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Collectibles and Curiosities

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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Antique Royal Doulton, Isaac Walton Fishing Plate
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage fishing plate by Royal Doulton. A good Royal Doulton plate decorated with Isaac Walton design fishing scenes with the inscription: FRIEND W...
Category

1910s European Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Michigan State Spartans Football 1952 Calendar
Located in Garnerville, NY
Straight from the Spartan alumnus and their estate. Graduating in 1952 in Graphic Arts, he was a rabid sports fan. This calendar was procured from his study. Green graphics on heavie...
Category

1950s American Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Roman Balkans: Pannonia, Illyricum, Dacia, Moesia, Thracia, Macedonia and Thyris
Located in Langweer, NL
This original antique map showcases the Roman provinces in the Balkan region and parts of Central and Eastern Europe. The title "PANNONIA, ILLYRICUM DACIA, MOESIA, THRACIA, MACEDONIA...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Imperium Romanum: A Detailed Map of the Roman Empire in its Zenith, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This original antique map, titled "IMPERIVM ROMANVM", is a detailed depiction of the Roman Empire at the height of its power. The main map encompasses the vast expanse of the Roman t...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

19th Century Teddy Bear
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
19th century Teddy bear with charming time worn patina
Category

19th Century Belgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric

Chess Set Gemstone Lapis Lazuli and Marble 8"
Located in Somis, CA
An elegant gemstone lapis and marble chess set, demonstrating traditional craftsmanship and wonderful artistry. The chessboard of solid marble base, showcases a classic design with h...
Category

2010s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Carrara Marble, Serpentine

Large Antique European Carved Giltwood Church Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
A magnificent Baroque period monumental carved polychromed gilt wood church altar figure - religious folk art sculpture, depicting Christ, The Good Shepherd. Exquisitely hand-crafted in Continental Europe around the 18th century, judging by the quality of work this most impressive example was likely commissioned by an important Roman Catholic church as a main altarpiece / altar figure. The rare one-of-a-kind ecclesiastical work, circa 1750, hand carved from a single large log, with exceptionally fine detailing throughout, gessoed, polychrome decorated, and richly gilded, modeled as standing Jesus figure with sculpted draped garbs, carrying a superbly textured lamb over His shoulders, partial hollowed open verso, rising on plinth base. Dimensions: (approx) 44" High, 20" Wide, 11" Deep Condition: A truly remarkable museum quality example. Overall excellent original antique condition, with beautifully aged warm rich dark patina and minimal wear. --- Religious folk art is a wonderful way to uniquely decorate your home, while adding inspiration, conversational interest, rich historical depth and significance. Over the years, Lynx Hollow Antiques has acquired a remarkable collection of religious antiques. Offering collectible and educational decor in the form of wonderful, hand-crafted, one-off works from around the world, including altar, altarpiece, tabernacle, reliquary, monstrance, monastery table, monumental crucifix...
Category

18th Century European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gesso, Wood, Giltwood

Karl MARX. Capital A Critique Of Political Economy. 1906, 1933, 1909 - 3 vols.
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: MARX, Karl. TITLE: Capital A Critique Of Political Economy. PUBLISHER: Chicago: Charles H. Kerr & Co., 1906, 1933, 1909. DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION FIRST PRINTING OF VOLU...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Arts and Crafts Paper Roll Cutter, Shop Wrapping Paper Dispenser
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Arts and Crafts Paper Roll Cutter, Shop Wrapping Paper Dispenser An unusual and very useful item, it has a golden oak frame with clover leaf cut outs...
Category

19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Nautical Signal Flag Representing The Letter "I" India
Located in Norwell, MA
Framed nautical signal flag representing the letter “I” for India. Lined flag with a yellow field with round black sewn on panel. White canvas hoist with Manila rope and wood toggle....
Category

1920s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

Empires of Antiquity: The Persian Realm and Beyond Engraved, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map is titled "ORBIS TERRARUM regni Persici tempore," which translates from Latin to "The World at the Time of the Persian Empire." This map is particularly interesting for sever...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Victorian Art Nouveau Cast Brass Wall Hanging Alcohol Thermometer 8.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th century Victorian brass wall hanging thermometer. Simple art nouveau styling with scallops and flowers. Indicates temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 50 degrees C...
Category

Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Ancient Cartography of Britannia and Hibernia, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This map depicts the geographical area of Great Britain and Ireland, labeled "BRITANNIA et HIBERNIA." It is a historical map, as indicated by the Latin titles and the classical names of regions and tribes. In the main section of the map, Great Britain is depicted in fine detail, with topographical features such as mountains and rivers. The map is color-coded, to differentiate political or tribal boundaries. Various Roman place names are indicated, such as "Londinium" for London. To the left of Great Britain is Ireland, referred to as "Hibernia," similarly detailed with its own topographical features and ancient...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Japanese Antique Hinamatsuri Doll 'Sannin Kanjo' Nagae no choshi 1980s
Located in Paris, FR
This is a doll which we use for Hinamatsuri day. This person is one of Sannin Kanjo. This person has Nagae no choshi. This doll was made with plastic, cotton, silk and metal. This do...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Showa Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century Bronze on Wood Religious Crucifix
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Bronze Jesus On Wooden Carved Crucifix, Early 1900's This wood crucifix would certainly make a wonderful addition to any collection of religious works of...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Ornament is Crime Modernist Architecture Matt Gibberd and Albert Hill
Located in New York, NY
An unprecedented homage to modernist architecture from the 1920s up to the present day Ornament Is Crime is a celebration and a thought-provoking reappraisal of modernist architectu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage WW2 Era Genco "Four Aces" Military Pilot Pinball Machine Back Glass
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage back glass was made by Genco of the United States for their 'Four Aces" military inspired pinball arcade game. The back glass is presumably silk screened in multiple col...
Category

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

Materials

Glass

Levant in Antiquity: Lands of Phoenicia, Judea, and Neighboring Kingdoms, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map is titled "PHOENICE, COELESYRIA, IDUMAEA, JUDAEA MACCABAEORUM TEMPORE," which translates to "Phoenicia, Coele-Syria, Idumea, Judea at the Time of the Maccabees." This origi...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

North African Coasts: Marmarica to Mauretania in Roman Times, Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map with the title "MARMARICA, CYRENAICA, AFRICA, NUMIDIA, MAURETANIA secundum Italiam Poetarum" presents a historical geographical view of the northern coast of Africa, detailin...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Marotte in Green, France circa 1890
Located in Culver City, CA
Marotte in Green France circa 1890 Hand painted paper mache marotte head. 7.5”w x 8”d x 17”h
Category

19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Japanese Meiji Period Komai Inlaid-Iron Pagoda Model
Located in London, GB
Japanese Meiji period Komai inlaid-iron pagoda model Japanese, Late 19th Century Temple: Height 33cm, width 15cm, depth 15cm Base: Height 2 cm, width 13....
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Iron

Ancient Gaul: A Cartographic Overview of Gallic Tribes and Roman Provinces, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The print titled "GALLIA," is a historical map of ancient Gaul, which corresponds to modern-day France and parts of its surrounding countries. Here are the features and details noted...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

A Large Galvanised Housemaid’s Bucket A Traditional piece and a very versatile
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Large Galvanised Housemaid’s Bucket A Traditional piece and a very versatile and strong piece, the housemaid would have carried this one by the swing handle and used the end handl...
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Antique Map of The Regions of Italy and Sicily during the Roman Empire, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This map is an original antique engraving titled "ITALIAE REGIONES IIII SICILIA," which translates to "The Regions of Italy and Sicily." This detailed historical map portrays the reg...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Mediterranean Encounters: From the Punic Wars to the Hannibalic War, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map, with the title "MARE INTERNUM cum populis adiacentibus a bello Hannibalico usque ad Vespasiani M. princip," depicts the Mediterranean Sea and its surrounding territories, ex...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1960s Coca-Cola Trade Sign 'Drugs & Soda' From WPB, Florida Clematis Street
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1960s Coca-Cola Trade Sign: 'Drugs & Soda'  Salvaged from a pharmacy on Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, Florida  A piece of Americana history: a 1960s Coca-Cola Trade Sign advertising "Drugs & Soda," salvaged from a pharmacy on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, Florida. This sign stands as a rare survivor, retaining its original presence and bearing the iconic Coca-Cola logo that has resonated through generations. Untouched and naturally preserved, this dual-sided sign is a testament to the golden era of soda fountain culture. Standing at an impressive 55.5 inches high, including the hanging brackets, it commands attention with its vibrant polychrome finish. The sign itself measures 45 inches high by 46 inches wide, with a depth of 8 inches. This artifact not only embodies the fusion of pharmacy and soda fountain traditions but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. Its presence evokes memories of simpler times when soda shops...
Category

1960s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Original Old Composite of Several Maps of the Ancient World on One Sheet, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This original antique map is from Karl Spruner von Merz's "Atlas Antiquus", later edited by Theodorus Menke. The map is a detailed depiction of the ancient world. The atlas it comes ...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Sebastião Salgado, Amazônia, Photography Book
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hardcover Photography book, 14.1 x 10.2 in., 9.21 lb, 528 pages. For six years Sebastião Salgado traveled the Brazilian Amazon and photographed th...
Category

2010s European Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Lovely Set of 6 Scandinavian Wooden Danish Vikings, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Fantastic collection of 6 different Scandinavian Vikings. Measures: The largest is 33.5 cm high. The others are 22 cm, 18 cm, 13.5 cm and 9 cm high.
Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Wood

Antique French Art Nouveau Figural Cast Wrought Iron Ashtray Catch All Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique French Art Nouveau Figural Cast Wrought Iron Ashtray Catch All Stand. Circa 19th Century. Measurements: 27" H x 13" W x 10.5" D.
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

20th century ship model
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The "State of Georgia" ship model is a fascinating and detailed representation of a 20th century vessel that captures the essence and elegance of sailing of that era. This meticulous...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cut Glass, Ash

In Stock in Los Angeles, Grey Kong Mini Portable Charger
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Kong mini power bank battery charger In stock in Los Angeles Easily transportable, Kong MINI becomes a Stand hugging the mobile phone and a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Jewelry By Architects
Located in New York, NY
First American edition monograph on jewelry designed by a who's who of Postmodern architects from the collection of design impresario Cleto Munari, who commissioned the pieces featured in the book. Includes work by Mario Bellini, Michele De Lucchi, Peter Eisenman, Michael Graves, Hans Hollein, Arata Isozaki, Richard Meier, Allesandro Mendini...
Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey, Grosset & Dunlap Edition, Circa 1940
By Zane Grey
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Grey, Zane. Riders of the Purple Sage. A Novel. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1912 (1940s). Illustrated by Douglas Duer. Presented in full gray Moroccan leather with gilt tooling to fr...
Category

1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Vintage Hazell Streamline Green Star Tennis Racket
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Hazell Streamline Tennis Racket, Green Star. A good triple branch Green Star Streamline tennis racket made by Hazells' of 111-113 Mare Street, London E 8. The racket is in good condi...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ash

Antique Lithography Map, Hertfordshire, English, Framed Engraving, Cartography
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lithography map of Hertfordshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century an...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Alexander Serebriakoff, Portraitiste D'interieurs (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
A beautifully produced book, in a presentation box. Being one of a limited edition of only 5000 that were printed by Franco Maria Ricci, 148 pages with text in French and 43 tipped in color illustrations, four of which are double page and 39 single pages. Fabled houses such as Le Chateau de Groussay and Hotel Lambert...
Category

Late 20th Century Rococo Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Carl Auböck Bell, Austria, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck bell, Austria 1960s. The bell without the handle measures 5cm in height.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Matilde Poulat (d.1960) Gem-set Sterling Mirror
Located in Austin, TX
Prepare to be mesmerized in the dance of light on sterling and gems in this Matilde Poulat Gem-set Sterling Mirror. With plenty of artistry to devour, you'll get lost as you gaze int...
Category

Mid-20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antiques Carved Asian Jade Pendent on A Silver Chain
Located in Toledo, OH
This beautiful antique silver necklace is adorned with an Asian style carved jade pendent. The handmade sterling chain has unusual links and jade beads th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Jade, Silver

Antique Lithography Map, Northamptonshire, English, Framed Cartography, C.1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lithography map of Northamptonshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Italian modern triangular silver plastic table lighter RO 456 by Rowenta, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern triangular silver plastic table lighter RO 456 by Rowenta, 1970s Table lighter mod. RO 456 with a triangular base with rounded corners, entirely in silver plastic. The...
Category

1970s Italian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage Cast Aluminum Santa or Father Christmas
Located in Redding, CT
Vintage Solid Aluminum Santa or Father Christmas. This cast aluminum St.Nicholas would be a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection.
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Old Map of Mediterranean Powers: Pompey to Actium (66-31 BC), Published in 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This is a historical map that depicts the Mediterranean region during a specific timeframe in Roman history, from the return of Pompey the Great after his campaign in Asia Minor to t...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Asia Minor and Provinces: A Roman Empire Map from Spruner-Menke Atlas, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
This authentic map of the 19th century, titled "PONTUS ET BITHYNIA, ASIA, LYCIA ET PAMPHYLIA, GALATIA, CAPPADOCIA, SYRIA, CRET, CYPRVS," details the regions of Asia Minor and surroun...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Linen Bermuda Flag By Annin
Located in Norwell, MA
Antique flag for the Island of Bermuda. The flag of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda as a red ensign was first adopted on 4 October 1910. British red ensign with the union f...
Category

1910s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

Antique Japanese Hinamatsuri Doll 'Goninbayashi' Drum 1980s
Located in Paris, FR
This is a doll which we use for Hinamatsuri day. This person is one of Goninbayashi. This person has a Drum. This doll was made with plastic, cotton, silk. This doll was made around ...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Showa Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cotton, Silk, Plastic

AMERICAN THEMED Romantic Dagger - early to mid 19th century - Spanish
Located in TEYJAT, FR
SUPERB AMERICAN THEMED ROMATIC DAGGER : EARLY TO MID 19THE CENTURY - Spanish, with 14.75cm flattened diamond shaped tapering blade and heavy cast bronze grip comprising a pair of opposing dogs head quillions surmounted by a frontiersman in traditional dress of the early 19th century carrying a flintlock long rifle, associated tasselled bag and powder horn with an animal fur skin...
Category

Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Roman Italy and Provinces: A Cartographic Snapshot, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map titled "ITALIA, Gallia Cisalpina, Sicilia, Sardinia, Corsica" focuses on Italy and its surrounding regions during Roman times. It offers a detailed depiction of the Italian peninsula, the Po Valley (Gallia Cisalpina), and the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica. Produced as part of the "Spruner-Menke Atlas Antiquus" by Karl Spruner von Merz and edited by Theodorus Menke, this map reflects the 19th-century European scholarship on ancient geography and history. The period represented is likely during the Roman Republic or early Roman Empire, suggested by the level of detail in regions like Latium and Campania, which were central to Roman culture and power. This era was marked by Roman expansion and consolidation of the Italian peninsula, as well as the Punic Wars, which led to Roman dominance over the Mediterranean. What makes this map interesting is its: 1. **Rich Detail**: The map delineates the intricate network of Roman roads, cities, and colonies, showing the infrastructure that facilitated Roman administration and control. 2. **Strategic Locations**: It identifies strategic locations like harbors and passes, crucial for trade and military campaigns. 3. **Geographic Accuracy**: It reflects the geographical knowledge of the time, with an accurate representation of the topography that shaped the development of these regions. 4. **Cultural and Historical Sites**: Insets of important sites like Syracuse offer a closer look at places of historical significance. 5. **Educational Purpose**: The map was designed to aid in the study of Roman history, providing a visual tool for understanding the ancient world...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Connection CCY Architects
Located in New York, NY
Connection is a monograph of ten residences that articulate the office's design process and exploration of creating architectural solution rooted in natural place. Connection provid...
Category

2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Great Women Painters
Located in New York, NY
A sumptuous survey of over 300 women painters and their work spanning almost five centuries Great Women Painters is a groundbreaking book that reveals a richer and more varied telling of the story of painting. Featuring more than 300 artists from around the world, it includes both well-known women painters from history and today's most exciting rising stars. Covering nearly 500 years of skill and innovation, this survey continues Phaidon's celebrated The Art Book series and reveals and champions a more diverse history of art, showcasing recently discovered and newly appreciated work and artists throughout its more than 300 pages and images. Artists featured include: Hilma af Klint, Eileen Agar, Sofonisba Anguissola...
Category

2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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

Vintage 1930s HANDMADE Hawaiian Doll.
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Step into a time when craftsmanship was king with our beautifully handmade Hawaiian Doll from the early 20th century. This ceremonial gem is a rare find, embodying the true spirit of...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cotton

Marotte in Blue, France circa 1890
Located in Culver City, CA
Marotte in Blue Hand painted paper mache marotte head. France circa 1890 7”w x 8”d x 15”h
Category

19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The World After the Battle of Corupedium: Hellenistic Kingdoms Map, 1880
Located in Langweer, NL
The map is titled "ORBIS TERRARUM post proelium Corupedinse," which translates to "The World after the Battle of Corupedium." This battle, which took place in 281 BC in Lydia, was th...
Category

1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Bronze Ganesha Seated Meditation Four Hands Hindu Ganapati Sculpture
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Antique Bronze Ganesha Seated Meditation 4 Hands Hindu Ganapati Sculpture of Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, is a revered Hindu deity widely worshipped as the remover of obstacles a...
Category

Early 1900s Anglo-Indian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Taxidermy Great White Pelican on natural base-Pelecanus onocrotalus-Cites NL
Located in Leuven , BE
This beak and feet of this mount have a wonderful patina and feathers have been cleaned. Pelicans are large water birds characterized by a long beak and a large throat pouch used fo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Cameroonian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Organic Material

Pal Kepenyes Brutalist Brass Necklace Signed
Located in Lee-On-The-Solent, GB
Designed by Pal Kepenyes (1926-2021) the brutalist necklace made in brass, with a natural aged patina. It is decorated with overlapping tiles which gives the handmade piece a sense ...
Category

1960s Mexican Brutalist Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

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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