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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1960s
The Roman Empire from the Time of Constantine the Great, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled: "IMPERIUM ROMANORUM inde a Constantini Magni tempore," which translates to "The Roman Empire from the time of Constantine the Great." This map is designed to re...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare Early Vintage Christian Dior Monogrammed Bowling Bag
Located in Redding, CT
Rare Early Christian Dior Monogrammed Bowling Bag. Iconic design with the classic trotter pattern. Large round oversized bag with designer label plates. Original condition. No repair...
Category

1960s French Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

19th Century Spaniard Silver Chalice
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a 19th century Spaniard Silver Chalice. It depicts a bell shaped cup supported by a a baluster like stem standing over a round three steps base...
Category

19th Century Spanish Neoclassical Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Chinese Good Fortune Hairpin, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Although eyes were certainly drawn to the high, fan-shaped headdresses that Qing-dynasty women affixed to back of their heads, it was the finishing touch of a hairpin or two that completed the look. This silver hairpin ends in a round floral medallion framing the decorative Fu (?) character for "good...
Category

Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Original Antique Print of Relics of Bonnie Prince Charlie. C.1880
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of relics belonging to Charles Edward Stuart, Bonnie Prince Charlie Fine steel engraving by Charles Lawrie Published by Blackie, Edinburgh,Circa 1880 Unframed.
Category

1880s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Nautical magnetic compass, signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd Barking & London 1880
Located in Milan, IT
Nautical magnetic compass, signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd Barking & London Sestrel Mark from the second half of the 19th century. Bon état. Housed in its original wooden box and mou...
Category

1870s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

19th Century Northern Plains Hair Drop
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Northern Plains hair drop. Beaded blue with red accents. Quilled drops having tin cones and yellow feather fluffs with long black horsehair drop. Period: 19th century Origin: Great Plains - Northern Plains, Native American Size: 6" x 35" overall Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Native American, garments, Blackfeet, headdress, collectibles, antiques, Native American beadwork...
Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hide, Beads, Feathers

Nautical survey magnetic compass signed Elliott Bros London late 1800s
Located in Milan, IT
Rare magnetic nautical surveying compass, brass, late 19th century signed Elliott Bros London complete with leather case. This is a small compass, 7 cm diameter, typically used in re...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

19th Century Bronze Pipe
Located in Copenhagen, K
Fantastic bronze pipe from the Vienna tobacco museum’s collection, from Belgian Congo.
Category

19th Century Congolese Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th C. French Book Velum Containers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two containers made from antique velum books. They are triangular in shape, each adorned with a faded golden design against a lighter background. The diamond-shaped central motif, b...
Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Parchment Paper

Baedeker's Germany Travel Guides 1897 & 1914 - a Pair
Located in Seguin, TX
Baedeker's Northern, 1897 and Southern Germany, 1914. Handbook for travelers by Karl Baedeker. Published by Baedeker, Leipzig, 1897/1914. Since the 1830's Baedeker set the standard ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Grand Tour Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Erard Parallel-Strung Grand Piano with Bench, Paris, 1895
By Maison Erard, Sébastien Érard
Located in Littleton, CO
This beautiful grand piano was built by Erard in Paris in 1895. With irreplaceable original cabinet art created and signed by an artist named Finel - specifically commissioned by th...
Category

1890s French Romantic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

19th Century Northern Plains Quilled Hair Drop
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Northern Plains quilled hair drop in white, red and green. Quilled parfleche slats decorated with fully quilled hide thongs ending in tin cones and horsehair. A band of [ink and blue beading at bottom, and black and blue faceted beads at top. 27"L Period: 19th century Origin: Great Plains - Northern Plains, Native American Size: 6" x 27" overall Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Native American, garments, Blackfeet, headdress, collectibles, antiques, Native American beadwork...
Category

Late 19th Century American Native American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hide, Beads, Feathers

Carved oak dinner gong
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved oak dinner gong, the oak frame with mask pediment above a leaf-carved scroll decorated frame supporting the original brass gong. All raised on scrolling legs. Dimensions Heigh...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Early 19th c.Medical Teaching Device- Shadowboxed Wax Fetus Models c.1800-1850
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Two early 19th century British wax models of a fetuses with attached placenta. Used as a medical teaching device. Numbered and attached to a velvet background. In a sealed woo...
Category

Early 19th Century Mid-Century Modern Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Velvet

The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, 1887
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, Translated out of the Original Tongues: And with the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised, by His Majesty’s Spec...
Category

1880s English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

U S Navy Mark V Diving Helmet Military Prototype The Helmet is a replica model
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
U S Navy Mark V Diving Helmet Military Prototype The Helmet is a replica model of US Navy equipment, the helmet is a full size piece made in chrome brass...
Category

1960s American Craftsman Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Gold Rush Era Masterpiece: The Tallis & Rapkin Rare Map of Pre-Queensland, 1851
Located in Langweer, NL
The image is an original historical map of Australia from the year 1851, created by John Rapkin with illustrations by J. Marchant and engravings by J. B. Allen. The map was published...
Category

1850s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The Poetical Works of John Milton. 7 vols. - 1801 - THE ROBERT HOE COPY !
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: MILTON, John (Rev. Henry John Todd) TITLE: The Poetical Works of John Milton - WITH - Some Account of His Life And Writings. PUBLISHER: London: for many, 1801 - 1809. DES...
Category

Early 1800s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Braun SK61 Record Player and L1 floor speaker by Dieter Rams
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Braun SK61 record player designed by Dieter Rams and Hans Hugelot, 1961. Equip with record player and AM/FM radio. 1950’s Braun L1 speaker included. In goo...
Category

1960s German Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Ancient Iberia: Hispania Map from Spruner-Menke Atlas Antiquus, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This map is titled "HISPANIA," indicating it is a historical map of ancient Spain. It is an original antique map from the "Spruner-Menke Atlas Antiquus," a 19th-century historical a...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

c.1800 Portable English Orrery by W. Robinson
Located in Greenlawn, NY
c.1800 Portable English Orrery by W. Robinson The circular base is covered with a brightly decorated polychrome paper that shows the astrological houses, the months, visual displays...
Category

Early 1800s English Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

19th Century German Erzgebirge Noah’s Ark
Located in London, GB
19th Century German Erzgebirge Noah’s Ark A 19th Century German Erzgebirge Noah’s ark toy set, with aged ark that shows remnants of typical straw work d...
Category

1850s German Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Miniature 19th Century Victorian Figured Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c. Charming antique miniature chest of drawers. The chest has a marble top. The case is figured mahogany, with four stacked drawers, the ...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble, Brass

English Pathologist Box Made of Mahogany with Brass, Including Instruments
Located in Dusseldorf, DE
Curious antique English box made of mahogany with brass details, inside which are the working instruments of a pathologist. The division of the interior of the box is covered in red ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Map of The Kingdom of Alexander the Great, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map is titled "ALEXANDRI MAGNI REGNUM," which translates to "The Kingdom of Alexander the Great." It depicts the vast territories conquered by Alexander the Great during his reig...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

18th Century Cartographic Depiction of Upper India and Ceylon, 1835
Located in Langweer, NL
An exquisite set of two maps, 'Carte de la Partie Superieure De L'Inde en de Cadu Gange,' masterfully crafted by the renowned 18th-century French cartographer, Charles Marie Rigobert...
Category

1830s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Victorian Taxidermy Bird of Paradise Attributed to Rowland Ward, 1848-1916
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A taxidermy case with Raggiana’s bird of paradise (Paradiseae raggiana) with trade label to the underside reading ‘The Jungle, Rowland Ward’ London, circa 1900-1910 With a collector’s label, centre bottom reading: No. 153, Bird of Paradise (Paradise Raggiana). The Peter Farrington...
Category

19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Blushing Marotte, England circa 1890
Located in Culver City, CA
Blushing Marotte England circa 1890 Hand painted paper mache marotte head. 6”w x 8”d x 14”h
Category

19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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

Cannocchiale ottone e cuoio messa fuoco a tre allunghi Inghilterra 1870 circa
Located in Milan, IT
Cannocchiale in ottone con impugnatura rivestita di cuoio e messa fuoco a tre allunghi. Manifattura inglese della seconda metà dell'800. Lunghezza massima cm 41, inches 16.1 minima c...
Category

1870s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique French embossed copper plate - Let the little children come to me
Located in GRENOBLE, FR
Antique French copper work picturing Jesus Christ talking to children, illustrating famous "let the little children come to me" biblical recommandation. Early 19th century circa 1820...
Category

Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper

Antique Cabinet Maker's Drawing Book, Thomas Sheraton, English, Georgian, C.1812
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique copy of the Cabinet Maker's Drawing Book by Thomas Sheraton. An English, bound reference guide, dating to the Georgian period, published 1793. Highly influential ...
Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Russian Icon depicting Mother of God 'Tikhvinskaia', Mid-19th Century
Located in NICE, FR
This beautiful orthodox icon from the mid-19th century in Russia depicts the Mother of God Tikhvinskaia. It originates from the town of Kineshma, 335 kilometres northeast of Moscow. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Russian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Set of 14 Antique French Leather Binding Books for Decoration
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A set of 14 antique French books These books can beautifully decorate your bookcase or office. The leather spines with gold print are in good cond...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Cendrier Servofumo noir de Achille et Pier Castiglioni pour Zanotta Italy 1960
Located in AIX-LES-BAINS, FR
Servofumo est un cendrier ou vide poche ultra design, réalisé par Achille et Pier Giacomo Castiglioni fabriqué de 1961 à 1986 pour Zanotta. Il appartient à la série "Servi" d'Achille...
Category

1960s Italian Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Cut Steel

Antique Hand Carved Large Size Statue of Saint Joseph and Child Jesus Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and high quality carved antique sculpture of Joseph holding the child Jesus. If you are looking for a great value for money, work of religious art then this quality carved church relic could be gracing your home or monastery or house of prayer soon. This may not have been carved out of the most expensive or hard woodtype, but that is not what this antique is about. This striking and meaningful sculpture is all about the natural manner in which both the little boy Jesus and Saint Joseph have been hand-carved out of wood and how an accomplished sculptor clearly has spent a whole lot of time, focus and dedication to get the details of this large and meaningful sculpture very right. In this case, the hands and feet, the curly hair, the serene facial expressions, the perfectly natural body postures AND the perfect draping of the cloths are the most eye-catching details. Ones that most mortals would never be able to create like this and it will have taken this skilled artisan weeks rather than days to create. We believe that this unique antique is made of basswood or pine and it has been hand patinated (original). This was probably done to make the entire sculpure look more warm and calm (no wood grains taking away anything from the beautiful details we described). This meaningful and quality crafted work of religious art is ready for you to enjoy and, to us, it breathes a holy serenity and beauty that will never fail to impress. No matter where you decide to have it on display, this ecclesiastical antique will never fail to impress and if you already have a place in mind for 'them' then maybe you should be their next custodian. Mind you, our price for this hand carved antique church statue...
Category

19th Century European Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Pine

Framed Nautical Signal Flag
Located in Norwell, MA
Framed nautical flag flown from dive vessels. This linen flag has a blue filled with white stripe. Canvas hoist with brass grommets. Matted and fr...
Category

1960s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

Ancient Cartography of Britannia and Hibernia, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This map depicts the geographical area of Great Britain and Ireland, labeled "BRITANNIA et HIBERNIA." It is a historical map, as indicated by the Latin titles and the classical names of regions and tribes. In the main section of the map, Great Britain is depicted in fine detail, with topographical features such as mountains and rivers. The map is color-coded, to differentiate political or tribal boundaries. Various Roman place names are indicated, such as "Londinium" for London. To the left of Great Britain is Ireland, referred to as "Hibernia," similarly detailed with its own topographical features and ancient...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Arts and Crafts Paper Roll Cutter, Shop Wrapping Paper Dispenser
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Paper Roll Cutter, Shop Wrapping Paper Dispenser An unusual and very useful item, it has a golden oak frame with clover leaf cut outs...
Category

19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Antique Lithography Map, Bedfordshire, English, Framed Engraving, Cartography
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lithography map of Bedfordshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Leather Wrapped "Paris Jockey Club" French Binoculars, Late 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Stamped "Jockey Club Paris"
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

19th Century French 10 Litre Wooden Fruit Measure This large measure is made in
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century French 10 Litre Wooden Fruit Measure This large measure is made in beech, it is cylindrical in shape with iron banding and central frame, it is in good used condition a...
Category

19th Century Rustic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Beech

Pleyel Upright Piano Satinwood Neoclassical Inlay Fluted, Columnar Legs
Located in Leeds, GB
An 1893, Pleyel upright piano with a satinwood cabinet. Entire cabinet features intricate, Neocalssical style inlay. The front panels feature a symmetri...
Category

1890s French Neoclassical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Barometro aneroide marino inglese in rovere fine '800 firmato John Barker & C.
Located in Milan, IT
Antico barometro aneroide marino inglese della fine dell'800 in legno di rovere scolpito come una cima, ottone e vetro. Firmato John Barker & C Ltd Kensingotn. Buono stato. Funziona...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Ottawa River Yacht Club Flag
Located in Norwell, MA
Framed nautical flag with an embroidered flag from the Ottawa River Yacht Club, The burgee flag is fitted inside a ships wheel. Nicely framed We...
Category

1960s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

Marotte in Green, France circa 1890
Located in Culver City, CA
Marotte in Green France circa 1890 Hand painted paper mache marotte head. 7.5”w x 8”d x 17”h
Category

19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The World in the Assyrian Empire's Era: A Historical Map, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This map from the "Spruner-Menke Atlas Antiquus" is titled "ORBIS TERRARVM regni Assyrii tempore," which translates to "The World at the Time of the Assyrian Kingdom." It depicts the...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

AMERICAN THEMED Romantic Dagger - early to mid 19th century - Spanish
Located in TEYJAT, FR
SUPERB AMERICAN THEMED ROMATIC DAGGER : EARLY TO MID 19THE CENTURY - Spanish, with 14.75cm flattened diamond shaped tapering blade and heavy cast bronze grip comprising a pair of opposing dogs head quillions surmounted by a frontiersman in traditional dress of the early 19th century carrying a flintlock long rifle, associated tasselled bag and powder horn with an animal fur skin...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

North African Coasts: Marmarica to Mauretania in Roman Times, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map with the title "MARMARICA, CYRENAICA, AFRICA, NUMIDIA, MAURETANIA secundum Italiam Poetarum" presents a historical geographical view of the northern coast of Africa, detailin...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Victorian Art Nouveau Cast Brass Wall Hanging Alcohol Thermometer 8.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century Victorian brass wall hanging thermometer. Simple art nouveau styling with scallops and flowers. Indicates temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 degrees C...
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Original Antique Map of Greece and Epirus after the Persian Wars, Published 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map titled "GRAECIA, EPIRUS post bella Persica," translates to "Greece and Epirus after the Persian Wars." It covers the regions of ancient Greece and Epirus following the Greco-...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Cast Iron Half Horse Head, Door Stop
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Cast Iron Half Horse Head, Door Stop This lovely piece has been cast in one piece, the interior is hollow but it is still a very heavy and stable piece and would make a very attract...
Category

19th Century Rustic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Roman Frontiers Engraved: Germania, Raetia, and Noricum, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map, titled "GERMANIA, RAETIA, NORICUM," depicts the regions of Germania, Raetia, and Noricum, which correspond to parts of modern-day Central and Eastern Europe, including areas of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Balkans. Features of the map include: 1. **Regional Divisions**: The map is divided into the regions of Germania, Raetia, and Noricum, each likely differentiated by color or shading. 2. **Topography**: It details the mountain ranges, rivers, and other geographical features of the region. The Alps, which are central to Raetia, are prominently displayed. 3. **Roman Settlements and Roads**: The map likely marks Roman...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Levant in Antiquity: Lands of Phoenicia, Judea, and Neighboring Kingdoms, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map is titled "PHOENICE, COELESYRIA, IDUMAEA, JUDAEA MACCABAEORUM TEMPORE," which translates to "Phoenicia, Coele-Syria, Idumea, Judea at the Time of the Maccabees." This origi...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1960s Vintage Greg Noll Custom Longboard
Located in Haleiwa, HI
Mid-1960s Greg Noll custom longboard. Features gorgeous bright red panels, redwood stringer, and three piece wooden tail block. Beautiful jet-black single fin with signature wide squ...
Category

1960s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fiberglass, Foam, Hardwood, Softwood

Antique Map of The Regions of Italy and Sicily during the Roman Empire, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This map is an original antique engraving titled "ITALIAE REGIONES IIII SICILIA," which translates to "The Regions of Italy and Sicily." This detailed historical map portrays the reg...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Lithography Map, Isle of Thanet, Kent, English, Cartography, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lithography map of The Isle of Thanet in Kent. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later. Superb litho...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian 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.

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