Collectibles and Curiosities
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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Baroque
Dutch Missal With Silver Mount, 1843
Located in Bilzen, BE
Dutch missal with solid silver mount, 1843 Gulpen, printed in Dutch
9.8 x 15.2 cm, thickness 4.2 cm
Category
1840s Dutch Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Vintage Wood Shield Key Ring or Ring Toss Game with Hooks after Abercrombie
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A vintage wood ring toss game board, or hotel key holder. This piece is after Abercrombie & Fitch and is created from wood. It is in the shape of a sh...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
18th Century Carved Wood INRI Scroll Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews
Located in Hastings, GB
Intricately carved and rare late 18th Century carved wooded scroll, bearing the letters INRI - Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews).
A magnificent ...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Braun FS-80 Television by Dieter Rams, 1964
By Braun, Dieter Rams
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Braun FS-80 Television designed by Dieter Rams ca. 1964 in plastic, glass, and powder coated steel. A rare offering, these televisions rarely surface. Recently seen in the Apple TV a...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Vintage Magnavox Mid Century Tower Column Pedestal Rodeo Stereo 8 Track Console
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Magnavox Mid Century Tower Column Pedestal Rodeo Stereo 8 Track Console. Item features a working AM/FM radio, side speakers, slate pedestal top, 8 track player (not working),...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Vintage Kangaroo Scooter Blue 1969
Located in Highland, IN
This rare scooter from 1969 is a re-imagining of a design that originated in 1928. It's an eccentric-hub scooter that is powered by the rider bouncing up and down on the platform, us...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Selection of Coffee Table Books - Furniture Design Interior Design Fashion Art
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Coffee Table Books, priced at $150 each. If one of the books is sold, it will have SOLD next to the title below. These books are all from the estate of . was the President of The Art Deco Society of New York City and had an incredible library of books on furniture design, interior design, art, photography, and fashion. Many of the books focused on Art Deco or mid century modern design. Please see our other listings for more books from the same estate. Please note that we are not specialists in books. All of the books are in very good condition and were well cared for in a smoke and pet free environment. There may be some small tears to slipcovers, scratches, rubs, and wear commensurate with age and use.
The books in this listing are:
Stack Left
Dagobert Peche and The Wiener Werkstatte by Neue Galerie SOLD
Josef Frank Architect Designer SOLD
Billy Baldwin by Adam Lewis SOLD
New Dimensions by Paul Frankl
Jean-Michel Frank by Rizzoli SOLD
Jean Michel Frank by Du Regard SOLD
A House Is Not A Home Weber SOLD
Art Deco by Skira SOLD
Stack Right
Jean Dunand by Delorenzo SOLD
Jean Duncan’s SOLD
Ruhlmann Master of Art Deco SOLD
Jean Dunand His Life and Works...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Caldelli for Big Ben Cedar Wood Humidor 1970s Italy
Located in Den Haag, NL
Vintage 1970's Caldelli handmade solid cedar wood cigar humidor. Made for Big Ben. Measuring 27cm x 19.5cm x 8cm. Will hold cigars upto 23cm long horizontally, 16.5cm vertically, 2 d...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cedar
Vintage Mahjong Case, Chinese, Gaming Set, Locking Form, Mid Century, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Mahjong case. A Chinese, mahogany and celluloid gaming set, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Fascinating locking case, redol...
Category
1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Vision 2000 radio stereo by Thilo Oerke for Rosita, 1970s
By Rosita, Thilo Oerke
Located in bruxelles, BE
Stereo Vision 2000 radio designed by Thilo Oerke in the 70s. The radio works perfectly, having been completely overhauled by a sound engineer. There's also a bluethoot socket for con...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Foosball mid 1960's French baby-foot table football game
Located in London, GB
A mid 1960's French "babyfoot" table football, by ZAK3.
With working pull rod mechanism for ball release, and abacus scoring.
In working order.
The history of table football:
...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Brionvega RR126 radio turntable, Italian Mid Century by Achille Castiglioni
Located in Milano, IT
Designed in 1964 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, two of the most famous Mid-Century Modern era designers, the Brionvega RR126 Radio Turntable is an iconic piece of Italian d...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Original Catalog – Picasso Peintures 1955-1956 at Galerie Louise Leiris, 1957
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – Picasso Peintures 1955-1956 at Galerie Louise Leiris, Paris, 1957
Artist: Pablo Picasso
Exhibition: Picasso Peintures 1955-1956 – Galerie Louise Leiri...
Category
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Judaica Sterling Silver Mezuzah with a Scroll in Original Box ca 1890
Located in Doha, QA
This is an outstanding and extremely rare hand crafted, solid sterling silver Mezuzah in the original leather and dark purple velvet box.
It was made in Vienna, Austria between 1890 ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Stereo System Weltron 2007, 1970s
By Weltron
Located in bruxelles, BE
Weltron stereo system model 2007 in white plastic and metal with cassette, record player, radio. Everything works very well. It has been completely overhauled by an engineer.
Wear du...
Category
1970s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Miniature Motorboat, Chris Craft, Various Woods, Metal, Lacquer, USA circa 1950
By Chris Craft Boats
Located in Regensburg, DE
Large, very decorative and detailed model of a two-seater wooden motorboat in the style of the runabout or barrel back boats by Chris-Craft (USA).
Worked in various woods, including ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Danish Louis Zwicki Rosewood Upright Pianette, Circa 1950's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Step back in time with this masterfully-crafted Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Pianette by the renowned Louis Zwicki. From the heart of the 1960's, a period when design and craftsmanshi...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Violin In Majolica Manufacture Rouen Early 1800s French Musical Ceramics
By Rouen
Located in Milano, MI
French Faience Violin Manufacture of Rouen Beginning 1800 with a side pocket and two holes for hanging on the wall by means of a string, missing. This stanniferous glaze majolica vi...
Category
Early 19th Century Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Majolica
Antique SABA RCR 405 Portable Cassette Radio
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
SABA RCR 405 portable radio cassette. The device has a robust and functional design, with a rectangular structure in black and silver tones, accompanied by a top handle for easy tran...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid Century West German Made Weather Station by Relative Hygrometer
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-Century "Sputnik" table barometer weather station made in West Germany by Relative Hygrometer. This desktop space-age Sputnik-style weather station Features an acrylic ball housi...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Steel
Shelving audio system Dieter Rams, Braun
By Braun
Located in Neuss, NW
Unique wall-mounted audio system by Dieter Rams for Braun from the 1960s. High-quality construction featuring five aluminum E-profiles, two shelves, two L450 speakers, a TG60 tape recorder, a TS45 control unit (radio & amplifier), and a Braun PCS5 turntable, all released in 1965. All components are perfectly coordinated, with high-end technologies such as a Braun tonearm and a Shure cartridge.
Upon request, we can provide you with videos of the system.
The individual components have been inspected and cleaned by a professional workshop. Defective parts have been replaced to ensure flawless functionality.
Quality Features:
accomplished design: perfect proportions and visible attention to detail
high-quality workmanship using first-class materials
Made in Germany. Designer: Dieter Rams, manufacturer: Vitsœ, Braun
Shelves: W 44 cm, H 2 cm, D 36 cm
Braun Turntable...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Braun PC3 Record Player by Wilhelm Wagenfeld and Dieter Rams
Located in Vienna, AT
Record player Braun Pc3 Design in Germany in 1950s by Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Dieter Rams for Max Braun AG, Frankfurt a. M.,
Fully restored by a Brun specialist.
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Pair of old wooden skis. French work. Circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of old skis is made of wood and metal. This is a French work. Circa 1950
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
JBL Speaker Model C-38 in the Style of George Nelson
By JBL 1
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A JBL speaker with a medium toned walnut cabinet model # C-38 with cast aluminum legs in the style of George Nelson. Inside the enclosure contains one sing...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
1960's Gucci Horsebit Silver Bracelet by Antonio Fallici
By Gucci
Located in Van Nuys, CA
An early 1960's Gucci silver bracelet featuring the classic Horsebit design, a metal piece traditionally used in horse bridles consisting of two rings connected by a bar, famously used on Gucci loafers.
Antonio Fallaci...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
1978 Gibson Estate Fresh ES 335 TD Semi Hollow Body Electric Guitar
Located in Ferndale, MI
Out of long term storage. Very original Gibson ES 335-TD guitar. Td model is equipped with Gibson " dirty fingers " Humbucker . This allows for higher outpu...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Gray Hound Talking Parrot Prize Every Time Vending Machine
Located in Chicago, IL
Gray Hound (JPM) 25 Cent Talking Parrot “Prize Every Time” Vending Machine
Talking Parrot Coin Operated Prize Arcade Game.
This arcade vending machine would be perfect for any home...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Vintage Leather Gymnastics Mat or Headboard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large natural leather gym mat with beautiful patina and wear, including staining, small cuts, scratching, tic tac toe game and names scratched into leather. Can be used as headboard ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Wood
Unique & Powerful Italian Antique Crucifix w. a Stunning Bronze Corpus of Christ
Located in Lisse, NL
Large antique Baroque crucifix with stunning details and an amazing patina.
Because of the quality in the detail or because of the perfect anatomy o...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Moto Guzzi Nuovo Falcone Military 500cc 1972
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian motorcycle order to made for the Yugoslavian Special Force Tito . Made only 500 pieces.
70 of them was used for the President Tito military ...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Libuse Niklova Accordion Squeaky Toy Cat „Tomcat“ by Fatra, Czechoslovakia 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Classic vintage plastic squeaky toy cat „Liba, the tomcat“ with accordion body, designed in 1963 by Libuse Niklova, executed by Fatra Napajed...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
18th 1st Edition of "New Art of Cooking" in Spanish by Juan Altamiras
Located in Miami, FL
18th First Edition of "New Art of Cooking" in Spanish with skin flap.
Traditional recipes of Spanish gastronomy
Category
Mid-18th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Animal Skin, Paper
CARTIER 1970 Paris Linear-Oval Pocket Butane Gas Lighter In Plaqué d'Argent
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A pocket lighter designed by Cartier.
This is a beautiful butane pocket lighter, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier, back in the 1970's. The lighter is a classi...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Mid-Century Brass and Gunmetal Chess Set With Mirrored Glass Inset Board, 1970s
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century modern chess set with brass and gunmetal pieces on a mirrored glass board. The glass playing board is inset in a raised brass frame.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Ejection Seat from Percival Aircraft Jet Provost by Martin Baker
Located in Paris, FR
A Martin Baker ejection seat from a Percival aircraft BAC jet provost,
royal air force trainer aircraft used from 1955 to 1993.
Exceptional piece.
Category
1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Chrome
Clairtone Project G2 Series T11 Console Stereo System & Garrard Turntable
By Clairtone
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
On offer is a rare completely original Clairtone G2 Series Home Stereo System from 1966 featuring two distinct exotic wooden boxes one that houses the tun...
Category
1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Electrohome Mid Century Stereo Model 703 by Gordon Duern Canada
By Clairtone
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A Mid Century round dark walnut stereo cabinet with tulip styled base and satin black top with double tambour doors revealing the stereo unit . Having a Garrard turntable...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Pablo Picasso: 1881-1973 Genius of the Century Book, Printed in Germany, 1986
Located in New York, NY
Hardcover book of Picasso illustrations and paintings published by Taschen, Ingo F. Walther, 1986, printed in Germany. Text in English.
This book explores the many contributing elem...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
BR Western Highlands Original Vintage Travel Poster by Edward Halliday, 1950
Located in Devon, GB
Produced for British Railways to promote rail travel to the Scottish Highlands, this scarce British quad royal travel poster for the Western Highlands features a picturesque and peac...
Category
1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Linen
Mixed Metals on Quartz Anchor Sculpture by C. Jere for Artisian House
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice mixed metals on quartz base anchor and sea gulls sculpture by C. Jere for Artisian House, circa 1971. The piece is in great vintage condition with a wonderful patina and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Quartz, Brass, Bronze, Iron
17th Century Wrought Iron Nuremberg Antique Miniature Strongbox Casket
Located in Carimate, Como
European miniature strongbox, dated circa 1600-1700. This little special piece has a beautiful metal color with patina of time and amazingly rich decorations, characterized especiall...
Category
Mid-17th Century European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Large 1870 Original Religious Painting, Cherubs, Signed by S. Barber, Spain
Located in Miami, FL
1870 original religious painting. Cherubs
Signed by S.Barber
Interior measurements: 48.42in x 39.76in
Frame: 2.75 in.
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paint
Speakers Audiorama 4000 by Grundig, 1970s, Set of 2
By Grundig
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of Black Grundig speakers. Model: Audiorama 4000. Work very well. Wear due to time and age.
For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Record Player Cabinet by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, 1955, Mid-Century
Located in New York, NY
This Caviuna Record Player was produced by Forma S.A. Móveis e Objetos de Arte in the 1950s, whose designs were made by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler.
This typology was part of the storage furniture from the period, appearing in several interior projects published in the most known design and lifestyle magazines. It was part of modular furniture, commonly assembled with shelves, flower boxes, and bar compartments.
Extraordinarily complex and hand-crafted, the wood pieces produced by Forma Móveis e Objetos de Arte in Brazil in the 1950s have unique construction details, very distinctive of any production of the time in Brazil.
This Record Player is composed of two hanging doors...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood
Complete Boxed 16 Animali Puzzle Set by Enzo Mari for Danesse Milano
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine puzzle set published by Danese Milano
By Enzo Mari.
Entitled '16 Animali' (16 Animals).
Model no. 3015 D.
Consisting of 16 form-cut stylized anim...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Resin
Hand-colored 16th century copy of the famous Moerentorf Bible
By Henry Moret
Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL
Publisher: Daniel Vervliet and Hendrik Swingen for Jan I Moretus & Jan I van Keerberghen
Place / Date: Antwerp, 1599
Biblia sacra. Dat is de geheele heylighe schrifture bed...
Category
16th Century Belgian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paper
Mid Century Gold Ring with Cabochon Cut Agate Carnelian
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Mid century 14K yellow and white gold ring statement ring
Large cabochon carnelian stone
condition very good
Marked 14K Gold
Origin: Netherlands Hallmarked
Size 17.5
Very good condition
Category
1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Unusual Mesmerizing Hand Built Hypnotic Wheel, by Melvin Powers, 1951
By Marilyn Powers
Located in Buffalo, NY
Melvin Powers is considered the king of hypnosis in this country. His first self published book entitled hypnotism revealed is still in print and first published in 1949, He self pub...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Complete Austin Cox Alcoa chess set 1962 with display box and board
Located in Ferndale, MI
AUSTIN E. COX (American 1924-2015) Designed this aluminum chess set originally for Alcoa aluminum as gifts to their best clients . This complete set includes the wall hanging case...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Limited Edition Disney "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" Book with Serigraphs
Located in San Diego, CA
Hard to find limited edition Disney "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" book with four serigraphs, circa 1978. This book is #2230 of #9500 distributed worldwide and is lavishly illustr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Leather
Beatrice Wood Signed Book Exhibition Catalog Intimate Appeal The Figurative Art
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and rare signed softcover book/exhibition catalog by Beatrice Wood. The book is titled "Intimate Appeal: The Figurative Art of Beatrice Wood" and was released to coincid...
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Jean Prouvé: The Poetics of the Technical Object Book
By Jean Prouvé
Located in San Diego, CA
Jean Prouvé: The Poetics of the Technical Object. Rare 2007 edition with a corrugated metal cover.
Edited by Alexander von Vegesack, Cathrine Dumont d'Ayot, Bruno Reichlin. Introdu...
Category
Early 2000s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
1960s General Motors Gas Turbine Concept Model
Located in Ferndale, MI
General Motors gas turbine concept model, The Bison Series.
Possibly by Syd Mead or Tom Semple . The gas turbine Bison series of vehicles were built an...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Pair of ww2 polished steel German rangefinder flak binoculars
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of ww2 polished steel german rangefinder flak binoculars circa 1941.
Good quality pair of binoculars used in the second world war for directing accurate flak fire for anti airc...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
NORDMENDE "SPECTRA FUTURA", Radio; Raymond Loewy
Located in Neuss, NW
Very rare Radio NORDMENDE "SPECTRA FUTURA" with a pair of the original loudspeakers, designed by Raymond Loewy in the 1970s.
The individual components have been tested and cleaned b...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Stunning Stylized Mid-Century Modern Electro Voice Stereo Speakers in Walnut
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning stylized Mid-Century Modern electro voice 3-way loud speakers in oiled walnut with aluminium trim, amazing original condition, cabinets possibly...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Italian Leather Playing Card Case
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful Italian handcrafted tooled leather playing card case with painted enamel-like decoration of cards on the sides and symbols for all the suites, clubs, diamonds, spades and hearts on the cushion top. Beautifully made and clearly loved, a charming gift for the poker player or gambler. Holds two decks.
Stamped on the bottom in gold letters, 'Genuine Leather, Made in Italy'. With a fleur di lis mark stamped...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Antique 19th Century Russian Double Sided Silver and Niello Reliquary Cross
Located in New York, NY
Antique Russian late 19th century silver and niello double sided reliquary cross on period long chain
This beautiful antique Russian reliquary cross depicts Christ in a distinctive n...
Category
19th Century Russian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Enamel
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.