Book
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In the flesh. Just months before her death, Marilyn Monroe gave a young photographer his big break, and this is his story. “You’re already famous, now you’re going to make me f...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Blue & Gold Murano Art Glass Ashtray Jewelry Dish / Vide-Poche by Barbini, Italy
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Mid-Century Modern blue & gold hand blown murano Art Glass Ashtray Jewelry Dish / Vide-Poche by Alfredo Barbini. Alfredo Barbini Art Glass as...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Murano Glass

19th Century French Ecclesiastical Iron & Bronze Altar Rail
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and magnificent architectural ecclesiastical iron and bronze altar railing. Created in France in the 19th century, commissioned for a Victorian er...
Category

19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Large Arts & Crafts Era, Bronze Church Incense Burner Floor Stand w. Christogram
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and beautifully handcrafted, finest quality and meaningful church censer. This possibly unique church incense burner was handcrafted arou...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Rare French African Motif Patinated Bronze Cigar Lighter, circa 1900
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare French African motif patinated bronze cigar lighter, France, circa 1900. Depicting a "Chiefton" or "Tribal Chief" with gold accents. The...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Antique Bronze Gothic Sanctuary Lamp / Church Pendant with Gargoyle Sculptures
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning 19th century Gothic art pendant with three gargoyle sculptures. This late 1800s church relic truly has an aura of religiousness about it...
Category

Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Ralph Lauren's Polo Shirt
Located in New York, NY
Introduction by Ralph Lauren, Foreword by Ken Burns, Afterword by David Lauren Embodying a chic casualness that is uniquely American, the Polo shirt is a cultural symbol, worn by everyone from movie stars and presidents to athletes and artists. The Polo shirt is to Ralph Lauren what Mickey Mous...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Bronze Alloy Staff Finial with Janiform Heads, Tiv People, Nigeria, Kunstkammer
Located in Leuven , BE
Top of a scepter sculptured in bronze alloy finial with two identical faces on both sides. Nice natural use patina. Base included in the price.
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

The Grosvenor House Antiques Fair, 1991, by Trusthouse Forte PLC
Located in valatie, NY
The Grosvenor House Antiques Fair, 1991, by Trusthouse Forte PLC. Published by , The Burlington Magazine, 1991. 1st Ed hardcover with gilt edged pages....
Category

1990s English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Cartier Draperie De Décolleté Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Bead Multi Link Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cartier gold and diamond bracelet from the Collection Draperie de Décolleté. This stunning design is inspired by the 1930s and was ma...
Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Dutch Delft Tile Large Picture of A Fleet of Ships
Located in Downingtown, PA
Dutch Delft Tile Large Picture of A Fleet of Ships, 19th Century The 20 tile blue & white Dutch Delft Tin-glazed Earthenware Tile picture depicts a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Delft

Turkish Betel Nut Cutter
Located in Dallas, TX
Turkish ottoman inlaid turquoise beads semi precious stones betel nut cutter. Circa 1820, very rare.
Category

1820s Turkish Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Bronze

2000s Italian Green Gold Murano Art Glass Cactus Plant with Red Yellow Flower
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Italian highly collectible potted glass cactus of limited edition, entirely handcrafted in Murano, with modern Minimalist design blown by Fornace Mian, in a lifelike org...
Category

Early 2000s Italian Organic Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Antique Asian Bronze Large Camel Toy on Wheels 19th C
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A scene from Ramakian or Ramayan, the Indian epic Rama and Sita. Large and heavy Antique Indian Temple toy metal camel, bronze camel on wheels. Camel with r...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Moorish Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Mid-Century Made Heavy Bronze Classic Novel Book Shaped Bookends Treasure Island
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and heavy bronze bookends with Thomas Paine and Robert Louis Stevenson 'books'. With the holiday season on our doorstep we will be offering a numb...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

80's Claude Lalanne's vermeil 'Hortensia' bracelet
Located in Paris, FR
Claude Lalanne 'Hortensia' Bracelet 1983 Vermeil Artcurial Edition, Paris Measure: L. : 20 cm.
Category

1980s French Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Vermeil

Antique Continental Renaissance Church Lavabo
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent medieval Renaissance period architectural holy water font lavabo. Born in a Christian church in Continental Europe during the middle ages, likely Italian 16th or 17th century, exquisitely hand-crafted by a highly skilled artisan, with exceptional craftsmanship, ornate and finely detailed, the rare and one of a kind forged bronze and brass upper presenting with gothic shaped palm frond back, domed lid with tall finial decorated in relief, the fountain reservoir is decorated with central mounted Star of Bethlehem four pointed pentagram star embellishment as well as other applied ormolu adornments, a narrow elongated spigot with valve dispenses the holy water below. A later gilt brass stoop catches the water, the nicely styled, demilune shaped wall mounted antique...
Category

17th Century European Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Ormolu

Georgia O'Keeffe 'Art and Letters' Book
Located in Bradenton, FL
Georgia O'Keeffe: Art and Letters by Jack Cowart and Juan Hamilton. Published by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1989. Softcover. 1st edition. Publi...
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Set of Plays by Casimir Delavigne Dating from the 19th Century, France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Set of old bound books dating from the 19th century. From an old protestant library near Le Havre in France. These 3 books are the set of different plays by Casimir Delavigne of the French Academy...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Picasso 2 Volume Box Set Carsten-Peter Warncke Pub Benedikt Taschen 1995
Located in North Hollywood, CA
PABLO PICASSO 1881-1973 by Carsten-Peter Warncke; Ingo F. Walther Illustrated by Pablo Picasso Published by Benedikt Taschen.Germany 1995 (Vol I: The Works 1890-1936, pp. 1-380, Vol...
Category

20th Century American Expressionist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

"Gilt Double Diamond" Gold Leaf Box with Feather Interior
By dlsc
Located in New York, NY
The "Gilt Double Diamond" This box is a beauty. It is made with sections that are attached by hand. The inner lip is molded to the shape. Then filler is used to cover all of that wo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

Space Age Food Scale by Marco Zanuso for Terraillon
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this beautiful scale design by Marco Zanuso for Terraillon, circa 1970's, very light use and perfect working condition.
Category

Late 20th Century French Space Age Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Vintage 1990s Hammered Bronze Circle Pendant Artist Studio
Located in Seguin, TX
Circa 1990's hammered patinated bronze circle with bauxite bead accent. On thin round black leather cord, pendent is 1.25" diameter, bead is .5" diameter...
Category

1990s American Rustic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Tibetan Bronze Prayer Bell, c. 1800
Located in Chicago, IL
This small bronze bell is the lower half of a Tibetan ceremonial bell called a dril-bu. This example is missing its handle, which would have been shaped like a diamond scepter, or va...
Category

Early 19th Century Tibetan Tibetan Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Persian Paintings in the India Office Library: A Descriptive Catalogue, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Persian Paintings in the India Office Library: A Descriptive Catalogue by India Office Library. Published by Sotheby Parke Bernet, London, 1976. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. The catalog covers...
Category

1970s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

14K Yellow Gold Pearl Ring by Potter & Mellen
Located in Toledo, OH
14K Yellow gold pearl ring by Potter & Mellon. 8.5mm Pearl organic form. 14K Yellow Gold with leaf design around the pearl. Ring size 7.25". 6....
Category

Late 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

21st Century Olimpia Round Bathroom Set Handmade in Italy in Artic Leather
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Olimpia, in all its beauty. Our small tray, together with a soap dispenser and a toothbrush holder. A complete set with all the bathroom essentials presented here in a round shape...
Category

2010s Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique Illustration of the Feet of Lord Rama, 'Sri Ram Prada Yatra'
Located in Soquel, CA
Finely detailed illustration of the feet of Lord Rama. The feet are labeled with illustrative symbols, including a lotus flower, shells, and crescent moons. There are a total of 17 s...
Category

19th Century Indian Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

Tripod Apothecary Skillet Late 17th-Early 18th Century, England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Apothecary tripod skillet from the end of the 17th century beginning of the 18th century From England. The skillet is in superb condition and has not undergone any restorations. Br...
Category

Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Table Art Deco in Bronze and Mirror France, 1920
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
France Table. Material: bronze and mirror. Style: Art Deco. We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we a...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Retired Vintage James Avery Bronze Retro Belt Buckle
Located in Seguin, TX
Bronze retired James Avery modern sculptural belt buckle. Extremely rare and hard to find pattern, fits belt width of 1.75". Minor scuffing.
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

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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