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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Louis XVI
Style: Folk Art
"George The Drummer Boy" Tin windup Toy by Louis Marx, New York City. Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
This circa 1930 "George, Drummer Boy" brightly colored lithographed tin wind-up toy capitalizes on the popularity of marching bands, spawned from the military and World War I victory...
Category

1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Late 19th Century Pennsylvania Miniature Walnut & Pine Paneled Chest of Drawers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Late 19th century miniature two-drawer chest of drawers. With paneled sides and turned feet and knobs. Cosisting of Walnut with a pine secondary and nail construction. Fo...
Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut, Pine

Collection of (3) American Eskimo Children's Toys Two of Which are Identified
Located in Chicago, IL
Collection of (3) Native American Eskimo Toys. The kayaker in the middle is signed, "Andre Boucher", who was flat-plane woodcarver – trained at Sa...
Category

1940s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fur, Hide, Cotton, Wood

Lot of Four Vintage Steiff Animals, Squirrel Camel Hamster & Giraffe, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This collection of stuffed animals includes 4 figures: 1) Miniature Steiff Squirrel (No button and flag, but cardboard label). About 3.75" high. 2) Steiff Hamster (parts of flag and...
Category

1960s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mohair

French 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Barometer
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A 18th Century Louis XVI French gold-gilt barometer circa 1780. This early instrument of meteorology was used to measure atmospheric pressure and air temperature. The barometer is adorned with hand carved details; a large bow, flowers, a flaming heart, laurel leaves and scrolls. The dial face is hand-painted and has been repaired over time. The barometer is no longer in working order and is now purely decorative. Be sure to view the detailed images to see this interesting antique up...
Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

M.I. Hummel The Golden Anniversary Album Hardcover 1st Ed. 1984
By Carl Maria Hummel
Located in North Hollywood, CA
M.I. Hummel: The Golden Anniversary Album Hardcover – January 1, 1984. by Eric W. Ehrmann (Author), Robert L. Miller (Author), M.I. Hummel (Illustrator) 1st edition, 1st printing. T...
Category

Late 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Early 20th Century Scratch build folk-art ship model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Scratch build folk-art ship model Stood on a hand-crafted gesso painted sea effect, which is framed by an ebonised pine base. This is an charming example of an ea...
Category

1920s Unknown Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Vintage Toy Wind-Up Dump Truck by The Marx Toy Company, N.Y. American Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Offered is a hard to find Marx floor toy dump truck with dual action. NOT diecast------made of all tin. Capability to raise and lower the bed is activated by rotating the attached a...
Category

1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

"Joe Penner" Vintage Clockwork Windup Toy by Louis Marx Co American Circa 1930's
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fabulous American vintage all tin wind-up toy with attached key and clockwork mechanism, whereby upon winding it up, the character (Joe Penner) waddles aimlessly across the floor, hat flying in the air with notorious cigar in motion (see attached video with listing). The toy is in wonderful and complete original condition with all original parts and authentic factory paint. It is often found incomplete (cigar or hat missing more often than not); and usually doesn't work properly. My example works great and is in nice bright original paint and lithography, in multiple colors of a black and white checkered suit...
Category

1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Walt Disney Enterprises "Pinocchio" Wind-Up Toy by Marx Toy Co., N.Y. Dated 1939
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fabulous condition and in perfect working order on this "Walt Disney Enterprises" copyrighted (labeled---see image) vintage wind-up toy of the iconic Disney character "Pinocchio", da...
Category

1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Antique Catholic Virgin Mary Figure Glass Dome Monastery Work, Germany Altotting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique glass dome with Virgin Mary figure and some other wooden and glass parts. It has also a touch relic of Agnus Dei. Found at an estate sale...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

"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

Antique Half Hull Ship Model. English Late 19th Century.
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful half hull model. Laminated tropical hardwood and pitch pine Original patina and a fantastic colour Exceptional quality. I particularly like the finely carved mast. The...
Category

Late 19th Century English Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Holy Water Font with Virgin Mary and Jesus Child in wood, Gilded 1980s
By ANRI
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A wood carved holy water font. Attributed to an Italian or german wood carver. Made probably in the 1970s - 1980s. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. A nice addition to y...
Category

1980s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

"Dancing Dog" Vintage Windup Toy. American, Circa 1925
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Dancing Dog" is a fairly scarce toy to acquire, especially in this excellent condition and working order. Windup toy is lithographed and hand painted in colors of black and greenish grey, and the name "Spot" is printed in bold letters on the red collar. This is American made in the 1920's having been manufactured by the Lindstrom Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut; established in 1913. Markings to each side of the dog reveal its genesis; "The Lindstrom Tool and Toy Co.; Made in U.S.A." "Patent Applied For"; on the other side is "Dancing Dog". "Dancing Dog" is in excellent condition and is completely original with no repairs or repaint. It works perfectly and is quite amusing. To operate; wind up the attached key on the side, a couple of times; with front legs in the air, place down by his hind legs on a hard surface and watch "Spot" dance. He carries on for quite some time, dancing around in a circle and then side to side. (see attached video accompanying the listing). Dimensions: 5 1/4" wide x 4" high x 2 1/4" deep. Provenance: From a recently acquired discerning West Coast Collection of tin toys. See my other listings of vintage toys. 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 and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace. My toys operate properly and are as stated and accurately described. it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys...
Category

1920s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

18th Century French Louis XVI Carved Giltwood Wall Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a wall with this elegant, antique barometer with attached thermometer. Crafted in Paris, France, circa 1760 and hexagonal in shape, the scientific instrument features its or...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Giltwood, Parchment Paper

Vintage Cast Aluminum Santa or Father Christmas
Located in Redding, CT
Vintage Solid Aluminum Santa or Father Christmas. This cast aluminum St.Nicholas would be a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection.
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

19th Century Romanian Polychrome Wooden Rocking Horse
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Charming 19th century Romanian hand carved wooden rocking horse. Featuring a colorful polychrome finish on a base decorated with a floral m...
Category

19th Century Romanian Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Pair of Canadian Folk Art Carved Japanese Internment Camp Figures or Sculptures
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of Folk Art carved figures is believed to have been made by a Japanese immigrant to Canada either while or after being interned by the Canadian government during the Second World War. The male carved figure is hand painted in vibrant colors and the base reads: June 11, 1942" and "Ontario" underneath. The nude female carving...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Softwood

Toy Cast Iron Truck Car Carrier; Three Cars by A.C. Williams American Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Founded in 1886, the A.C. Williams Toy Company in Ravenna, Ohio, manufactured this toy circa 1930. This cast iron truck car carrier loaded with three blue "Austin" sedans ("Austin" embossed on the side of each car) is completely original with no restoration of any kind, and is in original paint with no touch-up or repaint. I have black lighted everything to insure originality of paint. A red Mack truck hitched to a green trailer pulls the car carrier with it's three original cars; all nickel plated wheels on all vehicles are original. Other markings include #5, #11, and #1 on the inside of each car by rear axle; and #5 on the green trailer; #5 on the red truck. Wonderful piece of Americana in very nice condition; one or several of the cars usually are missing and/or typically repainted due to rough floor play. See my other listings of vintage toys. Dimensions: 12 1/2" long x 2" wide x 4 1/4" high. Each cast iron car...
Category

1920s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Large French 19th Century Hand Carved Wooden Fragment of a Marionette
Located in Buisson, FR
Very nice handcarved fragment of a marionette. France, circa 1850. Weathered, small losses and old repairs Measurement include the wooden base.
Category

19th Century French Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Textile, Wood

Lavishly-Filled German Wooden Grocery Dollhouse Store Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful grocery shop room box, painted and stained wood with lithographed wall and floor papers, side stair case and upper gallery, some drawers on rear w...
Category

Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain, Fabric, Wood

Rare Chenille Krampus Christmas Ornament Antique Austria, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of vintage charm to your Christmas tree with this antique Austrian Christmas ornament. The unique design features a Krampus, it is the c...
Category

1920s Austrian Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition, Wire

Deer Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque German Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique Black Forest deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden colored plaque. We know its from 1912, because its dated. A nice addition to your hunters loge, cabin, ...
Category

1910s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Pair of Original Anti-Vietnam War & Anti-President Nixon Posters on Heavy Paper
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This set of two vintage posters were produced in Vietnam in the early 1970s in protest of the Vietnam War and in particular President Nixon. These colo...
Category

1970s Vietnamese Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Large Deer Antler Trophy Vintage Black Forest Wood Carved Plaque, Austria, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Here I have to offer a pair of stunning large deer antlers on a metal skull. This unit is attached to a wood-carved Black Forest plaque. The trophy is sent dismantled to keep the sh...
Category

1930s Austrian Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Table Lamp With 4 Tier Deer Hoof With Nickel Bands And Antler Finial
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century table lamp with 4-tier deer hoof with nickel bands and brass fitted antler finial. Shade is not included.
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Organic Material

Vintage Tin Wind-up Toy "Clown in A Barrel" by J Chein & Co. American Circa 1935
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made by J. Chein & Company Circa 1935 in New York City; originally inventoried as #258 (same number as similar looking Popeye toy dated 1932) and was named "Mechanical Clown Barrel Walker". The name of the maker "Chein" is stamped as a logo to the rear of the barrel (see image). This is one of the earlier toys that Chein made. The lithography and hand paint are in gorgeous original condition with bright colors of red and gold to the barrel, flesh tones to the clown, who sports a multi colorful smiling face. The toy works great; simply wind the attached key wind in the back 1/2 revolution; place on the hard surface----the clown waddles across the floor, back and forth, while shaking his head to and fro (see accompanying video with this listing to see it work) In addition to being quite a scarce toy it is even more difficult to find in this fine condition. Often times the head is lacking or replaced from rough usage and surface rarely maintains this beautiful finish. This particular example is completely original with no restorations, repairs, or touch up paint of any kind. There is a small 5/8" superficial indentation to the front top of barrel (see image). This would make a proud addition to any collection of vintage toys or Americana. Dimensions: 7 1/2" high x 3 1/4" wide x 4" deep See my other listings of vintage toys. Provenance: From a recently acquired West Coast collection of fine quality tin toys. 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 and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace. My toys operate properly and are as stated and accurately described. it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage...
Category

1930s Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Great Escapes South America By Christiane Reiter Taschen The Hotel Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Great Escapes South America By Christiane Reiter The Hotel Hardcover Book. Continuing its quest to seek out the world's most unique and inspiring hotels, TASCHEN takes on South America. This diverse selection of hotels, posadas, and haciendas highlights the most exceptional destinations on the continent. Among the breathtaking paradise spots are a hotel on a Patagonian natural reserve, a hacienda perched high in the Andes mountains, an adobe hotel in the Chilean desert, a converted monastery in Peru, a hotel built entirely of salt in Bolivia's Uyuni salt desert, and an ""ecolodge"" on a natural reserve in the Amazon rain forest. For the love of nature, tango dancing, and caipirinhas, nothing beats these exotic escapes...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary South American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Mercury Glass Two Bird Christmas Tree Clip-On Ornament, Vintage, German, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Two rare vintage clip-on bird ornaments, a bird and a parrot. perrot measures approximate 2.5" high and 4 7/8" in length, bird is approximate 3" high and 6" in length. These ornament...
Category

Early 19th Century German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mercury Glass

"B.O. Plenty" Vintage Wind-Up Tin Toy by Marx Original Box. American, Circa 1935
Located in Incline Village, NV
"B.O. Plenty (printed on the back) is the name of this American made tin wind-up toy; named after the classic Dick Tracy comic book and radio character of the 1930's. In his hand he is holding his daughter, Baby Sparkle. Markings include the Marx logo to the rear "Made in The United States of America" in logo as well as location of manufacture, "New York, N,Y.". Vertically in small print on back of pants "By Permission of Famous Artists Syndicated Copyright By Chicago Tribune" (see images for markings), Markings on the box contribute to validating the genesis and name of the toy, and 200 fifth Avenue, New York address of the Marx Company, which was founded in 1919. Highly lithographed (comes with the very hard to find nice condition original box as well) this example is in excellent and all original condition with no restoration or touch up of any kind.Colors include; yellow shirt and hat. blue vest, brown striped pants, white and flesh tones to face and baby. The toy features B.O. Plenty with a "wise guy" look on his face, while holding his baby. When wound up he waddles back and forth, with his hat flying up in the air and back down again (see movie attached to this listing). The toy works great! Dimensions: 8 1/2" high x 2 3/4" wide x 2 1/2" deep. Provenance: From a recently acquired West Coast collection of fine quality tin toys. See my other listings of vintage toys. 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 and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace. My toys operate properly and are as stated and accurately described. it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys...
Category

1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Set of Five Bell & a Pinecone Christmas Ornaments Vintage, German, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set off five bell and one Pinecone glass ornaments. Each is made from thin mouth blown glass, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or f...
Category

1930s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Set of Five Mercury Glass Ball Christmas Ornaments Vintage, German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set off five mercury glass ball ornaments. Each is made from thin mouth blown glass, this would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tr...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Assorted Small Black Forest Roe Buck Mounts
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Assorted Small Black Forest Roe Buck Mounts, Early 20th Century Sold individually.
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Stunning Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage stunning large model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German scho...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Large Portrait Photo of Luitpold Prince Regent of Bavaria 1886 Wood carved Frame
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An extraordinary Original Photograph of Luitpold Karl Joseph Wilhelm Ludwig, Prince Regent of Bavaria (12 March 1821 – 12 December 1912). Beautiful hand crafted Black Forest style fr...
Category

1880s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Jigger Doll
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English Folk Art jigger doll A wonderful example of a unique Folk Art handcrafted jigger doll we have lovingly ...
Category

1930s British Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine, Paint

Popeye rare cloth rag doll, 1950s
Located in Firenze, IT
Popeye rare cloth rag doll USA 1950s Cloth, sponge, plastic pipe H 100 cm - 56 x 30 cm Conditions: overall good conditions consistent with age and use
Category

1950s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric

Lot of Three Vintage Antique Mercury Glass Christmas Tree Topper German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare set of three feather tree glass Christmas tree topper from Germany. Each is made from mouth blown glass, would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Lot of Five Sheep Nativity Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged sheep. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of stick-legged sheep with dust covered body . The sheep have a sturdy stick leg construction, with all sheep having their original stick legs and have not been repaired. They all have hand-painted composition faces. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the tallest sheep. This extraordinary set dates from around 1880 and was made in the Erzgebirge area (Ore Mountains) in Germany. This is a nice addition to any Christmas Decoration or just for your collection of old German toys. For explanation: Putz items, by true definition, were any figures or buildings that when displayed together, told the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. The term today is loosely used for any item that is used under a Christmas tree to create a Christmas “garden” or “yard.” Buildings, homemade or mass produced, composition figures and animals, bottle brush trees and any assortment of various accessories, possibly a toy train and usually a Nativity set at the heart of the display are just a few things that might spark one’s creativity when designing a “putz” for under the tree. Elaborate “putz” scenes reached their heights in the 1920s and 1940s. Today you will generally find them under the trees of diehard collectors of antique Christmas items...
Category

Late 19th Century German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Stunning Austrian Christmas Paper mache Santa St.Nicholas Candy Container 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage St.Nicholas, Santa Claus candy container made of composition, cardboard and Papermache was made in the 20th century and is a charming addition to any Christmas collection. This original period piece was made in Austria and features a vintage finish. This Santa Claus figurine...
Category

20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

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

Antique Ottoman Inkwell Qalamdan and Pen Case in Brass, Turkey
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique Turkish Brass Pencil Case Qalamdan and Inkwell From The Ottoman Empire The interior of the brass case is divided into compartments to ho...
Category

Mid-19th Century Turkish Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Great Escapes Asia Hardcover Table Book by Taschen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Great Escapes Asia Hardcover Table Book by Taschen Publishing. Asia promises multisensory marvels. Whether it’s a scorching hot curry, the vivid sounds of a local market, or an exper...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare Mercury Glass Holiday Christmas Ornament Antique German Money Bag, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Add a touch of vintage charm to your Christmas tree with this antique German glass ornament. The unique design features a money bag, perf...
Category

Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Bertram K. Little Nina Fletcher Little Collection: 1994 Sotheby's Catalogs 1 & 2
Located in Rochester, NY
The Bertram K. Little and Nina Fletcher Little Collection: January 29 and October 21 - 22, 1994 - Sotheby's, New York. Auction Catalogs - Part 1 and 2. Hardcover decorated black boar...
Category

1990s American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

West Germany Clip On Mercury Glass Wire Wrapped Bird on Nest Christmas Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
These are just sooo cute!! The mercury blown glass birds with long bristle tails, are sitting on spun cotton bedding, held into red mercury blown glass "ne...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Lot of Five Deer & Hunter Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of five Putz stick-legged Deers and a Hunter. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene figures. As they are all old, most show the expected signs of age and use. This is a fabulous set of stick-legged deers with dust covered body. The animals have a sturdy stick leg construction, with all of them having their original stick legs and have not been repaired. The Measurements given in the dimensions section refers to the Hunter figure. This extraordinary set dates from around 1880 - 1890s and was made in the Erzgebirge area (Ore Mountains) in Germany. This is a nice addition to any Christmas Decoration or just for your collection of old German toys. For explanation: Putz items, by true definition, were any figures or buildings that when displayed together, told the Biblical story of the birth of Christ. The term today is loosely used for any item that is used under a Christmas tree to create a Christmas “garden” or “yard.” Buildings, homemade or mass produced, composition figures and animals, bottle brush trees and any assortment of various accessories, possibly a toy train and usually a Nativity set at the heart of the display are just a few things that might spark one’s creativity when designing a “putz” for under the tree. Elaborate “putz” scenes reached their heights in the 1920s and 1940s. Today you will generally find them under the trees of diehard collectors of antique Christmas items...
Category

Late 19th Century German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Miniature German Boule Biedermeier Dollhouse Secretary Desk, 1860-1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German wooden Boule Secretary Desk with fine golden transfers, dated about 1860s to 1890s. Made by one of the famous German toy...
Category

1890s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Deer Antler Mount Trophy on Black Forest Carved Wood Plaque Austria Folk Art
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique Black Forest deer antler trophy on hand carved, Black Forest wooden plaque. We beliefe its from the Late 19th Century. A nice addition to your hunters loge, cabin, man cav...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Beaded Ndebele Ceremonial Doll
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare imported commodity, glass beads have been a symbol of wealth and importance in south African cultures for centuries, and were exclusively distributed by the region's oba (king...
Category

Mid-20th Century South African Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Wood

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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