Collectibles and Curiosities
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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
18th Century Carved and Polychrome ''Virgin of Mercy'' Statue, Baroque Style
Located in Lisbon, PT
A 18th Century figure of the Pietà or the ''Virgin of Mercy'' , carved in polychrome chestnut wood. Our Lady appears seated on the throne with her head covered by a mantle supporting...
Category
18th Century Portuguese Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
1979 Gold Sovereign - Elizabeth II Decimal Portrait
Located in Braintree, GB
A 1979 gold Sovereign featuring Queen Elizabeth II and the George & Dragon design in extremely fine condition. Coin struck by the Royal Mint and provided in a plastic capsule.
Manuf...
Category
1970s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
2 Brass Nautical Marine Maritime Horn Cleat Hook Boat Morring Dock Tie Downs 8"
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of vintage brass horn cleat hooks, typically used as tie downs for nautical rope at docks and on boats. One marked 2054 on reverse.
DIMENSION...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Lithography Map, Worcestershire, English, Framed Engraving, Cartography
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lithography map of Worcestershire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the early 19th centur...
Category
Early 19th Century British Regency Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Lithography Map, West Africa, English, Framed, Cartography, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lithography map of Western Africa. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest by John Rapkin, dating to the early Victorian period and later, circ...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Hunting Dog Collar and Comb 19th Century French Bronze
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
18th century, French bronze hunting dog collar and comb
A late 18th century, French bronze hunting dog collar, the collar is Engraved giving the piece the necessary provenance to ...
Category
Late 18th Century French French Provincial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Antique Black Forest 6 Pointer Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Black Forest 6 Pointer Sika Deer Trophy on Wooden Plaque ca. 1900s
A great antique sika deer (Cervus nippon) trophy from the Black Forest shot in Germany around 1900. The la...
Category
Early 20th Century German Black Forest Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Antler
Premier Quality Shoulder Mount Taxidermy Burchell's Zebra
Located in New York, NY
Premier quality shoulder mount taxidermy Burchell's zebra, a southern subspecies of the plains zebra, from South Africa. This exquisite piece of art measures 33” x 16” x 30”, making it a rare and unique find for collectors and nature enthusiasts alike. The Burchell's zebra is named after the British explorer and naturalist William John Burchell and is also known as the bontequagga, Damaraland zebra, or Zululand zebra.
This zebra specimen boasts distinctive brown and white stripes that are particularly wide, creating a striking contrast against its coat. Moreover, each individual's stripe pattern is unique, which acts as an identifying characteristic similar to fingerprints in human beings. This shoulder mount taxidermy specimen is an excellent representation of the natural beauty and diversity of Burchell's zebra, which inhabits open savannas, woodlands, and scrublands of southeastern Africa.
This mount is not only visually appealing, but it also adds a touch of versatility to any living space. It can be easily mounted on a wall or as a table mount, making it an ideal focal point in a variety of settings. Whether it's displayed in a dinning room, office, living room or library this zebra mount...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary African Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Zebra Hide
Antique Italian 18 Karat Yellow Gold & Saphire Floral Brooch & Earrings Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique brooch and earrings set originates from Italy and dates to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art Deco style. The bod...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Cathy Graham Custom Designed Slipcase Edition of ‘Second Bloom'
Located in New York, NY
Cathy Graham custom designed slipcase edition of ‘Second Bloom’ with a mint green ribbon for easy retrieval.
Category
2010s American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
20th Century Belgian Wooden Baseball Bat
Located in High Point, NC
Embrace the nostalgia of the diamond with this antique 20th-century Belgian wooden mini baseball bat. Bearing the authentic marks of its history, this diminutive bat reflects the wea...
Category
20th Century Belgian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
A Philip Johnson Townhouse: 1989 Sotheby's - Important 20th C. Furniture
Located in Rochester, NY
A Philip Johnson Townhouse - Important 20th Century Furniture Collection - May 6, 1989 Sotheby's, New York. 1st Edition. Dark gray cloth hardcover book with silver lettering and dust...
Category
1980s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Marvin E. Newman, Art Edition Broadway, Believe It, 1958
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stately Art Edition presenting the first major career restrospective of Marvin E. Newman, with some 170 featured images as well as signed photographic print Broadway, Believe It, 1...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Schiaperelli Fashion Review Paper Dolls in Full Color, 1st Edition 1988
Located in London, GB
Published by Dover publications, Inc, New York, 1988, Soft-back
Most fashion historians would agree that to review the incredible career of Elsa Schiaparelli is, in essence, to rev...
Category
1980s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Lithography Map, Cumbria, English, Framed Cartography Interest, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lithography map of Cumbria. An English, framed engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the early 18th century and later.
...
Category
Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Pair of 19th century riding stirrups
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of 19th century riding stirrups
Made of wrought and engraved iron present the base part, where it is supported the foot, circular in shape. From it start two arched uprigh...
Category
1860s Italian Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Phantom Dental Training Simulator on Custom Steel Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A phantom dental training simulator used in dental school with removable rubber shroud. Mounted on a custom steel stand. The aluminum jaws have a magnetic quick disconnect sys...
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Oversized Book Emilio Pucci Fashion Story Vanessa Friedman Limited Edition 2010
By Emilio Pucci
Located in North Hollywood, CA
EMILIO. PUCCI Fashion Story by Armando Chitolina Edition and Vanessa Friedman Tashen 2010.
"Limited Edition of 10,000 Copies.
Each unique copy is bound with one of a selection of lim...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Baroque Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Large Metal Wall Mounted Sailboat Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large Sailboat sculpture for wall Mount in mixed metal. A sailboat with a gray metal hull and iron sails and rigging. With projecting loops on the back for hanging.
L. 33", H. 44"
...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Hermés Cartes A Nouer, Scarf Knotting How-To Card Set, New in Box, France
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hermés Cartes A Nouer, Scarf Knotting How-To Card Set, New in Box, France. Vintage set. Please see photos. Multiple available.
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
National Cash Register
Located in Alpha, NJ
Vintage condition national cash register from the early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Cast Iron Cricket Doorstop, W.G. Grace
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage W.G. Grace Doorstop.
A good rare vintage cast iron cricket doorstop of of W.G. Grace. The caricature figure of Grace sees him in his cricket whites with pads and holding a cr...
Category
Early 20th Century English Sporting Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Mini Chinese Moon Bed, Wenge Wood Model
Located in Somis, CA
Beautiful miniature, finely carved model is the exact replica of a Chinese traditional moon bed. The bed is decorated on all sides by carved panels in an intr...
Category
2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel, Sofa Table
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A beautiful piece of Classic Scandinavian Modern design, fits perfectly in the hand feels good and the function is as good as the form as it always should be.
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak, Teak
Hermanos Calavera Traicionera in Oiled Mahogany by Miguel & Ilse Silva for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
These handsome but quirky brothers designed by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda are the result of an engaging mix of personality, love, fun and mischievousness. Los Hermanos Calavera(...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood, Mahogany, Maple, Oak
Hermanos Calavera Jefe in Oiled Walnut by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda
Located in Omro, WI
These handsome but quirky brothers designed by Miguel and Ilse Silva for Wooda are the result of an engaging mix of personality, love, fun and mischievousness. Los Hermanos Calavera ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood, Maple, Oak, Walnut
Antique 1890s Silver Art Nouveau Lady Repousse Match Safe
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique 1890s Silver Art Nouveau Lady with flowing hair repousse match safe. The other side has beautiful, art nouveau style flowers. Shown in the photos its marked C SILVER which I ...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Industrial Art and the Museum by Charles R. Richards, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Industrial Art and the Museum by Charles R. Richards. 1st Ed hardcover published by The Macmillan Company, 1927. Including: Industrial Art Museums of Germany (München, Hess. Landesmu...
Category
1920s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Norman Adams Auction Catalogue from Sotheby's London
Located in valatie, NY
The Norman Adams Legacy 1923-2009 auction catalogue from Sotheby's London of Classic English Furniture London held 21 April 2009. London: Sotheby's, 2009....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Late Century Iron, Brass and Glass Explosion Proof Industrial Pendant
By Industrial Production
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
This excellent example of an original explosion proof lamp was salvaged from an old Japanese ship. Dated c1975, it has the original ceramic and brass E27...
Category
1970s Japanese Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Iron
Mid-Century Functional Tesla AS20 Phone 1979, Československo
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition
- Fully functional
- Tesla manufacturer
- Scratched, see photo-
Category
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
John Locke, Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 3 Volumes 1798 and 1801
Located in Morristown, NJ
(3) Vols., John Locke, Esq. An Essay Concerning Human Understanding; with Thoughts on the Conduct of the Understanding. Printed for Mundell & Son and J. Mundell, 1798 (Vol. I) and 17...
Category
1790s Scottish George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Leaf
Silver Golf Ball
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Hallmarked Silver Golf Ball.
An unusual silver golf ball, made by Chantry Silversmiths with a filled center and hallmarked Sheffield 1995. The dimple ...
Category
20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Copper Kitchen Decoration Vintage Coffee Pots For Rustic Lot of Four Diferent
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Lot of four vintage copper coffee pots for rustic kitchen decoration
vintage rustic style copper kitchen decoration
They are very decorative ...
Category
20th Century Italian Rustic Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Copper
Antique Swiss 10 Air Musical Box Langdorff & Fils 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a lovely antique Swiss 10 airs Gonçalo Alves cylinder music box, manufactured by Langdorff & Fils, circa 1880.
The case is inlaid and crossbanded with floral marquetry an...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
English 1920s Gaff Cutter Four Sail Pond Yacht on Stand with Solid Hull
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Gaff Cutter pond yacht from circa 1920, with solid hull and four sails. Step into the serene world of vintage nautical elegance with this English Gaff Cutter pond yacht fr...
Category
Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Baier German 1947 Army Truck Lighter Cigarette Holder And Ashtray In Aluminum
Located in Miami, FL
Army Truck Lighter, Cigarette case & ashtray by Walter Baier Company.
Beautiful large sized aluminum lighter by the Baier Company, in the shape of a...
Category
1940s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
The Poetic and Dramatic Works of Robert Browning Bound in Leather and Cloth
Located in San Francisco, CA
An attractive leather bound set of the poetic and dramatic works of Robert Browning (1812-1889) published in 1906 by Houghton Mifflin and Company, New York and Boston. Top edges gilt...
Category
Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Hello 2000 Good-Bye 1999, boxed bears, Steiff Limited Edition 1999
By Steiff
Located in Delft, NL
Hello 2000 Good-Bye 1999, boxed bears, Steiff Limited Edition 1999
A set of Steiff collectors bears, boxed in original box. The title of the Steiff Bears ...
Category
20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mohair
Tom Wolfe, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, Art Edition "Me and My Shadow"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fiber-based gelatin silver print, 21.8 x 28.8 cm on 22.9 x 33 cm paper (8.6 x 11.8 in. on 9 x 13 in. paper); hardcover volume in a slipcase, letterpress-printed text, two different paper stocks, and tip-ins, 24 x 34 cm (9.4 x 13.4 in.), 356 pages.
In 1964, famed writer Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters set off across America on a “Transcontinental Bus Tour,” headed for the New York World’s Fair. Kesey’s journey, in the company of his Merry Pranksters, lies at the heart of The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, an as-if-first-hand account of the group’s antics and ethos by Tom Wolfe, wunderkind of the New Journalism movement.
This Art Edition presents Wolfe’s era-defining text in letterpress, along with facsimile reproductions of his manuscript pages, ephemera of the period, and photographs of the acid scene by Lawrence Schiller and Ted Streshinsky. The accompanying print, Me and My Shadow, by Lawrence Schiller, was photographed at the Hollywood Acid Test on February 25, 1966.
As the first photojournalist to capture the acid scene from the inside, Schiller began with a single contact in Berkeley, California, and built a large network of young, receptive subjects who allowed him to document their experiences with LSD starting in late 1965. At first, he was a fly on the wall as groups of friends tripped in the privacy of their homes. By early 1966 he had met the Merry Pranksters and was invited to the Acid Test in Hollywood.
During the Test, Kool-Aid laced with a heavy dose of LSD was served up from an industrial-sized pot. Participants turned on the Grateful Dead’s music and tuned in to the burgeoning psychedelic scene. Schiller’s image of a tripster “freaking freely” with his own shadow—long believed to be Neal Cassady—appeared in Life magazine in March 1966 in a photo essay which served to introduce the nation to the sweeping new LSD epidemic. For Flaming Lips lead singer Wayne Coyne...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Table Lamp With 4 Tier Deer Hoof With Nickel Bands And Antler Finial
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century table lamp with 4-tier deer hoof with nickel bands and brass fitted antler finial.
Shade is not included.
Category
20th Century American Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Organic Material
Midcentury Made, Cast Aluminum Batmobile Classic Car Deskpiece Mercedes SSK
Located in Lisse, NL
Great for a mancave and very cool on a desk also.
This mid-century eye catcher is incredibly cool and tactile. It is the only one of it's kind we can find and it is in excellent condition. The real car that comes closes (in our view) to this aluminum model is the 1930s Mercedes Benz SSK (see image nr. 10). It may have been made as a luxurious ashtray, but with a shape and a look like this, it does not need to be functional. This is a work of art and can certainly be displayed as such. This one-piece, cast aluminum car...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
American Federal Style Military Drum
Located in Essex, MA
Cylindrical with a painted shield with thirteen stars with overall red,white and blue decoration. Vellum under glass top.
Category
19th Century American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Robert Larin Brutalist Modernist Sculptural Bracelet, Canadian Art Jewelry
By Robert Larin
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Striking and dramatic brutalist style sculptural bracelet by acclaimed Canadian jewelry artist, Robert Larin. The dimension when closed is 2.75 inches diameter. Made of hand cast pew...
Category
1970s Canadian Brutalist Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Pewter
Li'l Abner Tin Lithograph Mechanical Wind-Up Piano Band Toy
By Unique Art Manufacturing Co.
Located in Fulton, CA
Unique Art Manufacturing Toy Company. Circa. 1940’s. Tin Lithographed Windup “Li’l Abner and his Dogpatch Band” . In excellent, original working condition. Tin wind up toy...
Category
1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Nautical Signal Flag For Letter U Uniform
Located in Norwell, MA
Linen signal flag for letter “U”, uniform. When raised by itself the message is “You are headed into danger”. Flag is made of stitched panels of red and white. The canvas hoist has b...
Category
1930s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen
Art Déco American Metal Wire and Wood Bellboy/Bellhop/Stick Figure Match Holder
Located in North Miami, FL
Art Déco american metal wire and wood bellboy/bellhop/stick figure toothpick and match holder
By: unknown
Material: metal, wood
Technique: carved, cast, hand-carved, hand-crafted, m...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Walther PPK Table Lighter, 1980s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cool vintage table lighter in the shape of a Walther PPK. Made completely of metal with a hollow body. Beautiful burnished silver color with intricate deta...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Copacabana Palace Where Rio Starts Book by Francisca Mattéoli
Located in New York, NY
Copacabana Palace
Where Rio Starts
By: Francisca Mattéoli
Photography by Tuca Reinés
Celebrate 100 years and explore the stories behind the iconic Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro— its cinematic views, star–studded guests, legendary parties, and carnival chic.
This sumptuous book tells the legendary story of Copacabana Palace Hotel, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, from its extraordinary beginnings to the contemporary and stylish destination that it is today. Themed chapters and exquisite photography explore how the hotel has been a part of Rio de Janeiro life for 100 years—from its opening in 1923, when there were few other buildings in the area, to the golden age of Hollywood glamour, the extraordinary free concert on Copacabana Beach given by the Rolling Stones in 2006 (with more than 1.5 million people attending), and beyond. Affectionately dubbed “the Copa” by cariocas (locals) and guests alike, the hotel is famous for events such as the Carnival balls...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Ronson USA 1929 Art Deco RonDeLight Table Lighter In Black Lacquer And Steel
Located in Miami, FL
A ball table lighter designed by Ronson.
Very beautiful RonDeLight Junior desk lighter, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Co. during the a...
Category
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Map of Rhône: Culture and Commerce in Lyon's Silk and Wine Legacy, 1852
Located in Langweer, NL
This original hand-colored map is from the "Atlas National Illustré," a work by Victor Levasseur, a French geographer and cartographer known for his richly illustrated maps.
The map...
Category
1850s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Jazz: Henri Matisse (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Limited Edition. A painter's book The first complete work designed in gouache and cut-out paper by Matisse, JAZZ is the most accomplished painter's book. The set of colour plates, b...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Fashion Theory Hardcover by Carol Digrappa 1st Edition 1980s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Fashion Theory Hardcover by Carol Digrappa 1980s.This vintage hardcover book titled "Fashion: Theory" by Carol Di Grappa is a must-have for any fashion enthusiast. The book, publishe...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Detailed German Map of Australia Including Statistics of 1841, Published in 1854
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Detailed Map of Austral Land - 1854"
This historic map, titled "Australland," was published in Glogau in 1854 by cartographer Carl Flemming. It's an intricately detailed dep...
Category
1850s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Park Sherman 1930 Art Deco Chromed Steel Roller Lid Box With Red Bakelite
By Park Sherman
Located in Miami, FL
Decorative desk box designed by Park Sherman.
Very decorative desk box, created during the art deco period in America by the Park Sherman Company, back in the 1930. This roller-lid ...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel, Chrome
1900 gold Sovereign - with the Queen Victoria old (Veiled) head design
Located in Braintree, GB
A 1900 gold Sovereign - with the Queen Victoria old (Veiled) head design. The lack of mintmark denotes the London Mint. Provided in a plastic capsule.
Manufacturer: Royal Mint
Weigh...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Du Pont Gardens of the Brandywine Valley
By Phaidon
Located in New York City, NY
Celebrate the Du Pont family heritage of land stewardship and horticultural creativity.
Renowned as the first family of American horticulture, the du Ponts created magnificent landscapes and gardens that complement the Brandywine Valley...
Category
2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage 1980s Christian LaCroix Bijoux Splatter Set Brooch Earrings Costume
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Made in France, c.1980s. LaCroix designed matching set; brooch pin and pair of clip-back earrings. Brutalist, Abstract Biomorphic forms. Sold with the original box.
Brooch Dia 3 ...
Category
1980s French Brutalist Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
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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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.
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.
Tauba Auerbach’s Geometric Pop-Up Book Is Mighty Rare, Thanks to a Hurricane
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Step inside the Storied Mansions of Palm Beach’s Most Effervescent Architect
From Spanish-style courtyards to fanciful fountains, these acclaimed structures abound in surprising and elegant details.
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