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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Art deco gold ring Diamond and Sapphire
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Art deco 14K yellow gold ring Glass paste faux Sapphire cabochon in the center with synthetic diamonds condition very good Size 17.5 solid gold ring
Category

20th Century Dutch Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Antique Map of North America with Vignette of the Statue of Liberty, New York
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Amérique du Nord'. Original antique map of North America. Meticulous information from the new Alaska Territory and through the Caribbean Windward Islands. Very go...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Cartier Paris Poker or Bridge Cards in Red Original Box Vintage 1970
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Must De Cartier Paris Vintage Playing Poker or Bridge Cards in Red Original Box. Cartier playing cards, one deck plus joker, poker, bridge playing cards in Cartier red 2-doors case. Les Must De Cartier playing cards were only sold from 1972-1976. This silk-lined box of cards with 18-karat gilded corners, printed with the Les Must De Cartier logo, is a gift for the true collector. The box measures: 6 1/2" by 4 1/4" by 1 3/8" and is marked Cartier. Beautiful deep red color cards with golden accents, Cartier cameo monogram, and 18-karat gold splashed edges. These cards are beautiful and rare, a real treasure. Cartier playing cards in gilt-tooled leather red case, the inside marked "Les Must de Cartier, Paris". Genuine Cartier and marked "Cartier Paris". Cartier playing cards are Monaco grade for casinos and gaming each with the Cartier monogram. Vintage Luxe Must De Cartier poker...
Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Eileen Gray: Objects and Furniture Design (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
by Sandra Dachs, Patricia De Muga & Laura Garcia Hintzo Focuses on Eileen Gray, a breakaway designer in a world dominated by male-centric style schools Besides an introductory essay, each title in the By Architects series is compiled by key modern architects through sketches, drawings, photos of the original productions, and ambient shootings A design-orientated book for a design-orientated series, Eileen Gray boasts an innovative layout and a special binding Neglected for most of her career, Eileen Gray (1878-1976) is now regarded as one of the most important furniture designers and architects of the early twentieth century and the most influential woman in those fields. Her work inspired both modernism and Art Deco. Eileen Gray was to stand alone throughout her career, first as a lacquer artist, then a furniture designer, and finally as an architect. At a time when other leading designers were almost all male and mostly members of one movement or another - whether a loose grouping like De Stijl in the Netherlands, or a formal one such as the Congrès Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne - Gray remained staunchly independent. Her design style was as distinctive as her way of working. Gray developed an opulent, luxuriant take on the geometric forms and industrially produced materials used by the International Style designers, such as Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand and Mies van der Rohe, who shared much of her ideology. Her voluptuous leather and tubular steel Bibendum Chair and clinically chic E-1027 glass and tubular steel table...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

19th C Antique Chess Set Game Regency Shape with 96mm Kings in Pine Lidded Box
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good and complete handmade, hardwood chess set game of 32 pieces in a handmade pine box with a sliding lid, which we date to the turn of the 19th Century, Circa 1900. ...
Category

Late 19th Century British Régence Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hardwood, Pine

Poker Case
Located in Milan, IT
This precious companion of a card player aficionado is an exquisite work of artisanal craftsmanship. The case is in walnut wood and mahogany with special walnut wood hinges. A fine l...
Category

2010s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Walnut, Mahogany

Rooms: Steven Volpe
Located in New York, NY
Author Steven Volpe and Mayer Rus The first book on the work of Steven Volpe, a designer acclaimed for his grand-scale, bespoke interiors and his impecca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Disston and Sons Brass Back Saws c.1940s-Price per item
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Price per item. Vintage saws with hand carved wood handles, brass labels, brass screws and steel blades. Two have brass backs. CREATOR Diss...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

English Antique Miniature Dressing Mirror Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Style: English Antique
Category

1940s English Other Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

Early Antique Engraved Silver Crucifix, Reliquary Cross Box Pendant 17th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE SILVER CRUCIFIX/LATIN CROSS A striking and decorative piece made from continental silver with a central crucifix engraved with a fairly naive depiction of Christ. The centr...
Category

17th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

1980's Postmodern Babysitters Club Clear Transistor Collectible Phone
Located in San Diego, CA
Really cool and hard to find in working condition lucite clear phone, a classic from the 1980's era great condition very light use. by Conairphone.
Category

20th Century American Post-Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Lucite

Winston CHURCHILL. The World Crisis - 6 vols. - ALL FIRST EDITIONS 1923-1931
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Winston. TITLE: The World Crisis. 1911-1918 / The Aftermath / The Eastern Front. PUBLISHER: London: Thornton Butterworth, Ltd., 1923-1931. DESCRIPTION: ALL FIR...
Category

1920s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Large and Hand Carved Gothic Revival with Carillon Sound Wall Clock, ca 1900
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning clock for the collectors of rare and truly stylish Gothic antiques. Gothic wall clocks are a rare find and this more than three feet tall specimen probably is the best an...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron, Brass, Enamel

Pair of Italian Wrought Iron Church Torchères, Candleholders, Early 19th Century
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Great pair of Italian Renaissance Revival wrought iron church torchères raised on a large tripod base, early 19th-century. The candleholders are finely handcrafted with elegant detailing and are black painted. Both pieces are in good condition, with original black paint, remained melted wax...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

Art Deco Radio by American Bosch Circa, 1935
Located in Fulton, CA
Classic Art Deco AM radio by United American Bosch (Magnito Corporation) Springfield Mass. circa. 1935. Restored to original working condition.
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Indian Jhansi, Bundelkhand Bronze Toy Horse Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A good antique bronze temple horse on wheels toy originating from Jhansi City in Bundelkhand in Northern India and dating from the 19th century. The Hindu region of Bundelkhand is we...
Category

19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

One & Other Numbers with Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Practice counting using some of the most famous sculptures in the world! One & Other Numbers features sculptures by master sculptor Alexander Calder. Calder’s playful and often vibr...
Category

2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Beautiful and Rare Mahogany Tennis Racket Tensioner from Early 20th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful and rare English Tennis Racket Tensioner from early 20th century or maybe late 19th Century. Made in mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) with brass details. Wear consistent wi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1970s Gorgeous Piero Fornasetti Chess Board - Game Set Box. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous Piero Fornasetti Chess board - Game set Box for Dal Negro in walnut wood , the set is in excellent condition and includes chess game, c...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Vintage Pierre Cardin Abstract Futuristic Modernist Bangle Cuff, 1960s
By Pierre Cardin, Paco Rabanne, Thierry Mugler
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful abstract bangle cuff. All in enameled chromium metal by Pierre Cardin haute couture - iconic and sculptural, this bangle is from the height of Cardin's creative output, 'Fu...
Category

1960s French Futurist Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

French Chess Theme of Ancient Egypt Plaster & Wood Restored, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French chess game in the thematic of Ancient Egypt. The chess pieces are in painted and waxed plaster, the board is in wood and the is also a display shel...
Category

1920s French Egyptian Revival Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

GERMANY 1915 Art Nouveau Antique Racehorse Cigar Cutter In Plated Silver
Located in Miami, FL
An art-nouveau cigar cutter made in Germany. This is a beautiful cigar cutter created in Germany during the late art-nouveau period, back in the 1910-1920, The cigar cutter has been...
Category

1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Large Vintage Cartier Jewelry Blue Sapphire French Gold Silk Scarf Pillow
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the like...
Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Textile, Linen, Silk

Hermès Pre-Owned Notebook in paper case
Located in Vienna, AT
This Notebook from Hermès comes in a Paper case in the typical Hermès orange and it´s boundet with 3 metal rings . The Notebook is in a excellent condition and has never been used be...
Category

2010s French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Alfred Dunhill Silver Plated Rollagas Cigarette Lighter
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Alfred Dunhill Silver Plated Rollagas Cigarette Lighter With Original Box, and leather soft case Stamped Dunhill & Swiss Made on Lighter Base The Rollagas lighter is a dunhill...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

Treasures of the Qing Court, a Personal Perspective London 7 Nov. 2012 Sotheby's
Located in valatie, NY
Treasures of The Qing Court, A Personal Perspective London 7 November 2012 by Sotheby's. 1st Ed softcover auction catalog. The Qing dynasty, officially the Great Qing, was the last ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Chinese Carved Amethyst Peach Pendant 14K Gold Natural Pearl Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Exquisitely carved antique Chinese amethyst peach amulet pendant on 14K yellow gold, natural pearl and faceted amethyst long chain necklace 19th Centu...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Vintage Pink Emerald Green Cartier Panther Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Pillow
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the likes of the Financial Times, and first selling here on 1stdibs in 2016 - our creations are of the absolute top most quality, craftsmanship and finesse. Thank-you for looking. Title: Vintage Pink Emerald Green Cartier Panther Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Pillow Cushion Description: This gem is a one-of-a-kind custom made luxury cushion (pillow) from an exquisite and rare vintage vintage pure silk Cartier fashion scarf...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen, Silk

Large Antique Victorian Two Rifle Rack / Wall-Mounted Gun Display Rack with Box
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and large Victorian rifle rack with width open box at the bottom. This highly decorative and good condition gun rack for wall mounting could look great above your fireplace, but also in a private library, home office or trophy room etc. The beautifully patinated, light nutwood combined with the four strong and all handcrafted brass weapon holders make this victorian antique hunting piece an impressive sight to see. If you are not into hunting, but you simply love the great look of this finest quality rack then you could also use this stylish antique for various other purposes. You could, for example, also have rare swords...
Category

Late 19th Century European Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Iron Balance - Antique Small Brass Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, antique French intricate brass balance with different weights in solid brass, in good condition. The iron scale is topped with the original polished brass plates. The scale ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Modernist Brass Menorah signed Morningstar Metalworks
Located in New York, NY
This sleek and elegant Mid-Century Modernist Brass Menorah signed Morningstar Metalworks origiantes from the United States, C. 1998. This piece features a well balanced rectilinear b...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Most Stylish Large & Quality Carved Wooden Art Deco Corpus of Christ on Crucifix
Located in Lisse, NL
Large crucifix with stunning hand carved details and an amazing patina. This remarkable and large corpus of a deceased Christ on the cross is truly uniqu...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

Jeweled silver walking stick depicting chrysanthemums, by Tiffany, USA 1890-1900
Located in Milan, IT
Walking Stick: A jeweled cane, a curved handle in sterling silver, 925/1000, embossed and chiselled, featuring the Tiffany Chrysanthemum floral motif. The design is distinguished by ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Silver

Charming Miniature Sink from the Early 20th Century, Johnson Brothers Hanley Ltd
Located in Knivsta, SE
Charming Miniature Sink from the Early 1900s – Johnson Brothers Hanley Limited, England Rare and charming miniature ceramic sink from Johnson Brothers Hanley Limited, England. An replica of a full-sized traditional sink, featuring beautiful details and solid craftsmanship. This miniature sink was likely a promotional product...
Category

Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

CLOUGH - Plutarch's Lives. The Translation Called Dryden's. 5 vols. FINELY BOUND
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: CLOUGH, A. H. (Plutarch). TITLE: Plutarch's Lives. The Translation Called Dryden's. PUBLISHER: Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1872. DESCRIPTION: 5 vol., 8-13/16" x 6...
Category

1870s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Antique Trade Scale Brass and Painted Cast Iron, France, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the late 19th century in France. It was a scale used by traders for retail. Brass and painted cast-iron Patina and signs of use which make this antique o...
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Iron

Cartier 18ct Gold Plate Rare Bark Design Cigarette Lighter In Cartier Box
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant and Stylish Rare Cartier Briquet Bark Design Gas Gold Plated Cigarette Lighter Cased With Original Box No.7406489 Fully Working makes an ideal gift for his or her.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Master Drawings from the Yale University Art Gallery 1st Ed Exhibition Catalog
Located in valatie, NY
Master drawings from the Yale University Art Gallery by Suzanne Boorsch and John Marciari. Published by Yale University Press, 2006. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket exhibition cata...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Algeria, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Algérie. Old map of Algeria. This map originates from 'Géographie Universelle Atlas-Migeon' by J. Migeon. Artists and Engravers: Published by J. Migeon. Review...
Category

19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Chromed Brass, Terrestrial, Astro, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 2 draw telescope. An English, chromed brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display. Of generous proportion when fully drawn, and neatly stowed in its own case Displaying a desirable aged patina, some light marks commensurate with use Leather covered primary barrel tanned in dark green with some light colour wear Polished draw tubes show bright silvered tones, lightly marked from gentle use Presenting a clear optical performance, with a 34mm (1.25") primary objective lens Lift-off dust cap to the objective, the flared eye cup...
Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Revolver Lighter, 1980s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handsome lighter is cast in the shape of a revolver. Perfect for any collector of smoking paraphernalia or firearm enthusiast. Meticulous attention to detail throughout makes fo...
Category

1980s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Maharaja & Mughal Magnifice (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Christies 2019 The Al Thani Collection This is the lavish sale catalogue which Christies produced in June 2019 for the sale of the magnificent Al T...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

20 Vols. R.L.Stevenson. The Works
Located in New York, NY
20 Volumes.Robert L. Stevenson. The Works. "Pentland Edition" With Bibliographical notes by Edmund Gosse. Bound in full red morocco, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt, raised bands, ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Second World War 10 x 80 Binoculars, Hensoldt Wetzlar
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
German Hensoldt Wetzlar Observation Binoculars, 10 X 80. A pair of German ex-military observation binoculars mounted on a modern aluminium cradle and gimble with vintage adjustable w...
Category

20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 4 snuff bottles, filigree glass 1920s tobacco bohemian forest, Germany
Located in Wien, AT
Set of four early glass snuff bottles, very rare from the 1920s, made of one of the glassworks in the Bohemian Forest, Germany. These are collection items that were made to a master...
Category

1920s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass

Siebe Gorman Fire Fighter Smoke Mask
By Siebe Gorman & Co.
Located in Stockholm, SE
This is an early Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd. smoke mask. These full face helmets are very rare and found mostly in museum collections. This example looks and feels like it´s never have ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Grandfather Clock Radio by Silvertone, Circa 1931
Located in Fulton, CA
Scarce, Silvertone clock radio. Made by the Colonial Radio Company in 1931 and retailed under the Silvertone name by Sears Roebuck Company. Exceptional con...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Rhodes, James Ford, History of the United States, 7 Vols, in a Fine Binding
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: RHODES, James Ford. TITLE: History Of The United States From The Compromise of 1850 To The Final Restoration Of Home Rule At The South In 1877. PUBLISHER: NY: The Macm...
Category

1910s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Elvis Presley "Sideshow" Limited Edition n. 318/500, 1990s
Located in Palermo, IT
Elvis Presley "Sideshow" limited edition n. 318/500, 1990s Intact and in excellent condition. "Sideshow" is a specialty manufacturer and distributor of the most sought-after original and licensed collectible products, supported by a passionate worldwide community committed to the lifestyle of fine art...
Category

1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Plastic

Winston CHURCHILL. Liberalism And The Social Problem - FIRST EDITION - 1909
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Winston. TITLE: Liberalism And The Social Problem. PUBLISHER: London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1909. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION. 1 vol., 7-7/16" x 5-1/8", bound in ...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Softwatch: 1990 Leather and Gilt Metal Quartz Wristwatch by Exaequo, Hong Kong
Located in North Miami, FL
Softwatch: 1990s leather and gilt melting metal quartz wristwatch by Exaequo, Hong Kong, based on “The Persistence of Memory” by Salvador Dalí By: Exaequo, Salvador Dalí (in the sty...
Category

1990s Hong Kong Post-Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Quartz, Metal

Francois Catroux Designer Book by David Netto
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Francois Catroux Designer Book by David Netto. Francois Catroux innovator interior designer. He mastered the idea of being contemporary. This book looks at his work projects ranging ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Leather Military Riding Boots & Wood Forms Equestrian Horse Cavalry
Located in Dayton, OH
Circa early 20th century / World War I brown leather military riding / cavalry / military / sport boots. Pull on style with laces at the ankle and calf. On leather strap for spurs ex...
Category

Early 20th Century Country Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Cesar, Graphic Experiences, French Book by Frederic Ballester and Jean Ferrero
Located in Atlanta, GA
César, Experiences Graphiques (César, Graphic Experiences) is a French book by Fredreic Ballester and Jean Ferrero, published in 2015, from the Jean Ferrero Inedits Collection. This ...
Category

2010s French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Fine 19th C. German Wood Brass Carpenters Plough Plane Signed Steinlin
Located in Rochester, NY
Antique 19th century German screw arm plough plane carpenters tool in beautifully aged original old color patina to wood and brass w/ very fine hand crafted construction. Stamped Ste...
Category

19th Century German Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Steel

Exhibition Catalog – 25 Originales: Litografías y Aguafuertes by Pablo Picasso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – 25 Originales: Litografías y Aguafuertes by Pablo Picasso, Sala Gaspar, 1987 Artist: Pablo Picasso Exhibition: 25 Originales: Litografías y Aguafuerte...
Category

1980s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

'Taxi Driver' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Japanese, 1976
Located in Devon, GB
Set amidst the moral decay of New York City following the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal, Martin Scorsese's 1976 psychological thriller "Taxi Driver" starred Robert De Niro as a l...
Category

1970s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The Brooke Astor Auction at Sotheby's, NY September 2012, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
The Brooke Astor Auction at Sotheby's, NY September 2012. 1st Ed softcover auction catalog. Brooke Astor was the ultimate New York philanthropist marrying...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique and Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities for Sale

Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior. 

Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world. 

And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.

The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.

Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.  

Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.

Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.

Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.

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Medal-Worthy Memorabilia from Epic Past Olympic Games

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

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

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

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

Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier

Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.

Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure

Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.

Whaam! Blam! Pow! — a New Book on Pop Art Packs a Punch

Publishing house Assouline and writer Julie Belcove have teamed up to trace the history of the genre, from Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama to Mickalene Thomas and Jeff Koons.

The Sparkling Legacy of Tiffany & Co. Explained, One Jewel at a Time

A gorgeous new book celebrates — and memorializes — the iconic jeweler’s rich heritage.

What Makes a Gem-Encrusted Chess Set Worth $4 Million?

The world’s most opulent chess set, weighing in at 513 carats, is literally fit for a king and queen.

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