Skip to main content

Collectibles and Curiosities

to
103
612
315
589
354
20
130
39
25
21
16
12
11
6
6
5
2
1
4,372
6,577
13,281
2,711
3,504
4,591
3,008
517
314
735
463
895
864
891
653
565
436
306
177
94
58
457
361
293
197
98
963
949
949
24
13
11
10
7
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: Early 2000s
Period: 1920s
A Large Galvanised Housemaid’s Bucket A Traditional piece and a very versatile
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Large Galvanised Housemaid’s Bucket A Traditional piece and a very versatile and strong piece, the housemaid would have carried this one by the swing handle and used the end handl...
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

1921 Monday or Tuesday
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful copy of Virginia Woolf's breakout story collection 'Monday or Tuesday'. Being one of a small 1,000 copy print run. Illustrated, with four woodcuts by Vanessa Bell, Woolf's elder sister. Bell designed a number of dust jackets for books published by the Hogarth Press...
Category

1920s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Art Nouveau by Gabriele Far'becker
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great Art Nouveau Book with lots of photos and details of Art Nouveau pieces. Book is in excellent condition, purchased from a collector.
Category

Early 2000s European Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Yacht Binnacle by Kevin Hughes
Located in Norwell, MA
First class yacht binnacle by Kevin Hughes of New York and Boston. Varnished wood base with hinged door. A bronze clinometer is mounted to the base. Iron ...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Cased Model Of A Cheoy Lee Offshore 47 Ketch
Located in Norwell, MA
Hull built from the solid, painted with a blue bottom, dark blue waterline and white topsides, and fitted with a keel and rudder. Detailed with planked decks, cabin top, ventilators, cleats, hand rails, deck railings...
Category

Early 2000s North American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Birmal All Metal Lawn Tennis Racket
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage tennis racket, Birmal all metal racket. A fine 'Birmal' all metal lawn tennis racket made by the Birmingham Aluminium casting Co. The racket has the original metal strings, ...
Category

1920s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

2005 Never Let Me Go
By Kazuo Ishiguro
Located in Bath, GB
A signed first edition of Kazuo Ishiguro's award winning work of speculative science fiction. A lovely copy of this important work. The signed first edition, first impression of thi...
Category

Early 2000s British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1922 The Heir
By Vita Sackville-West
Located in Bath, GB
The first edition of this novel with a lovely association, signed by the author and her mother to the politician Alfred Milner. The first edition, first impression. A presentation ...
Category

1920s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Visionaire Number 38 “Love” Limited Edition
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely “LOVE” box numbered 3465 of 4000 edition by Tiffany & Co. A rare very desirable edition. From a Palm Springs Visionaire Collectors estate.
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare and Collectable TexAvery Figurine Statue by Demons & Merveilles
Located in Sofia, BG
Figurine statue "Swing shift Cinderella 1945" by Demons & Merveilles electrified as a table lamp. Made in 2000 in its original box in perfect condition but the box is quite damaged....
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Old World House: Its Furniture and Decoration, 2 Volumes, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
The Old World House: Its Furniture and Decoration, In two volumes, by Herbert Cescinsky. Published by The Macmillan Company, London, 1924. A pair of 1st ed hardcovers with gilded top edge. Herbert Cescinsky was an architect and writer active in the early 20th c. He was particularly interested in the development of English furniture and wrote profusely on the subject. This work is an interesting look at the furniture and decorations found in the interior designs in older houses in England. The author discusses oak chairs and tables, marqueterie furniture...
Category

1920s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Polished Brass Yacht Capstan by Hereshoff
Located in Norwell, MA
Outstanding early twentieth century yacht capstan by Herreshoff. With working gears, crank handle, speed switch, mounted to a thick wood base. Circa 1925.
Category

1920s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Iron and Woven Rush Pilot or Passenger Seat from a circa 1920s Aircraft
Located in Chicago, IL
This pilot's or passenger's seat from a circa 1920s airplane is an excellent example of early 20th century industrial design. The frame is made from rod iron, and the seat and back are woven rush. The rear of the seat back has a cleverly integrated map pocket of the same woven material. The legs bend at the bottom to form feet, which have holes to allow them to be secured to the floor of the aircraft. The design is an elegant and functional solution to the specific needs of light weight plus strength. We purchased this piece from the estate of a collector of aviation related items. It was only identified as an airplane chair...
Category

1920s Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Tall Bronze Figure "Phoenician Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
Located in BILBAO, ES
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 67 cms. alt. total and 49 cms. diam. base (26,37 x 19,29) Excelent condition. Demétre Haralamb Chiparus was a Romanian Art Deco era sculptor who lived and worked in Paris, France. He was one of the most important sculptors of the Art Deco era. Sculptures of Chiparus represent the classical manifestation of Art Deco style in decorative bronze and ivory sculpture. Traditionally, four factors influenced his creative activity *the Russian Ballets of Serge Diaghilev's, Nijinsky and Rubinstein *ancient Egyptian art, *French theatre, music halls and cabarets *Early motion pictures and fashion magazines with dancers, stars and models Which made him create figures with a long, slender, stylized appearance. like the faces of “Persian Dance” and the dress in “Starfish Girl” exactly reproduces the sketch for Goldfish's dress from the ballet “Underwater kingdom” by Lev Annensky. After the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922, the art of ancient Egypt...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Art Deco Rondelight Junior Table Lighter by Ronson, 1929
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage 1929 Art Deco "Rondelight Junior" flint table lighter by Ronson featuring enameled black ball with chrome accents.
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Chrome

French Art Deco Virgin Holy Water, 1920s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Deco holy water font by Escudero, France, ca.1920. Madonna - Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes. Metal and noble wood. Height : 9.25"(23.5cm), Width : 4.8"(12.1cm), Depth : 2"(4cm).
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

VISIONAIRE 44: Toys by kidrobot - red (2477/4000)
Located in Kleinburg, ON
Limited edition, numbered 2477 of 4000 copies. From the Visionaire website: 44 TOYS, in collaboration with Kidrobot, consists of ten humanoid characters created by designers like K...
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic, Paper

Rare and Collectable Droopy by the Clock by Demons & Merveilles Figurine Statue
Located in Sofia, BG
Figurine statue of Droopy ready to go on a date by Demons & Merveilles. Made in 2001 in its original box in perfect condition. Perfect gift and a part of a large collection. USA, ...
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

A United Charity Institution of Jerusalem Charity Box by Alfred Salzman, 1920
Located in New York, NY
A charity container designed by Alfred Salzman for the United Charity Institution of Jerusalem in 1920 is an intriguing artifact, reflecting the historical, cultural, and charitable ...
Category

1920s Israeli Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Tin

Oxidised Surveyors Level by Reid and Young
Located in Norwich, GB
Oxidised surveyors level by Reid and Young Mounted on a circular base with threaded aperture or tripod mounting with four holding rings. Thirteen an...
Category

1920s British Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

The Antique Hunter's Guide - Set of 3
Located in Bradenton, FL
The Antique Hunter's Guide to American Furniture (tables, chairs, sofas & Beds), American Furniture (chests, cupboards, desks & other pieces), and American Silver & Pewter. Published...
Category

Early 2000s Hong Kong Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Collection of 12 Original Golf Ball Boxes. Silver King, North Berwick etc.
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Collection Of Vintage Cardboard Golf Ball Boxes. A very nice decorative collection of twelve cardboard golf ball boxes. The boxes would have original...
Category

1920s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Danish Silver Charm Bracelet with 5 Charms
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Charming charm bracelet in adult size (19 cm). Easily adjustable to a smaller size due to the old lock mechanism. It is made from 826/1000 silver and is...
Category

1920s Danish Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Antique 1920's solid Bronze Stylized Crucifix - Silver Plated Jesus Christ
Located in Buffalo, NY
Beautiful Antique 1920's solid Bronze Stylized Crucifix with Silver Plated or silver leaf Jesus Christ, Excellent casting, wonderful patina , superior quality, Retains original chai...
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass, Bronze, Silver Leaf

English 'Country House' Private Post Box, circa 1925
Located in London, GB
A fantastic painted wooden English 'country house' private red post box likely to have been made for the lobby of a hotel, business, club or a country house. It would have been empti...
Category

1920s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Dreams Through the Glass Windows from Bergdorf Goodman by Linda Fargo, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Dreams Through the Glass: Windows from Bergdorf Goodman by Linda Fargo. Assouline, NY, 2003. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Each window is a fantastic tableau, a narrative, a piece of theater inviting the viewer into rich imaginary worlds of fashion and surrealistic luxury. Window design is a vanishing metier, but it remains an enduring art form providing rare views through the glass into fantastic realms of dreams and fantasy. In these pages, Linda Fargo, the renowned window artist for Bergdorf Goodman, opens up her portfolio of magical tableaux created especially for this crown jewel of the retail world. Her palette is wonderfully rich and eclectic, juxtaposing relics of the past and the present, symbols of art and literature, western culture and exotic lands, moving easily between the marvelous and the everyday. These windows continue to astonish and delight all who flock to them for the traditional annual Christmas displays...
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare and Collectable Droopy on a Cushion by Demons & Merveilles Figurine Statue
Located in Sofia, BG
Figurine statue of Droopy setting on a cushion by Demons & Merveilles. Made in 2003 in its original box in perfect condition. Perfect gift and a part of a large collection. USA, 2003.  
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Miquel Barcelo: 'Conjeturas sobre Vasijas' - Special Large Edition Book
Located in Barcelona, ES
Dive into the captivating world of Miquel Barceló's ceramic art with this extraordinary special edition book titled 'Conjeturas sobre Vasijas.' Published in 2008, this book is a test...
Category

Early 2000s Spanish Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Large, very fine, and unique Indian gilt-metal and silver sporting shield
Located in London, GB
Large, very fine, and unique Indian gilt-metal and silver sporting shield Indian, c.1927 Depth 13cm, diameter 68.5cm Awarded as a polo trophy to a team wh...
Category

1920s Indian Anglo-Indian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Old English Furniture Its True Value & Function with Important Bookplate, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Old English Furniture its true value and function, by H. Avray Tipping With an Important Bookplate of The Right Honorable Malcolm John MacDonald PC OM, (1901 – 1981) who was a British politician and diplomat. He was born to future Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald and Margaret MacDonald...
Category

1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Sotheby's The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Hilbert, 1st Ed Catalog
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's: The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Hilbert: Important French and English Furniture. Sotheby's NY 2007. First Edition softcover. The Hilbert Collection was rich in fine examples of French Furniture and decorations. Among the highlights was a splendid early Louis XVI Parquetry Commode...
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Lot of Three Putz Toy Gnomes Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of three Putz toy Santa gnomes. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of toy figures. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the tallest item pictured. This extraordinary set dates from around 1920s - 1930s0 and was made in the Erzgebirge area (Ore Mountains) in Germany. This is a nice addition to any Christmas Decoration or just for your collection of old German toys. For explanation: Putz items, by true definition, were any figures or buildings that when displayed together, told the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. The term today is loosely used for any item that is used under a Christmas tree to create a Christmas “garden” or “yard.” Buildings, homemade or mass produced, composition figures and animals, bottle brush trees and any assortment of various accessories, possibly a toy train and usually a Nativity set at the heart of the display are just a few things that might spark one’s creativity when designing a “putz” for under the tree. Elaborate “putz” scenes reached their heights in the 1920s and 1940s. Today you will generally find them under the trees of diehard collectors of antique Christmas items...
Category

1920s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Old Map of South East Asia Showing the Malay Archipelago, incl Borneo etc, 1922
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map of South East Asia titled 'Malay Archipelago'. Old map of South East Asia depicting the Malay Archipelago including Sumatra, Java...
Category

1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Northwest Coast Wooden Doll with Thunderbird, Eagle Mask
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Seated figure with Thunderbird mask; carved yellow cedar, Thunderbird mask (eagle) depicted as head on a seated human body. Arms are dramatically open and outstretched. Large, richly detailed Thunderbird Mask, permanently attached with oblong eyes painted red, black and white. Edge decorated with dyed (red) spruce root as simulated mask harness over shoulders and across the chest. Dance apron; Seated figure wearing an apron of shredded cedar bark. Held on to figure at the waist with woven cedar string and abalone shell on button at back. Approximately 7" wide/long by 4" high. Bench; carved from cedar. Decorated on the back with bear face, outlined with inlaid red dyed spruce root. Ears, eyebrows and nose of inlaid abalone shell. Eyes of inlaid fossilized ivory...
Category

1920s American Native American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cedar

The UBS America’s Cup Jubilee Race solid silver trophy by Theo Fennell, 2001
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
The UBS America’s Cup Jubilee Race solid silver trophy by Theo Fennell, 2001. This striking trophy is of conical form, featuring three spinnakers on a downwind course, set on a circu...
Category

Early 2000s English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

1920s Mahogany & Brass Antique Tool Carpentry Scribe
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Mahogany Wood & Patinated Brass Antique Old Carpentry Marking Tool circa 1920s USA Carpenter Scribe Marking Gauge Vintage Wood Working Tool in Wood ...
Category

1920s American Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Large Original Vintage Map of Israel, circa 1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of Israel Original color. Good condition Published by Alexander Gross Unframed.
Category

1920s English Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

A Glass & Tin Moroccan Charity Container, Fez 1920
Located in New York, NY
Antique glass and tin Moroccan Bikur Cholim charity container from Fez, circa 1920, is a fascinating artifact blending both cultural and historical sig...
Category

1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Alfred Janniot, Mythology and Modern Discourse, French-English Book by M. Giraud
By Alfred Auguste Janniot
Located in Atlanta, GA
Alfred Janniot, Propos Mythologiques et Modernes (Alfred Janniot, Mythology and Modern Discourse), French-English Book by Michel Giraud, 2006. Through foundational essays supported b...
Category

Early 2000s French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Sotheby's, Collection Klaus Otto Preis, Paris, 11/9/05
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's: Collection Klaus Otto Preis Paris 11/9/05 sale 5022. Softcover auction catalogue of 264 lots. He worked for Nina Ricci, Italian-born French fashion designer. Sale of paint...
Category

Early 2000s French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The Louvre by Alexandra Bonfante-Warren 2003 Coffee Table Book
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The Louvre by Alexandra Bonfante-Warren takes readers on an immersive journey through one of the world’s most celebrated museums, presenting its masterworks with captivating detail a...
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Lord St. Helens & Sir William Fitzherbert. January 22, 2009. Christie's
Located in valatie, NY
Lord St. Helens & Sir William Fitzherbert. January 22, 2009. Christie's (London). 1st Ed softcover auction catalog. 682 lots in color and fully described and with results. NPT Books...
Category

Early 2000s English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Christies 2003 Library at Gaiter's Green, Fine English Furniture, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Christies 2003, Library at Gaiter's Green, Fine English Furniture. 1st Ed softcover auction catalog 353 lots on 290 pages illustrated in color and fully described. NPT Books a divis...
Category

Early 2000s English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Christies: Property from the Estate of Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard, 3/18/05
Located in valatie, NY
2005 Catalog Christie's; NY Property from the Estate of Mrs. Charles W. Engelhard 3/18/05. This first edition auction catalog consists of 275 pages, 412 lots illustrated, in color, a...
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

English Oversized Wooden Tennis Racket Wall Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
English (1920's) oversized wooden tennis racket wall plaque. (stamps: G & T LONDON/CHAMPION EXTRA LIGHT).
Category

1920s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

String, Wood

Riverside Park: The Splendid Sliver by Edward Grimm, First Edition
Located in valatie, NY
Riverside park: The Splendid Sliver by Edward Grimm. Columbia University Press, 2008. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Riverside Park is an illustrated tribute to Frederick Law Olmsted's "other" New York City sanctuary. Since its conception in the 1870s, the park has undergone a number of transformations and suffered from periods of misuse and neglect, but in 1984, much-needed renovations turned this city oasis into what is today one of Manhattan's most beautiful attractions. "If the West Side does not stir you, you are a clod, past redemption."-Robert Moses...
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Now We Are Six, by A. A. Milne
Located in Middletown, NY
Milne, A.A. (Alan Alexander: 1882–1956). NOW WE ARE SIX. London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1927. First Edition. Crown 8vo, 7 1/2 x 5 in (191 x 125 mm), pp. xi + 103 + colophon. With its...
Category

1920s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Elegant tobacco jar in pewter in Swedish Grace from the late 1920s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant tobacco jar in pewter with handles in the shape of pipes. Swedish Grace from the late 1920s. Manufactured by A M Berglund in Linköping, Sweden. Wear consistent with age and ...
Category

1920s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pewter

Objects, Glass and Works of Art, by Mallett & Son Antiques, First Edition
Located in valatie, NY
Objects, glass and works of art, by Mallett & Son Antiques. Mallett & Sons Antiques, 2004. First edition softcover. 79pp. Illustrated with glass, objects and accessories all photogra...
Category

Early 2000s English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Murano, 1920, Italian
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Murano We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads 'V...
Category

1920s Italian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Murano Glass

VISIONAIRE 44: Toys by kidrobot - black (2598/4000)
Located in Kleinburg, ON
Limited edition, numbered 2598 of 4000 copies. From the Visionaire website: 44 TOYS, in collaboration with Kidrobot, consists of ten humanoid characters created by designers like K...
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper, Plastic

Luminist Horizons The Art and Collection of James A. Suydam Stated First Edition
Located in valatie, NY
Luminist Horizons: The Art and Collection of James A. Suydam by Katherine Manthorne, Mark Mitchell. National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts, New York, 2006. Stated 1st stated...
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Men's Patrizia Pepe T-Shirt, 2008 Collection, Size S, Made in Italy, 2C12
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This stylish men’s t-shirt from Patrizia Pepe’s 2008 collection combines Italian craftsmanship with modern design. Made from 100% high-quality cotton, it offers comfort and breathabi...
Category

Early 2000s Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cotton

Sotheby's; Charles & Barbara Robertson Collection: Contents of Combe Hay, Vol II
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's; The Charles & Barbara Robertson Collection: The Contents of Combe Hay, Vol II 16 December 2002. Charles Robertson and Barbara Fry married ...
Category

Early 2000s British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

English Ships Anchor Lantern By Meteorite
Located in Norwell, MA
Nautical ships lantern with fresnel glass lens. Steel case with brass "Anchor" and "Meteorite" badges. Hinged cap on vented chimney. Hinged top with brass hasp. Lacking burner. 20"Hx...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Large Original Vintage Map of Japan, circa 1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of Japan Unframed Original color By John Bartholomew and Co. Edinburgh Geographical Institute Published, circa 1920 Free shipping.  
Category

1920s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Sotheby's Magnificent English Furniture from the Collection of Theodore Baum
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's Catalog: Magnificent English Furniture from the Collection of Theodore and Ruth Baum - New York - October 22 2004. First edition softcover catalog, 475 lots photographed in...
Category

Early 2000s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Architecture of Robert & James Adam '1758-1794'; 2 Volumes, 1st Ed, c1922
Located in valatie, NY
The Architecture of Robert & James Adam (1758-1794); Two Volumes, by Arthur T. Bolton. Published by Country Life, London, 1922. 1st Ed hardcovers no dust ja...
Category

1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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.

Read More

Medal-Worthy Memorabilia from Epic Past Olympic Games

Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.

Ahoy! You’ve Never Seen a Collection of Sailor Art and Kitsch Quite Like This

French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.

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

The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.

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.

Recently Viewed

View All