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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Victorian
Style: Eastlake
19th Century China Trade Pair of Portraits of Sea Captain and Wife
Located in Nantucket, MA
19th Century China Trade Pair of Portraits of Sea Captain and Wife, circa 1850s, matched pair of Chinese Export oil on canvas full length portraits of a Sea Captain and his wife, painted on commission in Hong Kong or a related China Trade port. The captain wears a double breasted wool greatcoat over a high collar white shirt with bow tie, black waistcoat...
Category
1850s Hong Kong Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Canvas
Sterling Silver Folding Opera Glasses - Antique Victorian (1895)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of sterling silver folding opera glasses; an addition to our Victorian silverware collection.
These exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver folding opera glasses have a circular form with a plain rectangular bridge.
The eye pieces and lenses are encompassed with plain circular frames, conjoined with swept bridges.
Each pair of lenses are hinged to a plain frame ornamented with the numerals 1 to 5, accented with a sliding focus dial.
The central frame is further embellished with a hinged fingerpiece, accented with a lobed terminal.
Such impressive and high quality examples are rare to the market.
Condition:
These antique Victorian opera glasses...
Category
1890s English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Portrait Miniatures of Fashionable Lady
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
Enamel portrait of a lady with long curled hair with white veil...
Category
Early 20th Century English Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ebony
The Battles of America by Sea and Land by Robert Tomes and John Laird Wilson
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Tomes, Robert and John Laird Wilson. The Battles of America by Sea and Land. New York: Patterson & Neilson, 1878. Thick quarto three volume set. Original full leather boards, embosse...
Category
1870s American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
Daughters of Painted Ladies, America's Resplendent Victorians
Located in Bradenton, FL
Daughters of Painted Ladies: America's Resplendent Victorians by Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen. Photographs by Douglas Keister. A tour of the asto...
Category
1980s Victorian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
19th century Victorian buckle bracelet yellow gold floral blue enamel bracelet
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Unique antique Victorian bangle bracelet with buckle and enamel.
Hand crafted in solid 14k gold and absolute fabulous blue enamel.
A wide design covered with incredible textured work...
Category
19th Century European Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Antique Portrait Miniatures of Fashionable Lady
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
Enamel portrait of a lady with pow...
Category
Early 20th Century English Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ebony
Antique Imperial Russian Silver Cloisonne Enamel Kovsh Ovchinnikov Moscow 1896
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique Russian Imperial silver & cloisonne kovsh, Pavel Akimov Ovchinnikov, Moscow, 1896.
Ovchinnikov is recognized as one of Russia's most famous enamellers, he produced inc...
Category
1890s Russian Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Antique Hamilton 21 Jewel Railway Special Pocket Watch
By Hamilton
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique pocket watch was made by the well known Hamilton watch company of the United States in approximately 1920. The watch is in good working order with a white porcelain face...
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Gold Plate
19th Century Oak, Brass Rum Tub with Nautical History - The Queen God Bless Her
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 19th Century oak and brass Royal Navy “The Queen God Bless Her” rum tub. This 19th-century Royal Navy oak and brass rum tub, inscribed with "The Queen God Bless Her," captures a pi...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Enchanted Illusions: Taxidermy Magician Rabbit Diorama
Located in New York, NY
"Abracadabra!" Taxidermy Magician Rabbit showcased within an exquisite custom-designed stage diorama. This enchanting piece combines the mystique of taxidermy with the whimsical wor...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fur, Wood
19th Century Plaster Phrenology Bust by Vago of London, 1869
By Vago
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A tactile plaster cast phrenology head, primitively produced yet highly decorative and a obvious rare survivor. A inscribed label of the maker Vago alo...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster, Paper
Large 19th Century Hourglass
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
A large 19th century hour glass, o...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
Grand Format Four Overture Antique Cylinder Music Box by Nicole Freres, c. 1865
Located in London, GB
A rare and spectacular grand format four overture cylinder music box made by the prestigious firm of Nicole Freres in Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1865. Musically sumptuous, visually st...
Category
1860s Swiss Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Snooker Table or Billiard Pool Table Mahogany in Stock
Located in Radstock, GB
Antique Snooker table or Antique billiard table by Thurston London England.
A very good quality 'Country House" mahogany Snooker table or bill...
Category
1880s English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Antique 14K Gold Victorian Vintage Spectacles Lorgnette Eyeglasses with Handle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Gorgeous Victorian old fashioned antique lorgnette with a refined design on the handle. The lens glass is in excellent shape and is framed by decorat...
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Circa 1860 English Diorama of Stanfield Hall
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A wonderful c. 1860 English diorama of Stanfield Hall, even the original case & glass in outstanding condition. Note the wonderful use of shells, dried flowers & grasses for landscap...
Category
1860s English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique Wrap Reel Machine, English, Factory, Cotton, John Nesbitt, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique rotary wrap reel machine. An English, brass and cast iron factory cotton skein winder by John Nesbitt of Manchester, dating to the late...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
The History of the Discovery and Settlement of America by W. Robertson, 1835
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Robertson, William, Frost, John. The History of the Discovery and Settlement of America, With an Account of His Life and Writings, To which are added Questions for the Examination of...
Category
1830s American Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
History of the Discovery of America by Henry Trumbull, 1832
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Trumbull, Henry. History of the Discovery of America: Of the Landing of our Forefathers at Plymouth, and of Their Most Remarkable Engagements with the Indians in New-England, From Th...
Category
1830s American Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
Victorian Wax Flower Basket Still Life Under Oval Glass Dome II
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Victorian Wax Flower Basket Still Life Under Oval Glass Dome II
USA, Circa 1880
An exquisite testament to Victorian artistry: a stunning wax flower ...
Category
Late 19th Century American High Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
19th Century natural history English specimen
Located in London, GB
19th Century natural history English specimen
Encased in its original Victorian pine ebonised base glass dome. This natural history specimen is firmly attached to a wooden base. ...
Category
1870s British Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Natural Fiber
Antique Life & Explorations of Dr Livingstone Book, African Travel, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique copy of The Life & Explorations of Dr. Livingstone. An English language African travel and history book, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1875.
A Victorian p...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Victorian Mahogany Miniature Chest of Drawers
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
A charming late 19th century mahogany minaiture chest, having rectangular top over two short and three long drawers, retaining original turned wooden knobs, flanked by rounded corner...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Antique French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
By LeRoy
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These bi...
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Treasury Of Botany, Vol 1&2, English Language, Reference Book, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique reference books 'The Treasury of Botany' by Samuel Maunder. Published in English by Longmans, Green & Co of London, in the Victorian period, dated 1884.
F...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
PAIR OF VICTORIAN STYLE VINTAGE CAST IRON DECORATIVE 153CM LONG GARDEN CANNONs
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning pair of Vintage Victorian style English cast Iron cannons
Please note the delivery fee listed...
Category
1940s British Late Victorian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Antique Book, The Life of Charles Dickens, Biography, English, Victorian, C.1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique copy of The Life of Charles Dickens by John Forster. An English language biographical account of the Victorian author, dating to the late 19th century, published c...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Book, Bones and I, Whyte-Melville, English, Novel, Victorian, Circa 1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique book, Bones & I by George Whyte-Melville. An English language, bound novel, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880.
First published in 1868, Bones & I is a humorous novel written about a man - Jack Raggles - who gains possession of a human skeleton. Written by George Whyte-Melville (1821 - 1878), the book is a comedic and macabre blend of satire and class division.
Nicely presented example of this unusual title
Displays a desirable aged patina, lightly time-worn but intact
Bound with cloth over board in navy blue with gold...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
19th C. Ship Captain's Inlaid Burl Davenport Desk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine Captain’s desk in particularly well chosen and colorful Burl wood with string inlaid details and ebonized moldings. The very top with a 3/4 brass gallery and worn brass plaque...
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Victorian taxidermy ebonised mounted elephant ear.
Located in London, GB
Victorian taxidermy ebonised mounted elephant ear.
A rare Victorian taxidermy ebonised mounted elephant ear. This item is very rare due to its subject matter, presentation and accompanying Cites Article 10 certificate. The framed artifact...
Category
1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Natural Fiber
19th Century half mode of steam ship New York
Located in Martlesham, GB
A fabulous quality 19th Century half model of the steam ship "New York", originally called "City of New York", British built for the Inman line launched on the 15th March 1888. Cir...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
Antique Hand Carved Solid Nutwood Wall Corner Cabinet w. Phoenix Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and all handcrafted, single door corner cabinet for wall mounting.
For the collectors of great looking and ready to use antiques we also...
Category
19th Century European Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Vintage W.& T. Avery Brass/ Cast Iron Beam Scale
By W & T Avery
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful W & T Avery Class C brass and cast iron beam scale. Cast Iron top and base compliment the patinated brass nicely. Two brass pans with complete compliment of weights. Maker ...
Category
20th Century English Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Iron
English Lignum Vitae Lawn Bowls
Located in Winter Park, FL
A set of nine early 20th Century English lawn bowls, made of solid turned lignum vitae wood. Each ball with natural light and dark grain pattern, carved incised rings and inlaid bone...
Category
Early 20th Century British Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bone, Hardwood
American Victorian Metal Stereoscope
Located in Queens, NY
2 American Victorian-style wood and etched metal stereoscope.(PRICED EACH)
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
19th century Danish carved walnut barometer
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century Danish carved walnut barometer circa 1890.
Beautifully carved from a solid piece of wood. Thermometer set in the top. Barometer with paper dial in danish.
Some losses ...
Category
Late 19th Century Danish Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open.
The original use was a flea trap, things were d...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Small Black Leather Incased Box of Dominos Board Game, 28 pieces
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Small 28 Pieces Dominos Travel Size Board Game in Small Black Leather Incased Box.
Each piece measures 1.1 by 0.6 by 0.2 inches.
Category
Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Antique Sterling Silver Miniature Engraved Vesta Match Case Birmingham 1886
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique late Victorian engraved sterling silver vesta match case, George Goodman, Birmingham, 1886.
This miniature vesta case is profusely engraved on all sides with a floral ...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
A Very Fine 19th Century Carved Lava Cameo, Continental Circa 1870
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A finely executed lava cameo, sculpted in high relief with exacting proportions and detail, depicting a beautiful young woman rendered in profile against a field of trailing, fruitin...
Category
Late 19th Century European Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Lava
Antique 6 Bell Music Box with Enamel Bee Strikers by Karrer, c. 1875
Located in London, GB
A lovely quality antique music box made by Karrer of Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1875.
The fully serviced musical movement features a highly attractive arrangement of 6 individually e...
Category
Late 19th Century Swiss Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Steel
19th Century Scottish Agate and Silver Bracelet circa 1880
Located in Central England, GB
A Superb Scottish Agate and silver bracelet
This beautiful Scottish agate bracelet Is made from alternate figured green and orange agate carved and shaped panels with a silver eng...
Category
19th Century Scottish Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Agate, Silver
Brown’s Self-Interpreting Family Bible by the Rev. John Brown, Illustrated, 1880
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Brown’s Self-Interpreting Bible. The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, According to the Authorized Versions. With an Introduction: Marginal References and Readings; Explanatory Notes and Reflections. By the Rev. John Brown, of Haddington. And Many Thousand Additional Notes by the Rev. Henry Cooke, D.D., LL.D., President, Assembly’s College, Belfast. Re-Edited, with Considerable Additions by the Rev. J. L. Porter, D.D., LL.D., Professor of Biblical Criticism, Assembly’s College, Belfast. Illustrated by Historical Designs and Scenes from Bible Lands. London: The Gresham Publishing Company, circa 1880s. Large quarto, with original full leather carved and gilt tooled boards, all edges gilt, and metal clasps. Presented with a custom-made archival clamshell box with gilt tooling.
Presented is a beautifully restored and exquisitely bound Brown’s Self-Interpreting Family Bible. Brown’s Self-Interpreting Family Bible was first published in 1778 in two volumes in Edinburgh. The Self-Interpreting Bible was Reverend Brown's most significant work and it remained in print well into the twentieth century. Although undated, this family bible was published by The Gresham Publishing Company, in London, circa 1880.
Reverend John Brown (1722-1787) was a Scottish Minister of the Gospel at Haddington. He wrote numerous works on the bible, including The Dictionary of the Bible, A General History of the Christian Church, and Brown’s Self-Interpreting Family Bible, as seen here.
The design of the Self-Interpreting Bible, Brown explained in the original preface, was “to present the labours of the best commentators in a manner that might best comport with the ability and leisure of the poorer and labouring part of mankind, and especially to render the oracles of God their own interpreter.” Thus, the work contains a thorough history, chronology, geography, and summary, as well as explanatory notes and reflections, on the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments. As this was printed as a “self-interpreting” bible, many of these notes occur in the margins, next to the pertaining scripture. This bible is further elucidated by upwards of eight thousand explanatory and critical notes by the Reverend Henry Cooke, D.D., LL.D., a minister of the Presbyterian Church and President of Assembly’s College in Belfast. It was further edited and notated by Reverend J. L. Porter, D.D., LL.D., a Professor of Biblical Criticism at Assembly’s College in Belfast.
A publisher’s advertisement for Brown’s Self-Interpreting Family Bible was printed in the January-July 1880 issue of The American Bookseller journal. The advertisement claims, “Brown’s Self-Interpreting Bible is widely and most favorably known on both sides of the Atlantic. It is pre-eminently A Family Bible, suitable alike for all the members of the household and particularly Helpful in explaining difficult passages, and admirably adapted to promote a Devotional spirit. Also, its unusually Clear Type makes it an excellent Book for Pulpit use...
Category
1880s English High Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Antique Table Croquet Set on Stand
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Original Table Top Miniature Croquet Set.
An original parlour game of miniature croquet displayed on it's original mahogany stand and complete with all the fittings for a table. The ...
Category
1880s British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Colmont French FT Binoculars Leather Paris
By Lawrence and Mayo
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Vintage Colmont FT Paris binoculars
Colmont a French optical company known for producing high-quality binoculars
leather-covered body
maker stamp present
7.75 x 5 ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
English Victorian Brass Telescope
Located in Queens, NY
English (Scottish) Victorian brass tabletop telescope with 3 legged iron base.
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Yellow Golden Pheasant Wall Mounted Taxidermy Specimen
Located in New York, NY
This Yellow Golden pheasant's in-flight pose is the perfect way to showcase all of those amazing feathers, it's a wonderful addition to any collection, perfect for town or country.
Category
2010s American Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Feathers
Antique 6 Bell and Drum Music Box by Charles Lecoultre, c. 1870
Located in London, GB
A magnificent quality six bell and drum cylinder music box made by Charles Lecoultre of Geneva, Switzerland in c. 1870.
The fully serviced musical movement features a central drum an...
Category
1870s Swiss Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Steel
Antique North America Map, USA, Canada, Mexico, Cartography, Colton, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique North America map. A USA, framed lithography atlas engraving of the continent by JH Colton, dating to the Victorian period and later, circa 1860.
Fascinating, large framed map...
Category
Mid-19th Century American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
FiNE ANTIQUE VICTORIAN STAUNTON CHESS SET & CHESSBOARD IN ROMAN HORSE INLAID BOX
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning circa 1880 Victorian Walnut and Oak Chessboard set complete with Staunton chess pie...
Category
1880s English High Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Boxwood, Oak, Walnut
19th Century Civil War (Post) Inlaid Framed Shell Confederate Flag Collage
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Civil War (Post) Inlaid Framed Shell Confederate Flag Collage
USA, Likely Crafted Post-Civil War
This remarkable 19th-century framed shellwork collage is a masterful e...
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Shell, Satin, Glass, Walnut
Antique Bentwood Blue Painted Small Child Snow Sled Wall Display Art
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Bentwood Blue Painted Small Child Snow Sled Wall Display Art. Item features blue distress painted finish, bentwood frame, metal trim, very nice antique item. Circa Early 20th...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Ovoid Clock Dome, English, Glass, Taxidermy Display Showcase, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique ovoid clock dome. An English, glass and mahogany taxidermy display showcase, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850.
Fascinating form, useful for hosti...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
19th Century Large Collection of Victorian Conchology Shell Specimens Taxidermy
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A large collection of late Victorian shell specimens, the majority housed in its pine box with each specimen having its period card sleeve, the remainder displayed in glazed blue car...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Natural Fiber, Blown Glass, Paper, Pine
Antique French Velocipede Horse Tricycle by Jean Louis Gourdoux for Jugnet
By Jean Louis Gourdoux
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Wonderfully detailed, antique, French, velocipede or toy tricycle featuring the body of a carved walnut horse with steel face plate on spoke wheels and ho...
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Steel
Large Antique Book of Baronial Halls Volume 1, Reference, English, Mid Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique book, The Baronial Halls of England Volume 1. An English language reference guide, dated to the mid Victorian period, published 1858.
Full title: The Baronia...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
The ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS 1954 Vol 2 and 1956 Vol 1 Vol 2 Set of 3 Books
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS 1954 Vol 2 and 1956 Vol 1 Vol 2 Set of 3 Books.
Each book stamped: "Malcolm Forbes Esqu." see picture attached.
Probably from the estate of the Library of...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Victorian 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.