Skip to main content

Collectibles and Curiosities

to
7,173
15,027
11,515
24,683
1,423
1,295
12,447
8,349
5,274
1,936
11,920
2,204
27,401
27,008
27,212
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
18th-century reliquary in solid silver, finely hand-engraved
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant 18th-century reliquary in solid silver, finely hand-engraved, with ornamental decoration typical of Baroque religious art. Its oval shape features floral and symbolic details...
Category

18th Century European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

A Set of Five Antique Black Forest Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques 1880s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A Set of Five Antique Black Forest Deer Trophies on Wooden Plaques 1880s A set of five antique Black Forest roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) trophies mounted on turned wooden plaques ...
Category

Late 19th Century German Rustic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Mid-Century Virgin to the Child Enamelled Plaque, French, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus enameled wall plaque. French, mid-century. Reproduction from a stained glass window of Reims cathedral (13th century) ...
Category

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

Materials

Enamel

Mid-Century Vintage Leather Gymnastics Mat or Headboard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large natural leather gym mat with beautiful patina and wear, including staining, small cuts, scratching, tic tac toe game and names scratched into leather. Can be used as headboard ...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Wood

Italian Silver and Wood Miniature of French Navy Cannon
Located in VALENZA, IT
Reproduction depicting a Navy cannon. France XVII century. The cannon is mounted on 4 silver and wood wheels and is fixed to the wooden base by means of chains, which originally hel...
Category

1980s Italian Other Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

I, Me, Mine Autobiography Memoir by English Musician George Harrison The Beatles
Located in North Hollywood, CA
I, Me, Mine is an autobiographic memoir by the English musician George Harrison, formerly of The Beatles. It was first published in 1980 as a hand-bound, limited edition book by Genesis Publications, with a mixture of printed text and multi-colour facsimiles of Harrison's handwritten song lyrics...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Collectible Vintage Baccarat Crystal Noel 1984 Ornament with Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Collectible Baccarat Crystal Noel 1984 Ornament Signed Baccarat Crystal Ornament 1984, with Box. Vintage Crystal Glass Christmas Tree in original Box. Highly collectible from year 1984, Made in France. Hand made in France. Comes with traditional red Baccarat...
Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Yukon Moose Shoulder Mount
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Yukon moose taxidermy mount. An older mount, a few scars on nose from fighting. Nice coloring and antlers. Would display nicely in a rustic home or cab...
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Fur

Junker JU-52 Aircraft Reduced Model Scale Model, 1932
Located in Paris, FR
Reduced Model Junker JU-52 scale model, handcrafted in aluminium foil with engraved metal rivets, 1932.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Copper Engraving Depicting the High Quality of the Fashion Under Louis XIV, 1684
Located in Langweer, NL
Beautiful engraving of Jean Dieu de Saint-Jean with title 'Homme de qualité en Surtout' (translated in English: Man of of a particular quality). This original copper engraving is ha...
Category

1680s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Italian Religious Giltwood Reliquary Relief Carved Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A rare antique Italian giltwood framed reliquary. 18th/19th century, hand carved giltwood frame housing an exceptional relief carving, d...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bone, Giltwood

MERCEDES BENZ 1966 Royal London Car Radiator Grill Desk Petrol Lighter Lacquered
Located in Miami, FL
Table petrol lighter designed by Mercedes Benz. This is a beautiful petrol desk lighter, created for the Royal London Limited, back in the 1966. The desk lighter has been crafted in...
Category

1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Enamel, Steel

La Societe De L'art Applique Aux Metiers (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Le Pavillon De La Societe de L'Art Applique Aux Metiers a L'Eposition Internationale Des Arts Decoratifs Et Industriels Modernes preface by Yvanhoe Rambasson. Rare complete publicati...
Category

1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Circa 1960s English Sporting Event or Hunting Walking Stick With Folding Seat
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1960s English sporting event or hunting walking stick with folding seat. Steel with coppered finish shaft, leather seat. "Gamebird Trade Mark" label; "Made In England" stamp; "...
Category

Late 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper, Steel

Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell This is a very heavy piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Heavy Bronze Bell, Tower Bell This is a very heavy piece the clapper is a replacement The bell is Sound no cracks and a great long echoing ring The bell is 12.5” in diameter and 1...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Peruvian Silver Panel Bracelet and Necklace with Inka Decor and Symbols
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Fine and detailed craftsmanship is put into this set consisting of a Peruvian panel bracelet and matching necklace. Both pieces are fully hallmarked and dating from the 1970s. The pa...
Category

1970s Peruvian Tribal Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Lithograph Depicting the Horse Winner of the 1993 Italian Derby
Located in Milan, IT
Lithograph on paper made in the 1990s by the Ludovici typography in Rome from a painting depicting White Muzzle winner of the 1993 Italian Derby ridden by John Reid. With frame 66.5x...
Category

1990s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

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

Edwardian Diamond & Sapphire Bracelet
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage early 20th century Edwardian (1902 - 1918) diamond bracelet is elaborately designed in platinum & multiple precious gems. The bracelet center features six embellished ce...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Gold

Five Beautiful Women Hardcover by Victor Skrebneski Book 1987 1st Edition
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Five Beautiful Women Hardcover – February 19, 2008 by Victor Skrebneski (Author), Hubert de Givenchy (Introduction). Victor Skrebneski is celebrated as one of the world’s finest fashion and portrait photographers. His diverse body of work has won him international accolades and, for more than half a century, he has photographed the world’s most famous people, from Orson Welles, Truman Capote, and Audrey Hepburn to Andy Warhol, David Bowie, and Iman. In 1962, Skrebneski became the exclusive photographer for Estée Lauder, and over the years his flawless images of models such as Paulina Porizkova...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Pair of Hollywood Regency Neoclassical Style Brass Obelisks
Located in Houston, TX
Great pair of Hollywood Regency brass obelisks. These beautiful midcentury neoclassical style brass obelisks have a naturally occurring patina that could be polished if desired. Perf...
Category

1970s Neoclassical Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Rare 1864 Ohio Civil War Era Map with State Capitol Illustration
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Johnson's Ohio Antique Map by Johnson and Ward, 1864 Description: This exquisite antique map, titled "Johnson's Ohio," was published in 1864 by Johnson and Ward, a prominent ...
Category

1860s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Weighted Wood Chess Set by John Jaques of London in Wood Box 7cm Kings, ca 1950
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good and complete English handmade wood "weighted" chess set game of 32 pieces, in its original box with a sliding lid, made by John Jaques of London and dating to the mid 20th century period. The chess pieces are made of turned and carved varnished wood. The bases of ALL pieces are weighted with metal pieces and the bases have a green felt/paper cover. Weighted sets like this one have a much nicer "feel" when playing. The pieces in the set are in the Staunton style. Sizes: Kings: 70mm ( ~ 2.75 inches); Pawns: ~45mm (~1.7 inches) The set comes complete with its original wood storage box, having a sliding lid and complete with a paper makers sticker to the lid. Overall a good "weighted" John Jaques chess...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespeare by Montagu, Mrs. (Elizabeth)
Located in Middletown, NY
Montagu, Mrs. (Elizabeth), 1718-1800 An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespeare; An essay on the writings and genius of Shakespeare, compared with the Greek and French dramat...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

Complete Set of Six Graduated Copper Haystack Measures, English, Early Victorian
Located in Worcester, GB
Complete Set of Six Graduated Copper Haystack Measures, English, Early Victorian An exceptional and complete set of six antique graduated copper haystack measures, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1830–1860. These traditional English measures range from 1 gallon down to ⅛ gill and retain their classic conical 'haystack' form, each with a bold flared rim and side handle. Each vessel is fitted with a lead verification plug stamped by a local authority, affirming their use as standardised liquid measures. The set exhibits a handsome warm patina with polished surfaces, highlighting the rich pink hue of the copper. Some historical repairs and light dinks are visible, consistent with age and practical use. Volumes: 1 Gallon 1 Pint ½ Pint 1 Gill ½ Gill ⅛ Gill Heights: From approximately 10 cm to 29 cm. A fine and increasingly scarce complete set, ideal for collectors of antique weights and measures...
Category

19th Century British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper

Selection of Antique Grand Tour Marbles, Italy, 1850.
Located in Milan, IT
A selection of antique Grand Tour marbles. In an inclined display structure made of lacquered cherry wood and profiled in black (ebony wood), a coll...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble

Antique Map of Asia, Vignette of Benares 'Varanasi' Showing Ganges River, 1892
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Asie'. Color map of Asia. With decorative vignette of Benares (Varanasi) showing Ganges River. This map originates from 'Nouvel Atlas Illustre Geographie Universe...
Category

19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare M4 Leather WWII Horse Gas Mask
Located in Peekskill, NY
M4 US Government Army Issue World War II, vintage 1941-1942 Horse Gas Masks are very scarce. Due to the large size, most were discarded after the war. Occasionally, one will pop up, but most are incomplete or in poor condition. The M4 Horse Gas Mask has 2 large filter canisters, one placed on each shoulder of the horse. It has a chest mounted pack, and a rubber mask for the horse's muzzle. Flexible hoses run between the components, and leather straps keep everything secure to the horse. Horses (Cavalry) and Pack Mules were not as common in WWII as they were in WWI, making the Horse Gas Mask all the more rare. If you are a serious gas mask collector, consider the chance of finding another M4 Horse gas mask. Included is the signed canvas...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Early 20th C. American Phonograph in Cabinet by the Kimberley Phonograph Company
Located in Morristown, NJ
Early 20th C. American phonograph, produced by the Kimberley Phonograph Company, as indicated by the plaque on the inside of the cabinet. The phonograph is housed in a wooden cabinet...
Category

1910s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Victorian Quality Carved Oak Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality carved oak banjo barometer having a quality carved oak shaped case with a brass bezel, porcelain dial with original hands and a thermometer An attractive ...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Navy Signal Cannon 18th / 19th Century European Brass Barrel And Wood Carriage
Located in Miami, FL
European signal cannon from the late 18th-19th century. An antique piece made and used in Europe, circa 1800. This kind of small scale toys were made to be used in the navy of some ...
Category

Late 18th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

10 Volumes. Shakespeare, William. The Complete Works
Located in New York, NY
10 Volumes. Shakespeare, William. The Complete Works. Bound in full red morocco by Maurin, top edges gilt, raised bands, gilt panels. Published: New York: Society Of Shakespeare Edit...
Category

Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

WWII Vintage Water Can
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a vintage metal gas can. It has a really nice patina.
Category

20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Russian Carved Sleigh
Located in Queens, NY
Russian (18/19th Cent) ornately painted and carved sleigh with carved shell front sleigh
Category

Late 18th Century Russian Rococo Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Lt. Col. Robert Stewart, Miniature Portrait C. 1763, French & Indian War
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lt. Col. Robert Stewart, Miniature Portrait C. 1763, French and Indian War  Lieutenant Colonel Robert Stewart (1729–1809) of the Virginia Regiment Labeled on the back:: Lieutennip? F...
Category

Mid-18th Century American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Porcelain, Glass, Wood

Framed British Coat Of Arms
Located in Essex, MA
With the inscription 'Virtus Incendit Vires' which translates to Virtues kindles strength. Hand painted in a frame. Michael Kittredge Collection.
Category

1830s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

United's "Carnival Gun" Arcade Game, circa 1954 USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage circa 1954 “Carnival Gun” arcade rifle game manufactured by United Mfg. Large Dale-style gun game. As the targets are on the move, use the gun to ...
Category

1950s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Stunning Nuremberg Gingerbread Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Amazing and rare round shaped box, hand crafted in cardboard dating from the 1910s or older. The top of the box shows i view of the Nuremberg Castle in 3d optic. This antique box is ...
Category

1910s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

American Painting - Boxed Set of 2 Books
Located in Bradenton, FL
American Painting, a boxed set of two books. American Painting, from it's beginning to the armory show by Jules David Prown, and American Painting, the twentieth century by Barbara R...
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

RONSON 1937 Art Deco T-T Smoker's Desk Double Box & Touch Tip Lighter
Located in Miami, FL
T-T Smoker's desk box with lighter made by Ronson. This desk box for cigarettes is exceptional and very rare. Has been created in the city of Newark, New Jersey United States by The...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Enamel, Steel, Chrome

Ceramic Le Normandie Paquebot, Normandy Liner
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This ceramic representation of the SS Normandie, created by the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique in the 20th century, beautifully captures the iconic French ocean liner. The piece ...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Sotheby's London, Highlights from an Important Private European Collection
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's London; Highlights From an Important Private European Collection. London: Sotheby's, 2006. Softcover. 158 pp. The single-owner sale includes Old Master paintings, important...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

IMPORTANT AND RARE LITURGICAL PSALTER, Spain, 16th Century (1550-1575)
Located in Madrid, ES
IMPORTANT AND RARE LITURGICAL PSALTER, Spain, 16th Century (1550-1750) Psalterium iuxta Romanum (Liturgical Psalter according to the Roman Rite) Latin (with Spanish additions), illu...
Category

16th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Parchment Paper

Tris Box with Alabaster Pieces
Located in Milan, IT
Traditional craftsmanship and noble materials make this game box the ultimate sophisticated accessory. A perfect gift and a precious addition to any home, this box is made of wood with the top of the lid upholstered in leather. The alabaster noughts and crosses...
Category

2010s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Alabaster

Antique Map of Tracks of Anson's Ships around South America & Cape Horn, 1749
Located in Langweer, NL
Description: Antique map titled 'Kaart van het Zuidelykste Gedeelte van Zuider Amerika (..) - Carte de la Partie Meridionale de l'Amerique Meridionale (..)'. Detailed chart tracking the route of Capt. George Anson's ship The Centurion in 1745. The chart shows the tracks of Anson's ships around South America & Cape Horn to the Juan Fernandes Islands, with notes on currents and positions. In 1740 Capt. George Anson (1697-1762) of the Royal Navy, was given command of a squadron of ships. As England was at war with France and Spain, Anson's task was to intercept and capture a Spanish treasure...
Category

1740s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Russian Tempera Icon of the Protection 19th century Intercession of Theotokos
Located in Sweden, SE
Icon "The Intercession of the Theotokos, or the Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever - Virgin Mary", is a Christian feast of the Mother of God celebrated in the Easter...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Neoclassical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

18th Century Giltwood and Polychrome Painted Shield ECCE NUNCDIES SALUTIS
Located in Hastings, GB
Stunning 18th century carved wooden religious shield, Italian early 1700’s, in gilt and green with the words ECCE NUNCDIES SALUTIS (This is the Day of Salvation) to the centre. Hist...
Category

Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso, Wood

Edward F. Caldwell Gothic Style Jeweled Champleve Enamel Antique Folio Cover
Located in New York, NY
A very rare, fine large Edward F. Caldwell jeweled champleve enamel folio cover in the High Gothic Style. The central panel depicting a King on a white horse holding a large orb with a snake symbol, surrounded by exquisitely detailed Gothic heraldic elements and jeweled embellishments. Burgundy velvet lined interior, retaining original leather backing and spine, wear commensurate with age, ideal for a museum or private collection. Measurements: 13.63 inches high, 11 inches wide, 1 inch deep Condition: the enamel panel is in excellent condition, age appropriate wear to velvet, leather and interior pages. Please note, the enamel panel may be removed and mounted on a modern folio if desired. This piece may be framed or displayed as a decorative panel on a stand Edward F. Caldwell & Co was established in 1895 in New York City at 31 East 17th Street and quickly became one of the premier designers and manufacturers of fine lighting and decorative objects. Their commissions included J.P. Morgan's residence, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Vanderbilt Mansion, Henry Clay Frick residence, Harvard Club...
Category

Early 20th Century American Gothic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Enamel

Antique Mahogany Gun Case
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Williams & Powell Wooden Sporting Gun Case. A mahogany single gun case by Williams & Powell, Liverpool, the green baize lined case with dividers and fitted for a double barrel shotgu...
Category

1850s British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vision 2000 radio stereo by Thilo Oerke for Rosita, 1970s
Located in bruxelles, BE
Stereo Vision 2000 radio designed by Thilo Oerke in the 70s. The radio works perfectly, having been completely overhauled by a sound engineer. There's also a bluethoot socket for con...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

14K Yellow Gold and Semi-Precious Stone Bracelet
Located in Tarrytown, NY
14K yellow gold open bangle bracelet with teardrop-cut amethyst and a aquamarine terminals. Interior bears designer double circle and arrow maker's mark. Interior measurements 2-1/8"...
Category

20th Century American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Solomon's Temple, the Holy of Holies, Showing the Ark of the Covenant, c.1780
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique religion print titled 'Het Heilige der Heilige binnen den Tempel van Salomon'. This print depicts Solomon's Temple, the Holy of Holies, showing the Ark of the Covenant...
Category

1780s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

CHURCHILL. History of The English Speaking Peoples - ALL FIRST EDITIONS. 4 vols
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: CHURCHILL, Winston. TITLE: A History of The English-Speaking Peoples. PUBLISHER: London: Cassell and Co, Ltd., 1956-8. DESCRIPTION: ALL FIRST LONDON EDITIONS. 4 volumes, ...
Category

1950s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Refractions by Hasharat
Located in New York, NY
Refractions by Hasharat , 2024 Black canvas box with hinges, gold trim, black velvet interior. Measures: 10.25" x 10.25"
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Canvas

Wind Tunnel Model of a Douglas Destroyer Made by NACA/NASA in 1942
Located in London, GB
A very rare World War II 1/5 scale wind tunnel development model of a Douglas "Destroyer" XSB2D-1 torpedo and dive bomber, circa 1942. The model was made ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Art Deco / Machine Spun Aluminum Modernist Lobby Ash Stand / receptical
Located in Buffalo, NY
Art Deco / Machine Spun Aluminum Modernist Lobby Ash Stand / receptical.. Amazing design,, retains original insert.
Category

1940s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

French Virgin and Child Chromo-Lithograph, Late 19th Century
Located in Labrit, Landes
Virgin and child chromo-lithograph, French, late 19th century Golden frame Good antique condition For shipping: 5 x 31.5 x 47.5 cm 0.8kg.
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Fine Steinway & Sons Wedgwood Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Baby Grand Piano Model M
Located in Roslyn, NY
Steinway & Sons Ormolu Mounted Mahogany Baby Grand Piano Model M, serial no. 244684, circa 1926 With Wedgwood Light Blue Jasperware / Wedgwood Framed Ov...
Category

20th Century American Regency Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Ettore Travertino Marble Backgammon Board
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning backgammon box is the ultimate gift for a game lover and a superb decorative object for any interior. Its functional structure is in Trave...
Category

2010s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble

Important Utah/MIT Dextrous Hand Robotic Prototype
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is one of two early examples of this ground breaking experimental robotic hand. Its known as the Dextrous Hand and was designed at MIT in Utah and built by Sarcos Inc. and is si...
Category

20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

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.

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.

Recently Viewed

View All