Collectibles and Curiosities
to
605
2,078
1,918
4,179
313
170
156
147
105
104
85
68
31
19
9
5
4
4
4
3
1
4,430
6,784
13,459
2,726
3,520
4,676
3,078
512
300
606
745
480
898
887
899
659
595
1,781
1,215
1,012
466
376
2,246
899
886
767
451
4,179
4,179
4,179
12
11
10
8
7
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1980s
Set of twenty leather bound books by charles Dickens
Located in Cheshire, GB
Set of twenty leather-bound books by Charles Dickens in good overall condition, some slight wear marks to edges.
Dimensions
Height 8.5 Inches
Width 6 Inches
Depth 2 Inches
Category
Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
2 Miniature Picture Frames Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare Set of two Pictures framed in Gold plated ormulu frames is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful intricate design, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. You will get 2 Erhard and Söhne Frames and one framed pictures with a landscape to place it in your dollhouse.
Made of high-quality gold-plated metal and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this Erhard & Söhne dollhouse toy...
Category
Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Gold Plate
The Writings Of Benjamin Franklin. 10 VOLUMES - IN A FULL LEATHER BINDING!
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: FRANKLIN, Benjamin (Albert Henry Smyth - editor).
TITLE: The Writings Of Benjamin Franklin. Collected And Edited With A Life & Introduction.
PUBLISHER: New York: The Macmi...
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Asian Ethnographic woven silver cuff Bracelet Indian Rajasthan Vintage Jewellery
Located in London, GB
A Fine antique Indian tribal bracelet from Rajasthan made from Woven silver in strikingly simple but highly stylistic zigzag form.
The Bracelet is open at one end so can be shap...
Category
Early 20th Century Indian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Cars Tin Toy Dreams by Teruhisa Kitahara, First Edition
Located in valatie, NY
Cars: Tin Toy Dreams by Teruhisa Kitahara. Chronicle Books, 1985. First Edition softcover. Contains hundreds of full color and black and white illustrations from the T. Kitahara coll...
Category
1980s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Cribbage Board, English, Oak, Brass, Card Game Scoreboard, Circa 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Cribbage board. An English, oak and brass card game scoreboard with pin storage, dating to the early 20th century, circa 192...
Category
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Original Antique Map of The London Underground. 1911
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Superb map of The London Underground
Published by Ward Lock, 1911
Folding map. Printed on paper
Unframed.
Good condition/ Minor repair to an edge tear on right edge ( shown in ...
Category
1910s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Canvas, Paper
Antique Art Nouveau German Table Cigar Cutter 1900s with Cherub Angel Decoration
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful cigar cutter to stand on your table. It is in very good condition to its age, original state, with nice patina. It is fully functional. Has a beautiful Cherub Angel decor...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
North American Wild Flowers by Mary Vaux Wolcott 6 Volumes Limited Edition Rare
Located in San Francisco, CA
North American Wild Flowers
by Mary Vaux Walcott, signed limited edition 1925 This is copy #129 of 500
Published by The Smithsonian Institution Washington, D.C.
6 volumes. Folio (14....
Category
1920s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Victrola XVI Mahogany Upright Disc Player & Discs C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Victrola XVI Mahogany Upright Disc Player & Discs C1900.
24 1/4" x 22 7/8" x 49".
A well crafte...
Category
Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
$1,320 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Real Chinese Abacus
Located in Somis, CA
This is an authentic, original Chinese abacus that was actually used in the early 20th century. The abacus, an ingenious calculator, has been a vital tool in China for over a thousan...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
$110 Sale Price
60% Off
Master Drawings and Watercolors in the British Museum
Located in Bradenton, FL
Master Drawings and Watercolors in the British Museum, Fra Angelico to Henry Moore. Softcover book, published in 1984 by British Museum Publications Ltd of Bloomsbury Street, London....
Category
1980s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Hen on Nest Tureen Doll House Accessory Antique German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A petite antique German doll or doll house accessory. Made of depression glass. Nice for every decoration in your dollhouse or doll kitchen.
It is in ver...
Category
1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Craps Casino Table Lighter, 1980s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The coolest table lighter, cast in the shape of a Craps table. This vintage piece has meticulous details with miniature red and white loose dice that sit atop a green felt board. The...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
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
Cartier Art Deco, 18K Powder, Lipstick 4.365 Oz. Auction Prices exceeded $35000
By Cartier
Located in Soquel, CA
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Powder - Lipstick 4.365 oz., Art Deco, Rare - Paris
Rare and Precious Object from Cartier Paris, 1920-1925, .750-18KT yellow gold, carved antique Jade, 30 Ceylon sapphires, enamel. Please note the recent auction records prices reflect sales of $28,000-$40,000 for one of these compacts. The Jadeite Jade plate comes from the apprêts. The term apprêts referred to a stock of fragments from disassembled jewelry and other objects, including ancient items...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Jade, Gold
$17,500 Sale Price
50% Off
Antique English Brass Cased Folding Magnifying Glass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely shaped little folding / pocket magnifying glass which folds into a shaped brass case, marked "Made In England".
Dating to c.1920, remaining in excellent condition measuring...
Category
1920s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Rare Arts & Crafts Standing Floor Crucifix w Stylized Bronze Sculpture of Christ
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare Gothic revival church crucifix and a wonderful hand crafted work of religious art. Made and marked by Brom, Utrecht (see image 17).
Brom of Utrecht was a family (or dynasty) of...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Vintage English Poker Game Set in a Burl Box
Located in New York, NY
Handsome vintage poker and card set .The box and container is made of burl wood . Inside features four fitted carousel boxes that come in and out and hold all the poker chips along w...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Bakelite, Burl
Colorful Framed Tropical Butterflies Taxidermy Mounted Insect Display 6 Pieces 3
Located in Poperinge, BE
Collection of framed and dried colorful butterflies, 6 pieces in total, nice collection in wooden box with glass, the black frame is decorated with carved patterns, second half of th...
Category
1980s European Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Pair Cufflinks Antique German Art Nouveau Jewelry, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Two lovely stylish cufflinks in original old box. Made in Germany, circa 1900. Each is marked with a manufactory mark and "amerikaner". Thats probably the mark for american double.
...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ormolu
Colorful Framed Tropical Butterflies Taxidermy Mounted Insect Display 7 Pieces
Located in Poperinge, BE
Collection of framed and dried colorful butterflies, large and small, 7 pieces in total, nice collection in a glass box, second half of the 20th century.
The collection includes a large green male birdwing butterfly...
Category
1980s European Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Cigarette Case black lines Art Deco style Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Handbag cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fire enamel. Opening with spring button. Size cm. 6.3 x 9.7 x 1.5. Weight gr. 215. Created in Art Deco style for Cartier...
Category
1980s Italian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Dentist Chair Type III, Series 3266 by J. Corno, Union Frimor, France, ca 1920
Located in Delft, NL
A dentist chair Type III, series 3266 by J. Corno, Union Frimor, France ca. 1920
The heavy chair has the color in a mahogany look with gold line. The chair has leather headrests a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
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
Spanish Baroque Carved Mini Sized Sunburst Mirror, Gold Leaf, Giltwood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique Spanish Baroque carved giltwood sunburst miniature mirror with crest. Spain, 19th century- Early 20th century.
This lovely collection mirror has a carved frame covered with g...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Leaf
Miniature Model of Sicilian Fishing Boat, Handmade, 1980s
Located in Palermo, IT
Miniature model of a Sicilian fishing boat, called a "lance".
Made by a craftsman who builds fishing boats and in his free time creates them in miniature, with the same technique as ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Beech
Russian Silver 1913 Commemorative Icon / Portrait Czar Nicholas II, Inscribed
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional Objet'd'Art, a Russian Silver 1913 Commemorative Travel Icon, is a poignant tribute to the reign of Czar Nicholas II. Made in 1913 to commemorate the Great Pilgrimage of Emperor...
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Edwin W. Higgins, G.L. Lilley Congressional Directory
Located in Savannah, GA
A set of congressional directories belonging to Connecticut Congressman Edwin W. Higgins and one belonging to Connecticut Governor George L. Lilley.
Nine are not personalized on t...
Category
Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Hand Carved Gothic Church Panel of Feeding Pelican as Symbol of Christ
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning religious wall panel in thick relief with strong hook for easy mounting.
For the collectors of stunning antique church relics we are also offering this marvelously hand carved pelican sculpture for wall mounting. The character ascribed to the pelican in this context is nearly as fabulous as that of the phœnix. From a clumsy, gluttonous, piscivorous water-bird, it was by the growth of legends transformed into a mystic emblem of Christ, whom Dante terms "Nostro Pelicano". St. Hieronymus gives the story of the pelican restoring its young ones destroyed by serpents as an illustration of the destruction of man by the old Serpent, and his salvation by the blood of Christ. The pelican in Christian art is an emblem of Jesus Christ, by "whose blood we are healed" and it is also a symbol of charity. Many early painters and carvers mistakenly represented it more similar to an eagle (much like in this antique church relic), and not as a natural pelican which is why most people today still are a bit confused at first when this stunning hand carved, symbolic bird is called a pelican.
This striking and all hand carved, symbolic panel was originally part of a church or monastery communion rail...
Category
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Leaf
Large, Good Condition and Stylish Antique English Victorian Oak Wall Barometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning design and top quality executed antique barometer.
This late 19th-early 20th century, English manufactured wall barometer has everything that makes an antique worthwhile. F...
Category
Early 20th Century English Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
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
English Bone & Ebony Dominoes, c.1900
Located in Savannah, GA
A set of 23 English bone and ebony dominoes in box, circa 1900.
each measures approximately 1 ¾ by ⅝ inches
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bone, Ebony
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
Native American Indian Doll with Traditional Lakota Sioux Cherokee Wedding Dress
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Native American Indian doll with traditional Lakota Sioux Cherokee wedding dress with bead-work, one of a kind
This is an authentic Native American, Amer...
Category
1920s North American Native American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Clay
$2,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Sotheby's, Objets De Vitrine from the Collection of Mrs. George Keppel, Geneva
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's, objects de Vitrine from the collection of Mrs. George Keppel, Geneva 5/11/89. There are 73 lots on 34 pages in this softcover catalogue, all lots are described and color illustrated. The catalog is extremely rare and includes, snuff boxes, scent bottles, objects of Vertu, jewels and other objects from, Cartier, Fabergé, Thomas Hughes...
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Victor Victrola VV-230 Mahogany Phonograph Credenza Cabinet C1920
By Victrola
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***
Antique Victor Victrola VV-230 Mahogany Phonograph Credenza Cabinet C1920
Measures- 36.5"H x 38"W x...
Category
Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
Deer Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque Austrian Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique Austrian deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. We believe its from 1910s or older. A nice addition to your hunters lo...
Category
1910s Austrian Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Antler, Wood
Rene Lalique Green Glass 'Muguet Haut' Bracelet
By René Lalique
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Rene Lalique green glass with white enamel 'Muguet Haut' Bracelet. The bracelet consists of 15 rectangular, cylinder-half shaped tablets, stru...
Category
1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Edgar Brandt Silver Brooch Art Nouveau
By Edgar Brandt
Located in NANTES, FR
Edgard Brandt, Rare art nouveau brooch.
Blue heart-cut glass set in the middle.
Foliage finely hammered with the mastery of Brandt's work on wrought iron.
Signed Edgard Brandt.
Note ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Pair Vintage Black Forest Deer Antler Trophy Wood Carved Plaque, Germany 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful set of two antique Black Forest deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. A nice addition to your hunters loge, cabin or just to display it in your h...
Category
1920s German Black Forest Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Antler, Wood
Chinese Bat & Gourd Charm Ring, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Dated to the late 19th century, this silver charm ring was crafted by the Miao peoples of the Guizhou province and was believed to protect the wearer from bad luck and malevolent spi...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Moroccan Stone Encrusted Silver and Bone Dagger
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-451 hand crafted Moroccan silver dagger with stone inlay and animal bone handle.
Category
1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Agate, Silver
$625 Sale Price
50% Off
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
$4,157 Sale Price
26% Off
Hannah Wilke Retrospective Book with Drawing and Signature
By Hannah Wilke
Located in New York, NY
Hard bound first edition monograph on pioneering feminist artist/performance artist Hannah Wilke. Titled "Hannah Wilke: A Retrospective," it was published in 1989 in conjunction with...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vienna 1900 - Architecture & Design by Kirk Varnedoe
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vienna 1900 - Architecture & Design. Softcover book, published in conjunction with the exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, which ran from July 3-October 21, 198...
Category
1980s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
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
Antique Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Bavaria 1932
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest Roe Deer Trophy on Carved Plaque, Bavaria 1932
Item e7322
A large abnorm roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophy on a wooden carved plaque. The trophy was shot in ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Antler, Wood
Francois Linke 1855-1946, the Belle Epoque of French Furniture by C Payne (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
A beautiful hardback book which is in very good condition, with its dust jacket. Linke is considered by many to have been the greatest Parisian cabinet maker of his day when the worl...
Category
Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique German Paper Mache Bobble Head Mule Donkey Pull Cart Toy
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique German paper mache composition bobble head mule / donkey / horse pull toy figure standing with a small feed manger on a platform rollin...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood, Paper
$188 Sale Price
20% Off
'Rackham' English Fairy Tales. Retold by Flora Annie Steel, 1918 LEATHER BOUND!
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: STEEL, Flora Annie (Arthur Rackham).
TITLE: English Fairy Tales. Retold by Flora Annie Steel.
PUBLISHER: NY: Macmillan Co., 1918.
DESCRIPTION: LARGE PAPER LIMITED E...
Category
1910s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
French Crowned Dragon Silver Plate Pendent Heraldic King Francis 1st Emblem
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This vintage French crowned salamander pendant, crafted in silver circa the 1900s, embodies the elegance of French monarchy-inspired design. The intricately detailed salamander, a hi...
Category
Early 1900s American Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Exquisite Pair French Enamel Opera Glasses c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A truly superb pair of blue enamel opera glasses with intricate inlay and polished Mother of Pearl trim.
The metalware retains it's original gilding. They have a telescopic lorgnet...
Category
1920s French Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Enamel
A botanic model Brendel, Germany 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Conium maculatum N.60 (Umbelliferae). The round base in ebonized wood holds the botanical model which reveals the flower of the Hemlock. Brende...
Category
Early 20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Large Mid-Century Italian Giorgio Armani Eye Glasses Factice Shop Display Piece
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a rare and unique item! The Armani Eyeglasses Factic for display in a shop comes with its original cardboard packaging and is made of metal a...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Religious Carved Polychrome Painted Devotional Icon Triptych Folk Art
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning rustic antique Christian carved wood devotional painting triptych, early 20th century or most likely much older, handmade religious folk art in Medieval / Middle Ages tast...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Small Antique English Brass Magnifying Glass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely little magnifying glass made from solid brass with a handle; the perfect size to pop in the pocket or bag.
Dating to c.1910, Edwardian in era, the magnifier works well and ...
Category
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Chinese Export Silver Belt Buckle with Samurais, Woshing Shanghai
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Two-piece belt buckle in sterling silver. Made in Woshing Shanghai circa 1910. It depicts samurais riding on Foo Dogs/Lions on a matte textured background. Very fine details and clea...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
$642 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Crucifix Stand - Silver Plated Jesus Christ - Wood Carved Cross
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique crucifix.
The cross is made of black lacquered wood, with beautifully refined carvings.
The sculpture of Jesus is made of silver-plated metal.
The crucifix dates ...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Antique English Nickel Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903 - WW1 Military Issue
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased World War One issued compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a full hunter pocket watch. The front is stamped with the war off...
Category
1910s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Nickel
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.
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.
Tauba Auerbach’s Geometric Pop-Up Book Is Mighty Rare, Thanks to a Hurricane
This sculptural art book has an epic backstory of its own.