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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: Early 1700s
Vintage Meccano Building Game in Original Box
Located in Barcelona, ES
Embark on a journey through time with this original Meccano building game, presented in its vintage box. Crafted by Meccano Limited in England, this piece of history invites you to u...
Category

15th Century and Earlier English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

17th Century Spanish Colonial Hispano-Philippine Carved Santo
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce 17th century Spanish Colonial carved wood santo with provenance from the National Museum of the Philippines Manila. circa late 1600s A large part of what makes this example so very rare is not just the age and condition, but the saint depicted, San Roque. The Hispano-Philippine (Spanish-Filipinos) hand carved hard wood religious altar figure presents splendidly, with scattered remnants of original gesso and polychrome pigments, the exceptionally sculpted religious folk art depicting San Roque (Saint Roch or Rocco), the 14th century Catholic patron saint frequently invoked against the plaque, various infectious disease, as well as patron saint of dogs, invalids, of falsely accused people, and of bachelors, amongst others. Provenance / Acquisition: Retaining registration - identification label to verso from The Republic of the Philippines (RP) National Museum of the Philippines Manila with hand written registration number. Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est. 1982, Austin, Texas. February 2022 catalog. Dimensions: (approx) Overall: 15.75" High, 5" Wide, 4" Deep. Figure: 14" High 1.5lbs Great original antique condition, especially considering it's around 350 years old. Nicely aged patina over the whole. Presented on a later wood plinth base. Typical loss to right arm, minor finish losses, old tiny metal plate added to prevent age related splitting, all wear consistent with age, and only adds to the overall sophisticated character, authenticity, and charming rustic warmth that can only be acquired over long periods of time. We here at Lynx Hollow Antiques absolutely love religious antiques, from an antique altar, church architectural salvaged building and ornamental elements, reliquary, tabernacle cabinet...
Category

17th Century Spanish Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso, Hardwood

18th/19th Century Spanish Colonial Carved Painted Wooden Santo Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
A lovely antique Spanish Colonial hand carved and painted wood santo altar figure - religious folk art sculpture. 18th/19th century, possibly earlier, most likely depicting Saint F...
Category

18th Century Spanish Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Rider's British Merlin 1726; Adorned with many delightful Varieties and Useful.
Located in Middletown, NY
A precursor of Benjamin Franklin's famous and popular POOR RICHARD's ALMANAC Rider, Cardanus Rider's (1726) British Merlin; Adorned with many delightful Varieties and Useful Veritie...
Category

Early 18th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

Niche. Carved and polychrome wood. Possibly Spanish school, 18th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Niche. Carved and polychrome wood. Possibly Spanish school, 18th century. A table niche made of carved, polychrome, and gilded wood. It features a front door with a key lock and gi...
Category

18th Century European Rococo Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Other

Rare Aztec Colonial Polychromed Wood Sculpture! Holy Imagene Bultos Santos Icons
Located in Peoria, AZ
MUSEUM PERFECTION ! AZTEC INFLUENCED LATIN AMERICAN COLONIAL ART AMAZINGLY RARE PIECE ! Approx. 14" x 8" x 2 1/2" After Hernán Cortés conquered the Aztec empire, painting and sculpture schools were set up within missions to produce art for Roman Catholic worship in Spanish America to promote Christian evangelization. The works that emerge from this period are great historic treasures and tell us much about this time in history. Icons were important in this conversion process. Here is an Imagene that was likely employed in a church from the 17th century. It features 5 elaborately carved faces and figures depicting angels and saints. This piece is magnificent for many reasons, but the most important reason is that this piece illustrates the bridge between the Spanish and Aztec art schools. The Aztecs had developed the most splendid feather art in the world. Feather mosaics (arte plumario in Spanish, amantecayotl in Nahuatl), were created by specially trained and talented Aztec nobles. The blue green iridescent color of hummingbird feathers had made them a regular form of tribute to Aztec rulers and art that featured these feathers were incomparable. The Spanish art instructors adopted feathers into traditional Catholic imagery and this piece shows the result of such hybrid. Here feathers are prominently sculpted into the background and were polychromed with sensational hues to reflect the native love and cultural appreciation for feather art. Few feather mosaics survive because of their temporal frailty, but the wood worked feathers in this piece give scholars and collectors a lasting indication of how Aztecs stylistically used the feathers in their pieces. Aztec religious leaders wore headdresses and garments made of feathers - and here these saints appear to be wearing feather headdresses! Even after centuries, the colors of this piece are incredibly compelling. Fragments of the rich blue green pigment that was applied to mimic the hummingbird feathers are still present. The golds, yellows and browns display spectacular understanding of complementary colors. What's more this piece also shows Aztec sun imagery incorporated into the design! On the reverse side of the Saints' faces we see a vivid blue sun burst type design which clearly was an Aztec motif of the period and has no comparable counterpart in Catholic holy treasures...
Category

17th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Jewish Judaea Silver Shekel – Year 2 of the First Jewish Revolt (AD 67/68)
Located in New York, NY
This silver shekel, weighing 14.32 grams, was struck in Judaea during the First Jewish–Roman War, a significant period of resistance against Roman occupation that lasted from AD 66 t...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Israeli Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Antique 16th Century Islamic Safavid Al Jazari Combination Locking Brass Casket
Located in Portland, OR
A highly important engraved Islamic combination locking brass casket, based on a design by the 12th Century Arab inventor & artist Ismail Al Jazari. Circa...
Category

16th Century Iraqi Islamic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

A rare 18th century VOC notebook with silver fittings VOC Chamber Rotterdam
Located in UTRECHT, UT
The black leather binding in faux shark skin, with silver fittings, unmarked, front and back centrally with a VOC ship within a symmetrical rococo cartouche, the two clasps with VOC ...
Category

18th Century Dutch Dutch Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

[MISSAL]. L'Office De La Semaine Sainte. GILT ARMS OF PHILIPPE II DUC D'ORLEANS
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: [MISSAL]. TITLE: The Office of Holy Week, According to the Messel & Roman Breviary;... PUBLISHER: Paris: By the Company of Booksellers assigned to the Book of Holy Week, 1...
Category

Early 1700s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Solomon's Temple, the Holy of Holies, Showing the Ark of the Covenant, c.1780
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique religion print titled 'Het Heilige der Heilige binnen den Tempel van Salomon'. This print depicts Solomon's Temple, the Holy of Holies, showing the Ark of the Covenant...
Category

1780s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Eastern Hemisphere by Valk & Chenk '1708'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Hemispherium Orbis Antiqui, Cumzonis Circulis, Et Sity populorum Diverso'. Decorative example of Andreas Cellarius's map of the Eastern Hemisphere, illustrating with climatic zones ranging from Frigida Borealis to Torrida, with planetary details superimposed. The elaborate border includes fine scrollwork, numerous putti, and additional diagrams showing armillary spheres and climatic zones. Andreas Cellarius was born in 1596 in Neuhausen and educated in Heidelberg. He emigrated to Holland in the early 17th century and 1637 moved to Hoorn, where he became the rector of the Latin School. Cellarius' best known work is his Harmonia Macrocosmica, first issued in 1660 by Jan Jansson, as a supplement to Jansson's Atlas Novus. The work consists of a series of Celestial Charts...
Category

Early 18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

18th Century Italian Baroque Silver and Rock Crystal Crucifix
Located in Stamford, CT
18th Italian Baroque carved rock crystal crucifix with silver Corpus of Christ flaked by male and female attendants on either side. The stepped base deco...
Category

18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rock Crystal, Silver

Large 17th-Century Coronelli Map of Europe with Mythical Islands and Rich Detail
Located in Langweer, NL
Large 17th-Century Coronelli Map of Europe with Mythical Islands and Rich Detail This exceptional two-sheet map of Europe by Vincenzo Maria Coronelli, published in Venice in 1692,...
Category

1690s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Stunning Antique Gothic Revival Hand Carved Elm Wood Blanket Chest / Trunk 1750
Located in Lisse, NL
Great looking and patina antique Gothic trunk, made of solid elmwood. This impressive looking and practical size chest shows a number of deep and...
Category

Early 18th Century Spanish Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

18th Century Italian Wrought Iron Chamfron, Shaffron, Horse Armor Mask
Located in Carimate, Como
Authentic horse armour face mask or chanfron, dated circa late 18th-early mid-19th century from Northern Italy in wrought iron. During the late Middle Age...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

18th Century Carved Oak Statue Depicting St. Bartholomew
Located in Dallas, TX
This tall French statue of St. Bartholomew was hand-carved from oak in the 1700’s. This depiction of St. Bartholomew is not often seen in art, except for one of the most well known r...
Category

18th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Pair of Silvered Wooden Reliquaries from France, Circa 1750
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of silvered wooden reliquaries are from France, circa 1750. The backs are still preserved by wax seals, indicating that the relics were never removed. Each reliquary has...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

18th Century Giltwood and Polychrome Painted Shield ECCE NUNCDIES SALUTIS
Located in Hastings, GB
Stunning 18th century carved wooden religious shield, Italian early 1700’s, in gilt and green with the words ECCE NUNCDIES SALUTIS (This is the Day of Salvation) to the centre. Hist...
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Nepalese Carved and Painted Buddhist Manuscript Cover, 15th Century
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and unusual wooden book or manuscript cover with a carved exterior and painted interior, 15th century, Nepal. The exterior of the manuscript cover exuberantly carved with ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Nepalese Tibetan Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Rare Antique Bible Map of Southern Europe by A. Schut, 1743
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map of the Mediterranean and a large part of Europe, illustrating the voyage of St. Paul to Rome. This map originates from ‘Biblia Sacra, dat is, de H. Schriftuer van het Oud...
Category

Mid-18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of Zeeland 'The Netherlands' by N. Visscher, circa 1690
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Comitatus Zelandiae (..)'. Detailed chart of the province Zeeland, The Netherlands, with details shown pictorially. Published by N. Visscher.
Category

Late 17th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Authentic 1644 Janssonius Map of the Champagne Region (Campania) in France
Located in Langweer, NL
"1644 Janssonius Map of Champagne, France" This meticulously detailed original antique map, engraved in 1644, is a work by the esteemed cartographer Johannes Janssonius. It depicts the historic province of Champagne, situated in the northeastern part of France. The map is notable for its high level of detail, with meticulously drawn boundaries, city markers, and river courses. It features a beautifully rendered cartouche adorned with the provincial coat of arms, flanked by classical figures, indicative of the region's cultural significance. In the lower left corner, a pair of cherubs are engaged in surveying, symbolizing the scientific endeavor of cartography. The elaborate compass rose and the scale bar further complement the map's utility and artistic merit. Champagne is renowned globally for its viticultural heritage, being the birthplace of the eponymous Champagne sparkling wine. The region's unique terroir, with its chalky soil and cool climate, is ideal for the production of the grapes used in champagne-making. The historical significance of Champagne extends beyond winemaking; it has been the site of pivotal battles and royal coronations, which shaped the course of French and European history. This map is not only a navigational tool but also a snapshot of a region rich in history and tradition, an artifact that embodies the geographical and cultural prestige of Champagne. This description provides a detailed visual and contextual presentation of the map, suitable for a catalog entry, emphasizing both its artistic features and the historical and cultural importance of the Champagne region. THE WINE AREAS: The Champagne region, known primarily for its production of the sparkling wine that bears its name, encompasses several important cities and sites of historical and cultural significance: 1. **Reims**: Often considered the unofficial capital of the Champagne region, Reims is renowned for its grand cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims, where French kings were historically crowned...
Category

1640s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1711 Star Chart of Southern Sky with Mythical Constellations and Exotic Animals
Located in Langweer, NL
1711 Star Chart of the Southern Sky - "Mappa Stellarum Australium quae in Altitudine Poli Borei Graduum" This beautiful star chart, engraved by Arnold van Westerhout in 1711, shows ...
Category

1710s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Poems of Robert Fergusson
Located in Middletown, NY
This is the FIRST EDITION OF ROBERT FERGUSSON'S POEMS in a very attractive binding. It presents poems in both English (1-84) and Scots (80-121) and includes a Glossary of Scots words...
Category

Mid-18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Framed 15th Century Illuminated Book of Hours Manuscript
Located in Houston, TX
Framed 15th century illuminated Book of Hours manuscript circa 1450, France. Gouache, ink gold wash and gold burnishing on vellum. Framed within large decorative matt. In very good a...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood, Parchment Paper

Antique Map of Tartary and Northeast Asia, c.1750
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Carte de la tartarie occidentale'. An interesting map of Tartary and northeast Asia, from Lake Baykal, Partie du Siberia in the north, Pays des Kalkas at the cent...
Category

18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Coleridge, Samuel Taylor: POEMS on Various Subjects
Located in Middletown, NY
This is the FIRST EDITION of COLERIDGE'S FIRST BOOK OF POEMS. A. S. W. Rosenbach deemed it "An important literary volume." (Rosenbach 29:108). It includes four sonnets by Charles Lam...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Early Muromachi Period Samurai Naoe Shizu Katana with Papers, 14th Century
Located in Hampstead, QC
Early Muromachi period Japanese Samurai “Naoe Shizu Katana” (sword). The Muromachi Period in Japanese history ran approximately from 1336 to 1573. HISTORY: In the Kamakura period ...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Japanese Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

18th Century Italian Neoclassical Carved Wooden Altar
Located in Buisson, FR
Wonderful neoclassical carved wooden altar with beautiful gilded angels. Italy, circa 1760-1780. Weathered, small losses and old repairs.
Category

18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Historical Map of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean by Delisle - 1780
Located in Langweer, NL
Historical Map of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean by Guillaume Delisle - 1780 Reissue This captivating map titled "Carte de la Grèce" was originally crafted by the eminent Fr...
Category

1780s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Bird's-Eye View of Hangzhou (China) by Matthäus Merian, 1638
Located in Langweer, NL
This is an exquisite antique bird's-eye view map of Hangzhou, historically referred to as "Xuntien or Quinzay," from the first edition of Matthäus Merian's publication in 1638. This ...
Category

1630s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Navy Signal Cannon 18th / 19th Century European Brass Barrel And Wood Carriage
Located in Miami, FL
European signal cannon from the late 18th-19th century. An antique piece made and used in Europe, circa 1800. This kind of small scale toys were made to be used in the navy of some ...
Category

Late 18th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Palermo – 1620 Braun & Hogenberg Bird’s-Eye Map of Palermo, Sicily
Located in Langweer, NL
Palermo – 1620 Braun & Hogenberg Bird’s-Eye Map of Palermo, Sicily This beautifully detailed bird’s-eye view of Palermo, Sicily, was created by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg aro...
Category

1620s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Chart of the Passage of Comets in the Southern Sky, circa 1740
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Motus Comtarum in Hemispaerio Australi (..)'. This uncommon chart depicts the passage of comets in the southern sky between the years 1530-1704. Centered on the ecliptic poles and shows the constellation figures based on classical mythology, without showing the stars. The paths of dozens of comets are illustrated, eincluding those sighted by Tycho Brahe...
Category

Mid-18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Original Antique Map of Ancient Greece, Achaia, Corinth, 1786
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of Ancient Greece. Showing the region of Thessaly, including Mount Olympus Drawn by J.D. Barbie Du Bocage Copper plate engraving by P.F Tardieu Original hand color...
Category

1780s French Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

18th Century Hirate Clan Samurai Armor with Signed Kabuto Helmet
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This is a truly exceptional set of 18th century Samurai armor that is sure to impress any collector or enthusiast. The patinated iron used in its construction has aged beautifully, giving the armor a truly unique appearance that is sure to catch the eye. The brocade silk and cotton padding used to line the armor not only provide a comfortable fit for the wearer, but also add an extra layer of decorative flair. One of the most striking features of this armor is the crests of the Hirate samurai clan that adorn it. These crests are a symbol of the clan's identity and heritage, and their presence on the armor speaks to the deep connection between samurai warriors and the clans they belonged to. The Kabuto...
Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Early Edo Period Japanese Kanefusa Wakizashi Sword with Papers, 17th Century
Located in Hampstead, QC
Japanese Wakizashi sword forged and signed by Kanefusa, a blacksmith from one of the great lineages of blacksmiths in the Mino region of Japan. The...
Category

Early 17th Century Japanese Edo Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Large Antique Oil on Canvas Painting of Saint Joseph W. Lily and the Child Jesus
Located in Lisse, NL
Early religious work of art, presented in the original antique frame. This beautiful and uplifting portrait of Saint Joseph holding hands with the child Jesus is an oil on canvas an...
Category

18th Century European Baroque Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint, Plaster

English Camphor Wood Sea Captain's Chest with Braided Beckets, Circa 1770
Located in Charleston, SC
English Camphor wood sea captain's chest with hinged top, exposed corner dovetailing, original mounted braided beckets, and terminating on the original rectangular molded edge base....
Category

1770s English George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fruitwood, Rope

18th Century Altar Modell, South Germany, with Original Painting, Wood
Located in Epfach, DE
18th century Altar Modell, South Germany, with original painting, wood A rare altar model with original painting, in the middle Jesus Christus and on the ...
Category

Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Canterbury Cathedral: First Edition, The Antiquities Of Canterbury By Somner
Located in Kent, Dover
An extremely rare first edition: William Somner, The antiquities of Canterbury. Or a survey of that ancient citie, with the suburbs, and cathedrall. Containing principally matters of...
Category

17th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Roman Carved Marble Torso in Military Dress, circa 2nd-3rd Century
Located in Austin, TX
A well carved Roman marble figure of a male in military dress, late Roman Period, circa 2nd-3rd century. The figure portrayed dressed in military att...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble

18th Century French Louis XVI Period Gilded Barometer by Evangelista Torricelli
By Evangelista Torricelli
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, large antique French Louis XVI period barometer, signed by Torricelli in gilded wood and of oval shape with original scientific illustrations, in good condition. The detailed wall décor piece is consisting its original glass. Framed with gilt foliate trim and important pediment. Minor fading, due to age. Wear consistent with age and use, circa 1750, France. The Italian scientist Evangelista Torricelli...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood

18th Century French Hand Carved and Painted Wood Statue
Located in Dallas, TX
18th century French hand carved and painted wood statue still shows vestiges of its original painted finish. Depicting a nun reading a bible, the n...
Category

Late 18th Century French Rustic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak, Paint

1573 Ortelius Map: First to Name California, Spanning Tartary to North America
Located in Langweer, NL
"1573 Abraham Ortelius Map of Tartary, Japan, and Western North America" Description of the Map: This is an outstanding example of Abraham Ortelius' map titled "Tartariae Sive Magn...
Category

16th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Large South Pacific Tridacna Gigas Clam Shell
Located in Copenhagen, K
Large South Pacific Tridacna Gigas Clam shell The shell is in very good condition and with a beautiful pink tint.  
Category

15th Century and Earlier Pacific Islands Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Shell

Rare 1572 Map of Ancient Rome with Monuments by Ligorio, Braun & Hogenberg
Located in Langweer, NL
Rare 1572 Map of Ancient Rome with Monuments by Ligorio, Braun & Hogenberg This remarkable 16th-century map, *Urbis Romae Situs cum ils quae adhuc Conspiciuntur Veter. Monumet Rel...
Category

16th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique World Map by P. Schenk '1706'
By Peter Schenk
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Diversa Orbis Terrae. Visu Incedente per Coluros Tropicorum, Ambos Ejus Polos, et Parciularis Sphaerae Zenith, in Planum Orthographica Projectio (..) Plat Ontwerp van verscheyde Aert-klooten (..)'. One of the earliest Dutch World Maps to focus on a more modern cartographic style, based on Carel Allard's map of 1696. This map represented a noteworthy shift from the traditional decorative Dutch 17th century maps where the margins would be full of classical mythological...
Category

Early 18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Brass Gregorian refractor telescope circa 1750 attributed to James Short
Located in Milan, IT
Antique mid-18th-century brass Gregorian refractor telescope, almost certainly made by James Short (1710-1768). Good condition, replaced eyepiece and missing lens, lathe rebuilt the ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique Pre-17th Century Extremely Rare & Complete Elephant Bird Egg, Madagascar
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An extremely rare elephant bird egg, complete albeit with only minor damage. The Elephant Bird, formally categorised as Aepyornis Maximus, is an enormous flightless bird native to Ma...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Eggshell

Important Spanish Solid Silver Altar Cross – 16th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This remarkable 16th-century Spanish altar cross is a stunning example of ecclesiastical silverwork. Crafted from solid silver, the cross features the traditional depiction of Christ...
Category

16th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Verger's Bible Box, English, Oak, Carved, Ecclesiastical, William III
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique verger's bible box. An English, oak carved ecclesiastical case, dating to the William III period, circa 1700. Fascinating carved box, with country provincial cra...
Category

Late 17th Century British William and Mary Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

1616 Petrus Bertius Miniature Map of Cambay (Gujarat, India)
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1616 Petrus Bertius Map of Cambay and Gujarat, India Description: This early seventeenth-century map, titled Descriptio Cambaiæ, was published in 1616 by Petrus Bertius, a ...
Category

1610s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The Chinese Pavilion at Drottningholm (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
The Chinese Pavilion at Drottningholm is one of the most remarkable "chinoiseries" anywhere in the North of Europe-not because of its size and the splendour of its collections, but b...
Category

18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

: Wooden pocket diptych sundial Ernst Christoph Stocket. Germany 1780 - 1811.
Located in Milan, IT
Wooden pocket diptych sundial Ernst Christoph Stocket - type, Bavaria. A folding wooden sundial is partially covered in paper with engraved/printed decorations and text. A compass is...
Category

Late 18th Century German Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Rare Antique Wall-Map of North America: French and Indian War Boundaries, 1793
Located in Langweer, NL
Rare 1793 Map of North America: French and Indian War Boundaries and Historical Notes This remarkable engraved map of North America, printed in 1793 by Emanuel Bowen and John Gibs...
Category

1790s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Jewish Bar Kokhba Revolt Silver Zuz (AD 132–135) – Judaean Coin Certified by NGC
Located in New York, NY
This silver zuz coin, weighing 3.30 grams, was minted during the Bar Kokhba Revolt, a Jewish uprising against Roman rule in Judaea from AD 132 to 135. Undated but attributed to the y...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Israeli 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.

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