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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Collectible "Knoll" Tractor Trailer Truck Toy with Original Box by Winross USA
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and collectible "Knoll" diecast tractor trailer truck toy with original box by Winross USA of Rochester, NY, circa 1980's. This is new old stock and appears to have never ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Sykes Slogger Lawn Tennis Set
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Early 20th Century Game Of Paddle Tennis. A great boxed set of 'Slogger tennis' equipment manufactured by Sykes. The 'Slogger Tennis' set comprises of four paddle bats (padel racquet...
Category

19th Century British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Russian Beaded Icon After the Iverskaya
Located in London, GB
Antique Russian beaded icon after the Iverskaya Russian, Early 20th Century Icon: Height 34cm, width 27cm, depth 2cm Frame: Height 48.5cm, width 42cm, de...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Multi-gemstone

Haute Epoque bronze ladle - 17th century - France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very pretty Haute Epoque / Louis XIII bronze ladle from the beginning of the 17th century. Probably decorated with a lion's head on the end of the handle. Wonderful witness to the h...
Category

17th Century French Louis XIII Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Antique 19th C. Cast Iron Classical Figural Dolphin Victorian Book Press
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th C. Cast Iron Classical Figural Dolphin Victorian Book Press. Item features Intricate supports with dolphins and fluted columns, acanthus accented base, substantial and h...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

City of Dreams: Los Angeles Interiors: Inspiring Homes of Architects, Designers
Located in New York, NY
The longtime Angeleno and celebrated photographer Tim Street-Porter offers this sweeping survey of the best of both historic and contemporary Los Angeles houses that have tremendous ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique English Folding Brass Linen Thread Counter c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
Dating to the early twentieth century, c.1900/1920, this is an antique cast brass linen thread counter, of course usable to magnify whatever you wish. Heavy solid cast brass with a ...
Category

1920s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Spectacular Geometric Cuff, Isaky, Paris c. 1980
Located in St Ouen, FR
Half object, half jewel this sculptural bangle is composed of two parts ; a sand blasted resin triangle and an acrylic bracelet allowing the cuff to be closed. Both parts bear the ha...
Category

1980s French Space Age Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Resin

Antique Art Book Golden Book of Famous Women, English, Eleanor F Brickdale, 1919
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique art book 'Eleanor Fortescue Brickdale's Golden Book of Famous Women.' An English language literary compendium, dating to the ear...
Category

Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

12K Gold Thimble in Leather Case, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Engraved with simple and elegant scrollwork around its skirt, this European 12K gold thimble dates to the early 20th century. Cast in the late Victorian period, the thimble is engrav...
Category

Early 20th Century European Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

IMCO Julius Meister 1000 Ifa Storm Thumbwheel Mechanical Lighter In Solid Brass
Located in Miami, FL
IMCO mechanical lighter made by the Julius Franz Meister Company. This is an amazing authentic petrol lighter original from the art deco period. This industrial piece was originally designed and patented by Hans Silverknopf and was made in Austria back in 1925-26 by the Julius Meister Company, JMCO commonly know as IMCO. This is the final 4th model storm thumbwheel, called IFA-1000. It was crafted in solid polished brass and is fitted with mechanical sliding elements. This lighter has the rare sub-variety in the snuffer, is rounded and domed on top. The function is very simple, the metallic wheel on the lighter, when pushed down by one's thumb, will rub against the ferrocerium to produce a scorching spark. Simultaneously, the petrol vape is released, which is vaporized (depressurized) as soon as it exits the container. This lighter is near mint, is original not a reproduction and has been cleaned and polished to bring back his original splendor. IMCO The company was founded by Julius Franz Meister in 1907, the Julian Meister Co. (JMCO/IMCO) began as a button and metal goods factory in Vienna. Bernhard Silberknopf became a company partner during 1911. The factory began manufacturing lighters after World War 1. The first lighter model, the "Imko Feuerzeug" was patented in 1920 and several other models were produced during the early 1920s based on this patent. Hans Silberknopf patented the design for the famous "Ifa" Sturmfeuerzeug in 1925. IMCO produced other several models based on this patent. The design was copied by multiple U.S. and Japanese companies during the 1930s and 1940s and countless replicas have been produced. Frequently deceptively characterized as "trench lighters...
Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Cut Steel

Moroccan Vintage Berber Tribal Ethnic Cuff
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Moroccan Berber tribal bracelet from the High Atlas of Morocco. Handcrafted by Berber women using Moroccan silver nickel. The...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique English Brass Telescope Mounted on Wooden Stand, Circa 1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Brass Telescope Mounted on Wooden Stand, Circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

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

Spectacular Geometric Cuff, Isaky, Paris c. 1980
Located in St Ouen, FR
Half object, half jewel this Sculptural bangle is composed of two parts ; a sand blasted resin triangle and an acrylic bracelet allowing the cuff to be closed. Both parts bear the ha...
Category

1980s French Space Age Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Resin

Unique Dutch Arts and Crafts Oak & Coromandel & Brass Chess Table w. Drawer 1910
Located in Lisse, NL
Extremely rare and timeless, Dutch Arts and Crafts chess table. If you have been selling art and antiques as long as we have then you learn to recognize not only the difference between good quality and top quality, but also between rare and extremely rare. This unique Arts and Crafts chess table with...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a pocket watch. The dial is lucky enough to have an Englis...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Italian Renaissance Chrome Armillary
Located in New York, NY
Italian Renaissance-style (20th Century) chrome armillary globe with a rust patina.
Category

20th Century American Renaissance Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Chrome

Large Antique Catholic Reliquary Box Crucifix Pendant with Six Relics of Saints
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique reliquary contains 6 relics of Saints with gilded paper rolls and red velvet. It is hand made of metal. This is a 3rd class relic. For a better understanding, Relics are...
Category

1920s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass by F.Darton & Co - 1917
Located in Bath, GB
A good nickel plated WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass signed on the front cover F.Darton & Co, London, VI, No. 2461 together with the date 1917 and the war office "crow'...
Category

1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Nickel

Cartier 1926 Tom Pouce Ladies Lighter 18kt Gold Bronze Champlevé Emerald & Lapis
Located in Miami, FL
Mughal ladies Tom Pouce lighter designed by Cartier. Fabulous and extremely rare ladies cylindrical gasoline lighter. Created in Paris during the art deco period by the house of Cartier, back in the middle of the 1920's. This miniature Tom Pouce lighter, takes its name from the classic short fairy tales by the Grimm's brothers, Tom Thumb (Tom Pouce being the French translation). It was crafted with Champlevé colored enamels over rustic bronze and accented with details in yellow gold of 18 karats. Embellished with natural lapis lazuli and an emerald. The main outside body is decorated with organics elements and figures of red and blue birds. Gorgeous look and surely a great conversation piece which is accompanied by the round Cartier red box. Champlevé, in the decorative arts, is an enameling technique or an object made by the champlevé process, which consists of cutting away troughs or cells in a metal plate and filling the depressions with pulverized vitreous enamel. The raised metal lines between the cutout areas form the design outline. Emerald: Accented on top in a bezel setting, with 1 square faceted cut of a natural green emerald of about 0.15 carats. Lapis: Mount with 1 flat round cabochon cut, carved from lapis lazuli of about 1.25 carats. Birthstone: Emerald for the month of May. Weight: 21.95 Grams, (14.07 Dwt). Measurements: Have a diameter of 16 mm and a height of 33 mm (0.63 x 1.30 Inches). Hallmarks Stamped with the maker's mark, the serial numbers, the French taxation mark for luxury items BL inside a rectangular cartouche and signed, "CARTIER 5554", stamped with matching cases numbers, 13 & 13. Ministere Des Finances Lighter Tax 1911-1945 Note: On 10th December 1910 the French state adopted a new tax regulations on all devices indented to produce spark or fire by friction, or by any other means, and of the combustion of a flammable substance. Since 1st January 1911 every lighter in France that was intended for sale in the French market had to be taxed and adequately marked. To confirm that the excise duty was paid to the Ministry of Finance a special duty metal plate (stamp) was attached (usually welded) to the lighter by the lighter manufacturers. The fees charged by the French state were high but the tax rates levied by the state were varying depending on the type and finish of the lighter. Following tax rates were used: 2 French francs for common pocket lighters, 5 Fr for pocket lighters made of silver, 20 Fr for luxury pocket lighters (e.g. made of gold), 5 Fr for common table/desk lighters (over 10 cm), 10 Fr for table/desk lighters (over 10 cm) made of silver, 50 Fr for luxury table/desk lighters (over 10 cm) made of gold or platinum. Between 1911 and 1916 a simple copper plate was used which had the date 1911 engraved. Later, between 1916 and 1945 a new plate (undated) was introduced with the letters "C" and "I" (stands for indirect taxes) and a profile of Mercury (patron god of financial gain, commerce and messengers) with an inscription "Ministère Des Finances" (eng. Ministry of Finance). Two shapes were used for the plate – oval for table lighters, the other one for pocket lighters. Additional to the two duty plates a marking "BL" (Briquet de Luxe, eng. luxury lighter) was introduced in 1926. It was a small hallmark which was considered as more discreet and applied only on luxury lighters like Quercia or Lancel. It is worth to mention that France was not the sole country where lighters were taxed and marked with special plates...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold, Bronze, Enamel

Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Bakelite, Brass, Mathematical Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, Bakelite and brass cased mathematical instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Beautifully pre...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vintage Westinghouse Shortwave Radio in French Polished Mahogany Case
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome Westinghouse combination shortwave radio, the French polished mahogany case housing a tube movement with multiple radio settings, made and signed by Westinghouse. This rad...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

17thC Church cattedra
Located in Livorno, IT
Louis XIV era church cattedra. At the centre the profile of a cleric, wearing the black doctoral biretta with four flaps , typical for doctorates of pontifical universities and depar...
Category

Late 17th Century Italian Louis XIV Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Nutwood, Walnut, Giltwood, Lacquer

Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

18thC Residenza
Located in Livorno, IT
Magnificent Baroque residenza from Napoli, Italy. Vault with coffered ceiling, four grooved columns with corinthian capitals, high base with center fragment. Entirely hand-carved and...
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Silver, Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf

Miniature Singing bird in cage by Karl Griesbaum
Located in London, GB
A very good single singing bird in cage, by Karl Griesbaum, German Circa 1940 Continuous and paused action A petit wonder of style and grace... When wound and the start/st...
Category

1930s German Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Taxidermy, Canary in Bow Glass Case
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Taxidermy, Canary In Bow Glass Case. A 19th century cased canary in a nice glazed bow fronted case with gilt lines. The case contains a cleverly modelled bird set against a painted b...
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

Signed Araki's Magnum Opus: Complete Book Collection 1-20 + Satchin and Mabo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book Complete Collection 1-20 plus special book Nobuyoshi Araki Book Satchin and His Brother Mabo / 1stn in 1997 The works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book collectio...
Category

1990s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Asprey Mid Century compact powder case with mirror
Located in Braintree, GB
Experience the timeless allure of Asprey vintage 18kt gold compact case, adorned with a delicately crafted mirror for your convenience. Five exquisite calibre cut blue sapphires grac...
Category

1960s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Memphis: Ceramique, Argent, Verre 1981-1987" Editeur Michel Aveline (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
A very good hardback book with a dust jacket in excellent condition. 143 pages with 120 full pages color plates showing examples of ceramics, silver and glass ware, by designers such as Ettore Sottsass, Mateo Thun...
Category

1980s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

20th Century Belgian Brass Goblet
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th Century Belgian brass goblet, perched on a stately wooden pedestal, is a testament to classic craftsmanship. Its gently aged patina speaks of its journey through time, addi...
Category

20th Century Belgian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vintage Book, Once A Week, AA Milne, English, Morocco Bound, Short Stories, 1926
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage copy of Once a Week by A.A. Milne. An English, Morocco bound book of short stories, dating to the early 20th century. Once a Week is a collection of short stories ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Aeronautical III Gauge Clock
By Aviation Technology Group
Located in Telluride, CO
During the Great War, from 1914-18, a new kind of art flourished. Hand crafted creations from gifted soldiers and army personnel became known as trench art. They used whatever materi...
Category

20th Century English Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

1970s Joey Thomas Single Fin Surfboard an Santa Cruz Surf History Artifact
Located in Oakland, CA
1970s era surfboard by Santa Cruz shaper / surfer Joey Thomas, this example has a single foiled wooden fin, swallow tail, beak nose, down rail with a resin pin line along the rails configuration which was a popular shape by the influences from what was happening in Hawaii on the North Shore with shapers such as Dick Brewer and surfer / shaper Jerry Lopez...
Category

1970s American Organic Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Resin, Fiberglass, Polyester

Hermes Riding Crop
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Hermes riding crop with deer antler handle. The shaft is covered in a beautifully braided leather and finished at the bottom with twine. The...
Category

1960s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Louis XV Corner, Cube Sans Fond Marquetry, 18th Century
Located in Honnelles, WHT
Louis XV corner, marquetry of different types of wood in bottomless cubes, Saint-Anne gray marble, France, 18th century
Category

18th Century European Louis XV Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble

19th Century French Tobacco Pipe Stand
Located in Madrid, ES
Step into the elegance of the 19th century with this exquisite dog-shaped tobacco pipe stand, a remarkable piece of craftsmanship from France during that era. This unique stand is fi...
Category

1890s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fruitwood

Rare Antique Bronze Holy Heart Sculpture / Bust of Our Lord Jesus Christ 1920
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and large antique bronze sculpture of our Lord Jesus. This gorgeous and sizeable bronze sculpture is another one of our recent great finds. We have never seen a bronze holy hea...
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Devotional Plaque to the Virgin and Child In Enamel And Silver Mount. France
Located in Madrid, ES
Discover this splendid devotional plaque representing the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, made with remarkable enameling work and framed in a silver frame. This piece of great artis...
Category

19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

1909-1910 The Poetical Works of Edmund Spenser in Three Volumes
By Edmund Spenser
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful complete three volume set of The Poetical Works of Edmund Spenser, including his epic poem The Faerie Queene. A complete three volume set of The Poetical Works of Edmund...
Category

Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique coin-operated large double singing birds-in-cage, by Bontems
Located in London, GB
An antique coin-operated large double singing birds-in-cage, by Bontems, French circa 1900 Spend a penny in style When wound and a 1d. coin inse...
Category

1810s French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso

1970s Gorgeous Turquoise and White Chess Set in Volterra Alabaster Handmade Made
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous turquoise and white chess set in Volterra alabaster. Handmade Made in Italy, the items are in excellent condition. So rare to find in this color This chess set is a be...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Alabaster

Antique Pair of Bronze Gothic Revival Church Altar Candlesticks / Candle Holders
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning pair of antique Gothic Style candleholders. If you are looking for a stylish and good size pair of church candle holders to create that special atmosphere then this bronze ...
Category

Late 19th Century European Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Large-Scale Brass Biplane World War I Airplane Aviation Model
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning WWI-era biplane brass airplane was hand-crafted in the 1950s. It is a large-scale airplane model with intricate details and looks great hung from a ceiling or displayed...
Category

1950s French Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Swagger Stick from The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Swagger Stick from The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Superb vintage Military swagger stick The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Malacca cane. The cane has slight curve ...
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cane

Judaica Antique Copper And Brass Seder Tray
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large circular tray, with a central Star of David, incised decorations including florals and geometrics with a verdigris patina. Presents very well. Dimensions: 30" W x 3/4" D Con...
Category

19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Copper

Mail pouch in maroquin rouge, 19th century
Located in PARIS, FR
Red leather pouch to carry or deliver the mail with flap, decorated with gilt fleur-de-lys arabesques. Interior, two pockets, and a smaller one with flap. A folding gusset allows to ...
Category

1860s French Napoleon III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

French 17th / 18th Century Small Pewter Christ Figure On A Wooden Cross
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful small folk art pewter Christ figure on a cross. Richly decorated. France circa 1650-1750. Weathered and small losses. Measurements include the wooden base. H:28,5cm W:11cm...
Category

17th Century French French Provincial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pewter

Italian Lapis Blue/Peach Large Alabaster Chess Set
Located in New York, NY
Skilled artisans carved this luxury chess set from Italian Alabaster, a natural stone native to Volterra, Italy. Each piece of Alabaster has a unique vein pattern so the colors may v...
Category

2010s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Alabaster

Italian Pale Pink/Peach Large Alabaster Chess Set
Located in New York, NY
Skilled artisans carved this luxury chess set from Italian Alabaster, a natural stone native to Volterra, Italy. Each piece of Alabaster has a unique vein pattern so the colors may v...
Category

2010s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Alabaster

Art Deco Ashtray Stand, Chrome and Bakelite by Demeyere, Belgium, 1930s
Located in Saarburg, RP
Art Deco ashtray stand This beautiful and rare Art Deco Ashtray Stand from the 30s/40s is in the streamline modern art deco style. The designer of this extraordinary object has succ...
Category

1930s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron, Chrome, Metal

French Woven Colored Cane Mini Bag , Lunch Box, Suitcase, Handbasket
Located in Antwerp, BE
French woven colored wicker - reed - cane mini bag - lunchbox, mini handbag - child's bag - basket - handbasket. A Belle Epoque - Antique piece made of colred wicker with red and ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Large Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Chandelier for Dining Room / Restaurant Etc
Located in Lisse, NL
Great quality workmanship, forged in fire Gothic Art candle chandelier or pendant light. This beautiful quality and all hand forged chandelier comes with clearly visible, Gothic qua...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique French Woven Colored Wicker Suitcase, basket
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique French woven colored wicker - reed - cane little suitcase or basket. A Belle Epoque - Antique piece made of cane, finished with leather edges, leather with metal handle and a...
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Pocket Watch In 18 Carat Gold, Dating From Around 1900 with calendar
Located in Madrid, ES
Discover a piece of timeless elegance with our exquisite 18K gold pocket watch from circa 1900! ⌚️ Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this elegant timepiece boasts a class...
Category

1890s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Vintage Tom Sturgis Pretzels Large Tin Metal Red Advertising Can
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Tom Sturgis Pretzels Large Tin Metal Red Advertising Can. Circa Early to Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 12.5" H x 12.5" Diameter.
Category

Early 20th Century Country Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Pair of Large Chinese Hardstone, Jade and Cloisonné Enamel Flower Models
Located in London, GB
Pair of large Chinese hardstone, jade and cloisonné enamel flower models Chinese, 20th Century Height 39cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm Crafted in 20th century China, this pair of lar...
Category

20th Century Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Jade, Metal, Enamel

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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