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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Art Nouveau
Style: Industrial
Life-Size Mannequin Attributed to Francois-Pierre Guillois, Late 18th Century
Located in Peekskill, NY
There hasn't been much information regarding this particular type of lay figure, indeed these are exceptionally rare, until fairly recently since the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

1950s Wrights Bread Crate Vintage Industrial Vulcanized Display Box Basket Tray
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Big old Bread transport crate with wooden rails on bottom. Interior depth is 5 inches.
Category

1950s American Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Natural Fiber

0-4-0 Industrial Tank Live Steam Railroad Engine
By M. Hale
Located in Peekskill, NY
This a good sized (7.5" Gauge) railroad engine. The scale is large and powerful enough to pull an adult and a number of children on cars behind it. It was hand built in 1974 by M. Ha...
Category

20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by William Greenlief
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass, lumber caliper by William Greenlief used to measure the amount of timber from a tree features a sli...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Gymnastic Vintage Czech Leather Gym Stool Bench Pommel Horse, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This Czech gym stool or turn bock was produced in the 1930s. It has been shortened to a height of 51 cm. The iron feet are preserved. The thick cowhide has been cleaned and preserved...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Canvas and Leather Postman U.S. Mail Delivery Bag
Located in Brooklyn, NY
U.S. postman, mailman "city collection" mail delivery bag features a well-worn canvas body with leather frame.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Canvas

Antique Art Nouveau German Leather Bound Encyclopedia of Scientific Inquiry Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This five volume set of leather bound 1st Edition encyclopedias were done by Weltall and Menschheit of Germany in 1900 in the period Art Nouveau style. This set is completely in Germ...
Category

Early 19th Century German Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Antique Working English Cast Iron Cheese Press Thomas Corbett of Shrewsbury 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A rare antique and all original fully functioning cast iron English cheese press, by Thomas Corbett of Shrewsbury, circa 1880. This cheese press has just ...
Category

1880s English Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Italian Trolley Mill Industrial Archeology
Located in bari, IT
Trolley from an old industrial cotton mill made with mixed timber dating back to the 1930s.
Category

1930s Italian Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Art Nouveau Double Sided Walnut and Rosewood Desk by Lajos Kozma, 1930
Located in Rome, IT
This rare large double sided desk was designed by Lajos (Ludwig) Kozma, who had an unprecedented influence on the European design through his drawings, buildings and furniture. Th...
Category

1920s European Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Handley Page Victor "V-Bomber" Model
Located in London, GB
A 1-30 scale model of a RAF Handley Page Victor V-Bomber. The Handley Page Victor is a British jet-powered strategic bomber, developed and produced by the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

1930s Chrome Diamond Plate Paperweight Curiosity Desk Object Architect Sculpture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful desk relic from a captain of industry.
Category

1930s American Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

French Commercial Coffee Bean Dispenser (4 available- Sold EACH)
Located in Dallas, TX
Commercial Coffee Bean Dispenser (4 available- Sold EACH), is a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors, with an interesting dispenser with integral funnel that allows one to dis...
Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Cigar Set Art Nouveau Barbotine by Jean Bernard De Bruyn, 1900
Located in Paris, FR
Art Nouveau style cigar tobacco set tabac made in Barbotine faience ceramic by famous De Bruyn, 1900s. Plate L 32 cm, W 28 cm, D 4cm Jars D 4.5, H 7...
Category

19th Century Belgian Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

19century English Balancing Scale
Located in Tarrytown, NY
19century English balancing scale.
Category

19th Century European Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, 1898 Inauguration Commemorative Plates
Located in Sharon, CT
Offering four hand-painted Wilhelmina, “1890-1948” Inauguration plates, manufactured in 1898 by Petrus Regout & Co., Maastricht, Holland.
Category

1890s Dutch Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Pictorial Antique Israeli Marbediah Rug. Size: 2 ft 6 in x 3 ft 6 in
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful small size pictorial antique Israeli Marbediah rug, country of origin: Israel, date circa 1920. Size: 2 ft 6 in x 3 ft 6 in (0.76 m x 1.07 m)....
Category

Early 20th Century Israeli Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wool

Siemens, Ships Telephone, 1960's, Massive Aluminum Housing, Industrial Design
Located in Vienna, Austria
Siemens ships telephone for the wall. Made from massive, polished aluminum, this beautiful piece of industrial design can be used at home. This is a rare find.
Category

1960s Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Brass Balance Shop Scales with Eagle Crest
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Brass balance shop scales with eagle crest Decorative large brass balance shop scales  I super looking set, the slightly dished pans are hung on brass...
Category

Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vintage Metal Parking Lot Number Signs
Located in Topeka, KS
We are offering here 23 vintage metal parking lot number signs. They are in differing degrees of condition and patina but all wonderful. We have priced the...
Category

20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Rare German 1800s Anatomical Horse Model, Signed A.M.Sommer
By Frederik Sommer
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an important handmade large scale papier mâché anatomical model of a horse. It's close to two thirds scale and over four foot long. At the turn of the century France and Berl...
Category

Late 19th Century German Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Artistic Vintage Israeli Bezalel Rug. 3 ft x 4 ft 8 in
Located in New York, NY
A Magnificently Artistic Vintage Israeli Bezalel Rug, Country Of Origin / Rug Type: Israeli rugs, Circa Date: Mid 20th Century. Size: 3 ft x 4 ft 8 in (0.91...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wool

Unusual Art Nouveau Woman, Carved Wood and Metal Pipe Holder Wall Plaque
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Art Nouveau woman, relief carved wood and metal pipe holder wall plaque. Stunning nude, wonderful detailing.., bronze mounted, hand forged pipe holders, carved wood match hol...
Category

1920s American Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Anatomical Eye Model by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Anatomical, composition, organ model of the eye by New York Scientific Co., Inc disassembles into six pieces deconstructing the eye and its nerves. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Large Antique Wooden Screws Clamps Clips, Set of 8
Located in Wien, AT
These eight historic 19th century wooden clamps were sourced in Austria and are believed to have been used in the making of pianos. Everything is usable o...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Teak and Iron Ship's Nautical Clinometer, Midcentury, French
Located in Nantucket, MA
A ship's clinometer of teak and iron with original paint. Used to measure the degree of healing on a boat, or on larger boats to weigh the distribution of cargo to be sure the ballas...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Vintage Do Not Pass Metal Traffic Signs
Located in Topeka, KS
Cool vintage “Do Not Pass” metal traffic signs. We have two offered and have priced them individually. These are in wonderful vintage condition mad...
Category

20th Century North American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Boon & Lane Aluminum Hat Block Mold Form Millinery Luton Beds England B
By Boon & Lane
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Boon & Lane aluminum hat block mold form Millinery, Luton beds, England (B) listing is for (1) hat mold as pictured, circa mid-20th century. Mea...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Midcentury Industrial Glove Hand Mold or Cutter, 1940s
Located in Wallkill, NY
Industrial glove cutters right out of a New York State glove factory that closed down years ago. They range in measurements. Measures: 5.5 in to 7 in high, 3 in to 4-3/8 in wide, 5/8...
Category

1940s American Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Industrial Foundry Patterns for Molds Handmade Wood Set of Seven – Grp 2
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible set of seven antique handmade wood industrial foundry patterns. These were created to make the sand cast molds for casting iron sewage grates and other miscellaneous items...
Category

Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Speed Limit 20 Large Steel Traffic Sign
Located in Topeka, KS
Fun Speed Limit 20 vintage steel traffic sign. It is large and in awesome vintage condition with just the right amount of age and use patina. Please see ph...
Category

20th Century North American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Vintage Observation Binoculars by Toko, Japan, 20 X 120
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Japanese Ex-navy 20 x 120 binoculars. A large pair of Japanese ex-navy observation binoculars mounted on a vintage adjustable wooden tripod. The WWI...
Category

1940s Japanese Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

19th Century Box Wood and Iron Paper Guillotine
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century box wood and iron paper guillotine  Well used and still working well, the makers name in the centre of the chopping platform is too wo...
Category

Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Boxwood

Smoking Set with Plate Copper/ Brass Art Nouveau, Austria, circa 1915
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
From the Art Nouveau period in Austria circa 1915 comes this beautiful unique smoking set. Consisting of four items, this set comes with an artfully ornated copper plate, two tobacco bowls in different sizes and a gorgeous ashtray with an additional holder for matches. All items were made of fine copper and impress with classic Art Nouveau design elements. Another highlight are the external amounted brass stands that underlines the beauty of this unusual table smoking set.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Copper

1970s Cast Aluminium & Steel Flame Proof Floor Lamp Tripod - Warm White T8 Led
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Reclaimed and modified 1970s Daeyang Electric Co. Ltd flame proof luminaire with fully updated electrics and fitted with T8 Warm white LED tubes. The tube light has been fitted to a custom made tripod was comprises of 6 rigging screws to create the tripod base and spine, the tilt can be adjusted by a few degrees to allow the light lean back or stand more upright. The light has been cleaned back to its factory finish which is aqua marine and battle ship grey then lacquered to protect and give a gloss finish. The mains cable is sleeved with silver grey braid and has an onboard switch mounted on the opposite side to the cable entry. Daeyang strip lights were originally used in hazardous areas on large cargo ship and supertankers where dangerous gasses and flammable cargo may have been present, typically in cross loading areas, cargo bays and engine rooms. The cast aluminium chassis and toughened glass make an extremely robust fixture which has stood the test of time in the harshest of conditions. Flame proof light...
Category

1970s Korean Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Royal Doulton Kingsware Tobacco Box with Lid
Located in Mexico, DF
Kingsware was developed by Charles Noke and produced between 1898-1939. No other factory in the world has been able to recreate the same lustrous finish, which makes Kingsware a uniq...
Category

Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Imperial Sand & Ballast Measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London
By De Grave Short, Fanner & Co.
Located in London, GB
A rare sand and ballast measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London, circa 1940. Measures one, three-quarters, and half cubic foot. Made for Monmouthshire County Council. P...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

BR British Railways Shovel Made by Caldwell
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
BR British Railways shovel made by Caldwell BR British Railways shovel made by Caldwell of Stockton Heath in 1960 The shovel has an Ash Handle ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Dr. Auzoux’s Historic Full Sized Horse Model
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is one of the largest and rarest of the Dr. Auzoux papier mâché anatomical models. It’s also one of our most ambitious offerings. This prized 1846 first generation handmade model dates to the mid-1800s. I am told that there are almost 200 separate removable parts. It was recently found tucked away in a barn for over 20 years and is fresh to the market. A handful of Auzoux full size horse...
Category

Late 19th Century French Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Vogue New York Aluminum 22 450 Woman's Hat Block Mold Form Millinery D
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Vogue New York aluminum 22 450 woman's hat block mold form Millinery (D) listing is for (1) hat mold as pictured, circa mid-20th century. Measure...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Rare Inkwell, Bronze Art Nouveau USA President Wilson 1st W War, Signed Cuzin
Located in Paris, FR
Rare, one of a kind. This unique Art Nouveau bronze inkwell, signed by Cuzin, circa 1918 representing USA President Tommy Wilson (28th USA President from 1913-1921). This i...
Category

1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Patinated Curling Stone
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An unusual and finely patinated curling stone with a bronze handle and iron body.
Category

Early 20th Century Scottish Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Vintage, Anatomical, Didactic Torso, Female Bust with Head, Somso, 1960s
Located in Schagen, NL
This very complete vintage Female torso was manufactured in Germany by Marcus Sommer, 'Somso'. It features a natural size model, AS 40, in Somso-plast. The thoracic/abdominal wall...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Vintage Radior Motorcycle Post War, French
Located in North York, ON
Vintage Radior motorcycle Post War, French. In original condition with Nervor Type C Engine. Sold as is, for decorative purposes or restoration interested enthusiasts.     
Category

1950s French Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Wall Mounted Calipers from the Ross Optical Company London
Located in London, GB
A set of graduated calipers from the Ross of London optical company, mounted on a later wall hanging backboard. Each caliper with various markings. Ross of London was a maker o...
Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Antique Industrial Slatted Foundry Patterns Handmade Wood Wall Sculpture, Grp 4
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible slatted antique handmade wood industrial foundry patterns. These were created to make the sand cast molds for casting iron sewage grates. There are ten patterns in this gr...
Category

Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Niels Larsen & Sons Suede Pommel Horse
By Niels Larsen
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A rare original early 20th century vaulting pommel horse in brown suede leather by Niels Larsen & Sons. The original suede has a wonderful, warm brown col...
Category

1930s English Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Wood

University Chart “Black Map of North America
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
University Chart “Black Map of North America W&A K Johnston’s Charts of Physical Maps By G W Bacon, This is a Black Physical map of North A...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

Set of Six Large 20th Century Dutch Wooden Industrial Machinery Foundry Moulds
Located in Haarlem, NL
Set of six large bright red wooden parts in different shapes. Carved out to create negative space to be used for the casting of metal. The forms that these pieces make in the mold...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Sterling Pendant with Hand Painted Landscape on a Butterfly Wing
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Beautiful pendant of a hand painted butterfly wing depicting a tropical scene in an Art Nouveau style sterling silver frame, circa 1920s. Hallmark reads, "Sterling" Measure: 1 1/2...
Category

1920s American Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Collection of British Silver, Objects for Necessaire, Early 1900s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Collection of British silver, objects for necessaire, early 1900s. Stamped. Measures: 18.5 cm. (longest) In very good condition, minor wear.
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Vintage Motorcycle 1955 Paloma P 500 by Michel Humblot
Located in North York, ON
Vintage Paloma P 500 moped motorcycle from 1955, made in France by Michel Humblot. Original paint 49cc Lavalette engine. Not tested, Sold as is.
Category

1950s French Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

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

Energetic Glass Buddha by Almeric Walter, Pate de Verre, France, 1900s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Amalric Walter (français, 1870-1959) A wonderful energetic Glass or Chrystal Shakyamuni Buddha by Almeric Walter from the Art Nouveau, Art Deco period ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Spotlight by Crouse Hinds
Located in New York, NY
Vintage industrial / nautical spotlight by Crouse Hinds. USA, circa 1930-1940. Retains some original gray paint. For display only; not recommende...
Category

1930s American Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Anatomical Plaque by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand painted, plaster, anatomical plate by New York Scientific Supply Co. depicting the musculature and circulatory systems of the face and head on a wood plaque.
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Plaster

Bronze Advertising Bank Vaults Sign Circa 1912 Savannah Georgia
Located in Savannah, GA
The Savannah Bank and Trust Company was established here in Savannah, Georgia in 1869 after several banks failed as a result of the Civil War. It first o...
Category

1910s American Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by E. S. Lane, Upton ME
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass hardware, lumber caliper by E.S. Lane, Upton ME used to measure the amount of timber from a tree fea...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

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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