Collectibles and Curiosities
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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Color: White
Color: Silver
Eigil Jensen Designed for Anton Michelsen Sterling & Enamel Brooch & Earring Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This brooch and earring set was designed by Eigil Jensen for Anton Michelsen of Denmark in approximately 1960 in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
19th Century Italian Jesus Christ on the Cross Silver
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Refined and delicate figure of Jesus Christ on the cross in silver, 1880s. Great artistic quality please look at the details from the face to...
Category
1880s Italian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Gio Ponti, Una Collezione Sotheby's Sale Catalogue, 2005, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Gio Ponti, Una Collezione Sotheby's Sale Catalogue, 2005 in Milano. 1st Ed softcover auction catalog. Sotheby's auction catalogue of a sale of works by the influential and one of the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Lisu Tribe Silver Collar Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
This finely crafted piece was made high in the mountains of southeast China, Thailand and Burma (modern day Myanmar) by an indigenous hill tribe. The Lisu people are know for their v...
Category
20th Century Thai Tribal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Antique Large Victorian Key Wind Mechanical Scary White Cat Toy, As Found
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique mechanical toy is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Europe, possibly England or Austria in approximately 1880 and done in...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian High Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Original Antique Engraving of Inhabitants of Tonga Tabu, C.1836
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Tonga-Tabu'. Old print depicting various inhabitants of Tonga Tabu. This print originates from 'Entdeckungs, Reise der Franzosischen Corvette Astrolabe Unternomen auf Befehl Konig Karls...
Category
19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Akha Hill Tribe Silver Cuff Bracelet, Golden Triangle
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A large Akha Tribe woven silver bracelet with spiral design. This Tribal bracelet encompasses tradition Hill tribe silversmithing techniques with each silve...
Category
Early 20th Century Thai Tribal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Delightful English Victorian Sterling Silver Kitty Cat Rattle
By W.H. Collins & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Delightful Victorian sterling silver rattle. Made by WH Collins & Co. in Birmingham in 1897. Kitty stands stiffly in snug fitting jacket and tr...
Category
1890s English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Lovely Blue Stone Set of Vintage Silverring and Earrings Sweden, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful heaven blue vintage 'Bergslagen stone' ear rings and silver ring set from Sweden 1980s. The lovely pair of ear rings are made by Opifors AB. (s...
Category
1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Meershaum Pipe with the Head of Julius Caesar, Vienna 1880
Located in Milan, IT
Carved meershaum pipe, with amber mouthpiece and silver band. In the bowl of the pipe, the head of the dictator Julius Caesar, is depicted with a laurel wreath on his head. Original ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Silver
Colen Hewer Cheshire Sterling Silver Cigarette Case
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Colen Hewer Cheshire sterling silver cigarette case.
Category
Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities
Royal Doulton Golf Bowl, Series Ware
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Royal Doulton Series ware Golf bowl.
Royal Doulton bowl with polychrome golf scene designed by Charles Crombie. The bottom of the bowl with Royal Doul...
Category
1910s English Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Antique Map of Kerguelens Island Coast by Cook, 1784
By James Cook
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Kerguelen's Land (..)'. Antique map of Kerguelens island coast, known today as the Desolation islands. Originates from 'A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean: Undertaken, by the Command of His Majesty, for Making Discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere (..)' published in Dublin.
Artists and Engravers: James Cook...
Category
18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Double Pipe Holder
Located in VALENZA, IT
Queen Anne style double pipe holder in solid silver.
The pipe holders have a round fluted base pods and are fixed on the silver tray with small bolts that are removable for cleanin...
Category
1990s Italian Queen Anne Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Architectural Impression of Villa a Pont a Mousson in France, Chabat, c.1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Villa Weber, Mr. Paul Sédille Architecte'. This print depicts the design of a building in France. Originates from 'La Brique et La Terre Cuite' by P. Chabat. Ar...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
English Victorian Ebonized Cane with Stirrup Top
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian ebonized cane with silver stirrup loop top.
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Art Deco, Sterling Silver-Mounted Threaded Crystal Match Striker
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, London, year hallmarked for 1926. Measures almost 2 1/2 inches high x almost 2 3/4 inches diameter. Dark spots in ph...
Category
1920s English Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Birks Sterling Silver Ladies Compact with Enamel Portrait & Guilloche Decoration
By Henry Birks
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This sterling silver ladies compact was made for the Birks retailer in presumably France in circa 1950. This compact features an enamel portrait done in...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Renaissance Revival Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Small Oval Dutch Silver Gold Plated Box with a Scene of the Birth of Venus
Located in Delft, NL
A small oval Dutch silver gold plated box with a scene of the birth of Venus
A silver box, gold plated with a style-carved cameo in stone. The stone with a scene of a mythological...
Category
20th Century Dutch Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Antique Map of the Friendly Islands by Cook, 1803
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map Friendly Islands titled 'Kaart van de Vrienden-Eilanden'. Antique map of the Friendly Islands depicting Rotterdam or Anamocka, Middelburg or Eaoowe and Amsterdam or Tonga...
Category
19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Paten
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian sterling silver paten; part of our ornamental silverware collection.
This exceptional antique Vic...
Category
1840s English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
X Years Of COLL & CORTÉS
Located in valatie, NY
X Years Of COLL & CORTÉS. Published by Coll & Cortes, 2014, Spain. 1st Ed exhibit catalog. "To our surprise, it dawned on us that Coll & Cortes was rapidly approaching its tenth birthday. In ten years, a small office staffed by Nicolas, myself, and his six dogs, became prominent premises in the heart of Madrid and London, fourteen employees and - despite all the pessimists saying that the market in Spanish old masters...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Silver Jewish Torah Pointer or Yad
Located in Delft, NL
A silver Jewish Torah pointer or Yad
A silver yad is a Jewish ritual pointer, known as a Torah pointer, used by the reader to follow the text during the Torah reading from the parchment Torah scrolls...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Antique English Silver Plated Soccer Trophy
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Silver Plated Soccer Trophy.
Category
19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate
Gorham Art Nouveau Sterling Buckle, 1902
By Gorham
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Gorham Art Nouveau sterling buckle, 1902. Marks for Gorham Sterling and B1949 copyrighted with 1902 (year). Beautiful open floral nouveau whiplash des...
Category
Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
License Plate, 1920s
Located in Roma, IT
License plate is an original decorative object realized in the early 20th century.
Made in Italy.
The license plate is realized in silverplate and ...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Small Oval Dutch Silver Gold Plated Box with a Scene of the Goddess of Victory
Located in Delft, NL
A small oval Dutch silver gold plated box with a scene of the Goddess of Victory.
A small oval Dutch silver gold plated box.
A silver box, gold plated with a style cut cabuchon i...
Category
20th Century Dutch Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
John William Polidori-the Vampyre-1819-1st Ed-Michael Sadleir's Copy
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
Author: POLIDORI, John William.
Title: The Vampyre; A Tale.
Publisher: London: for Sherwood, Neely, and Jones, 1819.
Description: First edition third issue and Michael Sadl...
Category
1810s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
At Home in Savannah, Great Interiors, First Edition
By Harris Tattnall
Located in valatie, NY
At Home in Savannah, Great Interiors. Boca Raton: Gold Coast Publishing. First edition hardcover with dust jacket, 1978. 87 pp. A photographic overview of 21 houses and their interio...
Category
20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Chinese Jade Archer's Ring, c. 1750
Located in Chicago, IL
Hand carved of vibrant red jadeite, known as konpi, this 18th century archer's ring was likely once worn by a gentleman-scholar in northern China. Traditionally, Chinese archers wore...
Category
Mid-18th Century Chinese Qing Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Jade, Sterling Silver
Late 19th to Early 20th Century Silver Baby Amulet Necklace, China
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Late 19th to early 20th century silver baby amulet necklace, CChina
A wonderfully balanced silver chain necklace with coral and turquoise beads is anchored by a bat, from which da...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Coral, Silver
19th Century Pendant with Great Patina
Located in New York, NY
A stunning and rare 19th century amulet with detailed central imagery of a man astride a horse. This piece, from India, conveys it's age and history through the gorgeous patina created over several generations. Worn with a simple leather cord or silver chain, this antique amulet...
Category
Late 19th Century Indian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Joseph Crossard French Silver Gold Plated and Engraved Traveling Liqueur Bottle
By Joseph Crossard 1
Located in Delft, NL
Joseph crossard French silver gold plated and Engraved traveling liqueur Bottle, 1900.
A French Art Nouveau crystal bottle, richly decorated with gol...
Category
Early 20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Silver
19th Century Sterling Silver Communion Beaker and Wafer Tazza
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine antique William IV sterling silver communion beaker and wafer tazza; an addition to our religious silverware collection.
This fine antique William IV English sterling silver communion set consists of a beaker and tazza.
The antique beaker has a plain bell shaped flared form onto a spreading circular foot.
The wafer tazza has a circular form with a plain circular foot.
The surface of the tazza, upper rim of the beaker and foot are ornamented with a band of tooled decoration.
This antique beaker retains the original gilt interior.
Dimensions
Height of beaker 7.7 cm/3"
Diameter of top 6 cm/2.3"
Diameter of base 4 cm/1.5"
Diameter of tazza 6.2 cm/2.5"
Weight
6 troy ounces/186g
Condition
Each piece of this antique communion set...
Category
1830s English William IV Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
19th Century Dutch Silver Pipe Stopper with Ship
Located in Delft, NL
A 19th century Dutch silver pipe stopper with ship.
A ship on a plateau on the stem. The stem is openwork and twisted. The pipe cleaner was originally a simple instrument only intended to empty the pipe bowl. 19th Century and Dutch hallmarked with the "Sword" used from 1814-1906. The silversmith mark is faded
The size of the pipe cleaner is 10,5 cm high, 2 cm wide and the depth is 0,7 cm
( 4.1 Inch x 0.8 Inch x 0.3 Inch)
The weight is 14 grams
The silver version of the pipe cleaner, consisting of a pen topped by a figure, has no relation to the luxurious multi-piece garnish or the clipping tube. It originated from the simple brass or copper predecessor or the more popular variant of wood, bone or in a rare case also ivory. It is a consumable with only one purpose: to remove the tobacco plug at the bottom of the pipe bowl and to clean the kettle. The point is the working part of the object, the decorative element functions as a handle. In addition to the pipe stopper intended for pressing the smoldering tobacco, the rooting tool is an indispensable tool for the smoker to empty the pipe bowl after smoking.
Strangely enough, there is little relationship between the pipe stopper on the one hand and the pipe rooter on the other. It is especially remarkable that the silver rooters...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Antique Print of the Villa Salamandre in France, Chabat, c.1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Villa Salamandre Houlgate (Calvados) Mr. Baumier Architecte'. This print depicts the design of a building in France. Originates from 'La Brique et La Terre Cuit...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Print of 'The Ascension' Made after Perugino 'c.1890'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'The Ascension'.
Original antique print on chine collé, made after the painting by Perugino.
Source unknown, to be determined. P...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
The White Hotel by D. M. Thomas, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
The White Hotel by D. M. Thomas. Published by Viking, 1981. The White Hotel is a novel written by the British poet, translator and novelist D. M. Thomas. It was first published in Ja...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Moroccan Berber Ethnic Bracelet
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet Moroccan tribal bracelet, cuff from the high atlas of Morocco.
Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel.
The ethnic Nomadic and Bedo...
Category
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Silver, Enamel
Dog God in Blue Underglaze Porcelain & Sterling Pendant, Marked Siam, 925
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Dog God in Blue Underglaze Porcelain & Sterling Pendant, marked Siam, (pre-1949), 925, and sterling. The cobalt is well controlled, dating the porcelain plaque after 1830. 2 5/8" dia...
Category
Early 20th Century Thai Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Edwardian Sterling Silver-Mounted Cranberry/Red Threaded Crystal Match Striker
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian, sterling silver cranberry/red, tyg-form (a tyg is a three-handled Scottish drinking cup), threaded crystal match striker, having three, clear handles, London, 1916, Robert Pringle and Sons...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Rare English Silver & Enamel Picture Frame, Allies of 1914
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent and rare English sterling silver photograph frame by the top notch silversmith, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company L...
Category
1910s European Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Late 19th Silver-Plated American Hanukkah Lamp
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, silver-plated Hanukkah lamp made in the United States. Typical of late 19th century revivalism in Judaica, the lamp is designed in a combination of styles such as the rococo scrollwork and diamond pattern and the Gothic niches...
Category
Late 19th Century American Rococo Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique English Georgian Sterling Silver Pocket Cigar Case
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This sterling silver and intricately engraved cigar case was made in London England in circa 1831, during the reign of King George IV. The top and bottom are both ornately engraved w...
Category
Early 19th Century English George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Havdalah Box / Spice Box, London 1912, Joseph Zweig
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1912 by Joseph Zweig, this Antique Sterling Silver Havdalah Box, or Spice Tower, is of a traditional Eastern European form. The Havdalah box measures 9.75"(25...
Category
1910s English Baroque Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Alberto Dona 1980 Blue Red Yellow Green Murano Glass Aquarium Round Sculpture
By Alberto Donà
Located in New York, NY
This aquarium sculpture in blown Murano glass is signed by Alberto Dona', of flat round shape, decorated with three tridimensional colorful fishes amongst bubbles rising from a blue ...
Category
1980s Italian Organic Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Leaf
Sparkling Silver and Glass South Indian Drop Earrings by Jewels of Santa Fe
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Sparkling silver and glass south Indian drop earrings by Jewels
A pair of sparkling drop earrings by Jewels of Santa Fe/Marrakesh, composed of cut glass with a slight pink tone se...
Category
20th Century Indian Tribal Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
White Leather Chessboard
By Pinetti
Located in Milan, IT
Dynamic and elegant, this chess board set will make a sublime accent in a modern or traditional home. Crafted of walnut, the box is upholstered in white leather...
Category
2010s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass
Traditional Silver Torque Necklace Chocker from Rajasthan India
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Traditional torque or Hansuli silvered necklace choker from Lambadi or Banjara and Sugali People, Andhra Pradesh, India.t India, circa 1940.
Fabulous vi...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
1960 Narragansett Special Sterling Silver Horseshoe Horse Racing Trophy Tray
Located in Dayton, OH
"Rare 1960s sterling silver 925 (204.3 g) commemorative horse shoe tray or ashtray, made by Bogaert's of Lexington. Reinzi, age 5, was the winner and earned 1st place on Oct 29, 1960 at The Narragansett Special in Narragansett Park
Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Jockey Jimmy Combest, Trainer Barry Ryan and Owner J. Frederic Gagel. Measure: 5".
The Narragansett Special was an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Narragansett Park in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. At the time of its inaugural running in 1934, the Narragansett Special offered a purse of $25,000 added money making it the biggest race run at the track. Only Suffolk Downs' Massachusetts Handicap had a bigger purse in New England. Both rich contests drew the best talent that the nation had to offer.[1]
Open to horses age three and older, the race was run over a distance of 1+3/16 miles (9.5 furlongs). The Special started at the top of the Narragansett stretch with a run of 3/16ths to the wire and then one full lap around the one mile dirt oval.
Historical notes
Across its history, the ""Special"" was run in late summer and fall, over fast and sloppy tracks, and even in the snow one year (Wise Margin – 1955).
Time Supply, under jockey Tommy Luther, won the very first Special. A. A. Baroni's Top Row and Rosemont, for William duPont, won the next two editions.
An instant success, the race continued to attract the top horses from across the United States. 1937 had Mrs. Ella K. Bryson's gelding Calumet Dick, with Hilton Dabson riding, captured the event. A former Calumet Farm runner that loved the mud, Calumet Dick upset Wheatley Stable's Snark and national superstar Seabiscuit. The 'Biscuit was made the betting favorite by his fans, but proved his dislike for ""off"" going and saw a seven race winning streak snapped when he finished third on the sloppy track under high-weight of 132 lbs.[2]
Over the years, the race was won by racing stars such as future U. S. Racing Hall of Fame inductees Challedon (won:1939 / inducted:1977) and Whirlaway (won:1942 / inducted:1959).[3]
In 1941, Glen Riddle Farm's War Relic...
Category
1960s Rustic Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Italian Silver Travelling Crucifix
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique 1800s Italian silver travelling crucifix; an addition to our religious silverware collection.
This exceptional antique Italian silver travelling crucifix has been crafted with an oak wood back.
The impressive cross design is ornamented with a cast and applied figure of Jesus Christ, surrounded by angel and putto designs, all below the plaque bearing the initials 'INRI'; (Latinate 'INRI', Greek 'INBI') pertains to 'Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews'.
This antique silver crucifix...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Antique Map of Asia in the 12th, 13th and 14th Century, 1877
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Azie in de 12de, 13de en 14de eeuw.' (Asia in the 12th, 13th and 14th century). Historic map of Asia. This original antique map origi...
Category
19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Pl. 12 Antique Print of an Orangery and Garden Plan by Le Rouge, c.1785
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Jardins de Bessingen (..)'. Copper engraving showing a garden plan and orangery (or orangerie). This print originates from 'Jardins A...
Category
18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Kali Pebble Sterling Silver Bracelet by John Hardy
Located in Toledo, OH
Vintage sterling silver bracelet Kali Pebble by John Hardy. Very great condition. Measuring 7" diameter.
Category
20th Century North American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Jean Puiforcat: Orfevre Sculpteur (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This is one of a limited edition of only 3,000 copies of this soft backed book which was produced after his death to celebrate the genius of Jean Puiforcat, who could probably be loo...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Print of 'Christ taking leave of His Mother' Made after Titian 'c.1890'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Christ taking leave of His Mother'. Original antique print on chine collé, made after the painting by Correggio. Source unknown, to be determined. Published cir...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Chinese Longevity Hairpin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that com...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
1802, Richmond “Gold Cup”, by Robert Adam, Paul Storr and Robert Makepeace
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This exceptional silver-gilt trophy was made by Paul Storr in 1802, by arrangement with the London retailer Robert Makepeace. It is in the form of a classi...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
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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