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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
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

Madonna Della Sedia Antique Framed Hand-Painted Portrait on Porcelain
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This finely executed portrait is unsigned and presumed to have originated from Italy and date to approximately 1900 and done in a Renaissance style. The portrait is hand-painted on a...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

The Vicar of Wakefield: A Tale, by Doctor Goldsmith – Th. Rowlandson illustrator
Located in Middletown, NY
London: R. Ackermann, 1823. Thomas Rowlandson. Second Edition. Tall 8vo. 9 1/8 x 6 7/8 inches (228 x 174 mm); 8 + 254 pp.; with 24 hand-colored plates by Thomas Rowlandson, includin...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paint, 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

Giant-Sized King's Guardsman by Kay Bojesen
Located in Weesp, NL
A very rare and monumental giant-sized model of the Royal Danish King's Guardsman hand crafted in wood having retaining its vivid original paint. Thi...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Pinocchio
Located in London, GB
Original artwork used to create the British front of house stills. Gouache on artboard. This original artwork features the films scene where Pinocchio is under the sea. Exceptionally rare. Original artworks rarely surface, as the majority were destroyed. Pieces on the Classic Disney films are always highly prized. This original artwork only recently surfaced, and was previously owned by an English lady, who had been given this piece in the 1940s. Prior to this discovery no other Pinocchio artwork for posters or front of house stills had been seen. Walt Disney's second animated feature film was made after the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, (1937). Pinocchio, the world’s most famous wooden puppet, is originally the creation of the Italian writer and social commentator Carlo Collodi. Entitled The Adventures of Pinocchio...
Category

1940s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paint

Pinocchio
Pinocchio
$6,813
Early 19th Century French Barometer
Located in Charlottesville, VA
This elegant 19th-century French barometer is a beautifully crafted antique weather instrument housed in an octagonal giltwood frame. The a...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

A Tobacco Jar in Ceramic and Tan Leather - Maison Longchamp, Paris, 1950s
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A rare and refined tobacco jar crafted in ceramic and fully wrapped in warm tan leather, attributed to the esteemed Maison Longchamp in Paris. The matching ceramic lid, also sheathed...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic, Leather

French Neo-Classical Style Louis XVI Style Carved Giltwood Barometer Wall Decor
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is amazing! It is a 19th century French Louis XVI style carved giltwood barometer. The crest appears to be a carved armillary of some sort with cascading laurel leaves and branc...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Giltwood

1889 The Blue Fairy Book
Located in Bath, GB
A superb copy of this sought-after fairy book by Andrew Lang, the first volume in his colourful series. The sought after first edition, first impression. ...
Category

1890s British Antique 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

Antique Mounted Taxidermy Loon on Naturalistic Base, Early 20th Century Bird
Located in Bristol, GB
Antique Stuffed Aquatic Bird After a few trips around the naturalistic community, we have settled on a loon. Mounted somewhat like a penguin a tad more ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Feathers, Natural Fiber

"Rally Freemen!..." Civil War Recruitment Broadside
Located in York County, PA
"RALLY FREEMEN! …COME ONE! COME ALL! AND SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR THE BEST COUNTRY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH." A CIVIL WAR RECRUITMENT BROADSIDE FOR THE...
Category

1860s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

C. 1870s English Victorian Ladies Walking Stick
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1870s Victorian ladies walking stick, English. Gold filled handle elaborately floral decorated & engraved: Ella F. Talmadge. Apparently re-fitted to the stick several times. Ru...
Category

1870s English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

A Grand Tour wooden maquette, depicting the Tower of Pisa, Italy circa 1880
Located in Milan, IT
Miniature Wunderkammer Grand Tour architectural model, entirely handmade, in balsa wood and brass, depicting the Tower of Pisa. The bells made of brass are inserted in the final part...
Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Danish Midcentury Birthday Table Flagpole with Dannebrog And Lion On The Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish birthday table flag, "Dannebrog", name of the Danish flag. It is placed on a green marble base, with a posed lion.   
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble, Silver Plate

Life of Napoleon Bonaparte by William Milligan Sloan, in Four Volumes, 1896
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Sloane, William Milligan. The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte. New York: Century Co, 1896. Four volume quarto set. Handsomely bound in half red Moroccan leather and cloth boards, spines r...
Category

1890s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

A Very Fine 20th Century Taxidermy Deer Head
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine 20th Century beautifully detailed taxidermy deer head mounted on a well figured oak shield plaque.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Large 19th C. Hand Crafted Birdcage on Stand Antique Decorative Interior Design
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Large 19th C. Hand Crafted Birdcage on Stand Antique Decorative Interior Design. Rare and imposing Chateau large 19th century walnut hand carved and hand forged crafted Birdcage from...
Category

19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Iron

18-inch Globe, Cary's, London, 1840
Located in Milano, IT
John and William Cary Updated by George and John Cary Terrestrial Globe London, 1840 lb 22 (kg 10) Slight surface abrasions due to use. A small crack on the horizon circle. The globe rests in its original Dutch style stand with four supporting turned wood columns. It measures 26 in in height x 23.6 in in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 18 in; 66 cm in height x 60 cm in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 45.72 cm. The 18 inch...
Category

1840s English Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper, Wood

In Stock in Los Angeles, Purple 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 an external battery for fast charging mo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Empire Style Birdcage Model of Chateau de Luneville, Early 20th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The wood and wire birdcage faithfully depicting the chateau.
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Bronze Pharmacy Mortar Italy-17° Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant bronze mortar from the 17 century from Italy dated 1630. Really rare mortar due to his big size. In very good condition and beautiful patina.
Category

17th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Vintage 1950's MARX Pressed Steel and Aluminum A&P Market Delivery Toy Truck
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage 1950's MARX Pressed Steel and Aluminum A&P Market Delivery Toy Truck and trailer .. Amazing original condition. rear doors open and close, all whee...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Postmodern Chrome Table Lighter by Sarome Japan
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Postmodern chrome table lighter. Excellent vintage condition, works great. Great decorative collectible rare vintage table lighter. Lighter made by Sarome, Asia Japan. Measure: 5.75 in H, 2.5 in D. About Sarome: SAROME Japanese cigarette lighter manufacturer founded in 1940. The brand is named after SAROME, god of flames, object of fascination for humans. SAROME artisans craft delicate, glossy lighters in Tokyo to fascinate and enchant. Though known early on in Europe mainly for our superb crafting of cigarette lighters the luxury brand spread Worldwide. Sarome lighters...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Post-Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Chrome

Yayoi Kusama Sogetsu Art Museum 1992 (Rare Kusama exhibition catalogue)
By Yayoi Kusama
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Yayoi Kusama Sogetsu Art Museum Tokyo / Committee of the Exhibition of Yayoi Kusama, 1992: A rare early 1990s Kusama exhibition catalog marking the turning point of Kusama’s interna...
Category

1990s Japanese Bohemian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Silvertone Model VII Phonograph in Mahogany – 1920
Located in HÉRIC, FR
Featured in the 1920 annual catalog of the American company Silvertone, this phonograph features a drop-leaf door with various moldings mounted on compasses. The resonator box, decor...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

A. A. MILNE. Toad Of Toad Hall. 1929 - FIRST DELUXE EDITION - SIGNED
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: MILNE, A. A. (Alan Alexander). TITLE: Toad Of Toad Hall. A Play From Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind In The Willows". PUBLISHER: London: Methuen & Co. Ltd., 1929. DESCRIPTION...
Category

1920s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric

French Hunting Showcases, 'Vitrine' Louis XIII Style 19th Century France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Original showcase composed of 2 parts dating from the 19th century. This hunting showcase is used to store trophies and rifles. The whole thing is made of a dark wood. The lower pa...
Category

19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Wood

Late 19th Century Great Quality Needlework Mary and Child Jesus Religious Banner
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted "Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, pray for us" banner. It must have taken a highly skilled seamstress an enormous amount of time to create this impressive religious banner....
Category

19th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen, Silk, Velvet, Oak

19th Century Piece De Maitrise, Architectural Model Roof
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Architectural models like this one were crafted by apprentices or master artisans as part of their application for a title within their respective guilds. In France, these artisans w...
Category

Early 19th Century French French Provincial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Fountain Pen with Papers & Boxes
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This fountain pen was made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. This fountain pen is their 'Meisterstuck' model and has...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Vintage Mr. Peanuts Dispenser, USA, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Mr. Peanuts Dispenser is an original decorative object realized in the mid-20th century. This vintage object was realized by Tarco Company and it was used as a real peanut...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Original Antique Map of the American State of Maine, 1903
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Antique map of Maine Published By A & C Black. 1903 Original colour Good condition Unframed. Free shipping
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Austrian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is a beautiful antique solid brass mortar and pestle set. The mortar has a cylindrical shape with a flared mouth and two angular handles at the sides. The baton-shaped pestle...
Category

1920s Austrian Hollywood Regency Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass

Duke & Duchess of Windsor Sotheby's New York Memorabilia Auction Catalogue Book
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This is a two-volume boxed set of sale catalogues each with 550 pages which were produced by Sotheby's Auction House in New York in 1997 for the disposal of the effects of the Duke a...
Category

20th Century British Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Brass Letter Holder Paper Clip
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique brass letter or envelope holder. In the shape of a delicate hand, this petite clip with an end ring will not only look handsome on a desk, but is quite capable of holding pap...
Category

Late 19th Century French Art Deco Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Scale Ship Model of an English Frigate
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century model of a British Royal Frigate. Rigged with a suit of ten sails. Three decks of guns with cannon running out of the gunports. The shrouds are properly clove...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Golf Inspired Chess Set in White Bird's-Eye Maple
Located in New York, NY
White bird's-eye maple and erable. Hand-painted golf chessmen.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Birdseye Maple

Birds a Collection of 25 Bird Figures and Music Boxes
Located in New York, NY
A lifetime collection of birds. A set of 25 some made of porcelain some carved from wood or resin. Of the 25 of them 5 are music boxes. I actually think it's quite charming. Siz...
Category

Late 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain, Resin, Wood

Gucci Burled Maple Table Games Chest with Glass Top
Located in Doylestown, PA
Rare vintage Gucci classic games chest crafted of burled maple with a glass top, made in Italy, mid to late 20th century. A handsome chest offering a tailored presentation of a fine ...
Category

20th Century Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Where to Eat Pizza
Located in New York, NY
Over 1,000 food experts and aficionados from around the world reveal their insider tips on finding a perfect slice of pizza From the publishers of the bestselling Where Chefs Eat comes the next food-guide sensation on the most popular dish - pizza! The world over, people want the inside scoop on where to get that ultimate slice of pizza. With quotes from chefs, critics, and industry experts, readers will learn about secret ingredients, special sauces, and the quest for the perfect crust. The guide includes detailed city maps, reviews, key information and honest comments from the people you’d expect to know. Featuring more than 1,700 world-wide pizzerias, parlours, and pizza joints listed. All you need to know - where to go, when to go, and what to order. Daniel Young is the London pop-up Pioneer behind young and foodish com and its burger Monday, pizza Tuesday and Spag Wednesday event series. He established himself as a pizza authority while restaurant critic of The New York Daily News. 'He has,' wrote Ed Levine...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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

Olivetti lettera DL by Sottsass Ettore design in years '70
Located in Biella, IT
Olivetti lettera DL by Sottsass Ettore design in years '70 working very good vintage with her original box
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Marble Solitaire Game with hardwood board and 33 agate stone Marbles, Circa 1925
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good and complete board game of Marble Solitaire, with a hand turned hardwood board and 33 agate stone marbles, which we date to the Art Deco period of the 20th Centur...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Agate

Roy Lichtenstein The Paris Review, 1992 (Lichtenstein 1992)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Roy Lichtenstein The Paris Review: 1992 The Paris Review book, featuring an interior spread of Roy Lichtenstein's "__" (1992). Imagery features 8 detailed segments of this esteemed 1...
Category

1990s Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Complete Purdon's Gilt Leather Bound Library Book Collection Set
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Complete collection set of gilt leather bound library book set of one hundred twenty nine volumes. PURDON'S Pennsylvania Statutes & Consolidated Statutes Annotated. Copyright 2003 by...
Category

Early 2000s Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper, Leather

English Renaissance Style Iron Longsword
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance-style large iron longsword with cross design and woven handle
Category

20th Century English Northern Renaissance Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Large Antique Church Statue Mary of Lourdes
Located in Buxton, GB
This beautiful sculpture is a true masterpiece from the 19th century, featuring Mary of Lourdes in all her glory. Crafted with precision and care, it is a must-have for any art colle...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Paint

Brazilian Furniture Design editor Otavio Nazareth (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
The First in a series of Brazilian furniture design, this book abstains from discourse. The pieces have been chosen for the consistency of the work done by their creators and because...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The Collection Of Patricia Kluge Charlottesville, Sotheby's Catalogue (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This is the Sotheby's catalogue produced for the sale of Patricia Kluge's collection from Albemarle House, Charlottesville, Virginia - which took place ...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Van Teal Lucite Tic Tac Toe Set, Circa 1970
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Van Teal style lucite Tic Tac Toc set from the 1070´s. Thick lucite set with curved edges. Perfect gaming and conversation piece for your coffee table or play room. Sizewise...
Category

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

Materials

Lucite

Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome and black accents and flip out view finder. Shown with life size hand. Sold as decorative o...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Chrome

West Germany Silver Mercury Glass Icicle Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is a decorative silver mercury glass ornament intended to be Christmas decor but is appropriate for any time of year. I think it is repres...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mercury Glass

DUNHILL London 1929 Ball Desk Petrol Lighter In Solid .925 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Ball desk petrol lighter designed by Alfred Dunhill This is a rare antique desk liquid-petrol lighter, created in London England by the luxury brand of Alfred Dunhill, back in the 1929. The unusual lighter is the iconic ball shaped model named Unique with the Dunhill lift arm retailed in Paris France. The lighter has been assembled and carefully crafted in the shape of a ball in solid sterling silver with plain surfaces. This lighter show very nice condition with minimal traces of use and beautiful guilloche. Recently cleaned and serviced, not polished just to preserve the antique patina. History This classic petrol lift arm lighter...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver, Silver

Scandinavian Porcelain Bing & Grøndahl Coffee Espresso Cup Saucer, Set of 6
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful set of six (6) Scandinavian Danish Copenhagen Porcelain coffee espresso or tea demitasse cups and saucers with bird design, by Bing & Grondahl, circa early to mid-20th ce...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

Cartier High Jewelry Coffee Table Book by Hans Nadelhoffer
Located in New York, NY
A hard-cover Cartier high jewelry coffee table book by Hans Nadelhoffer, 1984. Book showcases royal and high jewelry, timepieces, and precious o...
Category

Late 20th Century English Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Italian Motorcycle, Mondial 1960 Sprint, Classic Motorbike.
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
F B (Fratelli Boselli) Mondial 1960 Mondial Sprint Motorcycle. This exquisitely engineered and beautifully constructed 1960 Mondial Sprint motorbike is unmistakably Italian. It has m...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Carroll - Alice in Wonderland - Illustrated & signed by Dali - Limited to 200
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DODGSON, Charles L. (Lewis Carroll) (Salvador Dali - illustrator). TITLE: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. PUBLISHER: NY: Maecenas Press - Random House, 1969. DESCRIPTION...
Category

1960s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Underwood Vintage Manual Typewriter
By Underwood Universal
Located in Pasadena, TX
Underwood ” Vintage manual typewriter The Underwood Typewriter Company was a manufacturer of typewriters headquartered in New Yor...
Category

1940s North American Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

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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Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier

Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.

Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure

Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.

Whaam! Blam! Pow! — a New Book on Pop Art Packs a Punch

Publishing house Assouline and writer Julie Belcove have teamed up to trace the history of the genre, from Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama to Mickalene Thomas and Jeff Koons.

The Sparkling Legacy of Tiffany & Co. Explained, One Jewel at a Time

A gorgeous new book celebrates — and memorializes — the iconic jeweler’s rich heritage.

What Makes a Gem-Encrusted Chess Set Worth $4 Million?

The world’s most opulent chess set, weighing in at 513 carats, is literally fit for a king and queen.

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