Skip to main content

Collectibles and Curiosities

to
866
3,470
2,893
6,608
459
386
275
204
195
177
121
77
70
45
39
21
9
5
5
5
2
4,474
6,761
13,472
2,713
3,527
4,673
3,081
513
301
607
748
482
900
879
902
661
594
2,521
2,343
1,294
624
545
3,190
1,712
1,491
1,070
607
6,608
6,608
6,608
21
20
15
14
13
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: Early 20th Century
Circa 1920s English Ship's Masthead Lantern
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1920s ship's masthead lantern, English. A fine example of copper with brass fittings & heavy molded clear glass panel. Retains the likely original oil lmap on copper sliding pa...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Copper

Hart-Parr Factory 46 Star American Flag
Located in Savannah, GA
A 5 by 8 linen 46 star American flag said to have hung in the Hart-Parr factory in Iowa. Stamped C.W. Hart. actual measurements: 57 by 87 inches The previous owner inherite...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

Cartier High Jewelry Coffee Table Book by Hans Nadelhoffer, Italian Version
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful hard-cover Cartier high jewelry coffee table book by Hans Nadelhoffer, 1984. Book showcases royal and high jewelry, timepieces, a...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Miniature Huanghuali Wood Chinese Sideboard
Located in New York, NY
Miniature Huanghuali wood Chinese sideboard. An expertly crafted miniature architectural model in Huanhuali wood with brass hardware. A late 20th centu...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Qing Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rosewood

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Shell

The Devonshire Collection of Italian Drawings Roman & Neapolitan Schools 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
The Devonshire Collection of Italian Drawings: Roman and Neapolitan Schools by Michael Jaffe. Published by Phaidon Press, London, 1994. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. The Collection of Old Master drawings at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire, home of the Dukes of Devonshire, ranks with the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle as the finest privately owned group of such drawings in Britain and as one of the great princely collections of Europe. It contains outstanding drawings by the great masters from every artistic school. The book is devoted to the Italian drawings have detailed entries for nearly 1,000 works from the fifteenth to the eighteenth centuries, among them numerous reattributions and discoveries. This volume includes the works of Pietro da Cortona, Giulio Romano...
Category

1990s English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

19th C. John Byrne Brass Telescope with tripod
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
19th C. John Byrne brass telescope with tripod. Marked John Byrne New York 1882. 3.5 inch refracting telescope with 43.5 inch main tube. A wonderful piece of history, Optics are not ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Sonomama Sonomama
Located in Richmond, VA
ESCRIPTION Oversized paperback photography book by Taishi Hirokawa, published in 1987. 84 pages. Text in English and Japanese. A surreal and charming portrait of rural Japan in the ...
Category

1980s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1990s Bric's Italian Leather Canvas Tote Cargo Life Bag
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1990s handcrafted travel tote Cargo Life bag Italian leather Bric's Italy Bric's Life Cargo Brown Duffle Weekender Canvas Carry-on Tote Made in Italy app...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Canvas

Helmut Newton Sumo Taschen Book, Philippe Starck Stand, Signed Limited Edition
Located in Miami, FL
Helmut Newton Sumo Taschen Book, Philippe Starck Stand, Signed Limited Edition Offered for sale is a Helmut Newton Limited Edition Sumo book published by Taschen with a custom-designed stand by Philippe Starck. There is an unparalleled grandeur of the Helmut Newton Sumo, the biggest and most expensive book produced in the 20th century. This limited edition masterpiece is signed by Newton and numbered 836/10,000. The book is a testament to the influential legacy of one of the most intriguing and controversial photographers in history. Accompanying this extraordinary book is a meticulously crafted bookstand designed by Philippe Starck that adds a touch of sophistication to its display. Immerse yourself in the monumental world of SUMO, a titan of a book measuring an impressive 50 x 70 cm (20 x 27.5 in.) and weighing approximately 30 kg (66 lb.). With 464 pages, it breaks all previous records and stands as a truly unique publication. Edited by June Newton...
Category

Late 20th Century Monacan Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

French Hand Carved Wooden Armillary
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and visually captivating French hand carved armillary sphere, dating to around 1900. Crafted entirely of wood and meticulously hand painted, this antique scientific model...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paint

Miniature Music and Jewellery Box Asprey, London, Movement by Rouge, Switzerland
Located in Norwich, GB
Music and Jewellery Box, Asprey London. Movement by Reuge, Switzerland. Miniature jewellery and music box in the style of a grand piano in a mahogany and walnut veneered case inlaid with marquetry throughout featuring musical instruments, raised on three turned tapered legs. The front opening to reveal a traditional keyboard with brass button slider. The top opening to reveal a green baize lined jewellery compartment bearing a brass plaque signed ‘Asprey, London’. c.1970 A separate compartment opening within to reveal a Swiss musical movement...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

Women's Chet Vogt Western - Cowboy Theme Sterling & 14k Gold Buckle with Belt
By Chet Vogt
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Women's signed Chet Vogt Western - Cowboy theme Sterling buckle with hand-tooled scroll work & 14k gold filled Longhorn, Cowboy boot Keeper and Six Shooter Pistol Tip on a si...
Category

1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian Taxidermy Diorama with White Wagtail ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Victorian Taxidermy Diorama with white wagtail ca. 1900 An antique diorama with a taxidermied white wagtail sitting in a handpainted landscape. Moun...
Category

Early 20th Century German Rustic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Glass

Large Mid-Century Modern Tv-Tower Collection of 8 pcs., 1970s / 1980s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Wonderful TV towers from the 1960s-1970s. Some made of steel, metal, aluminum, bronze. The little one golden ist made in plastic. Various heights from 22cm to 47cm! Have the normal...
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Lot of three Mercury Glass Christmas Ornaments Antique German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare antique ornament set of three. The size given in the dimensions section refers to the largest item seen in the first picture. These ornaments, were made from ultra-thin hand b...
Category

1910s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mercury Glass

Vintage 80s Oliver Goldsmith HEX Tortoise Frame & Rose Lens Handmade Sunglasses
Located in St. Louis, MO
This is a nice vintage pair of c.1980s or earlier, Oliver Goldsmith handmade HEX tortoise frame sunglasses with rose lenses. Marked on frames : OG Oliver Goldsmith Handmade Englan...
Category

1980s English Hollywood Regency Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic, Glass

National Gallery of Art, Washington by John Walker
Located in valatie, NY
National Gallery of Art, Washington by John Walker. Published by Harry N. Abrams Incorporated, New York, NY, 1975. Hardcover with dust jacket. Director Eme...
Category

1970s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Early 20th c. Walnut and Maple Inlay Croquet Mallet
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A vintage Walnut croquet mallet with inlay Maple wood. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920-1950. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Walnut, Maple. CONDITION...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique English Onyx, Lapis Lazuli, Silver Gilt Table Vesta by George Betjemann
Located in Bath, GB
A very smart antique English table vesta beautifully executed from white onyx inlaid with Lapis Lazuli. The fittings are made from silver-gilt (gold on sterling silver) by the top...
Category

1910s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Sterling Silver

Original Exhibition Catalog – Dibujos 1928-1942 by Julio González
By Julio González
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – Dibujos 1928-1942 by Julio González, Galeria Dreiseitel, 1974 Artist: Julio González Exhibition: Dibujos 1928-1942 – Galeria Dreiseitel, Köln Year: 1...
Category

1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Eleven Antique French Pairs of Orthopedic Wooden Shoe Lasts
Located in Haarlem, NL
A little strange but very decorative set of 11 pairs of shoe lasts or wooden shoe moulds. All pairs are orthopedic remodeled to fit various abnormalities on...
Category

Early 20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Large Antique Patinated Mercury Glass Madonna with Child
Located in Tilburg, NL
Antique patinated Mercury glass Madonna with child. Turn of the century / early 20th century. This is a wonderful and large mercury glass Madonna with child figurine...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Aesthetic Movement Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Mercury Glass

Kjøbenhavns Telefon Aktieselskab (KTAS) Wall Phone Scandinavia 19th-20th Century
By Kjøbenhavns Telefon Aktieselskab
Located in Madrid, ES
Kjøbenhavns Telefon Aktieselskab (KTAS) wall phone. Scandinavia, late 19th-early 20th century. Wall phone from the company Kjøbenhavns Telefon (later known...
Category

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Early 20th Century French Silvered Iron Altar Crucifix with Ornate Lily Base
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1920 from silvered iron, the crucifix features a beautifully cast figure of Christ on a Latin cross with Fleur-de-Lys terminals, symbolic of purity and the Ho...
Category

Early 20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate, Iron

Helmut Newton Sumo - Enormous Limited Edition Book with Philippe Starck Stand
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Experience the unparalleled grandeur of the Helmut Newton Sumo, the biggest and most expensive book production of the 20th century. This limited edition masterpiece, hand signed and numbered by Helmut Newton himself, is a testament to the influential legacy of one of the most intriguing and controversial photographers in history. Accompanying this extraordinary book is a meticulously crafted bookstand designed by Philippe Starck, adding a touch of sophistication to its display. Immerse yourself in the monumental world of SUMO, a titan of a book measuring an impressive 50 x 70 cm (20 x 27.5 in.) and weighing approximately 30 kg (66 lb.). With 464 pages, it breaks all previous records and stands as a truly unique publication. Edited by June Newton...
Category

1990s German Post-Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Death by Chocolate: The Last Word on a Consuming Passion, Signed, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Death by Chocolate: The Last Word on a Consuming Passion by Marcel Desaulniers. Signed by both the Author and Editor. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket and a protective cover. This c...
Category

1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Gipuzkoa 1902: A Cartographic Snapshot of the Basque Coastline and Highlands
Located in Langweer, NL
The map showcases the province of Gipuzkoa (also known as Guipúzcoa in Spanish), which is part of the autonomous community of the Basque Country in northern Spain, as of the year 190...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Large Original Vintage Map of Persia / Iran, circa 1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great maps of Persia. Unframed. Original color. By John Bartholomew and Co. Edinburgh Geographical Institute. Published, circa 1920. Free shipping.  
Category

1920s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Little by Little: Six Decades of Collecting American Decorative Arts Nina Fletch
Located in valatie, NY
Little by Little by Nina Fletcher Little. Published by Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, 1998. An inspiring account of the superb collection of New England cou...
Category

1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Miniature Half Doll German Porcelain Dutch Girl, Drip Catcher Pin 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a cute porcelain half-doll, meant to be posed on a pin cushion or a drip catcher. She is made in the form of a Dutch Girl. She is impress marked at the lower back with “14123...
Category

1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

NOLHAC, Pierre De. Maria Antoinette. IN A FINE EARLY COSWAY BINDING!
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: NOLHAC, Pierre De. TITLE: Maria Antoinette. PUBLISHER: London: Arthur L. Humphreys, 1905. DESCRIPTION: IN A FINE COSWAY STYLE BINDING. 1 vol., 8-1/2" x 6-1/8", bound in f...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Sculptural Sterling Silver Necklace and Earrings Set by Graziella Laffi
Located in Atlanta, GA
A striking sterling silver jewelry suite of bold design by Graziella Laffi (1923-2009), Lima, Peru, circa 1970s. The set consists of a highly sculptural necklace with a large pendant...
Category

1970s Peruvian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art of Ancient Egypt by Kazimierz Michalowski
Located in Bradenton, FL
Art of Ancient Egypt by Kazimierz Michalowski. Hardcover book with dustjacket. Published by Harry N. Abrams Inc., of New York. Printed in France, bound in the Netherlands. 904 illust...
Category

Late 20th Century French Egyptian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Art Deco Black Lacquer & Marcasite Cigarette Case & Matching Matchstick Case
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Art Deco Ladies Black Lacquer & Marcasite Cigarette & Matchstick Case 1930's. Both Within a Shagreen Presentation Case. Item Was By Esteemed British Luxury Brand Finnigans of Dean...
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Orologi Da Polso Book, 771 Illustrations, 401 Pages, 1988
By Priula & Verlucca, H. Kahlert, R. Muhe, G.L. Brunner
Located in Sacile, PN
Orologi Da Polso book Priula e Verlucchi edition 1988 771 illustrations, 401 pages.
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Taxidermy Butterfly Collection in Lucite Display Signed by Linda Bosse
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Mid-Century Modern 1970s curiosities collection of exotic mounted butterflies of various species, in custom Lucite box totaling 18 butterflie...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Lucite

Large Handcarved Nautical Diorama from the Romanoff Caviar Co.
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An exceptional early 20th century handcarved nautical diorama framed with glass above an associated 19th century mahogany console table with Carrara marble top. Ex. property of a Br...
Category

Early 20th Century German Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Carrara Marble

Georg Jensen Christmas Ornament 1997, Finn Næss-Schmidt
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Every year a well-known Danish artist designs the Georg Jensen Christmas Ornament. In its many incarnations over the years it has become a tradition representative of Danish handcraf...
Category

1990s Danish Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Dr. No
Located in London, GB
Original Japanese press sheet poster designed for the films 1972 re-release. Dr. No starring Sean Connery is the first James Bond film. Based on the 1958 novel of the same name by I...
Category

1970s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Dr. No
Dr. No
$540
1970s by Gabriella Crespi Italian Design Hollywood Regency "Boar" Lighter
Located in Brescia, IT
"Boar" Lighter Gabriella Crespi Italy, 1970s Silver metal. Perfect working order "Grabriella Crespi" signed.
Category

1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage Set of Thirteen Las Vegas $1 Poker Chips
Located in San Diego, CA
A really cool vintage set of Las Vegas casino $1 poker chips, circa late 20th century. The chips are 1.5"D and in very good overall condition. The set includes a chip from the follo...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic, Bakelite

Curtis Jere (Am., CA, 1910-2008) Signed Brass Wire Yacht Sculpture Of A Sailboat
Located in Bridgeport, CT
This is one of the artisan's sculptures finely crafted in his metalwork workshop. A large sturdy brass sailboat constructed of wires and mounted on two flat feet for displaying on a ...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1910s Art Nouveau Lemaire-Like Brass Binoculars/Glasses and Leather Case, France
Located in North Miami, FL
1910s Art Nouveau Lemaire-like gilt brass expandable sportier binoculars/opera glasses with leather case, France By: LeMaire Paris (in the style of) Material: brass, copper, metal, ...
Category

1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper, Zinc

Pair of Early 20th century French brass Opera Glass, 1900s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful pair of mop and brass opera glasses dating from the beginning of the 20th century. Central wheel to move the view away or closer (turns with difficulty). For lovers of coll...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Kinetoscope Projector Thomas Edison, Dated About 1904, USA
By Edison
Located in Madrid, ES
Kinetoscope projector Thomas Edison, dated about 1904, is a museum piece. Film Projector Thomas Edison, USA, in excellent condition. Mounted on a ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

1980s Andy Warhol Interview Magazine Collection 13 Pcs
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A collection of thirteen iconic interview magazines published by Andy Warhol with many portrait covers by artist Richard Bernstein.These pieces are a history of art, fashion, photography and stories depicting the go go era of the 1980s with great content. Bernstein did many of the covers for 20 years with Warhol as a guiding force behind the magazine. Including covers of Madonna, Richard Pryor...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Wicker & Bamboo Adult Tricycle
Located in Hudson, NY
This wicker and bamboo adult tricycle is sure to garner attention. Made in the 1980s, the steel frame is artfully wrapped with wicker and bamboo and com...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Wicker & Bamboo Adult Tricycle
Wicker & Bamboo Adult Tricycle
$4,500 Sale Price
40% Off
Sotheby's: 1993, Loyd-Paxton Collection of Dallas Texas, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's: 1993, Loyd-Paxton Collection of Dallas Texas. This catalog contains selections from the Collections of Loyd-Paxton of Dallas, Texas including: European Furniture and Decorations, Japanese, Indian and Chinese Works of Art...
Category

1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Pine

Large Gothic Revival Wrought Iron Chandelier for Dining Room / Restaurant Etc
Located in Lisse, NL
Great quality workmanship, forged in fire Gothic Art candle chandelier or pendant light. This beautiful quality and all hand forged chandelier comes with clearly visible, Gothic qua...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage OMAS Pen, 1990s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Omas Pen, realized for Credito Italiano in 1990s. Includes its original box. Excellent condition.
Category

1990s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage Decorative Halved Ammonite, African, Fossil, Display Plinth, Cretaceous
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative halved ammonite. An African, opalized fossil on display plinth, dating to Cretaceous period millions of years ago, polished and presented circa 1970. Delightful example with a dual view of the fascinating fossil data Displaying a desirable aged patina and in good original order Lightly polished shell...
Category

Late 20th Century African Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Natural Fiber, Wood

Golden Christmas Tree, Georg Jensen Christmas Ornament 1986, Sven Vestergaard
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Every year a well-known Danish artist designs the Georg Jensen Christmas Ornament. In its many incarnations over the years it has becom...
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Set of Three Traditional Vintage Catalan Soda Syphon, circa 1990
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vintage metal and glass traditional Catalan soda syphon. By unknown manufacturer, made in circa 1990. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preser...
Category

1990s French Rustic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Ubique Fishtail Lawn Tennis Racket
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
The Ubique Fishtail Lawn Tennis Racket. A wooden lawn tennis racket with nice oval head, ash frame with convex walnut wedge, canvas wrappings on the shoulders. The wedge is embossed ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ash

Vintage Original Aviation Pencil Drawing Depicting a Hanriot HD 1 WWI Aircraft
Located in Milan, IT
Pencil drawing depicting a single-seat biplane airplane fighter Hanriot HD 1, by Riccardo Cavigioli. Measure with frame cm 49 x 31 - inch19.3 x 11.8. Riccardo Cavigioli was born in ...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Greyhound Dog Silverplate and Wood Walking Stick
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Greyhound dog silverplate and wood walking stick Offered for sale is an antique silver-plated greyhound-handled walking stick. The woo...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

1994 The Illustrated Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Located in Bath, GB
The first illustrated edition of this popular sci-fi, a colourful edition signed by the author. The first illustrated edition, a incredibly striking edition, with colourful and uniq...
Category

Late 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Female Portrait Chatelaine Belt Clip
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Turn of the century Art Nouveau Chatelaine Belt Clip features a delicate portrait of a female, framed by flowing, organic lines reminiscent of nat...
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Antique and Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities for Sale

Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior. 

Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world. 

And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.

The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.

Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.  

Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.

Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.

Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.

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.

Recently Viewed

View All