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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: 1940s
Period: 1910s
Original Mexican Retablo "Exvotos" Oil on Tin
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this original Mexican ex voto of San Lazaro saint. Guanajuato México 1958.
Damos gracias a San Lazaro por el alivio de mis piernas.
Esperanza Rodriguez y Jesus Amezquita.
...
Category
1940s Mexican Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Snooker billiard pool table refectory jacobean oak
Located in Radstock, GB
A rare solid oak full size billiard or snooker table of refectory or Jacobean form by the "original" Burroughes and Watts of London.
The cushion friezes are fitted with ebony and fr...
Category
1910s British Jacobean Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
Art Deco / Modernist 1940s Aluminum "Amperite" RBLG Ribbon MICROPHONE
By Universal Microphone Co. Ltd
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare 1940s Aluminum Amperite RBLG ribbon MICROPHONE,, tested and working,, missing on/off toggle switch,Super unusual design, Art Deco, Machine Age,, Modernist,,
The Amperite RBL...
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
English Brass Pivoting Magnifying Glass on Stand c.1915 - Signed
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome antique English magnifying glass on stand which pivots on a ball and socket fitting, moving around with ease.
Dating to c.1915, it remains in excellent condition having b...
Category
1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Pair of Rare Important Statues Signed Faberge 1912 Russian Kamer Kazak Bodyguard
By Fabergé
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning, very rare and highly collectible pair of Faberge signed cast and cold painted bronze statues of A.A. Kudinov and N.N. Pustynnikov, personal Kamer-Kazak bodyguards of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna
A little history, the original sold at auction in 2013 for $5,200,000, I’ll include further information below which came from Sotheby’s
These expertly made statues are as mentioned of A.A. Kudinov and N.N. Pustynnikov in dress parade uniforms with badges and medals, the coats trimmed with Imperial eagles, the cockaded fleece hats with gold braid, inscribed in Russian on the heels and soles of the boots 'Kamer-Kazak since 1894/A.A. Kudinov/Fabergé/1912'
History
The precise origin of these figures, which appear to be copies of – or models for – the well-known Fabergé hardstone...
Category
1910s European Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
WWI British Military Pocket Compass of Brass with Original Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British marching or sighting compass of brass with original leather case from World War I - made for military and civilian use.
A handsome piece of militaria and a fine me...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass
Wiener Werkstaette Arts And Crafts, Beaded Bag, by Maria Likarz-Strauss, c 1919
By Wiener Werkstätte, Maria Likarz
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional, rare pouch bag with abstract bead embroidery in bright orange, beige, dark brown and white, crocheted at the upper edge, cords as drawstrings with olive-shaped wooden be...
Category
1910s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Animal Skin, Goatskin, Silk, Beads
"Equal suffrage for Michigan in 1916" Advertising Fan for the Bissell Company
Located in York County, PA
"EQUAL SUFFRAGE FOR MICHIGAN IN 1916," ADVERTISING FAN FOR THE BISSELL 'CYCO BALL BEARING CARPET SWEEPER,' COMMISSIONED BY ANNA BISSELL (1846-1934), AMERICA'S FIRST FEMALE CEO
Oriental-made, twill-woven silk fan with gilt lettering that reads : "Bissell's 'Cyco Ball Bearing Carpet Sweeper' makes sweeping easy," set within an interesting, open, geometric design. A purposefully curved, paper label beneath was applied by the "Michigan Equal Suffrage Association, Kalamazoo, 405 So. Burdick St.," whose byline is along the bottom. On it, a terrific message reads:
"OVER 100,000 WOMEN pay taxes in Michigan on property assessed at $177,596,938. In 1910 OVER 175,000 MICHIGAN WOMEN signed a petition sent to Congress asking for Equal Suffrage. 247,373 MICHIGAN MEN voted...
Category
1910s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silk
Antique German Bisque Doll #152/4 Happy Character Baby by Hertel Schwab
Located in Norton, MA
Antique Hertel Schwab baby doll. Measures approximately 13.5 inches in height. Beautiful blue glass sleep eyes with painted upper and lower lashes. Painted eyebrows. Open mouth with ...
Category
1910s German Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Harvard Radios vs. Princeton Aviators Vintage Football Poster, circa 1918
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a very scarce WWI Work Relief Fund poster featuring the Harvard Radios competing against the Princeton Aviators. The game, held on November 23, 1918, was a benefit football game to raise money for the war effort.
The poster dynamically depicts two football players mid-action. Below, the names of the teams are printed in yellow, with the date, location of the game, and ticket information printed in contrasting white. The United War Work Campaign’s logo is printed at bottom center. The logo is composed of a black star and the number 7, with the text “United War Work Campaign” encircling the star in a yellow ring. The poster was illustrated by the artist J. Liello. His signature is printed in stone, visible on the left side of the composition.
The following was written about the match in the November 23, 1918 issue of The New York Times: “Today marks the climax of the most irregular football season the gridiron sport has ever known… Here in New York there will be an unusually attractive football bill. First of all the war fund benefit at the Polo Grounds...
Category
1910s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Christmas: A Story, by Eleanor Roosevelt, First Edition, in Original Dust Jacket
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Roosevelt, Eleanor. Christmas: A Story. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1940. First Edition. Twelvemo. In the publisher's colorful original dust jacket and printed pictorial boards.
This...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
20th Century Exceptional Walking Stick with Tapered Handle
Located in Berlin, DE
Timeless walking stick with handle
silver plated handle.
Category
1910s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Edwardian Oak Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra
Fine Edwardian oak cased barograph with hinged lid, bevelled glass panels and central chart drawer.
Seven vacuum ...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
British Royal Navy Searchlight and Signal Light
By Francis Searchlights
Located in Norwell, MA
Superb and substantial marine beacon by Francis Searchlights of Bolton, England. From the Ministry of Defense, British Royal Navy. With shutters for...
Category
1940s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Rare WWII Vulcano "Démarreur" Machined Aluminum Lighter, Made in Eritrea Africa
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The Vulcano Aluminum "Démarreur" Lighter Made in Eritrea Africa is a rare collectible from Wartime WWII production. It is crafted from machined aluminum with tortoiseshell cataline c...
Category
1940s Eritrean Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Royal County Down Golf Course Print, Michael Brown, Life Association of Scotland
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Royal County Down Golf Course.
A framed and mounted Life Association of Scotland 1914 calendar. The calendar is with a wonderful colourful golfing picture ...
Category
1910s British Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique German Bisque Doll Armand Marseille, Ric#007
Located in Norton, MA
An original Armand Marseille doll, etched into the bisque at her nape with a Bisque head and hands. Her feet wear perfect little red leather shoes wit...
Category
1910s German Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Wurlitzer Juke Box
By Wurlitzer
Located in Atlanta, GA
Wurlitzer "The Bubbler" juke box. Model 1015CD
Dimensions: Height 60", width 33", depth 25"
CW4607.
This Juke Box plays CD's. We do not have a list of the artist or songs, however it is an eclectic mix including (but not limited to): Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, George Benson, John Barry, Earl Klugh, Don Henley, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Bonnie Rait, Van Morrison...
Category
1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
British aviation brass glass and Bakelite compass signed SMITHS of 1940
Located in Milan, IT
British brass, glass, and Bakelite aviation compass, signed SMITHS Made in Great Britain Type KCA-1401K from the 1940s, and mounted on wooden board.
Compass diameter cm 11.5-in 4.5....
Category
1940s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Lot three Mercury Glass Christmas Ornaments Sea Shell , Vintage 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
1940s Spanish Brass Aquarium on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Spanish brass aquarium combines artisanal craftsmanship with aesthetic delight, set atop a decorative gilt iron stand. Featuring textured glass si...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
The Wayward Bus by John Steinbeck, First Edition
Located in Bradenton, FL
The Wayward Bus by John Steinbeck. Hardcover book, first edition, published in February 1947 by The Viking Press of New York. Printed in the United States of America by Kingsport Pre...
Category
1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Early 20th Century Russian Silver 84 Clutch Purse with Horses Moscow
Located in San Mateo, CA
Russian silver clutch or evening purse. This has repousse horse heads with outstanding detail in the left corner. The clutch is .875 fine silver. There is a glass cabochon for the cl...
Category
1910s Russian Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
good antique gilt bronze singing bird box, by Flajoulot
Located in London, GB
A good antique gilt bronze singing bird box, by Flajoulot,
Circa 1910,
Going barrel movement,
Typical Flajoulet, clever design...
When wound and start/stop button sli...
Category
1910s French Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Dog Handle Brienz Black Forest Wood Carved Umbrella Cane Austria Antique, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1910s Black Forest Brienz wood carved umbrella with handle in form of a dog. The dog has glass eyes. Nice addition to your collection or just for use. Made of hand carv...
Category
1910s Austrian Black Forest Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Large Vintage Scientific Botanical Plant 3d Educational Leaf Cross-Section Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1940's leaf cross-section model by Denoyer-Geppert of Chicago, Illinois. Model stands 19" tall and features Hand-painted details with excellent original...
Category
1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rubber
Beatrix Potter, The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse, Presentation Copy
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: POTTER, Beatrix.
TITLE: The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse.
PUBLISHER: London: Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd, [after 1918],
DESCRIPTION: PRESENTATION COPY LATER EDITION. 1 vol., inscribed on the half-title by the author 'To Elizabeth Todhunter from Beatrix Potter...
Category
1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Kings Guardsman Wood Toy by Kay Bojesen, 1970s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Wooden kings guardsman in lacquered beech. It was designed by Kay Bojesen in 1942. It features movable head, arms and legs and it still has it original riffle. This example was manuf...
Category
1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Beech
San Francisco Examiner Newspapers for January 1944 in Hard Bound Book (Complete)
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fairly rare item to find: San Francisco Examiner Newspapers, complete and original in actual real size format, from January 1st, 1944 through January 30th 1944; hardbound mounted front and back in very good and readable condition----pages turn with ease and approximately 700 to 800 pages of World War II news, sports, advertisements, editorials, society pages, Sunday "Funnies", classified advertisements, and local San Francisco Bay Area news. War news stories about Germans, Russians, and Japanese battles...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Solid Brass Ships Telegraph
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass "Hammerhead" ships telegraph. With faceplate from Siemens Brother and Company Limited, London. With ahead and astern ships commands includi...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Mexico Taxco 1940 Giant Unique Lift Arm Petrol Lighter Solid 925 Sterling Silver
By Taxco
Located in Miami, FL
Giant lift arm petrol lighter made in Mexico
Beautiful vintage giant lift-arm petrol lighter, created in the city of Taxco in Mexico during the late Art Deco period, circa 1940. Thi...
Category
1940s Mexican Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Rustic French Stone Chess, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique rustic stone chess. By unknown manufacturer from France, circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...
Category
1940s French Rustic Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone
Potter, Beatrix, The Tale of Pigling Bland, Presentation Copy, 1918
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: POTTER, Beatrix.
TITLE: The Tale of Pigling Bland.
PUBLISHER: London: Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd, [after 1918],
DESCRIPTION: PRESENTATION COPY LATER EDITION. 1 vol., inscribed on the half-title by the author 'with kind regards from Beatrix Potter', and with additional ink inscription 'To Peggy, from Mrs Postlethwaite & Mary, Sept. 8th 1933', 15 colour plates (including frontispiece), black & white illustrations to text, pictorial endpapers, original pale green pictorial boards.
CONDITION: Inner and outer hinges fine, head and foot of spine fine, spine slightly darkened, internally clean and bright, a VERY GOOD coy seldom seen inscribed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Postlethwaite family lived at High Green Gate...
Category
1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Medieval Knight Helmet Chrome Eletric Lighter by Omsco
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The Vintage Knight Chrome Electric Lighter by Osco is a classic and elegant piece of smoking paraphernalia crafted with precision and attention to detail, this lighter is a testament...
Category
1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chrome
Works of Robert Browning-10 Vols-Leather Bound-the Centenary Edition
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
Author: Browning, Robert.
Title: The Works of Robert Browning.
Publisher: London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1912.
Description: The Centenary Edition. 10 vols., 8-7/8" x 6", limited to 500 numbered copies on Antique Laid Paper...
Category
1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
MALORY / Rackham, The Romance Of King Arthur, SIGNED IN A FINE ONLAY BINDING !
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: MALORY, Thomas, (Arthur Rackham).
TITLE: The Romance Of King Arthur And His Knights Of The Round Table.
PUBLISHER: London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1917.
DESCRIPTIO...
Category
1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Mid-20th Century Israeli Mezuzah
Located in New York, NY
Early Israeli Mezuzah on velvet mounting with ornate silvered body, and with gilded top and base. Decorated with colored glass and with gilded bell hangin...
Category
1940s Israeli Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Josef Hoffmann Silver Brooch Austrian Jugendstil Embossed Leaves 1912
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Silver Brooch Josef Hoffmann Wiener Werkstätte Austrian Jugendstil Embossed Leaves 1912
Josef Hoffmann, a member of the Vienna Secession, was both the co-founder and one of the mo...
Category
1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
WWII Sterling Silver US Army ID Link Bracelet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This WWII Sterling Silver US Army bracelet honors CPL Harold A. Philpott, engraved with his name and ID number 3923-0801. With a polished finish and authentic patina and signs of hea...
Category
1940s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
1940s 42.25 in. Cast Iron Deck Cleat
Located in New York, NY
Incorporate a touch of maritime history into your space with this early 1940s deck cleat. While it bears signs of weathering, including rust and some damage around the bolt holes, th...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Framed Nautical Flag by Dettra
Located in Norwell, MA
Linen maritime flag with sturdy canvas hoist and stitched panels of yellow and blue. The hoist is stamped Dettra Flag Company Incorporated. This is a US N...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton
Letter / La Lettre
Located in London, GB
Original French film poster for William Wyler's 1940 Film Noir starring Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall and James Stephenson. The screenplay by Howard E. Koch is based on the 1927 play...
Category
1940s French Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Art Nouveau Pocket Watch Chain Fob Vintage German 1910s AK Monogram
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a lovely stylish pocket watch chain fob. It was almost certainly made in Germany, circa 1910s. Nice addition to any pocket watch. A very...
Category
1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ormolu, Metal
Carrara Ivory 1949 Emerson Model 581 Plaskon AM Vacuum Tube Radio Golden Age
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Ivory 1949 Emerson Model 581 Plaskon AM Tube Radio Golden Age Beauty
This radio was initially crafted using plaskon plastic, an enduring precursor to contemporary polycarbonate and styrene-based plastics. Manufactured by Emerson in the late 1940s, this exquisite AM tabletop tube clock...
Category
1940s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bakelite
Mid Century Heavily Tooled Western Leather Saddle
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Well tooled and embossed leather western riding saddle. Possibly a junior size. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.
Category
1940s American Country Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Hand Carved Wood and Leather Chess Set
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Intricately hand-carved wooden chess with leather game board. King piece measures 4.25" high.
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Wood
Early 1940s 47 in. Cast Iron Deck Cleat
Located in New York, NY
While exhibiting signs of weathering, including rust and a chipped corner, this early 1940s deck cleat is in good condition, showcasing the authentic charm of its maritime past. The ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Pendant Necklace, Collectible Jewelry by Line Vautrin, Coat Button, Signed LV
By Line Vautrin
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pendant necklace.
This collectible Jewelry, has been done by Line Vautrin, and signed LV.
This item is in Ceramic, in a Gold and Red color.
It...
Category
1940s French Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Three Arts & Crafts Ruskin Mounted Brooches
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A fine set of three Arts & Crafts Ruskin mounted metal brooches probably dating from the early 20th century, one with date marks for 1918. The brooches comprise of a large round exam...
Category
1910s British Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Pewter
18 kt Yellow and White Gold Art Deco Italian Brooch, 1940s
Located in Palermo, IT
Brooch in 18 kt yellow and white gold, art deco, Italy, 1940s
It belonged to my great-grandmother, it weighs gr. 4.0.
18-karat gold (750 thousandths), workmanship now disappeared, pi...
Category
1940s Italian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Rene Lalique Glass Grenouilles (Frogs) Brooch
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Rene Lalique glass Grenouilles brooch. Clear glass with green staining, with foil backing. This pattern features a trio of frogs. Set in gold coloured mount with pin. Stamped with Ma...
Category
1910s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Rare Set of Twelve Toadstool Mushroom Christmas Ornaments Vintage, German, 1940s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of twelve mushrooms. Each is made from thin mouth blown glass. This would be a great antique addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Found at an Es...
Category
1940s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wire
Edgar Allan POE. The Bells & Other Poems. LIMITED EDITION SIGNED BY EDMUND DULAC
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: POE, Edgar Allan.
TITLE: The Bells And Other Poems.
PUBLISHER: London: Hodder and Stoughton, n.d., (1912).
DESCRIPTION: LIMITED SIGNED EDITION. 1 vol., 12-5/16" x 10-1/2", limited to 750 numbered and signed copies by the illustrator Edmund Dulac...
Category
1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
1948 "A Hysterical Map of Yellowstone National Park" by Jolly Lindgren, 2nd Ed.
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a second edition printing of Jolly Lindgren’s “Hysterical Map of Yellowstone National Park.” This comical pictorial map h...
Category
1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
World War I US Navy Ships Binnacle
Located in Norwell, MA
Spectacular solid brass ships binnacle by Keuffel and Esser Company of New York in 1918. Builders plate is marked type VII no 1200, Bureau of Navigation, US Navy...
Category
1910s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Hand Etched Edwardian Sterling Silver Cigarette Case Wallet
Located in Van Nuys, CA
The original late Edwardian cigarette case with an intricate florentine hand-etched design along the front and back of the case showcasing delicate craftsmanship and attention to det...
Category
1910s American Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Rene Lalique Deux Figurines Dos a Dos Brooch C1913
By René Lalique
Located in Devon, GB
Rene Lalique Deux Figurines Dos a Dos Brooch. Green foil backed glass highlighted with green staining mounted in brass.
Very good original condition.
Sta...
Category
1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Mills Novelty Art Deco Green Porcelain Penny Scale
Located in Ferndale, MI
Art Deco period penny scale by Mills Novelty co. Period green porcelain pedestal with cream colored foot hold.
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
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
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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
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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.