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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Colorful Painted Carousel Style Rocking Horse
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A remarkable large scale painted rocking horse decorated in the manner of a carousel horse. The white horse with brown mane and tail wears a red saddle on a blue blanket. The rump is decorated with a blond female mask flanked by pink and white dogwood flowers, the breast with the same flowers. With inset plastic colored faceted stones overall. With two brass twisted rods mounted on the white rocker...
Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Finnish Tapio Wirkkala for Hackman Puukko Knife & Sheath
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine puukko knife & sheath from the 1960's. Designed by Tapio Wirkkala and produced by Hackman. The puukko comprising a stainless steel blade, brass fittings, and a black nylon ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

XL Ammonite fossil on stand
Located in MILL, NL
Gigantic Ammonite fossil on custom black stand. Approx. 150-200 Million Years Old. An ammonite is an extinct marine animal belonging to the class of squid. Ammonites lived in the ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone

Antique American Ransom & Randolph # 65 Carved Oak Dental Cabinet Toledo OH 1900
Located in Portland, OR
Antique American carved oak dental cabinet manufactured by The Ransom & Randolph C., Toledo Ohio, Circa 1899. Arguably one of the best dental cabinets ever made, with so many unique features (and forgive the pun) cutting edge technology of the late 19th century. This cabinet was patented in 1899 and made of solid quarter sawn oak throughout, with carved accents above the beveled shaped mirror and carved & pierced brackets to the base with turned ribbed column supports. The cabinet has a removable travel drawer case for making house calls, to the top of the case is a brass carrying handle and a brass plaque with the manufacturers name and "Patent applied for", making this one of the earliest manufactured of this model. The cabinet has paneled sides and a paneled back, the front is fitted with cupboard with two adjustable swing out arms with revolving circular trays. Below, the cabinet is fitted with serpentine shaped drawers to the front, a lift up mirror to the top right hand-side enclosing a stepped...
Category

1890s American American Craftsman Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mirror, Oak

19th Century French Provincial Antique Monumental Copper Tabernacle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique large French Provincial monumental church Tabernacle made of hand crafted copper, in good condition. The pyramid, partly...
Category

Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Copper

RONSON 1935 Art Deco Bartender Lighter Cigarette Dispenser Box In Steel & Lcquer
Located in Miami, FL
Barman dispenser box with lighter designed by Ronson. An exceptional and very beautiful desk piece, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Lighter Co. during the art deco...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

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

Stellar Aircraft Engine with Propeller Wall Decoration
Located in Paris, FR
Wall decoration stellar aircraft engine with propeller with Jacobs aircraft engine. From Italy. Handcrafted chrome engine, exceptional art work on air...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Backgammon Table by Laura Gonzalez
Located in Paris, FR
The limited edition backgammon games table is made with exquisite, multicolor stone marquetry of green, cream and amber onyx. Supported by cylindrical plexiglas legs adorned with bra...
Category

2010s French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Onyx, Travertine, Marble

The Americans Robert Frank, Jack Kerouac 1st Enlarged Ed. 1969
Located in CA, CA
First printing of the first revised & enlarged hardcover edition of The Americans by Robert Frank with writings by Jack Kerouac published by Aperture /Grossman 1969. The landmark ...
Category

1960s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare and Important Renaissance "Judaica" Carved Oak Wood Cabinet
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Important Renaissance "Judaica" Carved Oak Wood Cabinet, circa 1680 We are pleased to present a rare and important Renaissance Judaica c...
Category

17th Century German Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Oak

Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase A
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase A by Ettore Sottsass, edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numered pieces, number 8 / 12. ...
Category

1990s European Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

A Set of Renaissance Classical 19th Century Grand Tour Italian Plaster Intaglios
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A Small Set of 8 Renaissance Classical Grand Tour Medallions. Possibly Have Been Put on A Modern Backing At Some Point Grand Tour Cameos Intagli...
Category

Early 19th Century Greek Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Vision 2000 radio stereo by Thilo Oerke for Rosita, 1970s
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

Tall Antique Collector's Dome, English, Glass, Ornament Showcase, Late Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
Our Stock # 24385 This is a tall antique collector's dome. An English, glass and ebonised pine ornament showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Superb example fo...
Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Pine

French 19th Century Brass Altar Candlestick Lamp and Shade
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An antique brass altar candlestick from 19th century France, that has been converted into an electrified lamp. This gorgeous fixture i...
Category

19th Century French Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Italian Medieval / Renaissance Style Full Meal Suit of Armor
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Medieval / Renaissance-style metal life size suit of armor with etched sunburst breast plate on a square wooden base. Condition: (Base is 20 inches w x 24 inches d x 10 inch...
Category

20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

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

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

Antique White Jade Chinese Hair Pin Finely Carved
Located in Somis, CA
This beautiful white jade hair pin is a work of art. An oval head with scalloped edges is fully carved in three dimensions, showcasing an elegant peasant perched among the branches o...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Jade

Chicago Coin ‘Shoot Out’ Arcade Game, 1976 USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 1976 ‘Shoot Out’ arcade rifle game manufactured by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company. Large Dale-style gun game. This machine is housed i...
Category

1970s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Circa 1920s-30s English Stag Motif Brass Table Bell
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1920s-30s English stag motif brass table bell. Ring etched bell. Acanthus foot under base of very well developed stag. 7" h., 3 7/16" dia
Category

Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1891 Waltham Ladies Hunting Case Pocket Watch
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1891 Waltham Ladies Hunting Case Pocket Watch. 14k yellow gold filled. Case #6590704 by Keystone Watch Case Co. (also marked J. Boss 14k). Seaside movement #9344440 and marked Americ...
Category

1890s American Aesthetic Movement Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Antique 16th Century Islamic Safavid Al Jazari Combination Locking Brass Casket
Located in Portland, OR
A highly important engraved Islamic combination locking brass casket, based on a design by the 12th Century Arab inventor & artist Ismail Al Jazari. Circa...
Category

16th Century Iraqi Islamic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Italian Altar
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
This early 19th century Italian altar is made of worn painted wood and worn fabric details. This is a highly decorative altar for the unknown Catholic saint...
Category

19th Century Italian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Extra Large Crucifix with Hand Carved Oak Corpus of Christ for Church or Chapel
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully carved and large size corpus of Jesus, made in the Arts & Crafts era. This meaningful and unique crucifix from the early 1900s comes with a larger than life, hand carved oak Corpus of Christ. The details in the anatomy of this Christ are very well carved and they clearly reveal the suffering and dehydration that His body endured in the final days of his life. The artist/sculptor is clearly showing us the image of Jesus when or right after he bowed his head and died. The solid oak cross is original to this corpus and it was given a different color so that the unique and impressive corpus stands out perfectly. Have you also noticed the perfectly carved and thick crown of thorns on the head of Christ. The patina of this excellent condition and large corpus is another great feature that will never fail to impress. The former owners gave us the photo that you see in image 3 in this listing and in it you can see where this antique corpus...
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Luger Pistol Table Lighter, 1970s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handsome lighter is cast in the shape of a 12 inch Luger pistol. An incredibly rare piece, perfect for any collector of smoking paraphernalia firearm enthusiast, or history buff...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Large Antique Botany Display Dome, English, Glass, Specimen Showcase, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique botany display dome. An English, glass over ebonised mahogany specimen showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Of good proportion for dis...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

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

Betel Motor Car Art Deco Brass Box, Collectible Toy, Children's Paint Set, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Patent 75086 - This is a large tobacco box with many purposes, (Child's Paint Set). Car in multicolored golden tin in classic brass. Almost new with all the original parts. Wonderful...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass

Art Deco Style 14K White Gold Bracelet with Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Plainview, NY
Art Deco Style 14K White Gold Bracelet with Rubies and Diamonds This stunning Art Deco style bracelet is finely crafted in 14K white gold and showcases the era’s signature elegance...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Scale Ship Model of an English Frigate
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century model of a British Royal Frigate. Rigged with a suit of ten sails. Three decks of guns with cannon running out of the gunports. The shrouds are properly clove...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Sunny Days, Taco Nights
Located in New York, NY
Acclaimed Mexican chef Enrique Olvera presents the ultimate insider’s guide to preparing and enjoying authentic tacos Enrique Olvera is known for the sophisticated Mexican cuisine h...
Category

2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Salvador Dalí Porcelain Ashtray by Limoges, Limited Edition, 1989
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite porcelain ashtray, crafted by Limoges, features an iconic Salvador Dalí artwork reproduced in stunning detail. Highlighting the surrealist genius of Dalí, the piece sh...
Category

1980s French Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

1960s Vintage Hansen classic longboard
Located in Haleiwa, HI
Vintage 1960s Hansen classic longboard made in the early 1960s. Features beautiful aqua blue and red color scheme with matching pinstripes. Incredible 21 piece redwood/balsawood with...
Category

1960s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fiberglass, Foam, Hardwood, Softwood

Suit of 16th Century Style Armour
Located in Cheshire, GB
A suit of 16th century style armour, the helmet with pierced visor, raised comb applied and twist border collar, two-piece breastplate with medial ridge, twist border shoulder plates...
Category

19th Century British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

19th C. Spanish Colonial Carved Giltwood Triptych of Virgin Mary & Christ Child
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century Spanish Colonial carved giltwood Triptych of Virgin Mary & Christ Child Late 19th century, South America Of exceptional quality, the hinged three panel devotional ic...
Category

Late 19th Century South American Spanish Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood

19th Century Italian Voting Box Tuscan Confraternity Carved Barrel Ballot Box
Located in Milano, MI
19th century Italian Confraternity Voting Urn of Tuscan origin realized with turned and carved poplar wood. The barrel-shaped central body, in which hands were inserted to insert the ballot ball into one of the two holes connected to the small drawer below, where on the front we find the inscription YES and NO related to voting, SI and NO, in order to distinguish for and against votes on paper, then collected in two separate small drawers, just below. Standing on four curly feet, it has a beautiful curved handle and carved parts at both ends, highlighted by ebonized details. In a fraternity, this ballot box was used to collegially adjudicate community choices. In good age related condition, with sogns of wear and use. This antique Italian ballot wooden box, carved and painted, coming from Tuscany, in Central Italy. This ballot urn is an excellent example of a 19th century wooden voting box...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Poplar

Historical Map of Canaan with Insets of Jerusalem and Surrounding Regions, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map titled "CANAAN" depicts the historical region known as Canaan, located in the Levant, which corresponds to modern-day Israel, Palestinian territories, Lebanon, and parts of S...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Cristallino Gold Limited Edition Foosball Table with Black Field by Teckell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cristallino is crafted using avant-garde technology and the skilled hands of Italian artisans who perfect every detail for a unique and exclusive work of art. Cristallino Gold LE unites the beauty of gold and Teckell’s extraordinary quality and style. Embellished with exclusive 24-karat gold-plated accessories, the Cristallino Gold LE is highly coveted. Only 50 tables are available in this limited edition and numbered series. Tempered clear crystal table, 15mm thick, cerium-polished bevels. Playing field in laminated shatterproof crystal, two connected 8 mm-thick sheets. Goals with polished stainless steel frames and handcrafted nets. Players, handles and accessories in aluminum. Stainless steel and aluminum joints that are milled, chrome plated and polished. Hidden, adjustable feet for leveling table Teckell® Innovation. Rod ends featuring two layers of shock absorption: special, high carbon steel springs and technopolymer bumpers that the rods pass through. Quick mount handles that fit perfectly and can be removed and replaced. Measures: L 140 cm x H 92 cm x W 74/174* cm. Weight 106 kg. Table with rods...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Braun Audio 300 Record Player and L60 floor speaker designed by Dieter Rams
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Braun Audio 300 and L60 floor speaker designed by Dieter Rams, 1960's/70's. Equip with AM/FM radio and record player. Fully functional and has been serviced by a technician.
Category

Late 20th Century German Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Rare Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 13" H x 22" W x 18" D.
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Samuraï Maeda Armor
Located in Paris, FR
Armor Samuraï Maeda, ceremonial armor with handcrafted helmet and protects. Made with original japanese fabrics only use for samuraï armor confection, ...
Category

1930s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Glass

Mid Century Japanese Fuji Meibo Naval Binocular Nardo Grey & Brass -Original box
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Japanese Fuji Meibo Observation Binoculars 15 x 80 - 4 degree field of view. A large pair of Japanese naval observation binoculars mounted on an a...
Category

1950s Japanese Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

19th Century French Grand Tour Iron Model of the Arc de Triomphe
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century French grand tour iron model of the Arc de Triomphe, in two parts, the fine cast iron model of the Arc de Triomphe with a mirrored top. Raised on a oval ebonized wood and metal chain link fenced base Model of Arc de Triomphe...
Category

Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Iron

Old Rotary Telephone Red Copper Bakelite KTAS 1930s
Located in Poperinge, BE
Rare old rotary telephone made of black lacquered steel, copper-plated steel, brass and a bakelite receiver, probably by KTAS, model unknown but in the style of the D30, Denmark, ca ...
Category

1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Porsche Lighter, 1980s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This cast metal lighter is the perfect tabletop accessory for any race car lover, Porsche enthusiast or smoker. Relieved lettering on the spoiler reads 'Porsche 935-77 Turbo'. The Po...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Mounted Wooden Painted Model of a Sailing Ship with Full Crooked Sails
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Hand Crafted Decorative Model of a Sailing Ship, similar to the USS constitution, however not labeled as such. The wooden body is painted and the fabric on the fully crooked sails...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Gothic Revival Silvered Bronze Crucifix with a Gilt Bronze Corpus Christ
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size and impressive make, Gothic church altar crucifix. This ornate and all hand-crafted, bronze table crucifix comes with a good quality made a...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Stunning Antique Gothic Revival Hand Carved Elm Wood Blanket Chest / Trunk 1750
Located in Lisse, NL
Great looking and patina antique Gothic trunk, made of solid elmwood. This impressive looking and practical size chest shows a number of deep and...
Category

Early 18th Century Spanish Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

Baby Jesus Music Box and Movement 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Baby Jesus in wax, music box and movement, made in Italy, 1960s He gently moves his head and opens and closes his eyes. Intact and functioning. Small signs of wear, as per descriptiv...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Italian Medieval Gothic Carved Stone Saint Statue
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered hand carved stone medieval statue depicting a Saint . Italy 16th century. Weathered, small losses and old repair. H:51cm W:18cm D:13cm
Category

16th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone

Italian Wooden Gliedermann / Artist Mannequin
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large Gliedermann drawing mannequin in cherry wood. Italy c. 1950. A Gliedermann is a wooden jointed mannequin, useful tool for learning to draw the...
Category

20th Century Italian Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cherry

Yamaha Baby Grand Quality Mahogany Piano Model C2
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality Yamaha baby grand piano with an overstrung iron frame, frame and sound board in perfect condition, mahogany case standing on square tapering legs wi...
Category

Late 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Stereo System Weltron 2007, 1970s
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

Civil War Era Brass Bodied Bloodletting Fleam
Located in Garnerville, NY
American Civil War Era brass bodied bloodletting fleam, phlebetome or scarificator. The fleam, which has many other spellings such as phleam, flew or fleame, is a very distinct surgi...
Category

1860s American High Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Steel

Colorful Framed Tropical Butterflies Taxidermy Mounted Insect Display 7 Pieces
Located in Poperinge, BE
Collection of framed and dried colorful butterflies, large and small, 7 pieces in total, nice collection in a glass box, second half of the 20th century. The collection includes a large green male birdwing butterfly...
Category

1980s European Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

19th Century Miniature Wooden Bookcase
Located in Delft, NL
A 19th century miniature wooden bookcase An oak miniature bookcase, raised on plinth and 2 charming shelves. (2 loose shelves) Decorated at the fron...
Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

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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Pamela Shamshiri Shares the Secrets behind Her First-Ever Book and Its Effortlessly Cool Interiors

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Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier

Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.

Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure

Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.

Whaam! Blam! Pow! — a New Book on Pop Art Packs a Punch

Publishing house Assouline and writer Julie Belcove have teamed up to trace the history of the genre, from Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama to Mickalene Thomas and Jeff Koons.

The Sparkling Legacy of Tiffany & Co. Explained, One Jewel at a Time

A gorgeous new book celebrates — and memorializes — the iconic jeweler’s rich heritage.

What Makes a Gem-Encrusted Chess Set Worth $4 Million?

The world’s most opulent chess set, weighing in at 513 carats, is literally fit for a king and queen.

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