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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1940s
Antique Decorative Cast Iron Cannon Early 20th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a superb antique decorative cast iron signal cannon mounted on a two-wheeled carriage, and dating from Circa 1920. This well-proportioned and detailed cast iron model of an ...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Large Antique GE General Electric Oscillating Industrial Desk Fan Works 21"
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique 1915 2-Star / Loop handle desk fan by General Electric. Black painted steel housing with four brass blades / wings and cage with serpentine bars. Three speed; oscillati...
Category

1910s Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Terrestrial Globe Published in 1940s by Girard Barrère et Thomas, Paris
Located in Milan, IT
Terrestrial globe published in the 1940s by Girard Barrère et Thomas 17, Rue de Buci Paris. Turned wooden base, papier mâché sphere covered with paper printed by engraving on copper ...
Category

1940s French Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Fine Brass Cased Pocket Compass by Short & Mason Ltd., London c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A very fine English brass cased compass, professionally cleaned and polished restoring it to it's former glory. The face signed Short & Mason / London together with the brand name "...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Zebra Handmade Taxidermy Figurine
Located in Grythyttan, SE
MAKER: Unknown COUNTRY: Unknown, could be Austria PRODUCED: probably sometime between 1920-1960 EYES: Black, Glass MATERIAL: Animal fur, probably goat. SIZE: Height: 20 cm, Leng...
Category

Early 20th Century European Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Animal Skin

Antique & Good Size Gothic Revival Wrought Iron & Cathedral Glass Lantern 1920s
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning, top quality made and all original antique pendant in the Gothic style. If you are a collector of rare and ancient looking Gothic antiques then this good size and possibly ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Antique Iron Worker Hand Forged Vintage Tools Set of 9
Located in Chula Vista, CA
collection handmade Iron Blacksmithing Tools- Set of 9 Antique Iron Worker Tools forging metal circa early 1900s tool total 9 25 the longest x 3...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron, Metal

Fine Pair Antique Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses by LeMaire, Paris c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A very fine pair of Edwardian opera glasses made from Mother of Pearl and the polished brass; made by the creme de la creme of makers, LeMaire of Paris. Both Mother of Pearl eye pie...
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

14K Gold Hand Tooled with Bone Cigarette Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Incredible Hand Tooled 14k Gold Cigarette holder with bone. The piece is exquisitely made, and while it could be used for cigarettes, we might recommend use with 420, or as a decora...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bone

Encyclopedie Des Arts Décoratifs Et Industriels Modernes, Complete in 12 Volumes
Located in New York, NY
First edition, complete in 12 volumes, of the Encyclopedie des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernest au XXeme Siecle, published by Imprimerie Nationale, Office Central D'Editions ...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Wood Croquet Set
Located in New York, NY
A vintage croquet set. USA, circa 1920-1940. Includes wooden mallets, wood balls, and metal wickets in a rustic green wheeled stand. Original paint.
Category

1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Medium Antique Taxidermy Dome, English, Glass Display Showcase, Edwardian, 1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique taxidermy dome. An English, glass collectible display showcase, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Distinctive embossed cushion within a medium sized d...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood

Set of 9 Antique Brass Scale Weights in Wood Block Apothecary 1920s
Located in Dayton, OH
1920's brass apothecary scale weight set including nine weights (one 50 gram, three 100 grams, one 200 grams, one 500 grams, one 1 kilo, and one 2 ki...
Category

1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1920's Art Deco Black Porcelain Electronic "Tilt to Light" Lighter
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This lighter would likely have a sleek and elegant design, indicative of the Art Deco style popular during the 1920s. This black Porcelain lighter has clean lines, geometric shapes, ...
Category

1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

Weighted Wood Chess Set by John Jaques of London in Wood Box 7cm Kings, ca 1950
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good and complete English handmade wood "weighted" chess set game of 32 pieces, in its original box with a sliding lid, made by John Jaques of London and dating to the mid 20th century period. The chess pieces are made of turned and carved varnished wood. The bases of ALL pieces are weighted with metal pieces and the bases have a green felt/paper cover. Weighted sets like this one have a much nicer "feel" when playing. The pieces in the set are in the Staunton style. Sizes: Kings: 70mm ( ~ 2.75 inches); Pawns: ~45mm (~1.7 inches) The set comes complete with its original wood storage box, having a sliding lid and complete with a paper makers sticker to the lid. Overall a good "weighted" John Jaques chess...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Striking Antique Austrian Bronze Bust of Christ Crowned w. Thorns by F. Seifert.
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and antique bronze and hard stone(base) sculpture of our Lord Jesus by Franz Seifert, Wien. This breathtaking religious bronze bust sculpture by Austrian master Franz Seifert...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble, Bronze

GERMANY 1915 Art Nouveau Antique Duck Head 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

12 Volumes. Bronte, Emily, Charlotte & Anne. The Novels.
Located in New York, NY
12 Volumes. Bronte, Emily, Charlotte & Anne. The Novels. "Thornton Edition." Bound in 3/4 blue calf, marbled boards, top edges gilt, raised bands, gilt panels, illustrated. Published...
Category

Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Antique Gamewell Cast Iron Fire Alarm Station Radio Telegraph Box 17"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Gamewell Co wall hanging cast iron fire alarm box. #2462, from Dayton Ohio. Dimensions: 12.5" x 6" x 16.75" (Width x Depth x Height)
Category

1910s American American Classical Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Antique Fine Handcarved Oak Gothic Revival Wall Shrine / Chapel for Statuette
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and good condition, Gothic-art shrine for standing or wall-hanging. This handsome and decorative, Gothic wall shrine is completely hand-crafted out of solid oak and it will look awesome, no matter where you decide to mount or place her. It must have taken its creator quite a few days to first draw this intricate design on paper and then hand carve the entire piece out of solid oak. The Gothic Style elements are deeply handcarved in both doors and they make this shrine highly decorative and an absolute joy to own and look at. This cabinet chapel (or chapel cabinet) comes with its brass lock in perfect working order and also with its original gothic style key. The handgrip is in fact a Gothic trefoil symbol (for the trinity). What also makes this piece extra attractive is the Gothic church window-like frame behind the doors. It is among the finest we have seen to date and on top of that this antique also has a beautiful and rich patina. By the way, the bronze Mary statuette is not included in our price. Finally, thanks to the hook in the back, mounting this antique chapel...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique Carved Fish Trophy of a Fochaber Salmon.
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Carved Wye Salmon Trophy Fish. An excellent Fochaber's studio carved wooden cock salmon. The half block salmon has relief fins and is beautifully executed and painted to a high stand...
Category

Early 1900s British Sporting Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Gothic Revival Religious Ecclesiastical Bronze Chest Casket Jewelry Box
Located in Cheltenham, GB
Gothic revival religious ecclesiastical bronze chest casket / jewelry box circa 1910 A finely cast solid bronze rectangular casket features stylized decorative gothic archway panel ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Baroque Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique Collector's Dome, English, Glass, Taxidermy, Botany, Showcase, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique collector's dome. An English, glass and ebonised mahogany taxidermy or specimen showcase, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Appealing Edwardian example...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood

1 Volume. Herman Melville, Moby Dick.
Located in New York, NY
1 Volume. Herman Melville, Moby Dick. Bound in full red calf with a gilt-tooled ship on the front cover with gilt-tooling on the raised band spine. Top edges gilt. Marbled endpapers....
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Antique Doctors Standing Scale with Sliding Weights
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a beautiful antique FAIRBANKS Industrial stand up doctors' scale. It has a height indicator and a movable weights made in solid brass. This is all original and still shows th...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Tall Antique Taxidermy Specimen Showcase, English, Collector's Dome, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a tall antique taxidermy specimen showcase. An English, glass and pine collector's dome, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Impres...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Pine

Off With Their Heads (Or Just the Cigar Tips): Brass Guillotine Cutter
Located in New York, NY
**Early 20th-Century Brass Guillotine Cigar Cutter** Why settle for a boring cigar cutter when you can channel the drama of the French Revolution every time you light up? This early 20th-century brass guillotine cigar cutter, crafted by masterful French artisans, brings a touch of history and a whole lot of flair to your smoking ritual. Featuring a miniature guillotine...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique Bronze Figure of a Lady Golfer
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Jose Dunach Bronze Lady Golf Figure. A very nice French Art Deco style sculpture of a lady golfer mounted on a round naturalistic base, the golfer ...
Category

1920s French Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Edwardian Diamond & Sapphire Bracelet
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage early 20th century Edwardian (1902 - 1918) diamond bracelet is elaborately designed in platinum & multiple precious gems. The bracelet center features six embellished ce...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Gold

Clock
Located in Aspen, CO
Clock is damaged just for showpiece its not working.Original
Category

1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Taxidermy Fish In Bow Fronted Case, Roach
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Taxidermy, Preserved Fish, Cased Roach. A cased roach in a nice bow fronted case with gilt lines and writing. The case contains a cleverly modelled roach set against a painted backdr...
Category

Early 20th Century British Sporting Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Animal Skin, Wood

1920s Whiting Sculptoscope Coin Op Stereo Card Viewer
Located in Peekskill, NY
Original whiting sculpt scope coin-operated stereo card viewer from the 1920s. Deposit a penny, pull trigger and look through the viewer to flip through st...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Industrial Era Post Office Box Tower
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A tall narrow oak tower fitted with 14 boxes with metal plaques on the doors and monogram US, each with two combination locks for security and glass panels. Open backs for the postal...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Architectural miniature staircase model, masterpiece
Located in Delft, NL
Architectural miniature staircase model, masterpiece A miniature staircase model, partly of oak with pressed wood, which is also called a masterpiece in the craft school of the earl...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Antique Virgin Sculpture on a Wooden Glass Door Cabinet, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique cabinet with a slide glass door containing an antique plaster sculpture of a virgin, dressed with hand-tailored clothes. Manufactured by unknown artist in Spain, circa 1940....
Category

1940s Spanish Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood

1930s Enamel Powder Compact Pocket Mirror with Fox Terriers
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare cushion shaped powder compact featuring a pair of well-groomed fox terriers. Its exterior is executed in gold plate and enamel. The interior is intact with powder compartment ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Bauhaus Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Antique Pennsylvania Railroad Stock Car Model
Located in Dekalb, IL
Antique handmade railroad stock car model. As a model of the railroad cars designed to haul livestock like cattle, this exquisite replica delivers some remarkable details including ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

1890s Vintage Ship Project by Charles Sibbick from the Uffa Fox archives
By Charles Sibbick
Located in Milan, IT
Structure of his favourite kind of keel by Charles Sibbick the designer, similar to the modern boats racing today in America's cup. It is a part of a project for a 52' linear rater f...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The American Revolution by John Fiske, Later Printing, Two Volumes, 1901
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Fiske, John. The American Revolution. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1901. In two volumes. Reprint ("Twenty seventh thousand"). 8vo. Three-quarter tan calf, blin...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Chrome "Lucky Car" Lighter Occupied Japan with Box
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Figural Lucky Car Automobile Cigarette table lighter made in occupied Japan. Condition is good with wear to the middle portion that pops up ...
Category

1940s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Novels 'Works & Letters' of Jane Austen, Winchester Edition, 12 Volumes
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
Author: AUSTEN, Jane. Title: The Novels (Works and Letters) of Jane Austen. Publisher: Edinburgh: John Grant, 1911-12. Description: The Winchester...
Category

1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Antique Lifesize Crowned Mother Mary and Child Jesus Gothic Revival Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Hand carved wood antique statue of Mother Mary wearing a Gothic crown. This original and all hand carved sculpture of the mother of all mothers is anothe...
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

1920s 35 Zeiss-Ikon 35 Cm Cinema Projector
Located in London, GB
A late 1920s 35 mm Zeiss-Ikon cinema projector. Lens: Neokino 52.5/110 by Emil Busch A.-G. Rathenow. Original black paint. Lamp house contain...
Category

Early 20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Antique Nautical Historical Picture of the Ship Virgen De Africa Cadiz, 1917
Located in Milan, IT
Large black and white historical picture depicting the ship Virgen de Africa Cadiz, dated 1917. Original frame, 112 x 79 - inches 44 x 31. Good condition.
Category

1910s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

46-Star American Flag Printed in Drum Star Configuration
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an original 46-Star American parade flag, celebrating Oklahoma statehood. Each star on the flag's canton represents a state in the Union at the time. The official flag design would update every July 4th, to include any new states added to the Union in the past year. Oklahoma, the 46th state, entered the Union on November 16, 1907. As such, this 46–star flag was the official flag of the United States from July 4, 1908, until July 4, 1912. The silk flag has a dark blue canton with 46 white printed stars. The stars are printed in an 7-8-8-8-8-7 row configuration, or “Drum design.” The flag design is completed with 13 alternating red and white stripes, each stripe representing one of the original thirteen colonies. The land that comprises Oklahoma today was added to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Throughout the 19th century, the U.S. government relocated Indian tribes from the southeastern United States to the area, and by 1900, over 30 Indian tribes had been moved to what was originally called the Indian Territories. At the same time, ranchers in Texas began to move into the area in search of new pasture lands. Although stipulations in the Indian Relocation Act agreed that the land would forever be Indian Territory, the promise of fertile farmland trumped the government’s promise of sovereignty. On April 22, 1889, they opened the land to settlement by homesteaders, creating a land run in which settlers, called “Boomers,” were allowed to cross the Texas or Arkansas border at a particular hour to claim homesteads. Settlers who illegally crossed the border earlier to stake prime land were called “sooners,” which eventually became the state’s nickname. Wagons and the Santa Fe railroad carried cartloads of men and women to blank town sites and building plots, creating ten thousand-people communities in a matter of days. The following year, the region was further divided into Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory...
Category

1910s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silk

Tall Antique Collector's Dome, English, Glass, Ornament Showcase, Late Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
Our Stock # 24385 This is a tall antique collector's dome. An English, glass and ebonised pine ornament showcase, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Superb example fo...
Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Pine

Antique White Jade Chinese Hair Pin Finely Carved
Located in Somis, CA
This beautiful white jade hair pin is a work of art. An oval head with scalloped edges is fully carved in three dimensions, showcasing an elegant peasant perched among the branches o...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Jade

Extra Large Crucifix with Hand Carved Oak Corpus of Christ for Church or Chapel
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully carved and large size corpus of Jesus, made in the Arts & Crafts era. This meaningful and unique crucifix from the early 1900s comes with a larger than life, hand carved oak Corpus of Christ. The details in the anatomy of this Christ are very well carved and they clearly reveal the suffering and dehydration that His body endured in the final days of his life. The artist/sculptor is clearly showing us the image of Jesus when or right after he bowed his head and died. The solid oak cross is original to this corpus and it was given a different color so that the unique and impressive corpus stands out perfectly. Have you also noticed the perfectly carved and thick crown of thorns on the head of Christ. The patina of this excellent condition and large corpus is another great feature that will never fail to impress. The former owners gave us the photo that you see in image 3 in this listing and in it you can see where this antique corpus...
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Betel Motor Car Art Deco Brass Box, Collectible Toy, Children's Paint Set, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Patent 75086 - This is a large tobacco box with many purposes, (Child's Paint Set). Car in multicolored golden tin in classic brass. Almost new with all the original parts. Wonderful...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass

Scale Ship Model of an English Frigate
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century model of a British Royal Frigate. Rigged with a suit of ten sails. Three decks of guns with cannon running out of the gunports. The shrouds are properly clove...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Rare Antique Sonora Victorian Quartersawn Oak Tabletop Phonograph Record Player. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 13" H x 22" W x 18" D.
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Gothic Revival Silvered Bronze Crucifix with a Gilt Bronze Corpus Christ
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size and impressive make, Gothic church altar crucifix. This ornate and all hand-crafted, bronze table crucifix comes with a good quality made a...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Circa 1920s-30s English Stag Motif Brass Table Bell
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1920s-30s English stag motif brass table bell. Ring etched bell. Acanthus foot under base of very well developed stag. 7" h., 3 7/16" dia
Category

Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Unique Pair of Arts & Crafts Brass and Copper Church Pedestals, Columns / Stands
Located in Lisse, NL
Identical, practical and quality crafted pair of adjustable pedestals. This top quality pair of former Church stands was all hand-crafted around the turn of the century. This is als...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper, Brass

Edward F. Caldwell Gothic Style Jeweled Champleve Enamel Antique Folio Cover
Located in New York, NY
A very rare, fine large Edward F. Caldwell jeweled champleve enamel folio cover in the High Gothic Style. The central panel depicting a King on a white horse holding a large orb with a snake symbol, surrounded by exquisitely detailed Gothic heraldic elements and jeweled embellishments. Burgundy velvet lined interior, retaining original leather backing and spine, wear commensurate with age, ideal for a museum or private collection. Measurements: 13.63 inches high, 11 inches wide, 1 inch deep Condition: the enamel panel is in excellent condition, age appropriate wear to velvet, leather and interior pages. Please note, the enamel panel may be removed and mounted on a modern folio if desired. This piece may be framed or displayed as a decorative panel on a stand Edward F. Caldwell & Co was established in 1895 in New York City at 31 East 17th Street and quickly became one of the premier designers and manufacturers of fine lighting and decorative objects. Their commissions included J.P. Morgan's residence, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Vanderbilt Mansion, Henry Clay Frick residence, Harvard Club...
Category

Early 20th Century American Gothic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Enamel

Official U.S. Air Force compass of 1915 signed Ceebynite Short & Mason N.Y.
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass in use by 1915 U.S. Air Force officers made of brass in the shape of an onion clock, signed Ceebynite Short & Mason Taylor Rochester N.Y. The compass is equipped with ...
Category

1910s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique Book, Pendennis, William Thackeray, Novel, Fiction, Edwardian, C.1908
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a delightful antique edition of Pendennis, the classic novel by celebrated English author William Makepeace Thackeray. An illustrated, bound volume, retaining its original fo...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Walking Stick with Silver Handle
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Antique walking stick with silver handle: may be French, from the early twentieth or late nineteenth century. It's very elegant functional. ref. O/7571
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

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

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

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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.

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