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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Folk Art
Style: Baroque
Vintage Toy Wind-Up "Baby L" Speedboat by Lindstrom Toy Co., American Circa 1933
Located in Incline Village, NV
Vintage toy speed boat manufactured by the Lindstrom Toy Company of Bridgeport Connecticut, circa 1933 or earlier; the Lindstrom company having been founded in 1913, made quality tin...
Category
1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
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
"Boy Riding An Alligator" Vintage Wind-Up Toy by J. Chein Co., N.J., Circa 1935
Located in Incline Village, NV
Manufactured circa 1935 by The J. Chein Company in Harrison, New Jersey, this vintage tin toy, when wound up, depicts a young boy in islander garb, trying to ride an alligator who da...
Category
1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Art Nouveau Cast Iron Christmas Tree Stand, Vintage, German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful Art nouveau green and golden color cast iron Christmas tree stand, was made in Germany, in the 1910s. A nice addition for your Christmas decoration. It holds a stem up...
Category
1910s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Iron
Rare 911 Porsche Friction Tin Toy by Bandai Toy Co. Made in Japan Circa 1960's
Located in Incline Village, NV
Offered here is a whitish/cream colored friction tin toy 911 Porsche circa 1960's, marked at the bottom; "Porsche" in addition to the Bandai Toy Company logo embossed, along with "Made in Japan" designation being noted.
The Bandai Toy Company is a post war toy company established in Taito, Japan circa 1950 and is still conducting business today, albeit, it has shifted from toy manufacturing to video toy accessories.
This is a very rare toy and is coveted by collectors of both toys and fast cars. Except for the odd and minor scratch here and there, the toy is in very nice, all original condition with absolutely no restoration or touch up to the paint or mechanism (see images).
The action and friction functionality works well (see video).
Motor and engine mechanics and nomenclature are colorfully displayed through the plastic rear trunk window (see image); while the colorful interior can be seen through the side window.
Car is all tin, with rubber tires and plastic windows.
Dimensions: 10 1/4" long x 4" wide x 3 1/4" high.
Priced competitively; note that this toy doesn't become available very often and the few that have turned up in recent years , don't work and are several hundred dollars more than mine.
Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys; important considering fakes and reproductions in the marketplace
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...
Category
1960s Japanese Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
17th-18th Century Italian Hand carved Wooden Reliquary Bust of a Saint
Located in Buisson, FR
Spectacular and very decorative piece. Large carved wooden reliquary bust of a Saint. Beautiful weathered paint and gilding. Small losses / old repairs and without the relics. Italy ...
Category
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Vintage Guerlain Shalimar Cologne Perfume Bottle Collectible
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large vintage collectible Guerlain Shalimar eau de cologne perfume bottle.
Empty collectible glass bottle of the famous Shalimar perfume.
Shalimar ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Moroccan Khoumya Tribal Dagger, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Moroccan Khoumya Tribal hand -crafted and hand-carved dagger with brass scabbard and a chiseled wooden grip.
Hand made by Moroccan artisans and is one-of-a-kind.
Good condition wit...
Category
20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Steel
Set of Six Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Models by Somso Germany 1950s
By Somso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage models of botanical scientific specimen depicts mushrooms native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showpie...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Collecting Clarice Cliff Book by Howard Watson
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Collecting Clarice Cliff Book by Howard Watson.
The bold, bright hand-painted designs and extraordinary shapes of Clarice Cliff ceramics have attracted collectors for decades.
Now, there is a convenient handbook with pricing, pattern identification, and a detailed history of Clarice Cliff and her work, a unique find in the small selection of books on the popular pottery.
Readers will find over 500 price listings for teaware, plates, pots, vases, novelties and more.
Nearly 200 detailed, full-color photos of the most common pattern styles, along with a convenient shape guide, aid in identification.
Clarice Cliff remains one of the most revered and respected ceramic artists of the 20th century. Clarice Cliff comprehensively records her life and work, celebrating it with excellently reproduced images of her major pieces from her collections all around the world.
Very good paperback copy; edges slightly dust-dulled and nicked. Remains particularly well-preserved overall. Physical description: 128 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm. Subjects: Cliff, Clarice 1899-1972. Bizarre ware. Art deco England. Pottery Design. Genre: Decorative arts. Language: English.
Title: Collecting Clarice Cliff.
Publisher: London : Kevin Francis...
Category
Late 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
17th Century Italian Baroque Architectural Bases Carved Giltwood Elements Pair
Located in Milano, MI
17th Century Italian Baroque Architectural Bases Pair of Carved and Giltwood Elements featuring blue painting details, a pair of antique decorativ...
Category
Mid-17th Century European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Antique Judaica Sterling Silver Mezuzah with a Scroll in Original Box ca 1890
Located in Doha, QA
This is an outstanding and extremely rare hand crafted, solid sterling silver Mezuzah in the original leather and dark purple velvet box.
It was made in Vienna, Austria between 1890 ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
18th Century Russian Carved Oak Figure of a Saint
Located in Stamford, CT
A very interesting Baroque period carved oak figure of a saint or prophet said to come from a demolished Russian Orthodox church. This compelling figure is ...
Category
Early 18th Century Russian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
Stunning Nuremberg Gingerbread Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Amazing and rare round shaped box, hand crafted in cardboard dating from the 1910s or older. The top of the box shows i view of the Nuremberg Castle in 3d optic.
This antique box is ...
Category
1910s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Antique Black Forest Brienz Wood Carved Dog Walking Stick, 1890s, Austria Vienna
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved dog head walking stick cane. Manufactured in the Black Forest or Brienz Area at the end of the 19th century. Wonderfully expressive representation of a bulldog ...
Category
1890s Austrian Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
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
Set of 4 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 4 hand-painted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consist...
Category
1960s Swedish Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Shepherd & Wooly Sheep Putz Toy Set Antique German Christmas 1900s, original Box
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of eleven Putz stick-legged sheep with a shepherd boy and his dog. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativit...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
The Enchanted World Night Creatures Time-Life Books Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Enchanted World Night Creatures Time-Life Hardcover Book.Packed with more than 60 fl-cor, reusable, self-adhesive stickers featuring glow-in-the-dark effects, these books provide...
Category
Late 20th Century Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Gold & Orange Blown Mercury Glass Circus Lion Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a cute bright gold lion with orange mane and sweet blue eyes standing on his stool with the typical circus zig zag design. He is 3 1/2 inches tall and about 2 inches around. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Blown Glass
21th Century Italian Sterling Silver Console Miniature with Mirror
Located in VALENZA, IT
Console miniature in 925 silver with mirror and marble top, wooden details.
This miniature was made in 925 silver with the fusion technique.
The supports under the top depict three...
Category
2010s Italian Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble, Sterling Silver
Vintage Triangular Hanukkah Menorah
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage Hannukah Menorah. This vintage piece is a replica of a menorah from the 14th century southern Europe. Made in Israel, this piece is ...
Category
1970s Israeli Baroque Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Stunning Christmas Vintage St. Nikolaus Santa Claus Belsnickel Candy Container
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage St.Nicholas, Santa Claus candy container made of composition, cardboard, felting and Papermache was made in the 20th century and is a charming addition to any Christmas ...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
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
Santa Claus Belsnickle Christmas Chocolate Mold Antique 1930s, German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...
Category
1930s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
large Santa Claus Belsnickle Christmas Chocolate Mold Antique 1900s, German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...
Category
Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
18th Century Spanish Polychrome Wood Sculpture of the Immaculate Virgin
Located in Madrid, ES
18th Century Spanish Polychrome Wood Sculpture of the Immaculate Virgin
A captivating 18th-century Spanish School sculpture of the Immaculate Virgin, masterfully hand-carved in poly...
Category
18th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Early 19thc Scrimshaw and Walnut Hand Carved with Heart Cutlery Caddy
Located in Savannah, GA
Scrimshaw is the art of carving bone, ivory, or other materials. It was a popular pastime for whalers in the 19th century, who created decorative and utilitarian objects. This very u...
Category
1820s American Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bone, Walnut
Late 20th Century Scale Model of the Historic Fallasburg Covered Bridge
Located in Chicago, IL
Meticulously hand-built at 1:20 scale, this late 20th century American cedar frame model captures the elegant engineering of the historic Fallasburg covered bridge in Lowell, Michiga...
Category
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cedar
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
Girl in beautiful Dress, Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bisque Head, Arms and Leg Doll is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful Outfit, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse.
The set includes The Doll with the Outfit, all in very good condition. Made of Fabric, Bisque Porcelain parts 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 dollhouse toy...
Category
Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain, Fabric
Antique Child's Pedal Toy Car
Located in Oakville, CT
American vintage, antique child's pedal tricycle metal toy car in great working condition.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
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
19th Century English Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama
Located in London, GB
19th Century Folk Art Encased Ship Diorama
A delightful and highly decorated example of a late 19th century English folk art ships model diorama...
Category
19th Century British Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique German Folk Art Spun Cotton Wool Santa Claus Ornament Doll Figurine
Located in Dayton, OH
Large antique German spun cotton wool Santa Claus Christmas ornament doll with hand painted composition face.
Measure: 9".
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic, Wool, Cotton
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
19th Century Masterpiece BIG Book "The Superstitions of Humanity"
Located in Miami, FL
19th Century. Impressive book
Works illustrated with gorgeous stickers and engravings depicting historical and mythological scenes momuments and copied art objects of the most auth...
Category
1880s Spanish Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
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
17th C. Sheet Music "Feria vi. Paschae" (page 191 and 192)
Located in Soquel, CA
17th C. Sheet Music "Feria vi. Paschae" (page 191 and 192)
Excellent example of Latin sheet music for Catholic church services. Bold red title and notations, with red staff lines. N...
Category
17th Century European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Violin In Majolica Manufacture Rouen Early 1800s French Musical Ceramics
By Rouen
Located in Milano, MI
French Faience Violin Manufacture of Rouen Beginning 1800 with a side pocket and two holes for hanging on the wall by means of a string, missing. This stanniferous glaze majolica vi...
Category
Early 19th Century Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Majolica
Sterling Silver Medallion reliquary – 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant 18th-century reliquary in solid silver, finely hand-engraved, with ornamental decoration typical of Baroque religious art. Its oval shape features floral and symbolic detail...
Category
18th Century European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Le Polnabook Michel Polnareff French Edition Hardcover Book in Sleeve
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Le Polnabook Michel Polnareff French Edition Hardcover in Sleeve.
"Le Polnabook" is authored by the French singer-songwriter Michel Polnareff. This book is a compilation of photograp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Moroccan Silver Choker Collectible Berber Jewelry
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A Moroccan Tribal jewelry vintage chocker inlaid with colorful glass beads in red and green and dangling coins.
German silver, but not of the standard of sterling and richly embelli...
Category
Mid-20th Century Moroccan Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Odysśee de la Mer Coral Quartz Sea Fan Bronze Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Odyssee de la Mer. A large 19th century French cast bronze fragment with a mounding growth of over 5000-carat natural citrine and black tourmaline that surround a giant black sea fan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Coral, Quartz, Tourmaline, Bronze
Model gypsies caravan, handmade and painted, folk art, English circa 1900
Located in Central England, GB
This superb and ultra rare early folk art scale model of a gypsy or traveller’s caravan is over one hundred years old. It has been beautifully hand made and finely painted. It has gl...
Category
Early 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wrought Iron
16th Century Spanish or Italian Baroque Wrought Iron Nails and Furniture Mounts
Located in Stamford, CT
Group of 16th century (or earlier, possibly Gothic) Spanish or Italian wrought iron furniture mounts. These hand-wrought bosses and nails show incredible workmanship. These would have been used to decorate - and to structurally hold together an early chest or casket. The four geometric bosses beautifully made, eight ounces each without the nail! The nails are works of art in themselves, with their heavy geometric heads.
Also two round bosses with the nail integral to the piece, one a mushroom form, the other like a parasol. And a single hand-wrought double sided nail. Great group of early iron.
Provenance: Frances Pratt, Writer, Artist, Collector. New York City.
Approximate sizes:
4 bosses 4.625 inches square 11.75 cm
Round bosses 3 inches diameter the larger 2.5 the smaller 7.6/ 6.35 cm
4.5 in high 11.4 cm
5 nails...
Category
16th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Five Mechanical Bank Trade Cards in Frame, circa 1880s
Located in Incline Village, NV
Five mechanical bank trade cards are displayed in two separate frames. In one frame are three polychrome trade cards, which the salesmen typically carrie...
Category
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
European Miniature Jewelry Multi-Drawer Cabinet Chest of Drawer
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A European late 19th Century 11-drawer chest or cabinet with a series of small drawers inside. Original antique bronze handles. This piece would be perfect as a jewelry case. This m...
Category
1880s European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Mercury Glass Three Bird Christmas Tree Clip-On Ornament, Vintage German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare vintage clip-on bird ornament collection. The size given in the dimensions section refers to the largest item seen in the first picture. These ornaments, were made from ultra-...
Category
1930s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mercury Glass
Antique Black Forest Wood Carved Scotty Dog Walking Stick Cane, 1900s, Germany
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved dog head walking stick cane. Manufactured in the Black Forest or Brienz Area at the end of the 19th or early 20th century. Wonderfully expressive representation...
Category
Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella Hardcover Photography book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Officina Profumo Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella Hardcover Photography book.
This book is a luxurious memento of the historic house of Sant...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Krampus Companion of Belsnickel Devil Candy Container Antique Austria 1940s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This unique Christmas figurine from Austria features a handmade figurine of the Christmas character Krampus, Belsnickel's companion. The vintage piece dates from the 1940s or older a...
Category
20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Italian 18th Century Baroque Carved Wooden Reliquary Shrine
Located in Buisson, FR
Very rare hand carved wooden reliquary shrine with wonderful decoration,
Italy, circa 1750
Weathered, small losses and old repairs.
H:40cm W:39cm D:...
Category
18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
Santa Claus Belsnickle Chocolate Mold Antique 1910s, German Christmas
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...
Category
1910s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Pig & Chimney Sweep Lucky Charm, Candy Secret Chamber Container, Antique, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful golden pig candy container or container with secret chamber. Made from white metal, hand painted with cold paint like the bronze Vienna minia...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Lot of Eight Miniature Antique German Dollhouse Toys Accessories 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature set of 8 antique German Dollhouse Miniatures is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts al...
Category
Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pewter
Miniature Dutch Baroque Style Silver Mandolin Flask
Located in Stamford, CT
Dutch silver flask in the form of a mandolin with intricate Baroque style decoration, including cranes and a castle among floral arabesques on the front. The reverse depicting a charming scene influenced by Dutch old master genre paintings of two men with two dogs in a fenced yard surrounded by detailed foliage and trees. Complete with a fret and six individual silver wire strings. A tour de force in craftsmanship. No discernible hallmarks.
Hinged top reveals a hidden flask...
Category
Late 19th Century Dutch Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
17th Century Oil on Copper Saint Joseph and King David
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
Miniature on copper...
Category
Mid-17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Copper
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.