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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Recognized Seller Listings
World War II Ten-Rotor T52 Enigma Machine
Located in New Orleans, LA
Ten-Rotor T52 "Geheimschreiber" Cipher Machine
Dated 1944
This extraordinary Ten-Rotor T52 Cipher Machine, also known as the Geheimschreiber, represents the pinnacle of German wartime cryptography and stands as one of the rarest encryption devices from World War II. Manufactured in 1944 during the final phase of the conflict, this sophisticated cipher machine—codenamed "Sturgeon" by Allied intelligence—was exclusively deployed in high-level German command centers for their most sensitive communications. Its exceptional historical significance and extreme rarity make it arguably the most important cryptographic artifact available to private collectors today.
The T52 presents a commanding physical presence that reflects its technological sophistication. Substantially larger and more complex than standard three or four-rotor Enigma machines, this teleprinter-based device features an imposing mechanical construction with ten precisely engineered rotating pinwheels arranged in intricate patterns. Its comprehensive keyboard system and internal mechanical components demonstrate the extraordinary engineering achievements of wartime German cryptographers. The machine's robust metal casing, designed for operational durability in high-command environments, remains in remarkable condition, preserving its historical integrity.
The T52 series, manufactured by Siemens & Halske in Berlin, represented a family of cipher machines that evolved through several increasingly complex models. Unlike the simpler Enigma machines which required manual operation, the T52 functioned as an online teleprinter encryption system capable of automatically processing high volumes of communications at 50 baud (approximately 66 words per minute). This automation allowed for real-time secure communication between German high command centers, with messages encrypted and decrypted without the need for time-consuming manual transcription—a revolutionary advancement in wartime communication security.
Developed for exclusive use by the Luftwaffe and German Navy high command, the T52 represented such a formidable cryptographic challenge that Bletchley Park...
Category
20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Botticelli
Located in New York, NY
Celebrates one of the greatest and most beloved painters of the Early Renaissance with luxurious, large-format images
Sandro Botticelli, one of the greatest painters of the Italia...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
19thC. Walking Stick With Sterling Silver Horn Simulated Handle American Ca 1880
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fine quality hand made craftsmanship to this 19th century Victorian walking stick; hand carved of premium hardwood (possibly pecan), with a continuous twist design. The top is decora...
Category
1880s American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Animal Exploring the Zoological World
Located in New York, NY
Explore the beauty and diversity of the animal world through more than 300 captivating images from across time and from every corner of the globe
Animal: Exploring the Zoological Wor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Flower Color Guide
Located in New York, NY
The ultimate color-by-color flower reference guide - from New York's pre-eminent floral designers, Putnam and Putnam Planning a wedding, a dinner, a birthday party, a romantic evenin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Nature, Form & Spirit: The Life and Legacy of George Nakashima
Located in New York, NY
First edition of Mira Nakashima’s tribute to her father, George, whose standing as one of America’s foremost designer/craftsmen is reflected in his blue-chip status in the vintage de...
Category
Early 2000s American American Craftsman Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
French Louis XVI Style Bronze Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
French Louis XVI-style bronze wall barometer with an urn finial top with a head above the round dial and draped with a ribbon design.
Category
20th Century French Louis XVI Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Beacon Lights of History by John Lord in 5 volumes
Located in San Francisco, CA
A five volume leather bound set titled "Beacon Lights of History" by John Lord
published in New York in 1884 by Fords, Howard and Hulbert profiling various historical luminaries from...
Category
1880s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
18th-Century Dutch Garden Design by Gijsbert van Laar, Published in 1802
Located in Langweer, NL
18th-Century Dutch Garden Design by Gijsbert van Laar – Magazijn van tuin-sieraaden, 1802
This exquisite hand-colored engraving is from the renowned work 'Magazijn van tuin-sieraa...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Italian Medieval / Renaissance Style Full Suit of Armor
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Medieval / Renaissance-style (19th Century) metal life size suit of armor with fluted breast plate on a square wooden base.
Condition: Good; Wear consistent with age and use...
Category
19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Jackson Pollock Splashed Paint and Wasn't Sorry
Located in New York, NY
A clever, charmingly quirky portrayal of painter Jackson Pollock – and the first in a series of picture-book biographies of contemporary artists
Jackson Pollock was unlike any other ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
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
Exotic - A Fetish for the Foreign
Located in New York, NY
A fascinating survey of the enduring human love affair with the exotic and the strange in art, architecture and design, and its impact on Western culture
Exotic explores our obsessio...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Large Brass Hourglass
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century large brass hourglass with white sand
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
1920's German Airplane Penny Toy by Kellerman (Mounted on Marx "Lucky Stunt")
Located in Incline Village, NV
Great item for toy collectors and those who collect aeronautical items. Being offered is a very rare German Penny Toy from the 1920’s, manufactured by the well known, and quality toy...
Category
1920s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Italian Renaissance Star of David Book Stand
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance style rass filigree religious book stand with Star of David and 7 candleholders (19th Cent.)
Category
19th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Small Antique Map of the European Turkey, Greece & Ionian Islands – c.1860
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Map of the European Turkey, Greece & Ionian Islands – Stieler, c.1860
Original antique map titled *Die Europaeische Türkei, Griechenland und die ...
Category
1860s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
The Lives of Artists Collected Profiles by Calvin Tomkins
Located in New York, NY
The definitive collection of artist profiles by legendary journalist and New Yorker writer Calvin Tomkins, from the 1960s to today
In 1959, Calvin Tomkins interviewed Marcel Duchamp for Newsweek, beginning his six decade- long career writing about art. He then joined The New Yorker, where he has contributed dozens of profiles on the most interesting artists of the time, from Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg to Cindy Sherman and Mark Bradford.
This six-volume set includes 82 of Tomkins's most significant profiles dating from 1962-2019. Part art history, part human interest, Tomkins offers insights and observations about the artists, their work, and the ever-changing art world they inhabit.
Calvin Tomkins has been a staff writer for The New Yorker since 1960. He has written more than a dozen books, including The Bride and the Bachelors, Merchants and Masterpieces, Living Well Is the Best Revenge, Off the Wall, Duchamp: A Biography, and Lives of the Artists...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
The Rihanna Book
Located in New York, NY
"It's a piece of art that I am really proud of..."—Rihanna
"The book is a rollicking and sumptuous autobiography, told largely with intimate images."—Vogue
Rihanna invites you into h...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Ciclotte Bike in Carbon Fiber by Luca Schieppati
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ciclotte bike is an innovative exercise bike, designed and made in Italy, that combines idea, form and technology rethinking the traditional aesthetic an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Teckell T1.3 Crystal 9-foot Pool Table in Gold by Marc Sadler
By Marc Sadler, Teckell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
T.1.3 is a billiard-pool table made entirely of glass, where the playing surface is specially treated reproducing the friction of traditional cloth.
The feet are sheets of glass bev...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Gold
Antique Map of Germany c.1830 by Thomas Kelly – Hand-Coloured Copper Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Map of Germany by Thomas Kelly, London, circa 1830, with hand colouring
Finely engraved map of Germany titled 'Germany', published by Thomas Kelly at 17 Paternoster Row, London, circa 1830. This historical map outlines the German states, duchies, and surrounding regions including parts of Austria, Switzerland, France, Poland, and Bohemia. Borders are hand-coloured by region, and major rivers, mountain ranges, and cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich are clearly marked. Engraved by H. Cooper.
This beautifully detailed copperplate engraving features original hand colouring and displays the political divisions of early 19th-century Germany, including Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony, and Württemberg, along with neighboring regions such as Austria, Switzerland, Bohemia, and parts of Poland and France. Major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are clearly marked, as well as rivers, mountain ranges, and regional borders. Engraved by H. Cooper.
A fine historical map ideal for collectors, interior decorators, or anyone with an interest in European history or cartography.
Technique and material: Copperplate engraving, original hand colouring
Condition report : Good condition. Strong impression with hand colour. Small chips and edge wear to upper margin, not affecting image. Light age toning and minor handling marks. Tight on the left and right margins.
Framing tip:
Use a neutral or antique white mat to highlight the engraved detail. A dark wood or classic gilt frame complements the historical aesthetic. UV-filtering glass recommended to protect the original colouring.
Keywords for SEO:
antique map, map of Germany, 1830s map, hand-colored map, Thomas Kelly map, old Germany map, Prussia map...
Category
1830s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Europe During the Middle Ages by Henry Hallam 3 Volumes Leatherbound
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hallam's View of the State of Europe During the Middle Ages, complete in 3 leather bound octavo volumes with marbleized boards. The volumes contain the bookplate of former owner, Cha...
Category
1830s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
John Lennon Original Vintage Poster by Richard Avedon for Look magazine, 1967
Located in Devon, GB
Beatles manager Brian Epstein commissioned Richard Avedon to photograph the band and design a set of posters that would visually capture the new psychedelic direction of 'Sgt. Pepper...
Category
1960s American Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen, Paper
ESEMPI Reprint - Chairs, Armchairs and Sofas, 1934-1950 VOL. I
By Roberto Aloi
Located in Milan, IT
ESEMPI REPRINT. Chairs, Armchairs, and Sofas. 1934-1950. Volume I
More than 1000 models of chairs, armchairs and sofas, 300 designers, 20 years of Italian and international producti...
Category
2010s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
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
Ettore Sottsass and the Poetry of Things
Located in New York, NY
The incredible life story of one of the 20th century’s most important designers, who knew everyone from Hemingway to Picasso.
Features anecdotes of his encounters with the biggest c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Frank Lloyd Wright
Located in New York, NY
A comprehensive monograph on Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the great masters of modern architecture
This comprehensive monograph on the renowned twentieth-century architect, Frank Lloy...
Category
2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
90° Minuto Foosball Table by Teckell in Walnut
By Teckell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A subtle and elegant walnut structure highlights and supports this modern and
essential foosball table, inviting the challenge of enjoying the game until its very last minute (90° Minuto...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Child's Toy Tin Large Spinning Top by Chein Company, American, Ca. 1950
Located in Incline Village, NV
Highly colorful and completely operational hard to find LARGE tin child's toy spinning top made by the J. Chein Company, Harrison, New Jersey, Circa 1950. It works great and is in co...
Category
1950s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Lady's Vintage Black Mink Hat by I. Magnin & Co. Circa 1965
By I. Magnin
Located in Incline Village, NV
Well made black mink hat designed and sold by I. Magnin & Company in the mid 1960's. The style, undoubtedly worn and made popular by Julie Christie in t...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fur
Jimmie Durham (Phaidon Contemporary Artists Series)
Located in New York, NY
An updated edition of the first - and still most authoritative - book on the legendary American iconoclast
Twenty years ago, Phaidon published what has become the definitive study of Arkansas-born Jimmie Durham...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
The Museum of Lost Art by Noah Charney
Located in New York, NY
True tales of lost art, built around case studies of famous works, their creators, and stories of disappearance and recovery
From the bestselling author of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Modern Architecture Travel Guide East Coast USA
Located in New York, NY
A curated list of more than 250 must-see destinations organized geographically from Maine to Florida
Featuring architecture by some of the biggest midcentury names, including Mies ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
"Art =" Book
Located in New York, NY
A fresh and unconventional approach to exploring 6,000 years of art history through 800 masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Featuring more than 800 artworks from the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Tin Wind Up Toy by Lindstrom, "Dancing Katinka" American, Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Antique toys like this (wind ups) are difficult to find in outstanding operating condition as this one (see the video attached) because of the rough play they would have received from the children who owned them. In very good and all original condition and paint in green, white, yellow, and flesh tone; the paint and lithography has no touch up or repaint of any kind; there is zero restoration.
To operate, just turn clockwise the attached clockwork wind up key on the back of the girl and the she dances around in a circular motion for quite some time. "Dancing Katinka" is an all tin wind up toy...
Category
1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Pair of Reindeer Antique Still Banks, American, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
These two authentic cast iron antique still banks depict a large reindeer and a smaller one standing nearby. Together, they make a wonderful Christ...
Category
1910s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Art Deco Sterling Combination Coin Compact Card Case, American, circa 1920
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Art Deco sterling combination coin compact card or cigarette Case, American, circa 1920 by Webster Co. Rectangular cushion shape with hand chain attached. Opens to reveal half and fu...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Issues - A History of Photography in Fashion Magazines
Located in New York, NY
A showcase of ground-breaking photography of fashion magazines over the last century
Acclaimed photography critic Vince Aletti has selected 100 significan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Early 20th Century Toy Noah's Ark, German
Located in Incline Village, NV
Toy Noah’s Arks for children to play with were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, and Germany was very prolific in their production. This particular ark is all ori...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Carl Andre, Things in Their Elements
Located in New York, NY
Carl Andre (born 1935), the American minimalist artist, is perhaps best known for his grid-based floor sculptures but also for large, outdoor public artworks and small sculptures, poetry and installations. In this unprecedented comprehensive monograph Alistair Rider here shows that it is the materials that he uses to make his works that inspire him, from his controversial bricks to all sorts of metals, found wood, even hay bales, Andre is fascinated by what materials make up the world and presents them for contemplation.
Andre's early wood sculptures show the influence of Brancusi, who he had met through their mutual friend Hollis Frampton...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
GUFRAMINI Pratone by Ceretti, Derossi & Rosso
Located in La Morra, Cuneo
The mini Pratone® plays with the juxtaposition of a "large-small" proportion by reducing to 7/8 the giant Pratone that was designed in 1972 by Ceretti, Derossi, and Rosso, and exhibited that year at the MoMA as part of the Italy: The New Domestic Landscape exhibition. Just like the original version, the base of the "mini" sculpture shows the writing ‘Pratone’ on one of the sides, and 42 soft stems stretching in different directions complete the radical look of this little icon.
As if in a fairy tale, the Gufram icons have become smaller and have now turned into Guframini®! The most radical Italian design...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Foam
Italian Medieval / Renaissance Style Full Meal Suit of Armor
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Medieval / Renaissance-style metal life size suit of armor with etched sunburst breast plate on a square wooden base.
Condition: (Base is 20 inches w x 24 inches d x 10 inch...
Category
20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Chinese Export Silver Cheroot Case
By Khe Cheong
Located in New York, NY
Chinese export silver cheroot case, ca 1860. Oval with hinged push-button cover. Allover repousse. On front are scenes of daily life with indigenous spear...
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Rare Late 19th C Art Nouveau Bamboo Walking Stick American Circa 1895
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fine quality craftsmanship to this highly figured rare premium hardwood bamboo walking stick; from the fabulous collection of Prince Moritz (1926-2013) who was well known for his ext...
Category
1880s Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Red Architecture in Monochrome Book
Located in New York, NY
A visual exploration of red's vivid role in global architecture over the centuries.
From the earliest structures to today's contemporary creations, red has been one of the most tradi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Effetto 71 Ping Pong Table Designed by Adriano Design for Teckell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Table tennis is getting the Teckell touch with its model Effetto 71. Hear in a whole new way the ball’s delightful ping-pong, which gave the game its nickname.
The name Effetto 71 ho...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
Cristallino Gold Limited Edition Foosball Table with Black Field by Teckell
By Teckell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cristallino is crafted using avant-garde technology and the skilled hands of Italian artisans who perfect every detail for a unique and exclusive work of art.
Cristallino Gold LE unites the beauty of gold and Teckell’s extraordinary quality and style.
Embellished with exclusive 24-karat gold-plated accessories, the Cristallino Gold LE is highly coveted.
Only 50 tables are available in this limited edition and numbered series.
Tempered clear crystal table, 15mm thick, cerium-polished bevels.
Playing field in laminated shatterproof crystal,
two connected 8 mm-thick sheets.
Goals with polished stainless steel frames
and handcrafted nets.
Players, handles and accessories in aluminum.
Stainless steel and aluminum joints that are milled,
chrome plated and polished.
Hidden, adjustable feet for leveling table
Teckell® Innovation.
Rod ends featuring two layers of shock
absorption: special, high carbon steel springs
and technopolymer bumpers that the rods
pass through.
Quick mount handles that fit perfectly
and can be removed and replaced.
Measures: L 140 cm x H 92 cm x W 74/174* cm.
Weight 106 kg.
Table with rods...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
2 Volumes. Epictetus. The Discourses.
Located in New York, NY
2 Volumes. Epictetus. The Discourses. Translated by George Long. Bound in full brown morocco, gilt on covers and spines, raised bands, top edges gilt. Published: London: George Bell ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Majestic Map of Europe by Andriveau-Goujon - Complete Continental View - ca.1849
Located in Langweer, NL
Majestic 19th Century Map of Europe by Andriveau-Goujon - Complete Continental View - Circa 1849
This magnificent and intricately detailed map of Europe, titled "Carte Physique et...
Category
1840s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
The End Montauk, N.Y. 'Signed'
By Michael Dweck
Located in New York, NY
First edition (stated) photographic essay documenting the surfing subculture on the eastern end of Long Island. Published by Harry N. Abrams, New York, in 2004. Tall 4to, unpaginated...
Category
Early 2000s American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vegan The Cookbook
Located in New York, NY
"The definitive and most comprehensive cookbook of traditional and authentic home cooking vegan dishes from 150 countries around the world."—Vegan Magazine
With nearly 500 vegetable-driven recipes, Vegan: The Cookbook...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1 Volume. The Holy Bible
Located in New York, NY
1 Volume. Anon. The Holy Bible. Containing The Old & New Testaments. Bound in full brown morocco by Zaehnsdorf, all edges gilt, raised bands. Published: Oxford: The University Press,...
Category
Early 19th Century British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Barbecue Smoked & Grilled Recipes From Across the Globe
Located in New York, NY
The ultimate guide to cooking with fire and smoke, featuring 280 beloved barbecue and grilling recipes from cultures across the globe
Join pitmaster Hugh Mangum on a delicious world...
Category
2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Jewish Judaea Silver Shekel – Year 2 of the First Jewish Revolt (AD 67/68)
Located in New York, NY
This silver shekel, weighing 14.32 grams, was struck in Judaea during the First Jewish–Roman War, a significant period of resistance against Roman occupation that lasted from AD 66 t...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Israeli Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
French Antique Shop Brass Counter Scale
Located in Austin, TX
Important set of scales from France. This piece has a detailed brass structure with working functionality. It is supported by a wood base. They are in excellent antique condition – t...
Category
1860s French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
6 Volumes. John H. Jesse.London: Its Celebrated Characters & Remarkable Places
Located in New York, NY
6 Volumes. John H. Jesse. London: Its Celebrated Characters & Remarkable Places. London: Richard Bentley, 1871. Extra Illustrated. leather bound. Very Good. Bound in full dark olive ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket Typewriter
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket portable beige plastic typewriter with white square plastic keys and original matching beige plastic carry case
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
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.