Collectibles and Curiosities
97
3,767
to
324
2,185
1,498
3,767
3,767
3,767
650
285
78
69
59
48
33
29
22
19
18
14
3
2
1
1
1
4,456
6,605
13,195
2,847
3,553
4,518
2,915
486
337
604
726
495
908
852
842
608
610
1,620
1,175
512
411
257
1,594
1,248
1,117
414
308
21
19
18
14
14
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: 1960s
Vintage FAMAS Assault Rifle Lighter, 1980s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cool vintage table lighter in the shape of a FAMAS (Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne) assault rifle. Made of metal and stands up on its own via bipod arms wh...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
ORIENTAL CARPETS - Charles Grant Ellis - 1988 Philadelphia Museum of Art
Located in Rochester, NY
Oriental Carpets - In The Philadelphia Museum of Art - 1988 by Charles Grant Ellis Harcover blue cloth book w/ gilt lettering / decorated dust wrapper w/ protective mylar covering. 3...
Category
1980s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1970s German Sputnik Barometer Tabletop Sculpture Mid-Century Modernist Orb
By Dieter Rams
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very clean example, estate fresh to you. Wonderful design by Huger of W.Germany.
Category
1970s German Scandinavian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Studio St. Petersburg by Deborah Turbeville 1997 by Bulfinch Press 1st Ed.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Studio St. Petersburg by Deborah Turbeville 1997 by Bulfinch Press 1st Ed.
In her previous books on Versailles and Newport, photographer Deborah Turbeville has succeeded in brilliant...
Category
Late 20th Century American Expressionist Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Japanese Camp Knife, 1960s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic Japanese camp knife with a leather sheath. Blade stamped 'Japan.' Traditional stacked leather handle in black with red and white accent rings. Full tang blade running strai...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage Cut Glass Ashtray, Diamond Shape, Clear Crystal, Mid Century Modern
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage diamond-shaped cut crystal ashtray, made in clear glass and possibly of French origin. Has two grooves to put down cigarettes if it's used as an ashtray.
Preserved in very go...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
Gucci Wood and Leather Backgammon Set, 1970s Italy
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage portable Gucci backgammon case/game. Tan leather trim with Burl wood on front and back of case and Burl wood game board/playing surface. 15 gr...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Clear Glass Sculpture of a Classic Volkswagen Beetle, Car Memorabilia
Located in Milano, IT
Little but realistic miniature model of a classic Volkswagen Beetle - most likely a version from the late 1970s/early 1980s. It is made in pressed clear glass, and is rich in details...
Category
1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
Thonet 19th C. Bentwood Furniture - UCLA Art Galleries Exhibition Catalog 1961
By Thonet
Located in Rochester, NY
Thonet 19th Century Bentwood Furniture - UCLA Art Galleries - September 18 - October 15, 1961 w/ a foreward by Henry Dreyfuss. Artistically photographed illustrations / text / list o...
Category
1960s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage 1980s Christian LaCroix Bijoux Splatter Set Brooch Earrings Costume
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Made in France, c.1980s. LaCroix designed matching set; brooch pin and pair of clip-back earrings. Brutalist, Abstract Biomorphic forms. Sold with the original box.
Brooch Dia 3 ...
Category
1980s French Brutalist Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
B&O Cona Passive Subwoofer (in MOMA) and Speakers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Beovox Cona, designed in beautifully austere fashion by David Lewis and now permanently in the Moma collection, was the first B&O subwoofer loudspeaker. It was specifically inten...
Category
1980s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Breitling watch - Avi Co-pilot 765 from 1960
By Breitling
Located in PAU, FR
Breitling AVI Co-Pilot 765 1960 41mm Equipped with the calibre Venus 178, chronograph, 3 counters. Including one of the counters at 15 minutes because 15...
Category
1960s European Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Cartier, Cartier Frames, C 1970, Gold Frames, Cartier Gold Eye Glasses, Vintage
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Gold frames by Cartier, C 1970. Made in France. Originally mens glasses, 5.5" from arm to arm. Sold with Cartier case.
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate
Vintage Pierre Cardin Golden Brass Modernist Bracelet Cuff, 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful abstract bracelet cuff. All in golden brass metal by Pierre Cardin haute couture - iconic and sculptural, this cuff is from the height of Cardin's creative output, 'Futuris...
Category
1960s French Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chrome, Brass
Brass and Copper Airplane Jet Aviation Model, France 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stunning large brass and copper airplane model made in France circa 1960. It features an impressive all-metal jet plane model on a thick, sol...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass, Copper
The Pre-Raphaelites by Sandra Forty Hardcover Book 1st Ed. 1997
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Pre-Raphaelites by Sandra Forty Hardcover Book.
Title: The Pre-Raphaelites
Publisher: Barnes & Noble Books, U.S.A.
Publication Date: 1997
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Near Fine
...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Yaacov Heller Sculptural Chess Set King David and Bathsheba
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular chess set by Yaacov Heller. The sculptures are silver and gold over cast pewter. Fine detail. All pieces are signed. Retains original glass board.
Category
1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Silver, Pewter
Honda Gold Wing Motorcycle Lighter, 1980s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cool vintage table lighter in the shape of a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. Made completely of metal with a hollow body. Beautiful burnished silver color with intricate details. Cool to...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
PICASSO CERAMICS and works by Jean Cocteau - 1991 Bonhams, London
Located in Rochester, NY
PICASSO CERAMICS and works by Jean Cocteau - 1991 Auction Sale Catalog - Bonhams, London. Soft cover catalog. 35 pages w/ 78 color illustrated lots w/ description. Look at all pictur...
Category
1990s English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
La Chinoise
Located in London, GB
Original Japanese film poster used in Japan when the film was first shown in 1967.
This film was directed by Jean-Luc Godard and starred Anne Wiazemsky, Juliet Berto, Jean-Pierre Le...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Alfred Dunhill Briquet Engine Turned Rollagas Cigarette Lighter With Dunhill Box
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Alfred Dunhill Briquet Engine Turned Rollagas Cigarette Lighter With Original Blue Dunhill Box
Stamped Dunhill and Made in Switzerland to Base
US Pat RE24163
Category
1980s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chrome
A Philip Johnson Townhouse: 1989 Sotheby's - Important 20th C. Furniture
Located in Rochester, NY
A Philip Johnson Townhouse - Important 20th Century Furniture Collection - May 6, 1989 Sotheby's, New York. 1st Edition. Dark gray cloth hardcover book with silver lettering and dust...
Category
1980s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Heath Ceramics Ashtray, 1970s
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Vintage Heath Ceramics Ashtray, 1970s
Category
1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
1970s Art Glass Cigar Ashtray Table Sculpture Dish like Murano Sotsass Cenedese
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful geometric simplicity, heavy 1970s cut and polished crystal design, clear. No makers markings. There is a ridge at end of tube form for cutting cigar end with a round tipped...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Art Glass
Collections of Butterflies and Insectin Taxidermy from the 60s
Located in Naples, IT
A group of real Brazilian butterflies presented in a beautiful antique wooden box from 1960. These specimens are extremely rare and have been selected from a vintage collection.
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
Moroccan Carpets: Pickering, Pickering, Yohe - Laurence King Hali Publications
Located in Rochester, NY
Moroccan Carpets: Brooke Pickering, W. Russell Pickering, Ralph S. Yohe - First published in Great Britian 1994 - This is the Laurence King in assocation w/ Hali Publications, London...
Category
1990s Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Reproduction Folio, Chinese Design, English, William Chambers, C.1969
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage reproduction folio, A Design of Chinese Buildings, Furniture etc. An unbound reprint of the 18th century original by Sir William...
Category
Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Harley Davidson Motorcycle Lighter, 1980s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cool vintage table lighter in the shape of a Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Made completely of metal with a hollow body. Great dark patina on the silver metal with great details. Cool tobacco accessory and conversation piece. Made in Japan in the 1980s. Working lighter.
Other motorcycle lighters...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century, Brown. Waldorf Rocking Sheep
By Peter Kraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cute mid-century rocking sheep with real sheep coat, carved wood face and rocker. A vintage room accessory perfect for adding a little life a...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sheepskin, Wood
Symbolism Paperback Book 1st Ed. 1995 by Michael Gibson
By TASCHEN
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Symbolism Paperback Book 1995 by Michael Gibson, 1st edition 1st printing.A study of the Symbolist movement, which emerged in the mid to late 19th century and expired during World Wa...
Category
Late 20th Century Expressionist Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Choker/ Necklace by Christian Dior, 1961
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Absolutely collector's item from 1961, vintage necklace with original box and extremely rare hangtag by Christian Dior.
Brand: Christian Dior, France
Manufacturer: Henkel & Grosse*...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Notice Board with 37 Collectible Thimbles
Located in Palermo, IT
Notice board with 37 collectible thimbles
Purchased during pleasure trips, in many cities and countries, from 1960 to 1990.
The notice board measures 41 cm high and 31 cm wide.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mid-Century 1960's Designer Style Backgammon Set
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage 1960s backgammon set. Enveloped in a pleather with signature gucci style lines, this piece is reminiscent of Gucci with its designer lines and high end stance. The discreet,...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Fabric
Christo Monograph (Inscribed)
Located in New York, NY
Monograph on the work of Bulgarian/American environmental and monumental artist Christo (1935-2009), published in 1965 or 1966—shortly after his arrival in New York City— by Edizion...
Category
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Visionaire Magazine NO. 6: THE SEA (SUMMER 1992)
By Visionaire
Located in Vancouver, BC
Designed and printed by Stephen Gan, James Kaliardos & Cecilia Dean
FIRST EDITION -- 1/1500
THE SEA was inspired by ancient Oriental watercolor books, Egyptian manuscripts, and chil...
Category
1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Bertram K. Little Nina Fletcher Little Collection: 1994 Sotheby's Catalogs 1 & 2
Located in Rochester, NY
The Bertram K. Little and Nina Fletcher Little Collection: January 29 and October 21 - 22, 1994 - Sotheby's, New York. Auction Catalogs - Part 1 and 2. Hardcover decorated black boar...
Category
1990s American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Giuseppe Rivadossi (Nave, July 8, 1935) Shed, 1974 Wood sculpture
Located in Brescia, IT
Opera "historical " by Maestro Giuseppe Rivadossi really of great aesthetic-emotional impact where the shape of the object is emphasized and marked by a series of subtle engravings....
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Complete Set of Vintage Oversized Chess Pieces in Black and Cream Plastic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Uniquely large chess pieces in black and cream plastic, ca. 1970s USA.
Full and complete set with no board, though squares would need to be 4" minimum in order to accommodate the dia...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Felt, Plastic
1960s Mod Cigarette Table Lighter Teakwood BV Norway
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Decorative Table Cigarette Lighter Teakwood BV NORWAY
Stamped by maker
3 diameter x 4.5 tall
Unable to test, likely will need servicing and or fluid.
Unrestored vintage conditi...
Category
1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Teak
Women And Art Contested Territory by Judy Chicago 1st Ed 1999 Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Women And Art Contested Territory by Judy Chicago and Edward Lucie-Smith Hardcover Book.
Published: Watson-Guptill.
Publications, New York.
1999, First Edition First Printing.
This h...
Category
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Le Corbusier Der Modulor Book, 1956
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier Der Modulor book. Le Corbusier published Le Modulor in 1948, followed by Modulor 2 in 1955. These works were first published in English as The Modulor in 1954 and Modulo...
Category
1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
USSR Cold War Era 10 x 80 Large Anti-Aircraft Binoculars, date stamped 1972.
Located in Canterbury, GB
A superb set of Russian 10 x 80 Large Anti-Aircraft Binoculars, date stamped 1972, manufactured during the Cold War period and originally issued to Soviet forces with outstanding opt...
Category
1970s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Sea Vixen Martin Baker Ejection Seat. Certified 1960. Refinished with Hand.
Located in Canterbury, GB
An upward fire ejection seat, deactivated, from a De Havilland Sea Vixen, manufactured and issued/ certified 1960. Now, restored and converted into a perfect and fully functioning domestic or office seat...
Category
1960s Other Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Tag Heuer Carrera 50th Anniversary 1887 Jack Heuer CAR2C11 Swiss Wrist Watch
By TAG Heuer
Located in Dayton, OH
Tag Heuer - Jack Heuer - Carrera 50th Anniversary Swiss made wrist watch. Charcoal gray and silver face, framed in a black case with brushed silver side panels. Tachymetre, Pulsomete...
Category
Late 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
The Wright Style by Carla Lind Simon and Schuster Hardcover Architecture 1992
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Wright Style by Carla Lind, Simon and Schuster, 1992 Architecture Hardcover Book.
Re-Creating the Spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Publisher : Simon & Schuster (November 1, 1992).
Language : English.
Hardcover : 224 pages.
Dimensions : 10 x 1 x 12 inches.
The first book to highlight Frank Lloyd Wright's extraordinary contributions to interior design, The Wright Style opens the doors to more than 40 houses designed by Wright and his followers and includes an illustrated catalogue of sources for the furniture, rugs, wallpaper, lighting fixtures, textiles, and accessories shown. Over 250 photographs, most in full color.
If you've ever wanted to step inside a house designed by frank Lloyd Wright or if you've ever dreamed of living in one The Wright Style offers the next best thing: an extraordinary look inside dozens of Wright's incomparable houses, all of them filled with countless inspiring ideas from America's favorite architect.
From "pure" Wright houses to homes where his decorative magic has been mixed with related styles, the book captures the essence of the architect's timeless designs the spaces, the textures, the colors, the light, the furniture, the special features that all say Frank Lloyd Wright. As the magnificent houses here show, each of Wright's buildings was a complex composition of many interrelated elements; he regarded them as symphonies. Wright designed not just the shell, but everything inside as well: furniture, skylights, art glass windows, light fixtures, textiles, carpets, wall murals, decorative accessories, even the landscaping.
Illustrating how Wright affected and inspired other houses, The Wright Style also presents interpretations of Wright's principles by some of his followers and apprentices providing a guided walk through a century of his unsurpassed influence on design. And for those who love Wright but who cannot live in complete, authentic rooms or purchase antique Wright furnishings, the book's catalogue of products makes it possible at least to bring a touch of the Wright style home.
"Wright's ideas have so permeated our architectural world that we have lost track of the source," writes author Carla Lind. "His open floor plans led to family rooms, kitchens open to living areas, indoor spaces open to outdoor living spaces, garden rooms...
Category
Late 20th Century American Bauhaus Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Gerrit Rietveld, designer and architect
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Gerrit Rietveld (1888 - 1964) was a Dutch designer and architect.
This booklet gives an interesting insight of his life and struggles he had as an architect.
The text is in Dutch,...
Category
Late 20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Paperweights Glass Gallery Michael Kovacek Vienna 1987 Hardcover Reference Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Paperweights Glass Gallery Michael Kovacek Vienna - 1987 Hardcover Reference Book.
A superb collection of 19th century and early 20th century glass paperweights with color images, an...
Category
Late 20th Century Austrian Post-Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Edgar Brandt - Master Of Art Deco Ironwork - Joan Kahr - 1999 Harry N. Abrams
By Joan Kahr, Harry N. Abrams
Located in Rochester, NY
Edgar Brandt - Master of Art Deco Ironwork - Joan Kahr - 1999 Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers. Hardcover cloth book w/ dustjacket. English text. The first book to document the life ...
Category
1990s American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Leather and Pine gym bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage, 1960s, Mid-Century leather and pine gym bench.The bench is very versatile and can be repurposed for use as side table, ottoman or accent seat. I...
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Pine
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
Porsche Turbo Club model car shinsei mini power 1:37 sculpture. rarity
Located in Berlin, DE
Porsche Turbo Club model car shinsei mini power 1:37 sculpture. rarity
A beautiful decorative rarity
Please refer to the detailed photos for the condit...
Category
1970s German Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
EDWARD STEICHEN A Life in Photography Hardcover Book 1984
By Edward Steichen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
EDWARD STEICHEN A Life in Photography Hardcover Book 1984 Bonanza Crown Japan.
Arguably one of the most influential American photographer of the twentieth century, this book chronicl...
Category
Late 20th Century American Expressionist Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Helmut Newton Sumo Taschen Book, Philippe Starck Stand, Signed Limited Edition
Located in Miami, FL
Helmut Newton Sumo Taschen Book, Philippe Starck Stand, Signed Limited Edition
Offered for sale is a Helmut Newton Limited Edition Sumo book published by Taschen with a custom-designed stand by Philippe Starck. There is an unparalleled grandeur of the Helmut Newton Sumo, the biggest and most expensive book produced in the 20th century. This limited edition masterpiece is signed by Newton and numbered 836/10,000. The book is a testament to the influential legacy of one of the most intriguing and controversial photographers in history. Accompanying this extraordinary book is a meticulously crafted bookstand designed by Philippe Starck that adds a touch of sophistication to its display.
Immerse yourself in the monumental world of SUMO, a titan of a book measuring an impressive 50 x 70 cm (20 x 27.5 in.) and weighing approximately 30 kg (66 lb.). With 464 pages, it breaks all previous records and stands as a truly unique publication.
Edited by June Newton...
Category
Late 20th Century Monacan Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Degas by Jean Sutherland Boggs Hardcover Book Met Museum of Art 1st Ed. 1988
By Edgar Degas
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Degas by Jean Sutherland Boggs Hardcover Book Met Museum of Art 1st Ed. 1988.
Edgar Degas was a French Impressionist artist famous for his pastel drawings and oil paintings.
Degas al...
Category
Late 20th Century French Expressionist Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Olympic Portraits by Annie Leibovizt - 1st edition 1997
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Olympic Portraits by Annie Leibovizt - 1st edition 1997.Annie Leibovitz' black and white photographs from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. First...
Category
Late 20th Century American Expressionist Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Gordon Parks - A Poet and His Camera - Gordon Parks - 1968 Viking - 1st Edition
Located in Rochester, NY
Gordon Parks - A Poet and His Camera - Gordon Parks - 1968 Viking Press - 1st Edition - Printed in Switzerland. Hard cover ivory cloth book w/ gilt lettering and dust jacket. A nice ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Women In the Material World by Faith D' Aluiso and Peter Menzel Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Women In the Material World by Faith D'Aluiso and Peter Menzel Hardcover Book.A companion to the groundbreaking bestseller Material World: A Global Family Portrait, this remarkable v...
Category
Late 20th Century American Expressionist Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Don Drumm Cast Aluminum Brutalist Fish Menorah
Located in Garnerville, NY
Don Drumm cast aluminum figural fish Menorah. Wonderfully cast detailed brutalist fish. The menorah holds nine skinny tapered candles for Channukah. Signed on the bottom, Drumm. Good...
Category
1970s American Brutalist Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Antique and Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities for Sale
Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior.
Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.
The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.
Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.
Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.
Read More
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.
Tauba Auerbach’s Geometric Pop-Up Book Is Mighty Rare, Thanks to a Hurricane
This sculptural art book has an epic backstory of its own.
Step inside the Storied Mansions of Palm Beach’s Most Effervescent Architect
From Spanish-style courtyards to fanciful fountains, these acclaimed structures abound in surprising and elegant details.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Record Speakers
Wooden Handle Antique Iron
Antique Iron With Wooden Handle
Vintage Wine Collectables
Antique Wooden Hooks
Wooden Appliques
Antique Iron Screws
Plastic Vintage Keys
German Wood Horse
Museum Of Modern Art Collectible Chairs
Antique Constellation
Royal Carriage
Antique Iron Wheel
Art Deco Cosmetics
Brown Earth Globe
Antique Cast Iron Art Collectibles
Box Wheels
Antique Iron Press