Collectibles and Curiosities
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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 1970s
Antique Real Chinese Abacus
Located in Somis, CA
This is an authentic, original Chinese abacus that was actually used in the early 20th century. The abacus, an ingenious calculator, has been a vital tool in China for over a thousan...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
WWII Carl Zeiss Kriegsmarine binoculars
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Aspen, CO
This is an exceptional 20th century WWII German 12x60 Kriegsmarine binocular, presented on an adjustable wooden or chrome Tripod. The binoculars were manufactured by the company Carl...
Category
1940s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
'Taxi Driver' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Japanese, 1976
Located in Devon, GB
Set amidst the moral decay of New York City following the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal, Martin Scorsese's 1976 psychological thriller "Taxi Driver" starred Robert De Niro as a l...
Category
1970s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
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
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
Mentmore Sale, Sotheby's Catalogues Volumes 1-4
Located in valatie, NY
"MENTMORE" Buckinghamshire Country House Sale 1977. Sotheby's Auction Catalogs, a set of 4. The catalogs from what is was possibly the greatest English country house sale ever conduc...
Category
1970s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Gladiator Collectible Prop Pearl Bracelet from the 2000 Movie
Located in Lomita, CA
A freshwater pearl bracelet made as a custom piece for the 2000 Paramount film, Gladiator. The jeweler says it was created from freshwater pearls that measure 5 MM. The bracelet was ...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate
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
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
Infinity Kappa Stereo Speakers
By JBL 1
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
MILNE. The House At Pooh Corner. LIMITED EDITION SIGNED BY CHRISTOPHER MILNE !
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: MILNE, A. A.
TITLE: The House At Pooh Corner. London: Methuen Children's Books, 1978.
DESCRIPTION: LIMITED EDITION SIGNED BY CHRISTOPHER MILNE. 1 vol, 7-1/2" x 5-1/4", limi...
Category
1970s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
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
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
Original Walt Disney "Winnie the Pooh" Comic Strip Art 1981
Located in San Diego, CA
Hard to find original Walt Disney "Winnie the Pooh" comic strip art (King Features Syndicate), circa 1981. The piece is presented in a black wood frame with white mat. The piece is...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Taxidermy Fish In Bow Fronted Case, Roach
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Taxidermy, Preserved Fish, Cased Roach.
A cased roach in a nice bow fronted case with gilt lines and writing. The case contains a cleverly modelled roach set against a painted backdr...
Category
Early 20th Century British Sporting Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Animal Skin, Wood
Vintage Karl Griesbaum Automatronic Singing Bird Cage, Made in Germany
Located in Norwood, NJ
Vintage automatronic wind-up singing bird cage crafted by Karl Griesbaum in Germany. Automation makes the caged bird sing, flutter its tail and move its beak and head about. The cage...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
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
Vintage Mahjong Case, Chinese, Gaming Set, Locking Form, Mid Century, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Mahjong case. A Chinese, mahogany and celluloid gaming set, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Fascinating locking case, redol...
Category
1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
Hen on Nest Tureen Doll House Accessory Antique German, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A petite antique German doll or doll house accessory. Made of depression glass. Nice for every decoration in your dollhouse or doll kitchen.
It is in ver...
Category
1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Cartier Art Deco, 18K Powder, Lipstick 4.365 Oz. Auction Prices exceeded $35000
By Cartier
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
Antique Gothic Revival Silvered Bronze Crucifix with a Gilt Bronze Corpus Christ
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size and impressive make, Gothic church altar crucifix.
This ornate and all hand-crafted, bronze table crucifix comes with a good quality made a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Antique Gothic Revival Top Quality Hand Carved & Gilt Wooden Church Wall Bracket
Located in Lisse, NL
Deeply carved, extra large size, Gothic Revival corbel, bracket with a stunning patina.
Finding unique antiques that have just that little bit more than your average is what we alwa...
Category
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Pine
Dentist Chair Type III, Series 3266 by J. Corno, Union Frimor, France, ca 1920
Located in Delft, NL
A dentist chair Type III, series 3266 by J. Corno, Union Frimor, France ca. 1920
The heavy chair has the color in a mahogany look with gold line. The chair has leather headrests a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
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
TOLKIEN. The Hobbit. 1937 - 1st ED 2nd IMPRESSION - THE FIRST WITH COLOR PLATES!
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: TOLKIEN, J. R. R.
TITLE: The Hobbit or There and Back Again.
PUBLISHER: London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1937.
DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION SECOND IMPRESSION AND THE FIRST...
Category
1930s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Mid-20th Century Italian Leather Playing Card Case
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful Italian handcrafted tooled leather playing card case with painted enamel-like decoration of cards on the sides and symbols for all the suites, clubs, diamonds, spades and hearts on the cushion top. Beautifully made and clearly loved, a charming gift for the poker player or gambler. Holds two decks.
Stamped on the bottom in gold letters, 'Genuine Leather, Made in Italy'. With a fleur di lis mark stamped...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
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
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
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
Palaces of Naples by Donatella Mazzoleni, First Edition
By Donatella Mazzoleni
Located in valatie, NY
Palaces of Naples by Donatella Mazzoleni. New York: Rizzoli, 1999. Stated first edition hardcover with dust jacket. 321 pp. A beautifully photographed book on the palaces of Naples I...
Category
20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Cinema Pinball Arcade Game, 1976 USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 'CINEMA' pinball machine from 1976. Made by Chicago Coin Machine Manufacturing Company and designed by Albin Peters, Jerry Koci and Wendell McAdam...
Category
1970s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Moroccan Brass and Mother of Pearl Dagger
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-452 Moroccan brass and mother of pearl inlayed wood dagger.
Category
1940s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage German D.F. 10x80 Luftwaffe Binoculars On Stand 20th Century
Located in London, GB
Vintage German pair of World War Two D.F. 10x80 Luftwaffe binoculars on stand with manufactured code of DKL made by Joseph Schneider & Co, Kreuznach, Germany, circa 1939 in date.
D....
Category
20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
TOLKIEN, J. R. R. - The Hobbit - 1937 - FIRST EDITION - FIRST PRINTING !
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: TOLKIEN, J. R. R.
TITLE: The Hobbit or There and Back Again.
PUBLISHER: London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1937.
DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION FIRST PRINTING. 1 vol., 7-11/16...
Category
1930s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric
Spage Age Model "Discoverer" Television Designed by Philips, Netherlands, 1980's
By Philips
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
Miniature Model of Sicilian Fishing Boat, Handmade, 1980s
Located in Palermo, IT
Miniature model of a Sicilian fishing boat, called a "lance".
Made by a craftsman who builds fishing boats and in his free time creates them in miniature, with the same technique as ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Beech
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
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
Spanish Baroque Carved Mini Sized Sunburst Mirror, Gold Leaf, Giltwood
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique Spanish Baroque carved giltwood sunburst miniature mirror with crest. Spain, 19th century- Early 20th century.
This lovely collection mirror has a carved frame covered with g...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Leaf
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
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
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 Toot-a-Loop Radio by Panasonic, Japan, 1970s
By Panasonic
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
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
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
Large and Hand Carved Gothic Revival with Carillon Sound Wall Clock, ca 1900
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning clock for the collectors of rare and truly stylish Gothic antiques.
Gothic wall clocks are a rare find and this more than three feet tall specimen probably is the best an...
Category
Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wrought Iron, Brass, Enamel
Pair 1930s Vintage English Mark Cross Leather Footballs Futbols Soccer Balls 6"
By Mark Cross
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of circa 1930s brown leather footballs / soccer balls manufactured by Mark Cross Company. Made in England.
Dimensions:
5.5" x 5.5" x 5.5" (Width x Depth x Height)
Category
1930s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Cotton
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
Large Mid-Century Italian Giorgio Armani Eye Glasses Factice Shop Display Piece
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a rare and unique item! The Armani Eyeglasses Factic for display in a shop comes with its original cardboard packaging and is made of metal a...
Category
1980s Italian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
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
Vintage Wood Geloso Television GT1014, 1950s, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
This GTV1014 was one of the first 21-inch b / w televisions produced by Geloso.
It uses the intercarrier system as an audio-video medium frequency. The chassis is mounted inside th...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Plastic, Wood
Lalique "Arethuse" Masque De Femme Art Deco Black & Clear Crystal Set
By René Lalique
Located in Delft, NL
Lalique "Arethuse" Masque De Femme Art Deco Black & Clear Crystal set
A set of 2 black resin pendants and a brooch with clear crystal on black resin and the pendants with twisted ...
Category
20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
Ensembles Mobiliers, 18 volumes in 17 books
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
ENSEMBLES MOBILIERS, 1937 - 1960
Collection
All 18 volumes in 17 books, volumes 1 and 2 are combined in one book.
Very good condition with only slight signs of wear.
Originally pu...
Category
20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Pink Emerald Green Cartier Panther Silk Scarf with Irish Linen Pillow
By Cartier
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
Antique English Field Glasses / Binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo - With Compass
Located in Bath, GB
A superb and very handsome pair of the unusual and sought-after "Lynx" binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo, dating to c.1900. These English pocket sized Field glasses or binoculars are m...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Leonard Bailey Wooden Block Plane Tool, United States, Early 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Leonard Bailey Wooden Block Plane Tool, United States, Early 20th Century.
Category
20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Antique and Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities for Sale
Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior.
Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.
The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.
Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.
Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.
Read More
Medal-Worthy Memorabilia from Epic Past Olympic Games
Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
Ahoy! You’ve Never Seen a Collection of Sailor Art and Kitsch Quite Like This
French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.
Pamela Shamshiri Shares the Secrets behind Her First-Ever Book and Its Effortlessly Cool Interiors
The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.
Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier
Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.
Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure
Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.
Whaam! Blam! Pow! — a New Book on Pop Art Packs a Punch
Publishing house Assouline and writer Julie Belcove have teamed up to trace the history of the genre, from Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama to Mickalene Thomas and Jeff Koons.
The Sparkling Legacy of Tiffany & Co. Explained, One Jewel at a Time
A gorgeous new book celebrates — and memorializes — the iconic jeweler’s rich heritage.
What Makes a Gem-Encrusted Chess Set Worth $4 Million?
The world’s most opulent chess set, weighing in at 513 carats, is literally fit for a king and queen.