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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1960s
Antique Spanish Colonial Santo Religious Altar Figure
Located in Forney, TX
An exceptional example of Spanish Colonial style, born in Mexico in the 19th century, this large hand carved and painted santo religious folk art altar f...
Category
19th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century Russian Double Sided Silver and Niello Reliquary Cross
Located in New York, NY
Antique Russian late 19th century silver and niello double sided reliquary cross on period long chain
This beautiful antique Russian reliquary cross depicts Christ in a distinctive n...
Category
19th Century Russian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Antique Telescope, English, 6-Draw, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Victorian, 1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope, an English six-draw terrestrial or maritime instrument, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1860.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, ...
Category
1860s British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Carved Oak Church, Gothic Revival Studio Easel Display Stand or Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique Gothic Revival two shelf sculpture stand with a beautiful patina.
This impressive and adjustable Gothic stand dates from circa 1890. To find this rare and sizeable antique mo...
Category
Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Oak
Antique French Silver Walking Cane Stick 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful antique sterling silver pommel walking stick circa 1880 in date
The striking stick features an ornate silver chequered pommel on a gentle tapering ebonized shaft...
Category
1880s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Exquisite 19th Century Black Forest Humidor Hand Carved Cabinet Eagle Mounted
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Exquisite & Rare 19th Century Hand Carved Black Forest Humidor Cigar Cabinet3
Featuring Ornate Carved Floral Panel Frontage Finished With An Eagle Finial On The Top.
The Two Doors ...
Category
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Chess Game Set - Pietra Dura Marble 19th Century Italy
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning chessboard in Pietra Dura marble produced in Italy in the mid 19th century. The chessboard is framed with a wooden frame. The chess pieces are made in metal and are probab...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Classical Roman Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
The World of Comets; by Amedee Guillemin, Edited by James Glaisher, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
The World of Comets; by Amedee Guillemin, Translated and Edited by James Glaisher. Published in London, Sampson Low, Marston, Searle, & Rivington, 1877. 1st Ed leather hardcover. Wit...
Category
1870s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
20th Century "The Last Supper" Dark Metal Relief
Located in Miami, FL
"The Last Supper" metal relief.
Relief measurements without frame: 24 in x 14 in.
Category
Late 19th Century European Neoclassical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
$2,080 Sale Price
20% Off
Beautiful Vintage Mexican Taxco Silver Modernist Bracelet
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Vintage Mexican Taxco silver Modernist design Bracelet with mixed metals and Abalone inlays
Marked JL Metales 925 sterling mark
1960`s ...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
James Bond 'Dr. No' Original Vintage US One Sheet Movie Poster, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
Based on Ian Fleming's novel of the same name, the 1962 release of 'Dr. No' first introduced the world to one of the most enduring characters in Western cinema and kicked off one of ...
Category
1960s American Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Linen
Rare Sikes’ Hydrometer (Alcohol Proof Tester) Set Atkey & Son, Cowes, C. 1830
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Sikes’ Hydrometer Set by Atkey & Son, Cowes, Circa 1830
A superb and complete 19th-century Sikes’ hydrometer set, by Atkey & Son of Cowes, a noted English maker of fine scientific i...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
19th Century Wooden Fake Book Boxes
Located in London, GB
19th Century Wooden Fake Book Boxes
A fine example of late 19th Century hand crafted pine fake book document boxes. Hand crafted individually and painted with dates and the name Roq...
Category
1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
1961 Moto Morini Motom 49cc Wall Hanger
Located in Alpha, NJ
This is a beautifully restored 1961 Moto Morini "wall hanger". This piece is meant to be ornamental or decorative memorabilia but can be brought back to running condition. All fluids...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Solid Brass Plumb Bob with Twine c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Solid brass plumb bob.
CREATOR Gammon Reel Co.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1950.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Solid Brass, Plastic.
CONDITION Good. Wear consisten...
Category
19th Century Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Located in London, GB
Original Japanese film poster for the 1969 classic western staring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katherine Ross. This film was directed by George Roy Hill. This size poster would have...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Victorian Iron & Brass Salesman Sample Doll Dog Bed Miniature 32"
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique Victorian Salesman Sample bed frame. Made from iron with brass toppers.
Antique salesman samples (a.k.a. salesman's samples, or salesmen sam...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Iron
$320 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Taxidermy Dog Jack Russell by Linsley Brothers of Leeds
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A stern and rotund mid to late 19th century taxidermy Jack Russel, presented standing on a velvet and rope decorated cushion with its perfectly faded verdgris green background.
The c...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Velvet, Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine
Spanish Colonial Polychrome Nino
Located in Los Angeles, CA
El Niño Jesús (Baby Jesus)
Guatemala, Spanish Colonial Period (17th–18th century)
Wood, gesso, polychrome, and glass eyes
This expressive sculpture of the Christ Child was crafted i...
Category
19th Century Guatemalan Spanish Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gesso, Glass, Wood
19th Century Wood Bowl Ship's Compass by Samuel Thaxter of Boston
Located in Norwell, MA
Early nineteenth-century wood bowl ship's compass by Samuel Thaxter & Son of 125 State Street, Boston. With strap gimbal and is fitted to a dovetailed timber box with its original li...
Category
1850s North American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
19th C. Spanish Colonial Carved Giltwood Triptych of Virgin Mary & Christ Child
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century Spanish Colonial carved giltwood Triptych of Virgin Mary & Christ Child
Late 19th century, South America
Of exceptional quality, the hinged three panel devotional ic...
Category
Late 19th Century South American Spanish Colonial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood
$1,180 Sale Price
20% Off
Leather & Brass French Opera Binoculars Lemaire Fabt Paris
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Leather & Brass French Opera Binoculars Lemaire Fabt Paris
5 w x 2.5 D x 5.88 H
Leather Metal
Original unrestored vintage used condition
Refer to all images listed
Category
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
19th Century French Grand Tour Iron Model of the Arc de Triomphe
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th century French grand tour iron model of the Arc de Triomphe, in two parts, the fine cast iron model of the Arc de Triomphe with a mirrored top. Raised on a oval ebonized wood and metal chain link fenced base
Model of Arc de Triomphe...
Category
Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Iron
$1,160 Sale Price / set
20% Off
19th Century Belgian Antique Parisian Plaster Architectural Model Capitol
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A white, antique Belgian architectural model made of hand crafted plaster of Paris, in good condition. It depicts the Frederik's Church in Copenhagen, Denmark. The main entrance of the detailed cathedral is accessible by a wide staircase, particularized by four columns. The detailed dome is composed with many rectangular windows. Exceptional item collector. Minor fading, due to age. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1900...
Category
19th Century Belgian Rococo Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Pair 19th Century Victorian Eastlake Free Mason Throne Chairs w/ Symbolism
Located in Savannah, GA
Victorian Eastlake large upholstered solid oak throne chairs from Masonic Lodge with lots of detailed carving. The pair consists of one with the plumb bob sy...
Category
1880s American Eastlake Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Velvet, Oak
$895 Sale Price / set
68% Off
Rare and Important Italian Alabaster Bust Sculpture of Jesus Christ, C. 1860
Located in Queens, NY
A rare and important Italian alabaster bust sculpture of Jesus Christ, C. 1860
A modeled bust of Holy Christ wearing a crown of thorns, excep...
Category
19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Alabaster
Early 19th Century Hand Carved Madonna & Child Santos Religious Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 19th Century Hand Carved Madonna & Child Santos Religious Figure
A stunning early 19th century religious artifact, in the form of a hand carved Santos Madonna and child statue...
Category
1820s Unknown Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
Antique Venetian Carved Grotto Rocking Chair, ca. 1890
Located in Berghuelen, DE
An antique handcarved Venetian rocking chair in grotto design. Seat and backrest in the shape of sea shells, backrest supported by a sea horse. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Madonna and Child, Classical 19th Century Painting
Located in Miami, FL
Madonna and child, Classical 19th century painting.
This lovely oil painting was purchased in Spain.
The artist is unknown.
The painting still maintains its original finish and ha...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
19th Century traditional Russian Religious Icon “Full Cycle”
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Russia / 19th century / Religious Icon / oak / Baroque / Antique
Traditional antique Russian Icon from the estate of a collector. Hand painted in tempura on an oak wooden panel in t...
Category
19th Century Russian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
19th C Original Painted Decorated Doll or Jewelry Chester Drawers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th C original painted decorated doll or jewelry chester drawers. Decorated in the 20's or 30's.
Category
19th Century American American Classical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paint
Dutch Street Organ Music Box
Located in New Orleans, LA
Dutch Street Organ Music Box
Late 19th Century
This delightful music box takes the shape of a barrel organ or street organ, known as draaiorgel in Dutch. It is designed as a miniatu...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
$12,850
Set Of Old Bound Books Dating From the 19th Century France
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Set of old books dating from the 19th century. From an old protestant library near Le Havre in France. These books are called for example « Commentary on the Psalms ». These beaut...
Category
Early 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Pair of 19th Century Country House Naval Canons
Located in Folkestone, GB
A magnificent pair of full size replica 19th Century naval canons.
These full size '3-pound' ship' canons are replicas of the 17th and 18th Century guns that would have lined the s...
Category
Late 19th Century Portuguese Country Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
$7,809 / set
Large Scale Hand Crafted Sail Boat Model
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-569 Hand crafted sail boat model on base.
Category
1960s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Canvas, Hardwood
MILNER, H. M. [Mary Shelley] - 1826 - Frankenstein; or, The Man and the Monster!
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: MILNER, H. M. [Mary Shelley].
TITLE: Frankenstein; or, The Man and the Monster!
PUBLISHER: London, for Duncombe, n.d., [1826].
DESCRIPTION: 1 vol., 5-13/16" x 3-9/16", [3]...
Category
1820s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric
![MILNER, H. M. [Mary Shelley] - 1826 - Frankenstein; or, The Man and the Monster!](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/milner-h-m-mary-shelley-1826-frankenstein-or-the-man-and-the-monster-for-sale/f_62142/f_411371821724170788502/f_41137182_1724170789411_bg_processed.jpg?width=240 "MILNER, H. M. [Mary Shelley] - 1826 - Frankenstein; or, The Man and the Monster!")
Mid-century Novelty "M.V. Queen of Esquimalt" Cruise ship Enameled Lighter
By Sarome
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century Sarome 'Cruiser' lighter, shaped like a Cruise ship, features a chrome body enameled red and crème accents and "M.V. Queen of Esquimalt" lettering. It includes a thumb st...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
$114 Sale Price
40% Off
Map of the Hawaiian Islands with a Large Inset of Karakakooa Bay, 1803
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Kaart van de Sandwich Eilanden'.
Map of the Hawaiian Islands with a large inset of Karakakooa Bay, including soundings and anchorages. Originates from 'Reizen R...
Category
Early 1800s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
$2,096 Sale Price
20% Off
Italian Telegraph in Solid Brass, 1880
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian Telegraph in solid brass, 1880.
Category
1880s Italian Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
$3,261 Sale Price
20% Off
Bally's 'Dixieland' Pinball Arcade Game, 1968
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 'DIXIELAND' themed pinball machine from 1968. Made by Bally's. In excellent working condition. Great visuals and sounds. Fun paced gameplay. Game has two small flippers, whic...
Category
1960s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
LARGE GUNNER'S POWDER HORN Naval - French, late 18th century.
Located in TEYJAT, FR
Original Large French Gunner's Powder Horn, Naval - French, late 18th century. Of large size used to load cannons aboard ship.
With fitted wooden plug and brass dispensing spout.
T...
Category
19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Horn, Wood
Scotland Map – Highlands, Islands, and Northern England 1858
Located in Langweer, NL
Scotland Map – Highlands, Islands, and Northern England 1858
This attractive antique print shows Scotland and its surroundings titled “Schotland mit der nördlichen Spitze von Englan...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Large Original Antique Map of Ireland. C.1900
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Fabulous map of Ireland
Original color.
Engraved and printed by the George F. Cram Company, Indianapolis.
Published, C.1900.
Unframed.
Free shipping.
Category
1890s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Lot of Three Indian Terracotta Processional Figures
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Lot of three Indian terracotta processional figures.
Krishnanagar, Bengal, 19th Century.
Painted terracotta figures, depicting two males and one female musician...
Category
19th Century Indian Tribal Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Terracotta
A Spanish Silver-Plated Crucifix, 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Spanish Silver-Plated Crucifix, 19th Century
Provenance:
Casa Santapola, S.L., Ronda (Málaga), November 2018.
Description:
Each crossbar with floral band terminating in f...
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate
English Burl Walnut Brass Mounted Book Safe with 2 Tree Calf Leather Bindings
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare and unusual English burl walnut brass mounted book safe of unusually fine quality containing 2 leather bound volumes marketed by Asprey & Company, England. I have never seen a...
Category
Late 19th Century European Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Lithography Map, Huntingdonshire, English, Framed Cartography, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lithography map of Huntingdonshire. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the mid 19th century and later.
Superb lithography of ...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
Dutch silver cigar case by Willem de Peijt, Schoonhoven, 1856
Located in Delft, NL
Dutch silver cigar case by Willem de Peijt, Schoonhoven, 1856
A silver cigar case for 5 cigars in size 12 cm x 1 cm. The silver case is decorated with floral engravings on the fron...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Southwestern Sterling Silver Turquoise Size 10 Zuni Snake Ring by Effie Calavaza
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Effie Calavaza's original men's size 10 snake ring features a striking combination of turquoise and silver. Crafted with intricate detailing, the snake wraps around the turquoise. Th...
Category
1960s American Native American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
$870 Sale Price
40% Off
19th Century Child's Platform Rocking Horse "Glider". American. Circa 1875
Located in Incline Village, NV
Of American manufacture, circa 1875, this authentic children's platform rocking horse "glider" is hand carved of hard wood, and has a hand craft...
Category
1870s American Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Leather
Map of Eure-et-Loir France with Chartres Cathedral and Marceau Portrait, c.1850
Located in Langweer, NL
Map of Eure-et-Loir France with Chartres Cathedral and Marceau Portrait, 19th c
This detailed and elegantly illustrated 19th-century map of the Eure-et-Loir department in north-cent...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
19th-Century French Floor Safe
Located in New Orleans, LA
French Floor Safe
Magaud de Charf
Circa 1830
A marvel of mechanical ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship, this fully functioning French hobnail safe represents one of the most se...
Category
19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
$124,500
A Rare 1859 Elkington Silvered Bronze Victorian "Trophy" Centerpiece
Located in Queens, NY
A Rare and Historic 1859 Elkington Silvered Bronze Victorian Centerpiece with Cut-Glass Bowl.
Presenting a magnificent Victorian silvered bronze centerpiece of unmatched rarity and importance, crafted by the renowned Elkington Mason & Co., Birmingham, in 1859. This exceptional work, complete with its original cut-glass bowl, epitomizes 19th-century British craftsmanship and artistry. Hallmarked to the base, this centerpiece showcases intricate sculptural details, embodying a high level of technical prowess and aesthetic refinement characteristic of Elkington's celebrated works.
The centerpiece's striking design features three meticulously rendered figures—a young hunter, a friar, and a fishmonger—each embodying elements of Victorian life and industry. At their feet, a loyal spaniel and various game highlight the naturalistic approach to the composition, enhanced by the masterful chasing and dynamic form. This sculptural ensemble rests on an elaborately decorated base, exuding both grandeur and narrative depth.
Adding profound historical value are two engraved plaques. The first, dated “January 28, 1859,” reads: “Presented to William Johnson Esq. as a token of respect & esteem by the workpeople in the employ of Messrs Richard Johnson & Brother, Manchester.” The second, an inscription from 1941, states: “Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers, Alias Wire Workers of the City of London, Presented by Arthur Laurence Johnson M.A., Grandson of William Johnson, both Wire Workers, with his Daughter Eleanor Morton Johnson, a Freeman of the Company, to commemorate his Mastership 1941-42.”
These inscriptions chart a rich lineage, connecting the Johnson family to pivotal moments in industrial history. William Johnson, alongside his brother Richard, assumed leadership of a wire-drawing firm in 1838, which would later become Richard Johnson & Nephew Ltd. Their contributions included providing galvanized armored wire for the historic 1857 transatlantic telegraph cable...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Bronze
XIX Century English Mahogany Apothecary Set Cabinet Medicines J Hexam Chymist
Located in Milan, IT
English apothecary cabinet dated to the first half of the nineteenth century, mahogany box, brass handle and hinges and complete with key. The cabinet with a rectangular base is form...
Category
19th Century British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Grand Tour Specimen Marbles Plaque, Italy, circa 1850
Located in Kinderhook, NY
A wonderful third quarter 19th century Italian 'grand tour' ancient marbles specimen plaque in original silver-gilt frame.
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
Antique Badminton Library Book, Fishing, Reference, English, Sporting Interest
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Badminton Library Book. An English language, hard bound reference title on fishing by Henry Cholmondeley-Pennell, dating to the la...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Map or City Plan of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Circa 1835
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Nice map of Amsterdam
Drawn and engraved by J.Dower
Published by Orr & Smith. C.1835
Unframed.
Free shipping
Category
1830s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Intriguing Set of 4 Spanish Wooden Molds Used in Shaping Toile and Other Soft
Located in Round Top, TX
An intriguing set of 4 Spanish Wooden Molds used in shaping toile and other soft metals. A wonderful collection for any bookcase or table top. Super patin...
Category
Early 19th Century Spanish Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Sputnik Space Age Table Weather Station, Relative Hygrometer, West Germany, 60s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Midcentury Modern Space Age Weather station made by Huger in the 60s, consisting of a thermometer, hygrometer and barometer made in West Germany the weather station is made of a chro...
Category
1960s German Space Age Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Rare Biedermeier Bathing Doll, Porcelain, c. 1820, Germany
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exquisite Biedermeier porcelain bathing doll, dating back to around 1820, is a fascinating piece of early toy history. During the 19th century, these dolls were used as floating...
Category
1820s German Biedermeier Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
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.
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.