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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Georgian
Vintage Chinese "Go" or ""Weiqi" Board and Game
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice and well contructed vintage Chinese "Go" or ""Weiqi" board and game with play instructions, circa 1970s. The set is in very good condition and comes with a large wood boa...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Rare pair of vintage mid-century modernist sterling silver cufflinks by Art Smit
Located in Brooklyn, US
Rare pair of sterling silver cufflinks designed by Greenwich Village modernist jeweler Art Smith in the 1950's. Smith is considered a master jewelers during the modernist movement of...
Category

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

Materials

Sterling Silver

Artist Ernest Tino Trova - Falling Man Medallion - 1970s Art Jewelry Pendant
Located in St. Louis, MO
Artist Ernest "Tino" Trova (1927-2009), Art Jewelry Falling Man in circle enamel and gold plate pendant, necklace or brooch. Walking figure in gold tone, with red ball on chest, back...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Virgin Mary
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern ceramic sculpture portrays the Virgin Mary, a central figure in Christian iconography, handcrafted with a unique artistic interpretation by a European studio ...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Hans Hansen Sterling Silver Four Clover Heart Pin Brooch
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish four clover pin brooch cleverly made from 4 connected hearts. Designed and made by Hans Hansen in Denmark ca 1960-70. Hallmarked: HH, 108, Denmark, 925s. Measurements: 27x2...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Virgin Mary, Mid-20th Century Studio Pottery, Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This captivating ceramic wall sculpture of the Virgin Mary epitomizes the ingenuity of mid-century European studio pottery. Handcrafted by an anonymous artist, this devotional artwor...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Modernist Rosewood & Sterling Silver Crucifix / Cross by Taxco
Located in San Diego, CA
Modernist rosewood and sterling silver crucifix / cross by Taxco of Mexico, circa 1970s. The piece measures 5.75"W x .75"D x 9"H and is in very good vintage condition. It is signed o...
Category

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

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-Century Brass Crucifix
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM brass crucifix with Jesus on the cross, circa 1970s. Nice weight and detail; made in Germany. #3511
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic crucifix is a fine example of mid-century modern religious art, handcrafted by an unknown European studio pottery artist. The piece is marked by a minimalist silhouette ...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

1970s White and Green Chess Set in Volterra Alabaster Handmade. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Elegant white and green chess set in Volterra alabaster handmade. Made in Italy, the items are in excellent condition. This chess set is gorgeous. So rare to find in these colo...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Alabaster

Six Crises, Signed by Richard Nixon, First Edition, 1962
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Nixon, Richard. Six Crises. New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1962. Stated first edition. Signed on free endpaper. Presented in the publisher's original dust jacket and gray board...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Brass Crucifix
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM brass crucifix with Jesus on the cross, circa 1970s. Nice weight and detail. #3465
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern crucifix is a poignant example of European studio pottery that combines the spiritual gravitas of religious art with the aesthetic principles of the era. The ...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Embossed Dekalb Hybrid Corn Advertising Farm or Mercantile Sign
By St. Thomas Metal Signs
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage sign was made by the St. Thomas Metal Sign Company of St. Thomas Ontario Canada and dates to approximately 1958 and done in the period Mid=Century Modern style. The sign...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Ceramic Mid-century Abstract Crucifixion, Studio Pottery, Handmade in Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking mid-century modern ceramic wall cross is a remarkable example of European studio pottery from the 20th century. The piece is a harmonious fusion of spiritual symbolism ...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Hohner "C-Tenor" Concert Woodwind Instrument Germany, Circa 1950
Located in Incline Village, NV
Hohner C-Tenor "Koncert" wooden recorder; this circa 1950, made in Germany instrument is in excellent condition (appears to be unused); is made of pearwood. It is in three pieces con...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

American Mid Century Walnut Barigo Weather Station Germany
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful weather station made by Barigo mounted on solid walnut frame excellent condition top quality piece working like new ,
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Virgin Mary
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant ceramic representation of the Virgin Mary is a superb example of mid-century modern craftsmanship, hand-formed by a skilled European studio pottery artist. The figure ca...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Ceramic Crucifix with INRI Inscription
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic crucifix is a distinctive artifact of mid-century European studio pottery, highlighting the period's unique blend of traditional religious motifs with modern artistic se...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Danish Carved Siam Teak Pipe Rest, Denmark 1960's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Danish Carved Siam Teak Pipe Rest / Holder / Rack / Stand, Denmark 1960's.
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This distinctive mid-century modern ceramic wall cross represents a unique fusion of religious symbolism and the aesthetic principles of the mid-20th century European studio pottery ...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Madonna and Child Ceramic Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
This Madonna and Child sculpture is a distinctive piece of mid-century modern ceramic art, handcrafted by a European studio pottery artist. The sculpture presents a stylized depictio...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Lighter S.T. Dupont Gold Yellow Line 2 Tobacco Accessories France Midcentury 70s
Located in Palermo, IT
Precious and refined S.T. lighter Dupont ligne 2 with vertical lines in yellow gold. France, 70s/80s. Note: We try to offer our customers an excellent service even in shipments al...
Category

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

Materials

Gold

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

Mid-Century Serenity Dove Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This serene ceramic cross is a distinguished example of mid-century modern studio pottery from Europe. Embodying the innovative spirit of that era, it ...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Verdant Mid-Century Ceramic Maltese Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This robustly glazed ceramic Maltese cross represents the confluence of religious symbolism and mid-century modern aesthetics, crafted by the hands of European studio pottery artists...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Ceramic Wall Cross with Dove
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern ceramic cross showcases the bold, expressive aesthetic that was prevalent among European studio pottery artists during the 1950s to 1970s. The vivid red glaze...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Lighter Cigarette Case Tobacco Accessories Ronson Varaflame Midcentury 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Rare Ronson lighter set with case. Inside the Ronson book-opening case, there is a support for the lighter and in the lower part there are clips for the cigarette department, all ori...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Playbox Record Player by Philips and Medea, 1974
Located in Lasne, BE
Record player that can be closed into a cube and opened by moving the baffles apart. Vinyl and cassette playback possible. It is also possible to connect the telephone via Bluethoot....
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Modernist Iron Nesting Incense Bowls or Ashtray
Located in San Diego, CA
Iron nesting incense bowls or ashtrays with a design reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's logo. Wonderful patina. 1950s
Category

1950s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Vintage Wooden Hand Painted Cross.
Located in Seattle, WA
Cross with Beautiful Aging and Petina to the Paint and Wood. Floral and Angel Motifs. Pink and Green Toned Color,with Gold Tones at the Tip of the Cross. Possibly of Mexican Origin. ...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Pair of ww2 polished steel German rangefinder flak binoculars
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of ww2 polished steel German rangefinder flak binoculars circa 1941. Good quality pair of binoculars used in the second world war for directing accurate flak fire for anti airc...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

American Mid Century Atomic Age Walnut & Brass Wall Thermometer & Baromether
By Springfield Armory
Located in San Diego, CA
A classic wall Thermometer by Springfield circa 1950s, nice walnut case in great condition working.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Early 19th c.Medical Teaching Device- Shadowboxed Wax Fetus Models c.1800-1850
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Two early 19th century British wax models of a fetuses with attached placenta. Used as a medical teaching device. Numbered and attached to a velvet background. In a sealed woo...
Category

Early 19th Century Mid-Century Modern Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Velvet

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Wall Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern wall cross is a quintessential example of European studio pottery from the 1950s. Handcrafted by a skilled artisan, it showcases the raw beauty of ceramic art...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century, Waldorf Wooden Sheep with Brown Sheep Fur
By Peter Kraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cute, Mid-Century, decorative sheep by Waldorf with genuine brown sheep wool and a carved wood face and legs. Vintage accent piece with leather ears and light patina. In original co...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

40 inch vintage Pinokkio by Giocattoli Brevettati Galetti 1960's, Italy
Located in The Hague, NL
Offering a beautiful, large Pinocchio made of solid wood, A great 100 cm high and al parts are movable. He has only suffered a few injuries over the years and created beautiful pat...
Category

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

Materials

Pine

1960 Hans Hansen Design Danese Collana e Bracciale Cuori Argento
Located in Brescia, IT
Collana e Bracciale in Argento Danimarca, 1950 Raro set in Argento 925 Ottima Fattura Design Senza Tempo COLLANA Lunghezza Massima: 53 cm circa / Minima 42 cm circa BRACCIALE Lun...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Antique Cabinet Maker's Drawing Book, Thomas Sheraton, English, Georgian, C.1812
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique copy of the Cabinet Maker's Drawing Book by Thomas Sheraton. An English, bound reference guide, dating to the Georgian period, published 1793. Highly influential ...
Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Mid-Century Original 1970s Givenchy Precious Stone Choker Necklace
Located in San Diego, CA
Hubert de Givenchy established the House of Givenchy in 1952 in Paris. The young designer quickly gained attention for his elegant and sophisticated designs, characterized by a blend...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate

Cute Midcentury Rubber Italian Squeeking Toy, Ca. 1950s
Located in Schagen, NL
Cute Little Rubber Squeeking Toy, which we believe, features a Lamb. The Lamb features a rotable head which is quite uncommon. Lovely piece which remains in good condition, a working...
Category

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

Materials

Rubber

Georgian Mahogany Watch Hutch in the Form of a Columned Portico
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
George III mahogany watch hutch of architectural form having fluted columns on a stepped base and supporting a gabled roof. The setback facade with a double door below a circular "wi...
Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Babe Ruth Vintage Baseball Slugger "The Bambino" Sculpture, Original Paint
Located in South Burlington, VT
Babe Ruth "The Bambino" Slugger New York Yankees "Pin Stripes" sculpture in original cream, black, green, and red hand painted colors. Babe Ruth was called "Bambino" as a nickname, ...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Vintage Mechanical tin plated wind up Sparrow Bird toy - 1960's - China
Located in EINDHOVEN, NL
Vintage wind-up Sparrow toy with a mechanical tinplated clockwork mechanism - 1960s Manufactured in China in the late 1960s, this sparrow toy features a...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Sheet Metal, Tin

George III Banjo Mahogany Barometer by R. Taylor, Chepstow, England c. 1820
By R. Taylow
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Four-dial Barometer/Thermometer in Mahogany, dating from the George III period, and English in origin. Signed at the base "R. Taylor Chepstow". The barometer with swan neck pedim...
Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1980s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Original gorgeous playing cards box by Piero Fornasetti in walnut wood . It's in excellent condition and includes two packs of Dal Negro cards. The box is signed on the botto...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Memoirs: Year of Decisions and Years of Trial and Hope, Signed by Harry Truman
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Truman, Harry. Memoirs by Harry S. Truman: Year of Decisions [and] Years of Trial and Hope. New York: Doubleday & Company, 1955-1956. Special Kansas City Limited Edition. Two Volumes...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Asprey & Co. London Guilloche Wafer Petrol Lighter In Solid .925 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Wafer petrol pocket lighter designed by Asprey & Company. Beautiful wafer lighter, created in London England by the luxury house of Asprey & Company Limited, back in the 1963. Crafted during the post-war period with a rectangular shape in solid .925/.999 sterling silver The lighted is embellished with an amazing engine turned guilloche decorations and is fully dismountable for servicing. Fitted on top with push semi automatic button. Excellent craftmanship depicting an odd and geometric shape, It is in perfect condition with no dents or previous restorations. Weight: 43.50 Grams, (27.88 Dwt). Measurements: 56 mm by 39 mm by 6.5 mm (2.20 x 1.53 x 0.26 Inches). Hallmarks All parts are stamped with British crown marks, the lion head mark for the city of London, the maker's mark A&Co. Ltd. associated to Asprey, the mark for the assay of the .925 silver, the letter H for the years 1963-1964 and signed, "ASPREY LONDON MADE IN ENGLAND Y7 A&CO LTD H REGD No. 856727". Asprey The company was established in England in Mitcham, Surrey, in 1781. Founded as a silk printing business by William Asprey, it soon became a luxury emporium. In 1841, William Asprey's elder son Charles went into partnership with a stationer located on London's Bond Street. In 1847, the family broke with this partner and moved into 167 New Bond Street, the premises Asprey occupies today. From its central London location, Asprey advertised 'articles of exclusive design and high quality, whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment.' An early specialty was dressing cases. Asprey crafted traditional cases and designs, mostly in leather, suitable for the new style of travel ushered in by railways. As the business grew, the company acquired manufacturing facilities and hired silversmith, goldsmith, jewelers and watchmakers. In the 1920's, commissions poured in from around the world, from American millionaire J. P. Morgan to potentates such as the Maharaja of Patiala, who commissioned a huge teak travelling trunk for each of his wives, in which each trunk was fitted with solid silver washing and bathing utensils with waterspouts of ornate tiger head and lined with blue velvet. Asprey cigarette...
Category

1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Mid-20th Century Sterling Silver Matchbook Cover/Match Holder by Tiffany & Co.
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century american cased sterling silver flip matchbook cover/match holder by Tiffany & Co. By: Tiffany & Co. Material: metal, silver, silver plate, sterling silver Technique...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver

Lovely Italian Midcentury Rubber Toy, Lamb, Ca. 1950s
Located in Schagen, NL
Absolutely Lovely, this little Lamb Squeeker Toy, manufactured in Italy. The piece shows some signs of age and use, for instance some paint loss to the nose and an unfortunately not ...
Category

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

Materials

Rubber

MCM Newton's Cradle "Swinging Wonder" Executive Desk Game
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool vintage MCM "Swinging Wonder" executive desk game, circa 1960s. This item is in very good vintage condition with original label and measure...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Aperture Photography Magazine Collection of 6 Early Issues 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
Aperture Photography Magazine Collection of 6 Early Issues 1950s. Not real familiar with rating condition of magazines and books. Please ask any questions. Appear to be in nice condition as a set with some minor wear. APERTURE: Volume 5, Number 1 Published by Aperture, Rochester, New York, 1957 8vo., 42 pp, illustrations from photographs. Pictorial stiff wrappers. Fine. Includes an editorial and an essay, "Peeled Paint, Cameras and Happenstance" by Minor White; a continuation of "More Books for the Creative Photographer"; Part 3 of "The Education of Picture Minded Photographers"; Beaumont Newhall on "Teaching the History of Photography"; and a portfolio "Ellis Island" by Shirley Burden with his, and Lewis Hine's images. Covers illustrated by Walter Snyder and Ansel Adams. Aperture Vol. 4 No. 1. Rochester, NY: Aperture, 1956. First edition. Softcover. An early issue of this long running photography magazine. Features a selection from "Creative Photography - 1956 with text by Van Deren Coke. Includes images by Charles Sheeler, Arnold Newman, Reva Brooks...
Category

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

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Modern Hand Carved Pink Rock Crystal Catchall Bowl Vide Poche, 1970
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern pink and white Mineral Rock ashtray, catchall, vide poche or bowl made in Italy. Raw Rock Crystal hand carved in a geometric shape. Great as Ring Dish or Key Bowl...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rock Crystal

Antique Coaching Road Map, South Devon, English, Framed, Cartography, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique coach road map of South Devon. An English, framed lithograph engraving of regional interest, dating to the early 18th century and later. Delightful early 18th cen...
Category

Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Coaching Road Map, Devon, English, Regional Cartography, Georgian, 1720
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique coaching road map of Devon. An English, framed lithograph engraving of regional interest, dating to the early 18th century and later. Fascinating 18th century hig...
Category

Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Hand Drum Wooden Base
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly Rawhide as the Stretched Fabric on Top of Drum. Five Direction Handles. Intricate Knotting at the Bottom to Secure the Top Fabric.Possibly Native American Origin. Vintage Co...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage 20th Century English Made Large Mahogany Pond Yacht c.1930
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A fantastic Gaff Cutter pond yacht, lovely “bread and butter“ wood hull construction dating to the first part of the 20th Century. Bread and butter construction is when planks of woo...
Category

1930s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Nickel Silver Cigar, Cigarette or 420 Cutter in the form of a Repoussé Duck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nickel Silver Cigar, Cigarette or 420 Cutter in the form of a Repoussé Duck A wonderfully decorative piece, also in great working condition to cut 420 or Cigars. A compliment to ...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

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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