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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: 1910s
Utrecht city plan
Located in UTRECHT, UT
“Platte grond der Stad Utrecht vertonende alle Gragten, Straaten, Stegen, Gangen, Markten, en plaatsen der openbare Gebouwen”, engraving published by Johannes van Schoonhoven in Amst...
Category

1770s Dutch Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

CESCINSKY & Webster. English Domestic Clocks. SECOND EDITION. 1914
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: CESCINSKY, Herbert & Malcolm R. Webster. TITLE: English Domestic Clocks. PUBLISHER: London: George Routledge & Sons, Ltd, 1914. DESCRIPTION: SECOND EDITION. 1 vol., 11-15...
Category

1910s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Original Antique Map of West Central France in Frame, 1748
Located in Langweer, NL
A nicely framed and hand-coloured decorative map titled "Gouvernemens Generaux De Poitou et De Saintonge" and engraved by M. Robert. This historical international map includes severa...
Category

1740s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Art Deco 1913 Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Retractable Pencil .800 Silver And Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
Egyptian revival Pharaoh sarcophagus pencil designed by Hans Aigner. Fantastic miniature pendant-pencil, created at the silversmith atelier of Hans...
Category

1910s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Enamel

18th Century Italian Carved Painted Wood Reliquary Altar Figure Bust Pair
Located in Forney, TX
A remarkable pair of scarce large Italian Baroque period carved and painted wood church altar reliquary busts. Born in Italy in the 18th century / possibly late 17th century, figural form, each hand carved from a single log, modeled as opposing figures, parcel gilt polychrome decorated, hollowed central cavity with original glazed glass relic viewing panel, rising on integral marbleized scroll foot base. Dimensions: (each) 21.25" Tall, 8.5" Wide, 8" Deep; 16.25lbs Total Condition Report: Very good original unrestored antique condition with beautifully aged patina. Wear consistent with age and use, including scattered nicks, chips, and chippy paint losses. One glazed panel with losses to sides. Overall in great shape, strong, sturdy, stable, and structurally sound. Presents splendidly We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques absolutely love decorating with religious antiques! From an antique altarpiece, tabernacle, reredos, shrine niche, baptismal font, crucifix, santo statue, icon, religious folk art, retablo, monastery table to church architectural elements...
Category

18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass, Wood

Chrome-plated brass and leather telescope signed W. OTTWAY from the first war 1915
Located in Milan, IT
Chrome-plated brass and leather telescope signed W. OTTWAY & Co Ltd Ealing London A49 in use by British Army officers during World War I. Single-length focus, focal diameter cm 3...
Category

1910s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Polychromed Statue representing Sint Alexis of Edessa. Flemish school, Belgium
Located in Leuven , BE
The Greek version of his legend made Alexius the only son of Euphemianus, a wealthy Christian Roman of the senatorial class. Alexius fled his arranged marriage to follow his holy voc...
Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Solid Brass Ship Captains Telescope
Located in Norwell, MA
Ships spyglass telescope appropriate for use on a yacht, ship, or anywhere with a view. This has been meticulously polished and lacquered. We just restored a great collection of thes...
Category

1910s European Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Bronze mortar, Veneto, 16th century
Located in Brescia, IT
Bronze mortar, Veneto, 16th century Lost-wax cast bronze mortar with body outlined by parallel and succeeding frames delineating its circumference. On the two faces, in a central p...
Category

16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Italian Church Kneeler in Walnut Wood
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An early 18th Century Italian Baroque Kneeler or kneeling stool in walnut. This rare antique from a church has a drawer as well as a door with a shelf inside. In the interior of this piece, the bible or other catholic religious items...
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Solid Brass Ship Captains Telescope
Located in Norwell, MA
Ships spyglass telescope appropriate for use on a yacht, ship, or anywhere with a view. This has been meticulously polished and lacquered. We just restored a great collection of thes...
Category

1910s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Ancient Antique Luristan Bronze Short Sword / Knife / Early Iron Age Weapon
Located in Sampantawong, TH
Ancient Luristan bronze short sword with green patina. Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region of nowadays Western Iran ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Persian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

17th French Century Iron Figure of The Virgin
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful 17th century French Baroque cast iron figure of the Virgin praying. Likely originally part of an outdoor shrine as it has been exposed to the elements. The weathered surfac...
Category

Early 17th Century French Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Naga Ceremonial Shields from the Naga Tribe in Burma 18th-19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Behold the captivating beauty and profound cultural significance of the Naga Ceremonial Shield, a remarkable piece of artistry and heritage. This exceptional shield, exquisitely craf...
Category

Late 18th Century Burmese Tribal Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hide, Paint

Naga Ceremonial Shields from the Naga Tribe in Burma 18th-19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Behold the captivating beauty and profound cultural significance of the Naga Ceremonial Shield, a remarkable piece of artistry and heritage. This exceptional shield, exquisitely craf...
Category

Late 18th Century Burmese Tribal Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hide, Paint

Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut C. Engel & Cie Verviers
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Verviers Belgium by C. Engel & Cie Opticiens Verviers High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in...
Category

1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut

Early Map of Puerto Rico Printed in Venice by G. F. Camocio in 1571
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: S.Giovanni Publication Info: Venice Date: 1572 Place created: Venice Marvelous example of Porcacchi's map of the Island of Puerto Rico. One of the earliest obtainable maps of the Island and one of the few published in the 16th Century. Excellent topographical detail, if a bit conjectural, and naming many locations. Includes decorative cartouche, 4 sea monsters and a compass rose. Also shows the Virgin Islands, with a large St. Croix (Croce) shown. An important early map for collectors of this Island. Map shows America, Caribbean. "Descrittione Del L'Isola Di S. Giouanni, detta Borichen". Copper etching from "L'Isole piu Famose del Mondo" (The most famous islands of the world by Thomas Porcacchi (1530 - 1585) and engraved by Girolamo Porro. The first edition of this work was published in Venice in 1572. This is one of the oldes maps of Puerto Rico...
Category

16th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Miracle of Saint Peregrine Laziosi. Oil on canvas. Spanish School, 18th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Miracle of Saint Peregrine Laziosi. Oil on canvas. Spanish School, 18th century. Oil on canvas showing a man surrounded by angels and seated on a cloud of angels and seated on a clou...
Category

18th Century Spanish Neoclassical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Naga Ceremonial Shields from the Naga Tribe in Burma 18th-19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Behold the captivating beauty and profound cultural significance of the Naga Ceremonial Shield, a remarkable piece of artistry and heritage. This exceptional shield, exquisitely craf...
Category

Late 18th Century Burmese Tribal Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hide, Paint

MOORHOUSE. Letters Of The English Seamen: 1587-1808. IN A FINE COSWAY BINDING !
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: MOORHOUSE, E. Hallam. TITLE: Letters Of The English Seamen: 1587 - 1808. PUBLISHER: London: Chapman & Hall, 1910. DESCRIPTION: A COSWAY BINDING. 1 vol., octavo., 8-7/16" ...
Category

1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Norwegian 18th Century Hand-carved Burlwood Lion Pipe Head
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Amazing hand-carved 18th Century Norwegian Burlwood lion pipe-head with brass hardware.
Category

Early 18th Century Norwegian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Burl

Louis XV Miniature Parquery Armoire, Circa 1760
Located in Spencertown, NY
The Louis XV Provincial Walnut Parquetry Miniature Armoire. Opening to reveal a shelves and drawers.
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ebony, Walnut

French, 18th Century, Baroque Gilded Metal Procession Cross
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful baroque gilded metal procession cross with a great patina. France circa 1750. weathered and small losses. Measurements include the wooden pedestal.
Category

18th Century French Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

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

Prismatic liquid pocket compass signed F. Barker's & Son London 1917
Located in Milan, IT
Prismatic compass pocket liquid and sensing signed F. Barker's & Son Makers London 1917, Pat No.29677/10, Futher Pat Pending, in use by British army officers during World War I. T...
Category

1910s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster
Located in Norwich, GB
19th century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster. Housed in a black metal case with a cream coloured bakelite front plate. The dial with barometer scale, hand turned ind...
Category

1910s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bakelite

Linen Bermuda Flag By Annin
Located in Norwell, MA
Antique flag for the Island of Bermuda. The flag of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda as a red ensign was first adopted on 4 October 1910. British red ensign with the union f...
Category

1910s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

Relief with angel head. Polychrome and gilded wood. Spanish school, 16th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Relief with angel head. Polychrome and gilded wood. Spanish school, 16th century. Rectangular table that presents, on the front, a relief of certain depth and figurative theme. On a...
Category

16th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Rare Tabletop Amethyst Formation with Calcite Goethite & Quartz
Located in London, GB
A very rare and exquisite table-top amethyst formation. The long fromation preserves a prominent golden calcite crystal on a bed of deep purple amethyst and is particularly sculptura...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Uruguayan Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Agate, Amethyst, Quartz

Old Map of The Mughal Empire and the Indian Peninsula South of the Ganges, 1787
Located in Langweer, NL
This is a historical map titled "L'Empire Du Mogol, Et La Presqu Isle De L'Inde En Deca Du Gange." An original authentic map, created by Rigobert Bonne (1727-1794), an influential ...
Category

1780s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Photograph of A Cambridge Rowing Team. Dated 1914
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful photographs of a Cambridge rowing team Albumen prints laid down on card Photograph by Stearn, Cambridge. Dated 1914 Original oak frame S...
Category

1910s English Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Royal Doulton, Isaac Walton Fishing Plate
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage fishing plate by Royal Doulton. A good Royal Doulton plate decorated with Isaac Walton design fishing scenes with the inscription: FRIEND W...
Category

1910s European Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Embroidered Textile Chasuble Religious Vestment
Located in New York, NY
Antique embroidered textile chasuble with floral decorative patterns in blue, yellow and pink, likely made in the 17th-18th century in Europe. The piece is framed and has marking on the back paper indicating it to be a gift from William Randolph Hearst...
Category

17th Century European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Textile

Italian Rare Antique Miniature Blanket Chest in Poplar
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare late 17th century Italian rustic miniature blanket chest in solid poplar wood. This miniature blanket chest is ideal for decorating your home and can be used to store your preci...
Category

Late 17th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Poplar

17th-18th Century Carved Spanish Baroque Christ, Nino, Santo
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful baroque baby Jesus with glass eyes and a very strong expression. Wonderful and rare original period piece. Spain, circa 1650-1750. Weathered, losses and old repairs. Measur...
Category

17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

17th Century Italian Baroque Angel Figure with Candleholder
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful angel figure with candle holder. Beautiful traces of the original paint and gilding visible, Italy, circa 1650-1700. Weathered and old repair More pictures available on re...
Category

17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Georgian Mahogany Watch Hutch in the Form of a Columned Portico
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
George III mahogany watch hutch of architectural form having fluted columns on a stepped base and supporting a gabled roof. The setback facade with a double door below a circular "wi...
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Cartographic Elegance: The Art and Science of 17th-Century Asian Maps, ca.1681
Located in Langweer, NL
This original antique map is an artifact from a pivotal era in cartography, reflecting not only the geographical knowledge of its time but also the intertwining of art and science in...
Category

1680s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Historical Map of the Black Sea and Surrounding Regions, 1705
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Map of Turcomania, Georgia, and Comania" This print presents an intricately detailed map of the Caucasus region, titled “Turcomania, Georgien Commanie,” by the esteemed cart...
Category

Early 1700s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Charting the Course of Empire: Bonne's 1770 Masterpiece Maps of the Indian Ocean
Located in Langweer, NL
A voyage through history with an exquisite collection of Rigobert Bonne's 1770 maps, as featured in the coveted Atlas Moderne circa 1770. Each map, a cartographic treasure, captures ...
Category

1770s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Decorative Original Antique Map of Valencia in Southern Spain, circa 1601
Located in Langweer, NL
This is an original antique map titled 'Valentiae Regni olim Contestanorum Si Ptolemaeo, Edentanorum Si Plinio Credimus Typus'. This is a historical map of the Kingdom of Valencia in...
Category

Early 17th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Mary Magdalene on her way to Marseille. Castilian school, 15th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Mary Magdalene on her way to Marseille. oil on board. Castilian school, towards the last third of the century XV. Oil on panel showing a landscape in the background with a walled city, some mountains and the shore of a watercourse (from the theme it is seen that it is the shore from sea). In the foreground and in full body, a boat with a sail appears with a circus richly dressed characters and with their respective nimbus (these decorated with geometric elements and engraved vegetables), two women and three men. Note the anecdotal detail of the fish crossing the waters under the ship. In the Golden...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Spanish Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Mortaio in bronzo, Veneto, XVI° secolo
Located in Brescia, IT
Mortaio in bronzo fuso a cera persa con corpo delineato da un gran numero di cornici parallele e susseguenti che ne delimitano la circonferenza; e ornato con motivi vegetali di deriv...
Category

16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Italian Liturgical Pax Brede Or Osculatorium From The 16th Century
Located in AMSTERDAM, NH
Italy 16th century A liturgical Pax Brede or Osculatorium. The carved wooden board “Kiss of Peace” representing Christ as a man of sorrows. The pax has the shape of an ancient templ...
Category

16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

Large Antique European Carved Giltwood Church Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent Baroque period monumental carved polychromed gilt wood church altar figure - religious folk art sculpture, depicting Christ, The Good Shepherd. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Continental Europe around the 18th century, judging by the quality of work this most impressive example was likely commissioned by an important Roman Catholic church as a main altarpiece / altar figure. The rare one-of-a-kind ecclesiastical work, circa 1750, hand carved from a single large log, with exceptionally fine detailing throughout, gessoed, polychrome decorated, and richly gilded, modeled as standing Jesus figure with sculpted draped garbs, carrying a superbly textured lamb over His shoulders, partial hollowed open verso, rising on plinth base. Dimensions: (approx) 44" High, 20" Wide, 11" Deep Condition: A truly remarkable museum quality example. Overall excellent original antique condition, with beautifully aged warm rich dark patina and minimal wear. --- Religious folk art is a wonderful way to uniquely decorate your home, while adding inspiration, conversational interest, rich historical depth and significance. Over the years, Lynx Hollow Antiques has acquired a remarkable collection of religious antiques. Offering collectible and educational decor in the form of wonderful, hand-crafted, one-off works from around the world, including altar, altarpiece, tabernacle, reliquary, monstrance, monastery table, monumental crucifix...
Category

18th Century European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso, Wood, Giltwood

Reliefs with heads of angels. Polychrome and gilded wood. Spanish school, 16th c
Located in Madrid, ES
Reliefs with heads of angels. Polychrome and gilded wood. Spanish school, 16th century. Pair of rectangular boards with a hanging ring on the back that present, on the front, two de...
Category

16th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

18th Century Large Antique Bronze Bell 1 lbs Letter Weight
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Antique Bronze Letter bell weight or dumbell 1 lbs.
Category

Late 18th Century Danish Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Antique Map of the Sunda Islands Including Sumatra, Java, and Borneo, 1705
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: “Antique Map of the Sunda Islands Including Sumatra, Java, and Borneo” This print is a beautifully detailed and relatively rare map of Western Indonesia, encompassing the reg...
Category

Early 1700s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

17th/ 18th Century Italian Baroque Marble Holy Water Font or Stoup
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful Baroque marble holy water font or stoup, Unique and original period piece. Italy, circa 1650-1750. Weathered condition. Measures: H:10,5cm W:21,5cm D:19-26cm.
Category

17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble

Small brass compass supplied to the US army during ww2
Located in Milan, IT
Small brass travel compass, issued to the U.S. Army during World War I, shaped like an onion pocket watch, an instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate in a horizon...
Category

1910s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Authentic Antique Map of the Caribbean, Gulf Coast and Central America, 1787
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Les Isles Antilles et le Golfe du Méxique'. Original old map of the Caribbean, Gulf Coast and Central America. With inset map of Bermuda. Originates from 'Histoir...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Cartographic Elegance of the Mughal Dominion in a Hand-Colored Antique Map, 1705
Located in Langweer, NL
This original antique map titled “'T Ryk van den Grooten Mogol” by Nicolas Sanson from 1705 is an interesting historical artifact. It depicts the extent of the Mughal Empire in North...
Category

Early 1700s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Cervantes, Miguel de — Don Quixote — 4 volume set
Located in Middletown, NY
4 vols.; 8vo, 6 1/2 x 4 in. (165 x 102 mm) , vol. 1: (6), xl, 293; vol. 2: (1), 314; vol. 3: 910, xi, 331; vol. 4: 91), 322. With 28 copperplate engravings designed by F. Hayman and engraved by G. V. Neist; all are signed by both artist and engraver; all have “Vol” and “p.” indications, except those for Vol. I., which have “p." indications only. Three-quarter tan calf binding with marbled paper, all edges stained yellow, gilt title, decorations and raised bands on spine. The antique bindings...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

17th Century European Religious Book Binding Brass Mounts Vellum Monumental Size
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique animal skin or vellum book binding with brass or possibly bronze mounts (sometimes called furniture - centerpiece, corner pieces) of monumental scale. The work measures al...
Category

17th Century European Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

18th Century Antique Map of the Virgin Islands and Caribbean Inset Maps
Located in Langweer, NL
A fascinating piece of cartographic history! The map, titled "Carte du supplément pour les Isles Antilles," featuring inset maps of various islands in the Caribbean, is from the "Atl...
Category

Late 18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Edwardian Period Sterling Silver-Mounted Threaded Crystal Match Striker
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Period, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, London, Ca. 1910. Measures approximately 2 inches high x approximately 2 inches diameter (at widest point). ...
Category

1910s English Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Antique Map of a Bay of Borneo, Indonesia, c.1760
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'La Baye de l'isle et Ville de Borneo'. Small map depicting a Bay of Borneo. Artists and Engravers: Anonymous. Condition: Good, general age-related toning. ...
Category

18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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

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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