Skip to main content

Collectibles and Curiosities

709
21,649
1,154
451
to
2,940
14,111
8,526
23,254
23,088
23,177
1,622
774
722
688
522
418
267
183
181
169
136
126
58
54
53
46
39
36
4,182
6,070
11,396
1,605
3,168
3,744
2,476
451
294
481
562
369
761
689
693
487
525
10,832
6,649
4,322
1,451
1,439
10,165
3,694
3,376
3,259
1,903
106
69
63
62
55
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Returnable Items Only
Aspen Style
Located in NEW YORK, NY
What began as a small mining camp during the Colorado, silver boom of the late 19th century has since become the preferred getaway of the world’s elite. Treasured for what’s above ground rather than below, Aspen, Colorado, has a storied history almost as dense as the directory of A-listers who have adopted the jewel of Pitkin County as their second home, or who have settled in its slopes indefinitely. From the “fortified compound” that was Hunter S. Thompson’s Owl Farm, to John Denver’s “Starwood in Aspen,” to the scores of financial titans who also call the mountain home, Aspen has long drawn an eclectic and wide-ranging crowd. With an introduction from long time resident Aerin Lauder, founder and creative director of Aerin, Aspen Style...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Four 18th Century Engraved and Hand-Colored Maps by Weigel
Located in Copenhagen, K
Small collection of four engraved maps of Italy, Balkan and of Central Asia. Two are of Italy, one Corsica and Northern Italy and the other of the Southern Italian boot...
Category

18th Century German Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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

1910s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Ronson 1936 Pik a Cig Magic Monkey Striker Touch Lighter & Cigarette Dispenser
Located in Miami, FL
Art deco magic monkey mechanical dispenser box designed by Ronson. An extremely rare and very decorative mechanical desk box, created in the city of Newark, New Jersey United States by The Ronson Metal Works Co. during the art deco period, back in the 1936. This is the mechanical Pik-a-Cig Monkey box...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze, Steel, Enamel

American Airlines Boeing 747 Jumbo Jetliner / Airplane Contractor Desk Model
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool American Airlines Boeing 747 jetliner / airplane desk model by Aero Mini of Japan, circa 1970s. The model measures 8" in wingspan x 9.5"D x 6"H and sits on a high qualit...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Art Deco Silver and Mother-of-Pearl Handled Walking Stick
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco Silver and Mother-of-Pearl Handled Walking Stick Offered for sale is an Art Deco walking stick with a silver handle that is topped ...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Original Map of The Northern Arabian Peninsula, Palestine, Iraq & Iran, 1732
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Nieuwe kaart van Irak Arabi, Kurdistan, Diarbek (..).' Detailed map including the northern part of the Arabian peninsula, Pales...
Category

1730s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1950s Midcentury Shortwave Radio by Phillips
Located in San Diego, CA
This cool vintage original radio shortwave by Phillips, circa 1950s with bakelite knobs in cream color case, the radio works but it takes a while to war...
Category

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

Materials

Bakelite

Antique Old Town Hickory School Adirondack Canoe & Paddles C1930
By Old Town Canoe 1
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique canoe by Old Town in Hickory Adirondack Style, Maker Label as Photographed, C1930 Measures- Overall 179'' long x 35.5''W x 24''H; Oars 65.75'' x 7'' x 1.5'' & 48.25'' x ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Adirondack Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Magnificent 18th Century Portuguese CRAFTS
Located in Madrid, ES
18th Century Portuguese CRAFTS with glass cruets decorated with gold "flowers". Wood and bone base. Small defects. Dim.: 31 x 23 cm original conditions
Category

18th Century Portuguese Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Art Glass

Russian Silver Icon, Our Lady of Kazan 1886
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Russian Silver Icon, Our Lady of Kazan 1886 Bearing numerous Russian Silver hallmarks of d.c., in a rectangular 1 hallmark of 1886 and silver content hallmark of ’84 ‘ A fine exam...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Map of Eastern Europe by Stieler, 1890
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Osterreich-Ungarn in 4 Blattern, Blatt 4.' Map of Eastern Europe, with Montenegro in the lower left corner, the southern edge...
Category

19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Knoll au Louvre Catalog 1972 Paris Exhibition Book
Located in Seguin, TX
Knoll au Louvre: Catalog of the Exhibition Held at Pavillon de Marsan Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Paris: January 12 to March 12, 1972. Printed in Italy. full page and double page la...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Mounted Antique Distressed Wooden Santo c.1890-1940 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A distressed painted carved wooden Mexican Santo. Carved areas exist where the head and articulating arms would have been. The appearance of a "dress" suggests that it was cov...
Category

Late 19th Century Mexican Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Naldun 1930 Art Deco Pocket Lighter Sterling Silver & Essex Glass Horse Intaglio
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco petrol lighter designed by Naldun. Very beautiful and useful petrol lighter, created in America by the Naldun Company, back in the 1930. It was crafted as a slider piece...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Doerr & Co American 1925 Lacquered Art Deco Smoking Station In Chromed Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Wall smoking station created by the Doerr Company. This is an amazing piece of American history, created during the art deco period, back in the 1925. Crafted with industrial machin...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Pair of Neoclassical Apothecary Jars by Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Neoclassical Apothecary Jars by Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux France, Circa 1870s Signed : Maison A Collin Porcelaines & Cristaux a Collin paris 90 Rue de Rivoli W...
Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

Hardwood Ruler for Hudson Engineering NJ by Geiger Bros Newark US, Ca 1920
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a wooden desk ruler promoting the Hudson Engineering Co. who were based in Hoboken, New Jersey, US and produced by Geiger Brothers of Newark New Jersey, in the early 20th cen...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

EVANS 1952 For Loyal Automatic Table Lighter In the Shape Of Large Leather Boot
Located in Miami, FL
Automatic table lighter designed by Evans. Stunning automatic lighter, created in America by the Evans Company, back in the 1952. This very handsome piece has been crafted in the shape of a boot, most probably as a promotional item by the Loyal Boots Company. It is made in genuine cordovan leather and chromed steel. These full automatic Evans lighters...
Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel, Chrome

19th Century, Country French Directoire Period Infant's Bed
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th-early 19th century country French Directoire period infant's bed. Ideal for a doll collection or beloved mini-canine or cat. Fruitwood. Nicely molded throughout. The sides ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fruitwood

Rare Signed & Dated Book by Sam Maloof Furniture
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful illustrations signed and dated by Sam Maloof 2002 nice clean condition.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Singaporean Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

DC-3 Dakota Aircraft Reduced Model Scale, Model 1936
Located in Paris, FR
DC-3, Dakota aircraft reduced model scale model. Handcrafted in aluminium foil, with engraved metal rivets, 1936. .
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

World's Columbia Exposition Award by A. Saint-Gaudens and Charles F. Barber 1893
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Bronze medal by Augustus Saint-Gaudes (front) and Charles F. Barber (back) for the official award at the World Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893, delivered to Baroness de Cortes. Being the last and largest World Fair of the 19th century. Interestingly, Saint Gaudens...
Category

1890s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Cabinet of Curiosities Display Sculptural Artwork, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Exquisite cabinet of Curiosities showcasing a stunning collection of plaster figures and pieces, elegantly presented within a wood and glass display case reminiscent of a Classic scu...
Category

1950s Spanish Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

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

15th Century and Earlier Persian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

English Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet with Heart Lock Antique Bracelet, 1960s
Located in Hampshire, GB
Open curb link bracelet with heart padlock clasp hung a variety of charms, including, a fire engine, motorcycle, trolley bus, doctor’s bag, dunce hat, barrel organ and an engagement ring with a jewel on top. A Lovely English sterling silver double-link charm bracelet with a safety chain. There are Twenty-Nine charms The bracelet is in excellent condition, with scratching as expected. We have given the bracelet a light clean. 96g total gross weight. Condition Excellent condition. This is a fabulous vintage 1960s silver charm...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Early Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver, Silver

Art Deco Dunhill of London Engine Turned "Square Boy" Model Petrol Lighter 1937
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Art Deco Dunhill of London Diamond Engine Turned "Square boy" Model Petrol Lighter 1937 Silver plated Dunhill London lighter Made in Switzerland UK Patent Number 477768 USA Patent...
Category

1930s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

Ronson 1938 Art Deco Machine Age Geometric Deluxe Classic Desk Touch Tip Lighter
Located in Miami, FL
A Deluxe desk lighter designed by Ronson. This extremely rare Ronson Deluxe Classic Touch-Tip lighter was made in 1938 by the Ronson Art Metal Works Inc. located in Newark, New Jersey in the United States. This lighter began a very successful era for Ronson Touch Tip...
Category

1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Enamel, Steel, Chrome

Biedermeier Walnut Miniatur Chest of Drawers
Located in Darmstadt, DE
The miniature or model chest of drawers dates back to the Biedermeier period and was made with walnut veneer on a softwood body. The chest of drawers is in very good restored conditi...
Category

Early 19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut, Softwood

Vintage Pal Kepenyes Bronze/Brass Necklace, 20th Century
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Vintage Pal Kepenyes bronze/brass necklace, 20th century. This Hungarian born artist worked in Mexico for decades, known for free-form sculptural jewelry...
Category

20th Century Mexican Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Sputnik 1960 Space Era Cigarette and Matches Desk Holder in Steel Plastic
Located in Miami, FL
Sputnik space era cigarette holder. Extremely funny and very hilarious piece, created during the space era back in the 1950s. Crafted in the shape of a Sputnik in black and cream ...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Concorde Model Black Sculpture
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture Concorde model black in fiberglass in black matt finish. Scale 1/36em on polished brushed aluminium base. Exceptional and unique piece.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fiberglass

Turn of the Century Wooden Excercise/Juggling Pins c.1900 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A pair of turn of the century solid wooden exercise/juggling pins. Original "Gold Coin" label on one pin. Both stamped "1 1/2 lbs.". CREATOR Gold Coin brand. DATE OF ...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Peter Hertz 1857 Denmark Vesta Cigar Cutter Lighter Box In .925 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Multifunctional vesta lighter box designed by Peter Hertz (1811-1885). Beautiful antique vesta case, created in Copenhagen Denmark at the silversmiths workshop of Peter Hertz in 185...
Category

1850s Danish Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Italian Mid-Century Modern Professional Chess Board with Pawns, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Professional chess board with pawns, 1980s Professional chessboard in metal, wood and plastic. The game board measures 37.5 x 37.5 cm and the single box measures 4.37 x 4.37 cm. The ...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

9 Antique & Vintage Miniature Stuffed Animals Mostly Steiff
Located in Atlanta, GA
This collection of stuffed animals includes 9 figures: 1) Miniature Steiff Rabbit (No tag, chest weave). 2) RARE Steiff Black Tom Cat (No Tag). 3) Miniature Steiff Monkey (No Tag, chest weave). 4) Steiff Cow "Bessy With Bell" (No Tag). 5) Steiff Monkey "Jocko" (No Tag, chest weave). 6) F.A.O Schwarz Dog (Tag Attached). 7) Steiff Skunk (No tag). 8) Steiff Tiger...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wool, Mohair

Mid-Century Aldo Londi for Bitossi Geometric Ceramic Ashtray, Italy, 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Aldo Londi for Bitossi yellow and orange geometric ashtray or bowl. Signed on the bottom. Italy 1960s. Aldo Londi (Montelupo Fiorentino, 1911-20...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Dunhill England 1940 Desk Table Unique Lift Arm Petrol Lighter with Shagreen
Located in Miami, FL
Unique petrol lighter designed by Dunhill. Beautiful and elegant table desk lift arm petrol lighter, designed by the Alfred Dunhill Company during the post war period, circa 1940-...
Category

1940s English Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate, Steel

Vintage Italian Ceramic Chess Board by Franco Pecchioli
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Italian ceramic chess board by Franco Pecchioli Ceramica, circa 1980s. The board is in good condition with a few minor stress cracks in the ceram...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

20th Century Walking Stick with Clock Handle and Wood Cane
Located in Miami, FL
20th Century Walking Stick with Clock Handle and Wood Cane Offered for sale is an unusual modern walking stick with a brass clock handle. The cane has a great older look and is ma...
Category

20th Century Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vtg Blown Glass Painted Peter Rabbit Easter Bunny Christmas Ornament Tree Topper
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Such vintage sweetness!! I don't know if this is an early Peter Rabbit or Easter Bunny or just a Christmas ornament in the shape of a bunny but it is adorable!1 The ornament has been from clear glass into the bunny shape and is overpainted with the white & light brown fur, fun pink vest...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass, Paint

Vintage Intel Stereo Anlage, 1970's
Located in Lisboa, PT
This radio was made by Intel in Germany, during the 1970's. With a plastic case, imitating wood, it has Broadcast, Long Wave, Short Wave plus FM or UHF. Goo...
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

French 1930 Art Deco Parisian Moorish Kiosk Cigarette Dispenser Mechanical Box
Located in Miami, FL
Mechanical cigarette dispenser box. An exceptional and very beautiful desk piece, created in France during the art deco period, back in the 19...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Rare 1960s German Fasan Solid Body Guitar with Hagstrom tail piece
Located in Ferndale, MI
Early and scarce German solid body electric guitar. Crafted by Fasan guitars . Body is wrapped in a gold metal flake with black line detail covering. An interesting early guitar tha...
Category

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

Materials

Plastic, Maple

Oleo-print "Mary Mother of God"
Located in Chorzów, PL
Dimensions: Frame: height 71.5 cm / width 55 cm Oleo printing: 63 cm high.
Category

1960s Polish Other Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Canvas, Beech

Midcentury Round Ashtray White Travertine Marble and Steel, Mannelli Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant midcentury rounded white travertine marble ashtray or bowl. Fratelli Mannelli probably designed this fantastic piece in Italy during the 1970s. This wonderful item is made...
Category

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

Materials

Travertine, Marble, Metal, Steel, Chrome

Pepsi Logoed Concorde Jetliner Desk Model on Lucite Base
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool Pepsi logoed Concorde jetliner desk model on lucite base, circa late 1990s. The model measures 5.5" in wingspan x 12"D x 2.75"H and sits on a high quality chrome stand. ...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Gold Floral Repousse Monogrammed Walking Stick
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Gold Floral Repousse Monogrammed Walking Stick Offered for sale is an antique gold-handled walking stick with a floral re...
Category

Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Brass

The Charles London 1947 Pocket Petrol Lighter Guilloche Plated Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
The Charles petrol lighter designed by Meyer Maximilian Levene An exceptional and rare silver-plated 'The Charles' petrol pocket lighter stamped 'The Charles Lighter', made in London England, back in the 1947. It was rafted with slim rectangular form, decorated with engine-turned casing, double entry hinged lids with innovative internal mechanical features, including a revolving flint tube to provide even wear to the flint, and a rear barrel containing spare flint chambers so that semi-automatic loading of the spare flint can be undertaken. The Charles Lighter has an extremely complicated mechanism. The flint rotates while grinded by the friction wheel. Also interesting is the revolving magazine for spare flints. A fine example of complete over-engineering. This was made only for a very short period and was patented by Meyer Maximilian Levene in 1949. Weight: 70.50 Grams, (45.19 Dwt). Measurements: 48 mm by 43 mm by 12 mm (1.89 x 1.69 x 0.77 Inches). Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed in full, "THE CHARLES LIGHTER MADE IN ENGLAND BRITISH & DOMINION & FOREIGN PAT GRANTED.". Literature: Stuart Schneider and Ira Pilossof, The Handbook of Vintage Cigarette Lighters...
Category

1940s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Duck Piggy Bank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
a vintage silver tone bank in the shape of a duck. The piece is very cute with blue glass eyes The perfect Baby Gift or decorative piece for a Childs roo...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

19th Century French Grand Tour Iron Model of the Arc de Triomphe
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century French grand tour iron model of the Arc de Triomphe, in two parts, the fine cast iron model of the Arc de Triomphe with a mirrored top. Raised on a oval ebonized wood and metal chain link fenced base Model of Arc de Triomphe...
Category

Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Iron

Mappin Paris 1950 Retro Multiuse Money Clip Sun Clock And Compass In Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Multiuse Money Clip Sun Clock And Compass designed by Mappin-Paris. Very unusual multiuse money clip, created in France by Mappin-Paris back in the 1950. In great shape and very ver...
Category

1950s French Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Chess Marble Game
Located in Paris, FR
Game Chess Marble all in carved and polished marble. Chess: L80,3xD80,3xH6cm. small pawns: H9cm, each. Pieces from rook to king: H10cm to 16,5cm.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble

Antique Vintage Kodak Wooden Trimming Board by Eastman
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique vintage kodak wooden trimming board by Eastman. The wooden cutting surface measures 6 inches tall by 5 inches wide by 3/4 inches tall. Some of the original writing can be seen on the surface of the board and the ruler on the top is visible. This board was used for trimming photographs. Beautiful and interesting piece for your use or library decor...
Category

1940s American Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Keith Haring Pop Shop 1986 'Set of 4 Original Pins'
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 4 vintage Keith Haring Pop Shop lapel pins, circa 1986-1987 featuring some of the artist's most iconic images. Original circa mid-late 1980s (Not later reproductions) Smal...
Category

1980s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Frankart Lady on Chrome Ball Smoking Stand Model T330
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Frankart Smoking Stand, Model T330 Nude lady holding up her arms holding a molded Glass Ashtray. lady stands on a Chrome Ball. All in nice Original condition, signs of use and wear...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage 1968 Edition Dali de Draeger by Max Gerard Book Art Table Book
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible art table book that is enigmatic as well as unique. This book from the first edition, was limited to 1500 copies. This book is full of surprises and beauty. This copy with a full page original illustration by Dali in black pen on verso of front free endpaper, depicting three men and their horses crossing...
Category

1690s French Mid-Century Modern Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage East Bloc Coat of Arms in Carved Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusual East Block/Balkan Coat of Arms in hand-carved oak. An excess of masculine elements: crown, machine-gun, torch, axe, fist. Heraldic symbolism here and there. Very wellkept - c...
Category

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

Materials

Oak

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

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.

Tauba Auerbach’s Geometric Pop-Up Book Is Mighty Rare, Thanks to a Hurricane

This sculptural art book has an epic backstory of its own.

Step inside the Storied Mansions of Palm Beach’s Most Effervescent Architect

From Spanish-style courtyards to fanciful fountains, these acclaimed structures abound in surprising and elegant details.

Recently Viewed

View All