Collectibles and Curiosities
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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Succession De M. Henri Samuel (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Christie's Monaco, Sunday 15th December 1996.
Henri Samuel (1904 1996) was one of the foremost French interior designers of the twentieth century, hailed by Architectural Digest as a "supreme master of progressive historicism". He was a leading interpreter of le gout Rothschild after the Second World War and helped restore Chateau de Ferrières...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Swiss Powder Compact in Mother of Pearl & Gold Plating
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish vintage powder compact with mirror executed in gold plated metal and showcasing a front tiled with mother of pearl. Swiss made circa 1930-60. Measurements: D: 8 cm, H:dept:...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate
Christie's Works of Art from the Espirito Santo Collection London 12/12/96
Located in valatie, NY
Christie's: Works of Art from the Espirito Santo Collection London 12/12/96 Sale #5729. Softcover catalog of 96 pages with 126 lots. Fine French Furnitu...
Category
1990s English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1900s Decorative Wall Hanging „Multimeter“ Scientific Slide Rule Calculator
Located in Vienna, AT
A dekorative appr. 120-year-old, large, wall-mounted round „Multimeter“ analog slide rule calculator. Dated around 1900, made in Germany. It has a rotatable glass disc and offers multiple features like multiplication, division, interest-calculation and square root...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Dupont by Davidoff Ligne 1 Cigarette Lighter Made in France Stamped 1E9DY06
By Davidoff 1
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant St Dupont for Davidoff Black Laque De Chine Ligne 1 Pocket Cigarette Lighter
Made in France
Stamped 1E9DY06 With Black Leather Branded Davidoff Slip Case
2.5" x 1.4" x 0...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Lacquer
Contemporary Art Underground: MTA Arts & Design New York
Located in New York, NY
A celebration of more than 100 major public art commissions throughout the New York transit system
Contemporary Art Underground presents more than 100 permanent projects completed b...
Category
2010s American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1975 Williams Triple Strike Pinball Machine
Located in Pasadena, CA
If you're a fan of vintage pinball machines, the 1975 Williams Triple Strike is a true classic that delivers a nostalgic arcade experience wit...
Category
20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Les Marques de Fabrique Francaises (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
A beautiful book from 1880 with 183 pages to show varying French product labels. It is divided into five sections - the first four are the vast majority of the book and consist of ho...
Category
19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Taxidermy Peasant Stand, Decoration Object Pheasant Mounts Home Decor
Located in Wembley, GB
A large artistically created birds for table decor, taxidermy pheasant. This figure is Classic Hollywood Regency! They are each unique from one another, with slightly different positions and physical characteristics. Its is very well-weighted and well-balanced piece, beautifully crafted with rare bread of colourful pheasant. The spirit of this bird is a great problem-solver and can invent a way for any of your troubles. Native American lore states that the pheasant symbolises protection and concealment because the bird spends most of the time squatted down in the grass. The presence of a pheasant at your home is, therefore, symbolic of protection from evil eye and power
This superb Ringneck Pheasant specimen comes from a Taxidermy collection...
Category
1920s Danish Hollywood Regency Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Animal Skin, Feathers
The Photographic History of the Civil War in Ten Volumes, by Francis T. Miller
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Miller, Francis Trevelyan (editor). The Photographic History of the Civil War in Ten Volumes. New York: The Review of Reviews Co., 1912. Quarto, ten volume set, in original blue cloth gilt bindings. Illustrated with thousands of photographs, plus maps.
This is an important 10-volume photographic history of the Civil War, edited by Francis Trevelyan Miller. The set was first published in 1911, the 50 year anniversary of the start of the Civil War. This 1912 edition contains “thousands of scenes photographed 1861-65, with text by many special authorities.”
This mammoth work contains written contributions from over 39 academics, writers, veteran officers of both Union and Confederate forces, and President William H. Taft. A number of the photographs are from the collections of private individuals, as well as the extensive Eldridge Collection of Mathew Brady Civil War photographs...
Category
1910s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Paper
Antique English Victorian Brass Telescope in a Tabletop Design, Circa 1870-1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Brass Telescope in a Tabletop Design, Circa 1870-1880.
In working order
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Hand-Made Working 100 Year Old Victorian Style Submarine Model
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a model that will stop you in your tracks. It's just amazing and in working. At 40 inches long this makes a very impressive display. We did rewire the lights and motor and to...
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Native American Beadwork Gauntlets with an Chief, ca 1880-90
Located in York County, PA
Native American beadwork gauntlets with Indian Chiefs in feathered headdresses, probably souix, Ca 1880-90
Native American beadwork gauntlet...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Spanish Colonial Giltwood Altar
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Spanish colonial altar of Virgin and child with mirror insets. Piece with original patina. Some mirror pieces show small cracks, consistent with age. The base with ang...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Back Light Chess Board with Cylindrical Colorful Chess Pieces
Located in Naucalpan, Edo de Mex
This chess belongs to the Board Games collection designed by Orfeo Quagliata.
Exclusive techniques from the artist. 100% handmade with highest quality m...
Category
2010s Mexican Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Art Glass
Modernist Architectural Model in Stained Plywood 1950s
Located in Meer, VAN
Modernist Architectural Model in Stained Plywood, presumably Dutch, 1950s.
This highly tasteful 1950s Modernist architectural model is well crafted in stained plywood and solid wood...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
FREDERIC: The Last Word in Chic
Located in New York, NY
A compilation of the most inspiring interiors featured in the pages of FREDERIC magazine
Since its launch in 2021, Frederic magazine has become one of the design world’s most lauded publications, showcasing the work of legendary decorators and up-and-coming talents alike. In this volume, readers are invited to step inside a curated collection of the most memorable homes covered in its pages.
FREDERIC: The Last Word in Chic visits the personal residences of Veere Grenney, Neisha Crosland, Anne-Marie Midy, and other notable figures, with never-before-seen images shot by the world’s leading interiors photographers. Projects from around the world by top decorators including Redd Kaihoi and Betsy Brown...
Category
2010s American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Gerry Lopez Lighting Bolt ‘Sting’ Surfboard
Located in Haleiwa, HI
‘Sting’ model surfboard shaped by Gerry Lopez. Bold red deck tint with orange wrapped rails/bottom. Shaped by Gerry “Mr. Pipeline” Lopez, the revered surfer, shaper, journalist, film...
Category
2010s North American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fiberglass, Foam, Softwood
Love How You Live: Adventures in Interior Design
Located in New York, NY
The first book from the AD100 interior designer renowned for joyful, vibrant, intensely personal homes imbued with art, pattern, and craftsmanship
A decidedly global outlook best de...
Category
2010s American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Sterling Silver Gold Plated Snuff Box with Architectural Motif
Located in Vienna, AT
This beautiful snuff box is made from gold-plated sterling silver. The lid is embellished with a nice little graphic of a church surrounded by generous floral motives and ornament. I...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Empire Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Large Antique English Brass Desk / Counter Bell c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful and highly decorative desk or counter bell, my favourite kind with the more unusual clapper to the side rather than the ones you ring from the top. The hinged clapper is ...
Category
1890s British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Sotheby's Great Sales 1987-1988, with Duchess of Windsor Jewels, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's great sales 1987-1988 by Sotheby's Institute of Art. Barrie & Jenkins 1988, London. 1st Ed with dust jacket. This annual reference work provides a view of the year's develo...
Category
1980s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Indian large Silver beaded necklace Darjeeling Tribal
Located in London, GB
Vintage Indian large Silver beaded necklace
large silver beads on woven cord
Darjeeling India early/ mid 20th century
High grade silver.
Measure: length 58 cm 23.5 inches,
Per...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Bally's 'Dixieland' Pinball Arcade Game, 1968
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 'DIXIELAND' themed pinball machine from 1968. Made by Bally's. In excellent working condition. Great visuals and sounds. Fun paced gameplay. Game has two small flippers, whic...
Category
1960s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
S.T. Dupont 18 Carat Gold Plated Briquet De Poche Lighter With Original Box
By S.T. Dupont
Located in Reading, Berkshire
S.T. Dupont 18 Carat Gold Plated Briquet De Poche LD Plaque Gas Cigarette Lighter With Original Box and Papers
Stamped 100NL95
No 2294
Made in Paris, France
Purchase receipt sho...
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Steel
Vintage graduated Amethyst Necklace
Located in London, GB
Vintage graduated Amethyst Necklace
A Very fine Vintage Amethyst Necklace made from graduated beads interspersed with small gold plated meta...
Category
Late 20th Century Indian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Amethyst
Antique 19th Century Forged Iron Runner & Painted Wood Child Size Sled
Located in Lafayette, IN
Charming child-size sled from the mid to late 19th century. Sled features forged/riveted iron runners, wooden deck, and original hand painted patina. Wonderful size and wonderful pat...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Art, Gout, Beaute: Feuillets de L'Elegance Feminine (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This is an extremely rare bound set of the 12 ART, GOUT, BEAUTE monthly fashion magazines from 1924. It was noted or its superb art deco pochoir illustrations, some of which were dou...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Museum Quality Hand Carved Sacred Heart of Christ Sculpture / Statue
Located in Lisse, NL
Striking and meaningful finest work of religious art.
This beautifully stylish hand carved and large size Sacred Heart of Christ statue is another one of our recent great finds. In our view the sculptor has perfectly managed to capture both the wisdom and serenity of our Lord Jesus Christ. This large size and carved out of solid teakwood Sacred Heart sculpture...
Category
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Teak
Hermes Anti-Stress Ball in Orange Leather, 2000s France
By Hermès
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This one's for the baseball lovers and luxury collectors. Designed as a limited-edition item, Hermès released these "Herstress" anti-stress balls in the 2...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Lambskin, Leather
Ellsworth Kelly Exhibition Catalog Book New York, 1973
Located in New York, NY
An Ellsworth Kelly exhibition catalog book from the Museum of Modern Art, New York, New York, 1973. Exhibition covers the Army, Boston, Pari...
Category
1970s American Minimalist Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Ezra POUND. Personae. FIRST EDITION - INSCRIBED BY THE DEDICATEE TO POUND’S SON
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: POUND, Ezra.
TITLE: Personae.
PUBLISHER: London: Elkin Mathews, 1909.
DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION INSCRIBED BY THE DEDICATEE TO POUND’S SON. 1 vol., inscribed on the dedic...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Vintage English Walking Stick Cane Wooden Gold Plated Cow Horn Handle
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Very Stylish Fine Quality Polished Ebony Wooden Lady’s or Gentleman’s Walking Cane of substantial quality and good weight very suitable to use as an everyday stick, with an elegant decoratively carved classical Cow Horn L shaped handle above a finely repousse chased gold plated silver collar with a vacant cartouche and a wonderful wide mount with matching chased decoration. Last quarter of the Nineteenth Century, of English origin
Condition: Good condition with nice patination, few small character dents to gilt mounts, complete with its original firm fitting solid steel and polished brass ferrule. Nice straight stick in wonderful condition.
Length: 35.5" (89cm) Width of handle: 4.25" (11cms).
Location: Dublin City, Ireland.
Affordable fixed price Worldwide Store to door Shipping offered by Seller.
*TIP: When deciding to purchase a Walking Stick on-line, always check the dimensions especially its length. Many antique sticks...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Original Antique Map of Hawaii And Adjacent Islands. C.1900
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Fabulous map of Hawaii. With a vignette of Honolulu
Original color.
Engraved and printed by the George F. Cram Company, Indianapolis.
Published, C.1900.
Unframed.
Free shipping.
Category
1890s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Pocket Field Microscope, English, Brass, Instrument, Edwardian, C.1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique scientist's field microscope. An English, brass, pocket instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
Appealing brass ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Dutch silver cigar case by Willem de Peijt, Schoonhoven, 1856
Located in Delft, NL
Dutch silver cigar case by Willem de Peijt, Schoonhoven, 1856
A silver cigar case for 5 cigars in size 12 cm x 1 cm. The silver case is decorated with floral engravings on the fron...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Rare Vintage Anne Klein Red Resin and Brass Shapes Statement Necklace
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible vintage necklace by Anne Klein. This is a true burst of color in a rare piece that is sculptural and unique. Created with artistry and detail, resin and brass combine to...
Category
1970s American Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Impressive Antique Brass Dolland & Co. Telescope With Case for Restoration
By Dolland
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large antique Dolland & Co brass telescope with labeled wood box with accessories as shown. Engraved brass lens G. Dollond, London. Comes with tall wooden stand or smaller brass tri...
Category
19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage African Cape Buffalo Skull European Mount on Wooden Plaque Taxidermy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage African Cape Buffalo Skull European Mount on Wooden Plaque Taxidermy. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements (Overall): 27" H x 36" W x 13" D. Each antler approx. 19" Long. No...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Rustic Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Horn
Elegant English miniature chest of drawers in walnut burl from Mid-19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant English miniature chest of drawers in walnut burl from Mid-19th Century.
Perfect as a jewelry or collector’s box.
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
Mid-19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
The Gallé Ceramics, French Book by Musée de l'Ecole de Nancy, France 1984
By Émile Gallé
Located in Atlanta, GA
La Céramique de Gallé (The Gallé Ceramics), French Book by the Musée de l'Ecole de Nancy in France, 1984.
Émile Gallé, the founder of the School of Nancy, is unanimously recognized a...
Category
1980s French Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Miniature Painted Union Jack Leather Chesterfield Sofa – Vintage British Style
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th/Early 21st c. a striking handcrafted miniature Chesterfield sofa, meticulously designed with a distressed dark navy leather exterior and a hand-painted Union Jack motif. Me...
Category
1990s English Chesterfield Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Walt Disney's Donald Duck. The Ultimate History. Limited Edition book & prints
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nothing succeeds like success, as the saying goes, but in the case of Donald Duck the opposite is true: the candor with which Donald reveals his weaknesses wins our hearts and stays ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Original Exhibition Catalog – 5 Grabats Més 1 Portada by Joan Miró, Sala Gaspar
By Joan Miró
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – 5 Grabats Més 1 Portada by Joan Miró, Sala Gaspar, 1976
Artist: Joan Miró
Exhibition: 5 Grabats Més 1 Portada – Sala Gaspar, Barcelona
Year: 1976
La...
Category
1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Lightning Bolt 'Pipeliner' Surfboard shaped by Gerry Lopez
Located in Haleiwa, HI
‘Pipeliner’ model Lightning Bolt surfboard shaped by Gerry Lopez in 2024. Bold yellow deck tint with classic black wrapped rails/bottom and red pinstripe detail. Hand shaped from a Clark Foam...
Category
2010s North American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fiberglass, Foam, Softwood
Braun SK 61 Record Player by Hans Hugelot and Dieter Rams
Located in Vienna, AT
Radio-phono combination Braun SK 61. Design in Germany in 1962 by Hans Gugelot, Dieter Rams with the collaboration of Otl Aicher (transmitter scale), for M...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Antique Bronze Train Sign - 923, 1910s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A very heavy and patinated bronze sign with raised numerals 923. The sign is handmade in 1-2 cm thick stock and weighs in around 8 kg. It comes from a P 923 train that was built by B...
Category
1910s Danish Arts and Crafts Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
19th C. Diminutive Plaster Phrenology Head, Atribb. A.L. Vago London, C.1870
By Vago
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th C. Diminutive Plaster Phrenology Head, Attributed to A.L. Vago London. C 1870
This diminutive plaster Phrenology head, attributed to A.L. Vago London circa 1870, stands as a f...
Category
19th Century English High Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass 'Starboy' astronomical mounted refractor by Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co, dating to the early 20...
Category
Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Cartier Silk Scarf backed in Linen Pillow Sapphire Blue Antique Gold
By Cartier
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 Cartier Silk Scarf...
Category
Late 20th Century French Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen, Silk
Carl Auböck Midcentury Brass Seahorse Handmade Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist seahorse keyring / key holder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped a...
Category
20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Gentleman's Art Deco Pocket Knife in Sterling Silver, by H.J & Co Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish gentlemans pocket knife featuring a hammered silver frame in hall-marked sterling. The two knives are made by G. Felix in Solingen Germany. Suitable for pipe cleaning or fr...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Steel
Modern Bronze Verdigris Menorah
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous modern bronze verdigris menorah from Israel, circa 1980s. The menorah measures 8"W x 3"D x 10.5"H and is quite heavy and solid. #3787
Category
Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Rare Baby Grand Phonograph
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an original Fern-O-Grand Co. Baby Grand Piano Phonograph. Mahogany baby grand piano style case stands on cabriole legs with Queen Anne style feet; the keyboard section opens ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Queen Anne Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Crucifix w. Bronze Corpus and Stunning Hand Carved Oakwood Cross
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size, finest quality and superb condition antique wall crucifix.
This antique work of religious art consists of a top quality carved, oakwooden cross and a superbly hand-crafted bronze corpus of Christ with a beautiful patina. The rare wooden cross comes with superbly hand carved 'fleur de lis' symbols on all ends which makes us believe that this ecclesiastical antique in the Renaissance Style originates from France. This bronze sculpture of Christ clearly depicts Jesus just shortly after the suffering has ended and His body could no longer hold on to life. People think of different things when looking at Christ who died on the cross, but no matter what you think of most, this antique crucifix...
Category
Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Hand Forged Iron Double Sided Music Stand
Located in Fayetteville, AR
Originally used in a church, this impressive French hand-forged iron music stand is designed so that a musician can stand on each side. Candleholders extend on the left and right to ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Gio Ponti: The Complete Work 1923-1978 (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This book is the first complete survey and profile of one of the 20th centuries most accomplished architects and designers. He was incredibly prolific and did not just stick with arc...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Classic French Recipes
Located in New York, NY
'An excellent, encouraging introduction to French home cooking by an author who combines the best culinary qualities of Gallic versions of Irma Rombauer and Fannie Farmer, with just a dash of Ratatouille’s beloved Chef Gusteau.' – Library Journal, Starred Review
A stunning collection of the very best French recipes from the foremost authority on home-cooking in France
Celebrated food writer Ginette Mathiot, author of Je sais cuisiner (the best-selling home-cooking book...
Category
2010s Chinese 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.
Read More
Medal-Worthy Memorabilia from Epic Past Olympic Games
Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
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.