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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1920s
Pocket Telescope for Ship Captains 20th Century Brass Vintage 1900's
Located in Taranto, IT
Very rare and wonderful all-brass pocket telescope, early 1900s. Functioning item, very small internal chips on the lens but not affecting its view. Item in very good conservative ...
Category

1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Miniature School Desks in Red and Black Painted Metal
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Adorable vintage mini school desks in red and green wire and painted metal. In original condition with visible wear including loss of paint. A little matching lounge chair set is als...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Exhibition Catalog – 25 Originales: Litografías y Aguafuertes by Pablo Picasso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – 25 Originales: Litografías y Aguafuertes by Pablo Picasso, Sala Gaspar, 1987 Artist: Pablo Picasso Exhibition: 25 Originales: Litografías y Aguafuerte...
Category

1980s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1920's Antique RCA Radiola Loud Speaker Model 100
By RCA
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Antique 1920s RCA Radiola Model 100 Speaker – Untested Step back in time with this very cool antique RCA (Radio Corporation of America) Radiola Model 100 Speaker! A true p...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

2 Miniature Picture Frames Erhard & Söhne Antique German Dollhouse Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare Set of two Pictures framed in Gold plated ormulu frames is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful intricate design, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. You will get 2 Erhard and Söhne Frames and one framed pictures with a landscape to place it in your dollhouse. Made of high-quality gold-plated metal and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this Erhard & Söhne dollhouse toy...
Category

Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Sputnik Space Age Table Weather Station, Relative Hygrometer, West Germany, 60s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury Modern Space Age Weather station made by Huger in the 60s, consisting of a thermometer, hygrometer and barometer made in West Germany the weather station is made of a chro...
Category

1960s German Space Age Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Antique Crucifix Stand - Silver Plated Jesus Christ - Wood Carved Cross
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful antique crucifix. The cross is made of black lacquered wood, with beautifully refined carvings. The sculpture of Jesus is made of silver-plated metal. The crucifix dates ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Nickel

TIFFANY & CO. 1982 Elsa Peretti Bean Petrol Pocket Lighter In Polished Solid
Located in Miami, FL
Pocket petrol lighter designed by Elsa Peretti (1940-2019) for Tiffany & Co. The bean is one of the most iconic Elsa Peretti's designs, that she created for the Tiffany Studios, back in the 1970's. This petrol pocket lighter is one of her creations, crafted with a sportive casual look in solid brass. Weight: 46.95 Grams, (30.09 Dwt). Measurements: 62 mm by 29 mm by 15 mm (2.44 x 1.14 x 0.59 Inch). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed in full as follows, "©ELSA PERETTI 1982 TIFFANY & CO. BRASS". Elsa Peretti She was a very important and iconic American designer that joined Tiffany & Co in the 1974 and change the role of diamonds and color gemstones in fashion for the everyday wear and elevating the status of the sterling silver jewelry. Mostly using unusual gemstones and materials, all her creations are as modern today as ever. Collateral: This Elsa Peretti lighter...
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Tibet Vintage Pair Amulet Pendants Two And Nine Eye Dzi Beads
Located in South Burlington, VT
A unique pair (2), valuable and powerful Protection Amulet Dzi from Tibet An old Tibetan or Central Asian two and nine eye agates Dzi Beads dating to the e...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Agate

Spage Age Model "Discoverer" Television Designed by Philips, Netherlands, 1980's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Space Age vintage model "Discoverer" television 14 GR 1220 GB manufactured by Philips, Netherlands, 1980s. The space age design outstanding shape tv makes this design piece so fascin...
Category

1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Acrylic, Plexiglass

Small Vintage Display Dome, English Glass Showcase, Mid 20th Century, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small vintage display dome. An English, glass and mahogany showcase, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. A charming, petite dome ideal for tabletop display, offerin...
Category

1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Glass, Mahogany

Art Deco Miniature 'Dragon' Sailing Boat
Located in Tilburg, NL
Art Deco Style Miniature 'Dragon' Sailing Boat. Europe, mid to late 20th century. A wonderful miniature sailing boat - very refined and semi-abstract. Wonderful details and appearan...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Metal

Vintage Military Terrestrial Telescope, Canadian, Officer Of The Watch, CKC, WW2
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage military terrestrial telescope. A Canadian, chromed brass naval Officer of the Watch refractor by the Canadian Kodak Company, dating to the WWII period, circa 1940...
Category

Early 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vintage 1970s Paolo Soleri Bronze Bells Wind Chime Cosanti Originals Iconic MCM
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and rare variation of a large Paolo Soleri wind chime, with a wind span of 17 inches. No breaks, no loose welds, each bell is signed...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Hardstone Chess Set
Located in Savannah, GA
A vintage hardstone and marble chess set, mid-20th century. 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep by 3 inches tall
Category

Mid-20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble

Antique Marimbaphone, English Brass, Oak, Musical Instrument, Glockenspiel, 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique marimbaphone. An English, brass and oak decorative musical instrument, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. A striking, concussive idiophone with beautif...
Category

1920s British Arts and Crafts Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Three Volume Set, Il Mobile Del Settecento, Ottocento, Novecento 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Il Mobile del Settecento, Ottocento, Novecento, three volume set. De Agostoni, Novara, Italy, 1996. 1st Ed hardcovers with dust jackets and in slipcase. 3 volumes, each filled with c...
Category

1990s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

'Batman' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Japanese, 1966
Located in Devon, GB
Fabulously kitsch and colourful, this rare Japanese B2 poster advertised the first full length feature film of the DC Comics character Batman. Released by 20th century Fox in 1966 as...
Category

1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen, Paper

Handmade Miniature Travelling Chess Set Game walnut Inlaid box, circa 1920
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality handmade Miniature or travelling wood chess set game of 32 pieces in its own inlaid hardwood box, which we date to the early 20th century, circa 1920. This piece is all handmade. The chess set is complete with 32 wood pieces having pegged bases. The jointed box is handmade of hardwood, possibly walnut with line inlays of a lighter wood to the top and the base. The lid is a good fit to the base and the box has brass hinges and a brass fastener to keep the lid securely closed. The inside of the lid has a fabric pad to keep the chess pieces in position when the lid is closed. Overall a quality handmade, complete, travelling chess set...
Category

Early 20th Century British Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

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

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

Vintage MCM Domino Set in Wooden Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool MCM domino set in lidded wooden box, circa 1970's. The set is in very good condition, includes 28 dominoes and measures 3.5"W x 9"D x 3"H. #4300
Category

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

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Antique Victor Victrola VV-230 Mahogany Phonograph Credenza Cabinet C1920
By Victrola
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique Victor Victrola VV-230 Mahogany Phonograph Credenza Cabinet C1920 Measures- 36.5"H x 38"W x...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

GEISEL - Suess - Virgil Ross - ORIGINAL DRAWING OF THE GRINCH AND CINDY LOU WHO!
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: GEISEL, Theodore: (Dr. Seuss) (Virgil Ross). TITLE: The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. (Original drawing). PUBLISHER: Warner Brothers Studios, (c.1990's). DESCRIPTION: ORIGINA...
Category

1990s British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Toot-a-Loop Radio by Panasonic, Japan, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vintage Toot-a-Loop radio (model nr: Panasonic R-72): an emblematic radio, designed and fabricated by Panasonic Japan in the early 1970s. The radio was designed to be wrapped and car...
Category

1970s Japanese Space Age Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Art Deco Machine Age Ronson Deluxe Touch Tip Table Lighter c. 1930's
Located in New York, NY
Classic Art Deco Machine Age table top cigarette lighter, by Ronson. This rare model was designed by Louis Vincent Aronson, made by Ronson Art Metal Works Inc.. Known as a Touch Tip...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Vintage 1960s Souvenir Building Architectural Model Berlin Bear, Metal Statue
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A classic decorative Berlin bear statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. This item was bought as a souvenir in Berlin and was made in the mid-20th c...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

A pair of French déposé crystal pineapple lighters by Baccarat, circa 1950
Located in View Park, CA
A handsome pair of French diamond-cut crystal and gilt brass « pineapple » table lighters by Baccarat, circa 1940. Both are hinged at the center and showcase a decorative gilt brass ...
Category

20th Century French Hollywood Regency Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Antique Gun Slip Case, English, Leather, Leg of Mutton Rifle Sleeve, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique gun slip case. An English, leather leg of mutton shotgun or rifle sleeve, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Superb, antique country pursuits gun ca...
Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

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

Fine Pair Antique Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses by LeMaire, Paris c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A very fine pair of Edwardian opera glasses made from Mother of Pearl and the polished brass; made by the creme de la creme of makers, LeMaire of Paris. Both Mother of Pearl eye pie...
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1950s Olympic Tape Measure Peoples Republic of China
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic Tape Measure made Peoples Republic of China Cover made from dappled rich dark tricle bake-lite includes gilt brass fittings and cloth tape. 5.25 dia...
Category

1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Plaster Virgin Traditional Figure, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and...
Category

1950s Spanish Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Library of Antique Leatherbound Books
Located in Brønshøj, DK
Transform your space with the timeless allure of our antique decorative books. Crafted with exquisite handbinding, these antique leatherbound books...
Category

20th Century Danish Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique Rosewood and Mahogany Putty Knives
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A set of antique putty knives with Rosewood, Mahogany and brass handles. CREATOR Embee, Red Devil DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920-1950. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Steel...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

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

20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Infinity Kappa Stereo Speakers
Located in Fulton, CA
Exceptional and impressive pair of vintage (James Bullough Lansing) JBL KAPPA stereo speakers. Circa. 1980. Statement pieces worthy of a fine collector or advanced audiophile enthusi...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

Extra Large Antique Mounted Magic Lantern Condensing / Magnifying / Optical Lens
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful early 20th century magic lantern lens. It does not matter what the reason is why you like the look and feel or the history of these special lenses. Your fascination could ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vintage Ashtrays and Lighter in Crystal by Rosenthal Studio Linie Design, 1970s
Located in taranto, IT
particular set consisting of a Ronson lighter and crystal ashtray, with an inclined shape, in the style of mangiarotti design measurements: the ashtr...
Category

1970s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Vintage Native American Navajo Sterling silver hat belt Old pawn Jewelry
Located in London, GB
Vintage Native American Navajo Sterling silver hat belt A Navajo Conch hat belt with buckle and 11 conch, each hand crafted with geometric designs, nice old piece. Leather belt l...
Category

20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Kay Bojesen, Danish designer. Two early wooden figures of cows, mid-20th C.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pre-owned goods are exempt from import duties for U.S. customers. Therefore, no import tariffs will be applicable to your purchase. Kay Bojesen (1886-1958), Danish designer. Two ea...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage English Poker Game Set in a Burl Box
Located in New York, NY
Handsome vintage poker and card set .The box and container is made of burl wood . Inside features four fitted carousel boxes that come in and out and hold all the poker chips along w...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic, Bakelite, Burl

Cigarette Case Art Deco style for Cartier USA in 1980s spring button Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Handbag cigarette case in 925/1000 sterling silver with black fire enamel. Opening with spring button. Size cm. 6.3 x 9.7 x 1.5. Weight gr. 215. Created in Art Deco style for Cartie...
Category

1980s Italian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Charles DICKENS. A Christmas Carol. FACSIMILE EDITION - IN A FINE ONLAY BINDING
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DICKENS, Charles. TITLE: A Christmas Carol In Prose Being A Ghost Story of Christmas. PUBLISHER: London: Bradbury and Evans, 1846. (c.1950) DESCRIPTION: FACSIMILE EDITION...
Category

1950s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Leather Football
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage No.5 Leather Soccer Ball. A great vintage leather football ball with twelve guaranteed hand sewn leather panels. The ball is stencilled but unreadable, it has a lace-up slit ...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

DUPONT Paris 1940-1945 Deco Petrol Pocket Lighter In Solid Aluminum
Located in Miami, FL
A Dupont petrol lighter made in France. This is a very nice pocket petrol lighter created in Paris France during the post war period, back in the 1940's. The lighter has been produc...
Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Pink Emerald Green Cartier Panther Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Pillow
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the likes of the Financial Times, and first selling here on 1stdibs in 2016 - our creations are of the absolute top most quality, craftsmanship and finesse. Thank-you for looking. Title: Vintage Pink Emerald Green Cartier Panther Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Pillow Cushion Description: This gem is a one-of-a-kind custom made luxury cushion (pillow) from an exquisite and rare vintage vintage pure silk Cartier fashion scarf...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen, Silk

Large, Good Condition and Stylish Antique English Victorian Oak Wall Barometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning design and top quality executed antique barometer. This late 19th-early 20th century, English manufactured wall barometer has everything that makes an antique worthwhile. F...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Large-Scale Brass Biplane World War I Airplane Aviation Model
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning WWI-era biplane brass airplane was hand-crafted in the 1950s. It is a large-scale airplane model with intricate details and looks great hung from a ceiling or displayed...
Category

1950s French Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1970s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original astonishing playing cards box by Piero Fornasetti in walnut wood . It's in excellent condition and includes two packs of vintage Dal Negro cards, 7 dices, and chips. T...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Roger Capron, Zodiac Charm Taurus, Vallauris 1973
Located in St Ouen, FR
Thin sheet of partially glazed stamped porcelain with the motif of a female figure embodying the sign of Taurus. Rare item from a limited series created by the artist in 1973 around...
Category

1970s French Other Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

Cartier Art Deco, 18K Powder, Lipstick 4.365 Oz. Auction Prices exceeded $35000
Located in Soquel, CA
Cartier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Powder - Lipstick 4.365 oz., Art Deco, Rare - Paris Rare and Precious Object from Cartier Paris, 1920-1925, .750-18KT yellow gold, carved antique Jade, 30 Ceylon sapphires, enamel. Please note the recent auction records prices reflect sales of $28,000-$40,000 for one of these compacts. The Jadeite Jade plate comes from the apprêts. The term apprêts referred to a stock of fragments from disassembled jewelry and other objects, including ancient items...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Jade, Gold

Wood and glass wall barometer station signed Lufft 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Table or wall-mounted wood and glass barometer station signed Lufft from the 1950s, made for the Italian market and consisting of aneroid barometer, thermometer and hygrometer. Buono...
Category

1950s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Yamaha Baby Grand Quality Mahogany Piano Model C2
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality Yamaha baby grand piano with an overstrung iron frame, frame and sound board in perfect condition, mahogany case standing on square tapering legs wi...
Category

Late 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Stunning Santa Claus Belsnickel Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This antique Santa Claus candy container made of Paper mache, composition, cardboard, felting, goose feather tree and a bunny fur beard was made in...
Category

1910s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Museum Quality Bronze of Christ Wall Plaque Sculpture "Jesus Carrying the Cross"
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunningly powerful and meaningful work of religious art. With works of religious art being one of our specialties, over the decades we have sold quite a few special antiques in this field. With this bronze antique the artist clearly shows us a fragment out of one of the most famous scenes that took place in the history of mankind. Christ has already been beaten, mocked, given a wreath of thorns and having to carry the enormous cross. As you can see the quality of the details and the workmanship is excellent, but the scene and its meaning ofcourse is even more impressive. Please notice how particularly the facial features reveil the peaceful state of being that lies underneath the exterior of this Christ sculpture...
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

American Arts & Crafts: Virtue in Design by Leslie Greene Bowman
Located in valatie, NY
American Arts & Crafts: Virtue in Design by Leslie Greene Bowman. Bulfinch Press, 1992. Stated First edition softcover. 255 pp., profusely illustrated with 190 color and 275 b&w plat...
Category

1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Extra Large Crucifix with Hand Carved Oak Corpus of Christ for Church or Chapel
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautifully carved and large size corpus of Jesus, made in the Arts & Crafts era. This meaningful and unique crucifix from the early 1900s comes with a larger than life, hand carved oak Corpus of Christ. The details in the anatomy of this Christ are very well carved and they clearly reveal the suffering and dehydration that His body endured in the final days of his life. The artist/sculptor is clearly showing us the image of Jesus when or right after he bowed his head and died. The solid oak cross is original to this corpus and it was given a different color so that the unique and impressive corpus stands out perfectly. Have you also noticed the perfectly carved and thick crown of thorns on the head of Christ. The patina of this excellent condition and large corpus is another great feature that will never fail to impress. The former owners gave us the photo that you see in image 3 in this listing and in it you can see where this antique corpus...
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Vintage Map of the Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles
Located in Langweer, NL
Vintage map titled 'Antilles'. Original map of the Antilles. Shows the Cayman Islands, Cuba, Hispaniola (subdivided into the nations of the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Also shows the Lesser Antilles...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

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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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.

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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.

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