Collectibles and Curiosities
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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Baroque
18th Century Spanish Colonial Craved Gilt Wood Winged Cherub Base
Located in Stamford, CT
18th century hand carved, painted and gilt triangular wood base with three angel heads with wings. The charming faces of the cherubs are hand painted with black hair and red lips, ea...
Category
18th Century Peruvian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Giltwood
Two Vintage Steiff Animal wool Birds Miniatures, 1960 - 1970s Vintage German Toy
By Steiff
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Collection of two Steiff PomPom Birds, made in Germany.
A lovely collection of Steiff birds in different sizes, ages and fabrics. Two pieces of Steiff birds in total.
The raven with...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mohair
1970s Pal Kepenyes Brutalist Brass Necklace Milagros Series
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
1970s Pal Kepenyes Brutalist Brass Necklace Milagros Series
Brutalist inspired
Signed by artist designer
8.5 h x 5.5 w x .5
Preowned vintage condition
Refer to images
Category
1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Maritime Antique Carved and Gilded Ships Billet Head.
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Maritime Antique Carved and Gilded Ships Billet Head.
Rare original sailing ship’s billet head prow decoration. It is most likely an excellently pres...
Category
19th Century French Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
6 Le Cirque N.Y. Oval 11" Plates Designed By Adam D. Tihany For Villeroy & Boch
By Adam Tihany
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine...
Category
20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
1970s Ottaviani Italian Design Enamel Silver Wood Play Cards Box
By Ottaviani
Located in Brescia, IT
Play Cards Box
Ottaviani
Italy, 1970
Red and Black Enamel, Silver and Wood
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
1950’s Spaniard Navy Mortar
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 1950’s Spaniard Navy Mortar. It depicts a long cylindrical rusted metal barrel supported by a rectangular metal table shaped stand with two rectangular flat walls at each e...
Category
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Eumig, Electric R, 8mm Video Camera
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Eumig, Electric R, 8mm video camera. With a leather case, robust and compact design, this 8mm camera stands out for its textured metal body in a greenish beige tone and its three rot...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Chasing Light: The Archival Photographs and Drawings of Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
The first book published in English about the Finnish lighting designer Paavo Tynell. The book features photographs and drawings focusing on the period 1946–1957, it introduces important commission works and gives information on the history behind Tynell’s incredibly prolific career.
Chasing Light: The Archival Photographs and Drawings of Paavo Tynell is based on previously unpublished photographs and work drawings that have been collected from archives. Over 100 photos and original drawings present the rare variations of Tynell's lighting design as well as his most well known works, including a detailed focus on the snowflake chandelier.
The book has been written and edited by Finnish antique...
Category
2010s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage 70s Adidas Tennis Racket bag
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage 70s Adidas Tennis Racket bag
Sport - collectible - Vintage
Measures : 74x12cm H:33cm
Materials : Imitation leather - fabric - metal
Wear consisten...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Faux Leather
Omega Seamaster 120m Automatic Chronograph 1973 a.k.a. Big Blue
By Omega
Located in Weesp, NL
Discover the Omega Seamaster Automatic 120m Chronograph (Ref. 176.004) - a.k.a. as "Big Blue"
Step into the world of vintage luxury with this remarkable Omega Seamaster Automatic 1...
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stainless Steel
Viviana Torun Rutilated Quartz Necklace For Georg Jensen
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Beautiful sterling and rutilated quartz necklace designed by Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe and manufactured by Georg Jensen. Fully signed on neck...
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Quartz, Sterling Silver
Original Exhibition Catalog – 5 Grabats Més 1 Portada by Joan Miró, Sala Gaspar
By Joan Miró
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – Sobreteixims y Esculturas by Joan Miró, Sala Gaspar, 1972
Artist: Joan Miró
Exhibition: Sobreteixims y Esculturas – Sala Gaspar, Barcelona
Year: 1972...
Category
1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Beautiful large Ceramic Cigar Ashtray Catchall Bertoncello, Italy, 1960s Vintage
By Bertoncello
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An amazing ceramic Mid-Century Modern ashtray or catchall, made in Italy, circa 1960s. This is a beautiful mid-century item. It is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, or f...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Brass Crab Ashtray or 420 Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A small Cancer Crab that serves as a decorative item or for use as an ashtray or 420 tray. The brass is patinated but can be shined to a brilliant gold.
...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Rare Mexican Modern Silver Jewelry Suite Caviar Model William Spratling
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare four-piece suite of Mexican Modern silver jewelry suite circa 1940s from Taxco, Mexico and crafted by William Spratling (1900-1967), an American designer and entrepreneur who ...
Category
1940s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Mobo Toys Steel Riding Hobby Horse
By Mobo Toys
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage, 1940s, painted, pressed steel hobby horse manufactured by Mobo Toys, England with casters on feet and excellent patina.
Category
1940s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
"Herman Miller" Tractor Trailer Truck Toy with Original Box by Winross USA
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and collectible "Herman Miller" diecast tractor trailer truck toy with original box by Winross USA of Rochester, NY, circa 1980's. This is new old stock and appears to hav...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
18th Century Carved And Painted Wooden Crucifix From France
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An early 18th Century antique hand carved and polychromed hand painted table crucifix from France with its original patina preserved.
This crucifix could possible date back as early ...
Category
Early 18th Century French Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fruitwood
Russian traditional icon “The Twelve great feasts”, 19th century
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Russia / 19th century / Religious Icon / oak / Baroque / Antique
A Russian Feastday icon in tempera on panel from the estate of a collector. Hand painted in the 19th century.
The ...
Category
19th Century Russian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Crown Tiara Bandeau by Jacques Esterel unique piece signed, numbered 1/1, 1957
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Wonderful unique piece made by hand by one of the most relevant fashion designers of the mid-century, Jacques Esterel, showing inside the signature, name of the piece, numbering 1/1 and creation date 57, a sublime work worthy of belong to any of the best fashion and design museums in the world given its relevance as the only known piece of this type that has been handcrafted and signed by Jacque Esterel himself. This fantastic rigid brass band shows beautiful acid etchings of Roman horse chariots and linear ornaments with three closing positions for different sizes. This band was placed on the head as a decorative accessory or crown known as a tiara...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Kay Bojesen and Jorgen Bloch Lion in Natural Rope, Denmark 1960s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare example of the Danish toy-design-master Kay Bojesen work. This lion in braided natural rope was designed I collaboration between Jorgen Bloch and K...
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rope
Decorative Vintage Standing Ashtray Made of Brass and Onyx Marble
Located in Poperinge, BE
Decorative and high-quality vintage standing ashtray, made of brass and onyx marble, with beautiful putti decoration on top, completely in Hollywood Regency style, second half of the...
Category
1970s European Baroque Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Brass
Kay Bojesen, Toy or Decorative Sculpture, Teak, Denmark, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in High Point, NC
A teak toy or animal sculpture designed by Kay Bojesen, Denmark, 1950s.
Dimensions variable, measured as illustrated in first image.
Category
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Teak
Italian Modern Wooden Botanic Model
Located in Roma, IT
A botanic didactical specimen in the manner of the famous German botanist Robert Brendel.
"In the late 19th century Robert Brendel and his son Reinhold produced beautiful and accur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Large Set of 8 Vintage Lab Sieves, English, Brass, Stacking, Scientific, C.1965
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large set of 8 vintage laboratory sieves. An English, brass stacking scientific apparatus, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1965.
Fascinating set with superb period a...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Pair of Salterini Iron Peacock Salesman Sample Chairs
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Phenomenal pair of miniature wrought iron peacock chairs designed by John Salterini. This diminutive set of doll size chairs were made as sa...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Vintage Leather Chaps Horse Riding Gaiters
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Equestrian Leather Chaps Gaiters
item listed is a pair
1/2 chaps 12 h x 6 d x 4 w
Preowned vintage
Refer to images provided.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Bardot 'Love is My Profession' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Yugoslavian, 1959
Located in Devon, GB
A coquettish Brigitte Bardot starred opposite Jean Gabin in Claude Autant-Lara's 1958 film 'En Cas de Malheur', literally translated as 'In Case of Adversity' but released in the Uni...
Category
1950s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Linen
1950s Ronson Limited Vintage Chrome Lighter Tripod Stand England
By Ronson
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Ronson Limited Vintage Chrome Lighter on Tripod stand from England
Vintage lighter with tripod shape, chrome plated.
Stamped Ronson, Mad...
Category
1950s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Mid-20th Century Large Copper and Holophane Lead Crystal Pendant Lights
Located in Nantucket, MA
This is a fabulous pair of vintage pendant lights. It is a married combination of large copper shades from a decommissioned ship coupled with a large, prismatic Holophane lead crysta...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Copper
Hand Carved Wood Dog Head Estate Pipe, Antique Brienz Black Forest
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique Estate pipe hand carved wood Dog head pipe. Good used condition. Some minor surface wear. See pictures for details. An all original item to display in your man cave. super...
Category
Late 19th Century German Mid-Century Modern Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1970s Pal Kepenyes Brutalist Brass Cuff Bracelet Milagros
By Pal Kepenyes
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
1970s Pal Kepenyes Brass Bracelet Cuff Milagros Series
Brutalist inspired
3h x 2.25 w x 1.75
Signed at bottom
Original vintage unrestored condition.
Refer to images
Category
1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Glass Art Wall Mounted Parable of the Prodigal Son by Bjorn Wiinblad, Rosenthal
Located in Antwerp, BE
Wall plate by the Danish designer Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal made of metal wall mounted sheet lacquered in black and gilt with glass faceted frosted Art Glass.Limited edition from ...
Category
1980s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Art Glass
Wharton Esherick Music Stand
Located in New York, NY
Amazing architectural hand carved walnut music stand by Wharton Esherick. Monogrammed WE and dated 1962.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Grotrian Steinweg Model 110 Upright Piano Mid Century Modern Walnut Fabric Panel
Located in Leeds, GB
Grotrian-Steinweg model 110 upright piano with a walnut case and fabric panels.
Cabinet typical of Mid-Century Modern style. Cabinet design focuses on simple, clean lines and curves.
The front panels are stepped in construction with rounded curved corners.
The golden, Jacquard fabric panels are in a design of diagonal intersecting lines, accentuate the sound box quality of the cabinet.
The simple tapered legs are sabre cut in walnut.
Square piano...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Large Ceramic Relief Tile Plaque by Helmut Schaffenacker
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern large relief tile handmade fat lava Helmut Schaffenacker ceramic wall plaque sail boats colorful abstract West German art.
Wonderful and colorful midcentury matte...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Marble Large Chess Set with Hand Carved Turquoise Onyx Pieces
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Marble Large Chess Set with hand carved Turquoise Onyx Pieces
Vintage mid 20th century Mexican stone marble chess set complete chess board in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Onyx, Marble
1970s Hand Hammered Sterling Silver Spiral Cuff Bracelet Taxco
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet
Mexico
style of Spratling
2.5 W x 1.63 D x 2.13 H
Stamped
Original vintage wear
Refer to images listed
Category
Late 20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique "Le Jockey Club" 1930's Horse Racing Binoculars with Compass
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French silvered brass and brown leather Horse Racing binoculars stamped "Le Jockey Club Paris" presented in their original brown leather case. ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Aluminum Jetboard by Sargent Fletcher Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jetboard motorized aluminum surfboard by Jetboard by Sergent Fletcher Co.,
USA, 1965-68. Painted aluminum with steel wall mounting brackets.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Afredo Barbini Venetian, Murano Glass Cigarette Three Piece Set.
Located in Soquel, CA
This is a magnificent 1950/60's Venetian freeform biomorphic glass tiny bubbles bowl / ashtray cigarette cup and lighter paperweight, made on the island of Murano, near Venice, Italy...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Art Glass
This I Remember, Signed and Inscribed by Eleanor Roosevelt, First Edition, 1949
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Roosevelt, Eleanor. This I Remember. New York: Harper & Brothers , 1949. Stated First Edition. Inscribed by Eleanor Roosevelt on the first free endpaper, in black ink. In the origin...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Modernist Bracelet Sterling Silver Cuff Abstract Swirl Taxco Mexico
By Taxco
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modernist Bracelet Sterling Silver Cuff Abstract Swirl Taxco Mexico
2.69 w x 1.88 H x .88 d
Stamped A. L. Eagle mark #2 Mexico
Original preowned vintage condition
Refer to images pro...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Groton Inn Crest Restaurantware Plate – Early 20th Century Hotelware
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A rare antique porcelain plate bearing the crest of the historic Groton Inn, one of America’s oldest inns, dating back to the 17th century. A fine example of early 20th-century hotelware, this piece showcases the durable yet elegant craftsmanship typical of institutional porcelain used in prestigious establishments.
Design Features:
• Crested Emblem: The plate prominently features the Groton Inn’s crest, with intricate detailing and subtle accents in red and gold, reflecting the inn’s storied history.
• Classic Style: Simple green and gold border lines encircle the rim, adding understated elegance.
• Material: High-quality glazed porcelain with a sturdy, utilitarian design typical of early hospitality tableware. It is very sturdy and feels almost like ironstone.
• The bottom is marked with the maker in green and reads, "Mitchell Woodbury Co., Mayer China, Boston".
Historical Significance:
The Groton Inn, originally established in 1678 in Groton, Massachusetts, was a landmark of American history and culture...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paint
Cute Bambi Children Silver plate Money Box Piggy Bank, Vintage German 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous metal silver plate money bank. It's a nice collectible item. Probably a Souvenir from the famous Disney Land. A beautiful decorative item, with nice patina. Made in the 1950...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
Large 18th Century Repousse Baroque Ecclesiastical Carta Gloria, Venetian
Located in Vero Beach, FL
This original 18th century frame is silver gilded over copper. It is elaborately embossed and chiseled. The cartouche is surrounded by rocaille and volute motifs. The Carta is mounte...
Category
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Copper, Silver Leaf
1970s Sterling Silver Modernist Bracelets 925 Stretch Flex
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Two Sterling Silver Bracelets Stretch Flex
2.25 diameter (flexible) x .25 w
stamped 925
Preowned vintage condition
Refer to images
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hand Carved Wood and Leather Chess Set
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Intricately hand-carved wooden chess with leather game board. King piece measures 4.25" high.
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Wood
18th Century Italian Baroque Red Marble Holy Water Font or Stoup
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique Baroque red marble holy water font or stoup with great patina, Italy, circa 1750.
Weathered,
H:8,5cm W:28cm D:23,5-33,5cm
Category
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
Mid-Century Brazilian Modern Bronze Ashtray Catchall, 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
Brazilian mid-century modern solid bronze ashtray or catchall circa 1960s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Vintage GALA Hockey Gloves, made in CSSR, in the 1970's
Located in Praha, CZ
Boxing gloves GALA 804, made in former Czechoslovakia (CSSR), in the 1960's.
Made of plastic, leather and polyester.
Cleaned, shows signs of use.
Fully functional.
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Plastic, Polyester
Pair Of Vintage Decorative Prayer Figures, Bronze Thai Deity, Bookends, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage decorative prayer figures. An Oriental, gilt bronze cast iron statue of two kneeling Thai deities, dating to the late Art Deco period, circa 1940.
Appealin...
Category
1940s Thai Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Pair of Sculptural Summit Speakers
By Summit
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pair of sculptural summit speakers.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Acrylic
Mid-Century Modern Extruded Aluminum Chess Set
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century Modern extruded aluminum chess set with 32 stylized figures in the original presentation box. (Stamped: Austin Enterprises 1962, made by ALCOA) Case measurements...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage 2-in-1 Pendant Map Measure, German, Navigational Tool, Mid Century, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage 2-in-1 pendant map measure. A West German, cast metal and glass navigational tool, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
Fascinating pendant style map measu...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
1950s Midcentury Shortwave Radio by Phillips
By Phillips
Located in San Diego, CA
This cool vintage original radio shortwave by Phillips, circa 1950s with bakelite knobs in cream color case, the radio works but it takes a while to war...
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bakelite
“The Machine – Museum of Modern Art New York” Book by K.G. Pontus Hulten 1968
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare and cool book, “The Machine – As Seen at the End of the Mechanical Age'" by K.G. Pontus Hulten for the Museum of Modern Art New York, circa 1968. The book is in its original form; pressed, painted and hinged aluminum covers with an image of MOMA and a yellow New York taxi cab at the front. This is the exhibition catalogue for an important exhibition held at the Museum of Modern Art in 1968 showing an overview of machines and the mechanical age prior to the digital age, as seen through the eyes of and interpreted by many important artists from Da Vinci, to Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Klee, Alexander Calder, Marcel Duchamp, El Lissitzky, Ettore Bugatti...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
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.