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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Baroque
Mid 20th century vintage BP memorabilia oil dispenser
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Large piece of British motoring history circa 1950.
Was in everyday use when we purchased. Rectangular tall container with removable lid and fully functioning perfect pour shut off...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Alfred Dunhill Gold Plated RollGas Cigarette Lighter with Box and Papers
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Alfred Dunhill Gold Plated Briquet Rollagas Cigarette Lighter
Vintage boxed Dunhill lighter with booklet stamped at purchase 1988
Stamped Dunhill and Swiss Made on base.
Category
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate
English Tanned Leather Dunhillion by Dunhill of London Club Cricket Ball
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Stitched Leather Cricket Ball by Dunhill. Has a nice patina to the leather.
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Italian Vintage Toy for Girl Carriage with Horse
Located in Milano, IT
Nice vintage Italian toy of the 50's for girl, of Italian manufacture. The toy is a pretty carriage with its horse attached for little girl, the carriage still has working its pedals...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Signed Araki's Magnum Opus: Complete Book Collection 1-20 + Satchin and Mabo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book Complete Collection 1-20 plus special book Nobuyoshi Araki Book Satchin and His Brother Mabo / 1stn in 1997
The works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book collectio...
Category
1990s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Late Midcentury Modern Realistic Weather Radio Cube
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Weather Radio WeatheRadio Deskube TW Weather NOAA Radio 12-181B
Radio Shack Tandy
Very minimal and modernist with touch of 70s woodgrain
...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Ed Wiener Modernist Sterling Silver Cuff / Bracelet New York 1950's .925
By Ed Wiener
Located in Buffalo, NY
A cuff bracelet designed by Ed Wiener (1918-1991).
This rare sculptural modernist piece is one of Wiener's first creations as a jeweler-artist in New York city, circa 1950's. This b...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rietveld 'Berlin Chair and End Table' Model Toy, 1985
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Scale model kit of the Berlin chair and end table.
Manufactured in Holland in 1985.
It consists of parts of quality wood with little paints. In 1/6 scale...
Category
1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Eventually Everything Connects
Located in New York, NY
An expansive account of the ever-popular mid-century movement, from the place where it all began
Embark on a surprising and joyful visual tour of American mid-century modernism thro...
Category
2010s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Carved and Polished Rosewood Conch Shell
Located in Ferndale, MI
Solid piece of rosewood carved and finished smooth in the shape of a conch shell. Fine display as desk top sculpture or paperweight.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rosewood
6 Le Cirque N.Y. Oval 12" 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
Modernist Architectural Model in Stained Plywood 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Modernist Architectural Model in Stained Plywood, presumably Dutch, 1950s.
This highly tasteful 1950s Modernist architectural model is well crafted in stained plywood and solid wood...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Les Ateliers L&M Bordeaux Barometer stich leather 1960s France
Located in Den Haag, NL
Les Ateliers L&M Bordeaux Barometer Green Stich Leather, Savannah made in France. Ship decor .Works perfect .
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
18th Century Processional Painted Sunburst on a Baroque Silver Gilt Altar Vase
Located in Hastings, GB
A rare and exquisite 18th century iron processional sunburst with a painted central image of Holy Mother Mary presenting the rosary to Saint Dominic to one side and Ave Maria to the ...
Category
Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Original Exhibition Catalog – 347 Grabados by Pablo Picasso, Sala Gaspar, 1968
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – 347 Grabados by Pablo Picasso, Sala Gaspar, 1968
Artist: Pablo Picasso
Exhibition: 347 Grabados – Sala Gaspar, Barcelona
Year: 1968
Language: Spanis...
Category
1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Set of Poker Chips with Cards and Dice
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage set of poker chips with two decks of cards and five dice, circa 1980s. The set is in very good condition and contains 300 Bakelite "chips" (150 white, 100 red, 50 blue). The ...
Category
Late 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Acrylic
1940s Large Medical School Anatomical Heart Model
Located in Montclair, NY
A circa 1940s to mid 1950s large anatomical model of the human heart used to teach anatomy in medical school. Hand painted in multi color mat enamel with all the chambers and parts o...
Category
1940s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Rubber
Modernist Sterling Brass Cuff Bracelet by Stephen Burr
Located in South Charleston, WV
Stephen Burr,, USA, circa 1975, Sterling (silver) brass, Dimension: 2.5" width.
Stephen Burr was a modernist jeweler of the United States that used distin...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Brass
Mid Century Swiss Air DC-8 Chrome Plated Ashtray
By Buhler
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing a Collector's Dream: Rare 1960s Swiss Air Chrome-Plated Ashtray with a DC8 Airplane Model!
Are you ready to own a piece of aviation history that's not just functional bu...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Royal Hunt Cup Ascot 1955 Winner - Horse Racing Dunhill 'Aquarium' Table Lighter
Located in London, by appointment only
An exceptional and rare Special Commission Dunhill Sporting Horse Racing Half-Giant 'aquarium' Table Lighter in Gold Plate.
The top with raisable arm stamped Dunhill and Reg. No 737418 on the reverse, above the lucite body carved with the victorious horse and jockey. Nicholas Nickleby is shown with his distinctive white sock in the enclosure on the back and winning the race on the front.
Commissioned by the owner of Nicholas Nickleby, winner the Royal Hunt Cup...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Lucite
1957 Gretsch 6187 Corvette "Lotus Ivory/Grey Mist , original case
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist design..1957 Gretsch 6187 Corvette in Lotus Ivory!
Very clean 1957 Gretsch 6187 in Lotus Ivory w/ Gray Metallic back/sides/neck...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Rosewood
1960 Stunning Table Lighter in Murano Glass by Antonio Imperatore. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in frosted Murano glass by Antonio Imperatore. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly
Dimension:
diam 3,54" x 4,33" H in...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Murano Glass
James Bond 'Goldfinger' Original Vintage British Quad Movie Poster, 1964
Located in Devon, GB
Considered the quintessential and definitive Bond film, the third instalment in EON Productions' James Bond series set the template for many of the subsequent films, with its tongue in cheek humour, extensive use of gadgets and technology and multiple foreign locations. The first Bond blockbuster, 1964's 'Goldfinger' was also the first Bond film to utilise a standalone pre-credits sequence, the first to employ a pop star to sing the theme song and the first to win an Academy Award. The plot saw 007 uncover a plot to contaminate the United States gold reserve at Fort Knox while investigating the smuggling activities of powerful gold magnate Auric Goldfinger.
The film's lasting image is of the gold-painted girl, featured here on the sought after 'Style A' British Quad poster for the original UK release in 1964. Robert Brownjohn...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Set Of 3 Miniature Amber And Silver Harley Davidson Style Motor Bikes
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of 3 Miniature Amber and Silver Harley Davidson Style Motor Bikes
925 stamped silver.
Category
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Amazing cherry wood with inlay Game Box, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Amazing cherry wood with inlay Game Box, circa 1950s
Very good original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Cherry
1970s Astonishing Belem Model Ship. Handmade. Made in England
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Astonishing Belem model ship in walnut wood. Handmade. Made in England. This model is amazing and in excellent condition and all handmade. A true piece of history.
Dimension:
...
Category
1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Niels Erik From Modernist Silver Pendant Necklace with Agate
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A late 1960s or early 1970s pendant necklace by Danish silversmith N. E. From. The ovale pendant has a polished insert of red/rose agate. Its comes with its original 50 cm box neckla...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Agate, Sterling Silver
Large Mid-Century Modern Tv-Tower Collection of 8 pcs., 1970s / 1980s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Wonderful TV towers from the 1960s-1970s. Some made of steel, metal, aluminum, bronze. The little one golden ist made in plastic.
Various heights from 22cm to 47cm!
Have the normal...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Large 18th Century Italian / Neapolitan Hand Carved Wooden Head of Christ
Located in Buisson, FR
Unique handcarved wooden head of Christ with beautiful expression and glass eyes, once used at processions.
Napels/ Italy, circa 1750-1800. Beautiful example of 18th century craftsma...
Category
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gesso, Glass, Wood
Taschen Case Study Houses: The Complete CSH Program 1945-1966 Jumbo edition
By TASCHEN
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Case Study Houses: The Complete CSH Program 1945-1966 published by Taschen.
Complete CSH Program 1946-1966 hardcover book
Arts and Architecture Southern California
13.5 w x 19.25 h...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Paper
Supermarine Spitfire Airplane Model, Desk Sculpture, U.K. 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Supermarine Spitfire Airplane Model, desk / counters / sculpture.
Made in United Kindom 1930´s. Perfect Gift for any pilot or aviation fan.
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British sin...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak Dice Game Toy Deco, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak Dice Game Toy Deco, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969.
Additional information:
Materials: Teak
Color: Brown
Styles: Mid-Century Mod...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Teak
Vintage Air Force Academy Falcons Pennant, Circa 1950s
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a vintage Air Force Academy felt pennant, circa 1950s. The pennant has a dark blue field with a white headband and no ties. Printed in r...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Felt
T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Furniture of Classical Greece
Located in Hudson, NY
This handsome book records the discovery and contemporary re-creation of Greek furniture designs virtually ignored for more than two thousand years. T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, internat...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Art Since 1945 Book, By Marcel Brion, New York, Abrams, 1958
By Abrams Publishers
Located in New York, NY
Art Since 1945 book. Printed in New York by Abrams, 1958. Hardcover, text in English. No dust jacket. Including 60 color plates and 120 gravure pla...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Rare Italian Porcelain Madonna by Paolo Marioni
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare Italian porcelain Madonna, signed P Marioni.
Paolo Marioni as author.
Measures: Height 51 cm, width 24 cm, depth 12 cm.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Stereophonic TOTEM rr130 Radio by Mario Bellini for Brionvega, 1970s
Located in bruxelles, BE
White Brionvega stereo radio, Totem model. The radio and record player work perfectly and have been completely overhauled by an engineer. There's a bluethoot connection for connectin...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Dunhill Carlton Ware Spider Web Table Lighter
Located in Northampton, GB
Alfred Dunhill Lighter Circa 1957
From our Accessories collection, we are delighted to offer this Dunhill ‘Carlton’ Spider Web Table Lighter. The Lighter Gold Plated lighter was produced in partnership with Carlton Ware with the ceramic body produced by Stoke on Trent potters Carlton (Carlton Ware). The body has been hand painted with a spider web design amongst blossoming flowers and two dragonflies. The Lighter is embossed to the front Dunhill and bears the registration number to the inside of the pivoting arm 737418. The base of the lighter is stamped Dunhill, Lighter. The Lighter dates to the middle of the 20th century circa 1957.
Carlton Ware was established in 1890 by James Frederick Wiltshaw, William Herbert Robinson and James Alcock Robinson trading under the name of Wiltshaw and Robinson. The trademark “Carlton Ware” was introduced in 1894, and the company’s factory was renamed the Carlton Works. The company changed its name multiple times and changed hands finally reaching the name ‘Carlton Ware Ltd’ in 1958. In 1966 the company was sold to Arthur Wood and Sons before coming under financial pressure in the late 1980s being forced into receivership in 1989 and production ending in 1992. In 1997 the Carlton Ware brand was resurrected by Francis Joseph of the Carlton Ware Design Centre, Roslyn Works, Stoke-on-Trent. It continues to manufacture novelty items aimed at the collectors’ market today.
Dunhill Lighters specifically the classic petrol lift arm table lighter was introduced by Dunhill in 1928 running until the introduction of gas in the 1960’s. This particular Carlton Wear example was first introduced in the Dunhill catalogue in 1957. The body was created in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent potters Carlton Ware. Carlton Ware produced three different examples to compliment the Dunhill body a fish underwater design, a chinoiserie pagoda design and the spider web as seen here.
Dunhill Alfred Dunhill was Born September 30th 1872. From 1890 Dunhill ran a company that sold motoring accessories through mail order under the name Dunhill’s Motorities. In 1902 he opened a shop on Conduit Street, Mayfair which sold clothing...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
Sandro's Inri: a Contemporary Minimalist Sculpture and Objét Trouvé, 2017
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sandro's INRI is a stunning contemporary minimalist sculpture that's sure to impress and inspire. Created by the talented artist Sandro in 2017, this sculpture is an objet trouvé that has been masterfully intervened to give it new meaning and purpose.
This incredible objet trouvé is a masterpiece of visual poetry, taking a vintage double bass case...
Category
2010s German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1970s Smoking Set by Pierre Cardin, Made in France
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous smoking set by Pierre Cardin in brass and metal. Made in France. The table lighter works. This smoking set is in excellent condition and it's signed
Dimension :
Tab...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass
Italian Leather Matchstick Holder and Match Striker Box
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian leather and gold embossed matchstick holder box and match striker, circa mid-20th century, Italy. This Italian leather piece has gold embossed detail on top lid a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Andy Warhol's 'Flesh' Original Vintage Movie Poster, French, 1968
Located in Devon, GB
Conceived by Andy Warhol and young filmmaker Paul Morrissey while Warhol was recovering from gunshot wounds, 'Flesh' was the first of Warhol's experimental and avant-garde films to b...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Francois CHATAIN Made In France Ceramic Red Glazed Vide Poche Ashtray Bowl
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Francois CHATAIN Made In France Ceramic Red Glazed Vide Poche Ashtray Bowl Circa 1970. No damage
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
1960s Gorgeous Smoking Set in Onyx. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous smoking set in onyx. The table lighter works perfectly. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition.
Dimension:
Table Lighter
diameter 2,36 x 4,33 H inches
di...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Onyx
1950s Olympic Tape Measure Peoples Republic of China
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic Tape Measure
made Peoples Republic of China
Cover made from dappled rich dark tricle bake-lite
includes gilt brass fittings and cloth tape.
5.25 dia...
Category
1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Ed Wiener Modernist Sterling Silver Cuff / Bracelet New York 1950's .925
By Ed Wiener
Located in Buffalo, NY
A cuff bracelet designed by Ed Wiener (1918-1991).
This rare sculptural modernist piece is one of Wiener's first creations as a jeweler-artist in New York city, circa 1950's.
It w...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
1970 Brutalist Peace Ring Sterling Silver 4-sided design
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Brutalist Peace Ring Sterling Silver 4-sided design
Biker Rocker Vintage Peace Symbol
Stamp sterling (appears as Lucas Ster DES PDG 1970)
.88 x .88 x .5 w Size 8.25
Preowned o...
Category
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Intron Table Radio Antique Collection
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Intron table radio, Antique Collection. With a veneered and lacquered wooden frame, it has an iconic Deco design in the shape of an arch, characteristic of radios of the time. The f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
MID CENTURY MODERN ViNTAGE MAHJONG 144 PIECE GAMES SET MOTHER OF PEARL COUNTERS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Mid Century Modern 144 piece tile Mahjong set with Mother of Pearl counters
A very nice suite,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bakelite
ENGLAND 1950 Mid-Century Desk Table Lighter In a Carved Wood Yacht
Located in Miami, FL
A yacht desk lighter made in England
This beautiful desk lighter, was created in England during the mid-century period, back in the 1950. Crafted in the shape of a yacht, carved in ...
Category
1950s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
US Air Force Aluminum Airplane Model Wooden Base, 1970s Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Scaled model of the a US Air Force airplane. made of aluminum with a wooden base. A nice sculpture for every living room or desktop. Use it at as a Pictur...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Large Brass Hourglass
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century large brass hourglass with white sand
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
1930's Jacques Adnet Style Barometer by Dirk Muller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Leather and brass barometer by Dirk Muller, 1930's. In good, working, original condition with visible wear consistent with its age and use.
Category
1930s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1980s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Original gorgeous playing cards box by Piero Fornasetti in walnut wood . It's in excellent condition and includes two packs of Dal Negro cards. The box is signed on the botto...
Category
1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Antonio Vitali Wood Toy Family Set for Creative Playthings
Located in San Mateo, CA
Carved wood toy family by Antonio Vitali, Swiss toy designer. Vitali designed this set for Creative Playthings in 1954. These were marketed under the na...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1960s Sterling Silver Ring Modernist Taxco Mexico
By Taxco
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Elongated Sterling Silver Ring Modernist design Taxco Mexico
1.13 long x 11/16 in diameter
stamped Mexico 925
Preowned vintage condition
Refer to photos for details
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
18th Century Spanish Baroque Carved Giltwood Altar Ornament with Angel Head
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful baroque altar ornament with Angel head. Great and unique item.
Spain circa 1750
Weathered, losses and old repairs.
More photo's available on...
Category
18th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Spanish 17/ 18th Century Hand Carved Group of Baroque Winged Angel Heads
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful Hand carved group of winged angelheads. Wonderful traces of paint are visible and the wood has a gorgeous natural patina due to its high age
Spain, circa 1650-1750 Weathere...
Category
17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique and Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities for Sale
Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior.
Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.
The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.
Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.
Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.