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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Georgian
Le Corbusier Der Modulor Book, 1956
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier Der Modulor book. Le Corbusier published Le Modulor in 1948, followed by Modulor 2 in 1955. These works were first published in English as The ...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Coach Road Map, East Devon, English, Framed, Cartography, Georgian, 1720
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique coach road map of East Devon. An English, framed lithograph engraving of regional interest, dating to the early 18th century and later. Fascinating 18th century h...
Category

Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Functional Tesla AS20 Phone 1979, Československo
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

Silver Jorma Laine Turun Hopea 1973 Necklace Pendant
Located in Buffalo, NY
Jorma Laine (1930-2002) was a Finnish jewelry designer, whose work in bronze and silver (more seldom gold) is easily recognizable. He developed a style of his own, very modernistic a...
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rare Mid-Century Modernist Sterling Silver Petal Earrings By Art Smith
Located in Brooklyn, US
Exceptional and rare sterling silver petal earrings designed by Greenwich Village modernist jeweler Art Smith in the 1950's. Smith is considered a master jewelers during the modernis...
Category

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

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

HMV Model 2107 (RCA 45-J) 45 rpm record player turntable, bakelite 1950s classic
By HMV, RCA Victor
Located in London, GB
His Masters Voice (HMV), UK (manufacturer) Model 2107A (RCA 45-J equivalent) 45rpm record player with record-changer facility Manufactured under licence from RCA Victor Designed 1949...
Category

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

Materials

Bakelite

VINTAGE 1970's CHURCHILL AIREDALE GALLERY JUKEBOX HIDDEN IN CHEST OF DRAWERS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this rather unique 1970’s Airedale Jukebox with Churchill selection panel and pair of speakers Please note ...
Category

1970s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hardwood

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

Vintage 20th Century Dutch Fixed Gear Bicycle, Amsterdam c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An impeccably restored Dutch fixed gear bicycle from 20th-century Amsterdam. Crafted in the 1950s, it boasts polished metal mudguards, a chain guard, and vintage-style handlebars. It...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

1970s Spine Shaped 'Proteo' Halogen Table Lamp, Italy
Located in St- Leonard, Quebec
Bold spine shaped and articulated Proteo halogen table lamp. Playful, easy adjustable in various sculptural shape. Well made solid construction with PVC parts and rubber joint. Measure: 21 in. high when curl as pictured, 36 in straight up. 2 intensity switch. 50 watt 2 pin light...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

PVC

Large Set of 8 Vintage Lab Sieves, English, Brass, Stacking, Scientific, C.1965
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large set of 8 vintage laboratory sieves. An English, brass stacking scientific apparatus, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1965. Fascinating set with superb period a...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Architectural Salvage Decorative Caved Wood Trim
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Ornate Wood Carved Trim Piece. For Decorative Purposes. This Piece has Wire for Hanging on the Back. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as ...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Lithography Map, Durham, English, Framed, Cartography, Early Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lithography map of Durham. An English, framed engraving of cartographic interest, dating to the early 18th century and later, circa 1720. Superb lithography of Du...
Category

Early 18th Century British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Gymnasium Bench, English, Pine, Suede, Window Seat, Dining Room, C.1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage gymnasium bench. An English, pine and suede window seat, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Versatile bench graced with character, quality and nostalgic...
Category

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

Materials

Suede, Pine

Mid Century Modern German record player, radio by Siemens , 1950s
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid Century Modern German record player, radio by Siemens , 1950s The radio is in fully functional. Dimensions: 43 D x 120 W x 111 H It is in good vintage condition, however,...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Teak

Rare 1950s Dunhill Aquarium Service Lighter, Gold Plated, Made in England
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A rare 1950s Half-Giant Dunhill Aquarium table lighter (made in England) with silver-plated metal work Each of these lighters are very rare and unique as they were hand carved and ...
Category

1950s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

1950s Wall Unit Vornado Grey Electric Window Fan
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Gray Electric Window Fan 18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d Preowned unrestored vintage condition. Tested and working. Refer to all images please.
Category

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

Materials

Metal

20th Century European Foosball / Football Table c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
This mid-20th-century foosball table, with its captivating two-tone color scheme of black legs and a hardwood body, embodies an era when it was a centerpiece in Italy's bustling Mart...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mah-jong Set, Chinese, Cased Gaming Set, Bamboo, Mid 20th Century, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Mah-jong set. A Chinese, walnut cased gaming set, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960. Appealing walnut and bamboo set with accessories Displays a desirable...
Category

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

Materials

Walnut

EVANS 1952 For Loyal Automatic Table Lighter In the Shape Of Large Leather Boot
Located in Miami, FL
Automatic table lighter designed by Evans. Stunning automatic lighter, created in America by the Evans Company, back in the 1952. This very handsome piece has been crafted in the shape of a boot, most probably as a promotional item by the Loyal Boots Company. It is made in genuine cordovan leather and chromed steel. These full automatic Evans lighters...
Category

1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel, Chrome

PICASSO CERAMICS and works by Jean Cocteau - 1991 Bonhams, London
Located in Rochester, NY
PICASSO CERAMICS and works by Jean Cocteau - 1991 Auction Sale Catalog - Bonhams, London. Soft cover catalog. 35 pages w/ 78 color illustrated lots w/ description. Look at all pictur...
Category

1990s English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Italian Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Owl Money Bank
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Money Bank of an Owl in Italian Silver Plate. This charming money bank comes in two parts that is easily opened. This bank is very functiona...
Category

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

Materials

Silver Plate

"The Emerald Isle; A Poem" by Charles Phillips First Edition Published in 1812
Located in San Francisco, CA
A leather bound first edition of an epic poem titled "The Emerald Isle; A Poem" by Charles Phillips (1786-1859), a celebrated writer and lawyer, with ...
Category

Early 19th Century European George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Astro, Great War
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial spotter's refractor in leather case, dating to the Great War period, circa 1915. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky An attractive telescope with quality leather protective case Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order Rich tan coloured leather dresses the primary barrel and sun shade Of 3 draw type, opening with a reassured action to each tube Clear, bright objective lens with a diameter of 48mm (2") Quality, matching leather dust cup present for the objective and eyepiece The eyepiece finished with concentric ring turning Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass Captains Stand...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

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

Danish Design Midcentury Rosewood Pianette by Louis Zwicki, 1950s
Located in Elshout, NL
Danish design A rare Danish midcentury pianette made of gorgeous rosewood with damper. It is called pianette due to the 82 keys rather than the standard 88 of a full size piano. This...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rosewood

1980s Gorgeous Piero Fornasetti Backgammon in Excellent condition. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Piero Fornasetti backgammon for Dal Negro in walnut wood , the set is in excellent condition and includes four dices, the doubling cube, two dice shaker, all 30 checke...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Sculptural ashtray/catchall in the style of Matégot and Georges Jouve
Located in East Hampton, NY
This French ashtray stand with brass body and metal base, has an original black ceramic bowl with a few flea bite chips.
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Donna Chambers 14k Yellow Gold Mother Pearl Goddess Pendant Brooch Cadillac
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Contemporary Pin/Pendant. 14K Gold & Antique Mother-of-Pearl, Chinese Gambling Chip Pin, and Combination Enhancer. Hand-carved tiger-eye face, h...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Carl Auböck Pipe Holder, Austria 1950s. Solid brass, leather strapping
Located in Köln, NW
Mid Century Pipe Holder by Carl Auböck, Vienna. 1950s. The pipe holder was made in the Carl Auböck workshops from solid brass and leather. Outstanding quality. Fine decorative collec...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1950s Vintage Vornado Gray Electric Window Wall Fan
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Industrial Gray Electric Window Fan 18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d Preowned unrestored vintage condition. Missing circle with label in center ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Rocking Sheep w/ Real Sheepskin, Black Painted and Natural Wood
By Povl Kjær
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cute little. mid century, wooden rocking sheep with real sheep coat, black lacquered carved face and feet, with wood handles. In original condition, with vi...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wool, Wood

Mid-Century Wall Cross - Black, White, Red - Handmade Studio Pottery, Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century wall crucifix is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The elongated cross, maintaining consistent proportions, is hand-painted in semi-glossy black. The Christ f...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

1950s Coppola e Toppo Sculpted Crystal Collar Necklace Smokey Red Surrealism
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Statement Collar Necklace, with an intricate design of Smokey Crystal Beads with Shades of Deep Blood Red & Bright Red Crystal Beads Woven into a Sculpted Design. Coppola e Toppo Sig...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by Louis Zwicki, c. 1960's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Step back in time with this masterfully-crafted Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by the renowned Louis Zwicki. From the heart of the 1960's, a period when design and craftsmanship me...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

Red ceramic wall cross handmade in Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic cross is a quintessential representation of mid-century modern design, realized by a skilled European studio pottery artist. The cross features a simplistic yet profound...
Category

1980s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Large Antique Reference Book, Parliamentary Record, Latin Language, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique reference book, Calendarium Rotulorum Patentium in Turri Londinensi. Printed in Latin, a later bound House of Commons record, dating to the Georgian period, p...
Category

Early 19th Century European Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Dunbar For Modern: Market Notes, January 8 to January 19, 1951
Located in New York, NY
Small format brochure published in January 1951 showcasing 39 Edward Wormley designs for Dunbar Furniture, presented at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. Highlights include the Sleepy Hollow chair...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage 1960s Souvenir Building Architectural Model Berlin Bear, Metal Statue
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A classic decorative Berlin bear statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. This item was bought as a souvenir in Berlin and was made in the mid-20th c...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Gymnastic Leather and Oak Pommel Horse Bench
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large mid-century modern gymnastic pommel horse or bench vault. The bench features an oak frame covered with rich patinated cognac leather. The leather has a lovely aged patina with ...
Category

20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Modernist Cobalt Blue and Gold Wall Cross - European Studio Pottery Masterpiece
Located in Chicago, IL
This modernist Studio Pottery wall cross, meticulously crafted by a European artist, features a cobalt blue crucifix enriched with subtle gold accents cross, bearing an exceptional m...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Pair Davy Jones Pirate Treasure Chest Bookends With Skull And Cross Bones Hats
Located in South Burlington, VT
Antique pair hand cast pirate treasure chest sculptural book ends, circa 1930 Skull and crossbones hats. Designer: Hubley Dark original patin...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Pierre Jeanneret / Le Corbusier "The Indian Adventure" Book About Chandigarh
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and collectable book about the Pierre Jeanneret & Le Corbusier's "The Indian Adventure" in Chandigarh, India. In good used condition. Published in 2010 in a limited numbers. Very sought after. LE CORBUSIER, PIERRE JEANNERET. L'Aventure Indienne / The Indian Adventure. Design, Art, Architecture. By Éric Touchaleaume and Gérald Moreau, with the collaboration of Martial Vigo. Editions Éric Touchaleaume, Architecture design du XXe siècle, Galerie 54...
Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Post War & Contemporary Art Design, Barbara Jakobson Collection, 2005 Christie's
Located in Rochester, NY
Post - War & Contemporary Art and Design: From the Collection of Barbara Jakobson - May 12, 2005 Christie's New York auction catalog. Proceeds partially to benefit future acquisition...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Mid Century Modern Small Round Onyx Stone Ashtray
Located in Amityville, NY
Vintage mid century modern small round ashtray made from a beautifully layered and striated piece of onyx stone in shades of brown, tan and beige. An amazing piece of stone that show...
Category

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

Materials

Onyx

IMCO 6500 Table Petrol Lighter 1950 By Julius Franz Meister Green Chromed Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Candle Triplex 6500 table lighter designed by IMCO. This is a brilliantly engineered, unusual and quite ingenious semi-automatic table petrol lighter designed by Julius Franz Meister in Austria, back in the 1950. This model was made by the IMCO company and was named Candle triplex 6500. Has been crafted in solid chromed steel, with aluminum parts and embellished with green lacquer. This lighter is in unused grade, never fired and in superb mint condition with the original box from the stated period. About the mechanic, there is a button on the inserted lighter - pressure solution for stone-flint change. The lighter has a sliding flame regulator or windshield, a space in the base-socket for reserve stones-flints and a special filling tank that you can either pull out for filling or you can pull out the bottom for filling. Stunning modernist design. Model: Triplex Candle Table lighter 6500. Materials: Chromed Steel, aluminum and green lacquer. Weight: All together 66.30 Grams. Measurements: 63.5 mm by 63.5 mm by 207 mm (2.50 x 2.50 x 8.15 Inches). Rarity: Rare in mint, never fired condition and with the original box. Marks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed as follow; "IMCO MADE IN AUSTRIA 6500". IMCO IMCO was a very important Austrian manufacturer of cigarette lighters. Established in 1907 by Julius Franz Meister, who was formerly a manufacturer of brass buttons for the Austro-Hungarian Army. The first IMCO lighters...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Steel, Chrome

Antique Chinese Abacus in Mahogany with Brass Accents
Located in San Diego, CA
Original antique solid mahogany , with patinated brass accents in great condition.
Category

20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique Book, Compendium of Farriery, English, Georgian, Equestrian, London 1796
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a delicate antique book, Compendium of Farriery. An English language, Georgian guide to equestrian care, published in London, 1796. Full title: Taplin Improved; or a Compend...
Category

Late 18th Century British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Modernist Greek Virgin Mary and Child Jesus Ceramic Wall Decoration
Located in Chicago, IL
This 16-Inch ceramic wall decoration, crafted by a European Modernist Studio Pottery artist, showcases a Mediterranean color palette: terracotta, turquoise blue, and olive green shad...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Heath Ceramics Ashtray, 1970s
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Vintage Heath Ceramics Ashtray, 1970s
Category

1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

5 Vols, Antique Books, Lives of the British Admirals, English, Georgian, 1817
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of 5 antique volumes, Lives of the British Admirals by Dr John Campbell et al. An English language, hard bound naval interest book, published in London, 1817. Includes...
Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1964 Ray Simpson Original Teakwood Tool Rake Grate
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Vintage Rake Tool Brush in Teakwood Modern Aluminum Grate Stamped Ray Simpson Original 1964 22.13 long x 3.88 w x 1.25 Preowned original vintage co...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Cassettiera portacucito, italiana metà secolo, Filofort di Tre Cerchi ISC 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Cassettiera portacucito Filofort con struttura in legno chiaro, con maniglie in tinta noce. Prodotta da Filofort di Tre Cerchi ISC. e cucirini Cartoni Coat nel 1940 ca. Buone condizi...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Globe, globe SVH, scale 1 to 38500000
Located in EINDHOVEN, NL
This beautiful globe has some minor damage at the height of the Galapagos Islands. Height: 50 cm. Width: 35 cm. Depth (= Ø sphere): 33 cm. Origin: The Netherlands, 1960s. Material: ...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Modernist red crucifix with Christ figure, wall decoration handmade
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist Crucifix made in Europe by Studio Pottery artist. Deep red brown glossy cross contrasting with the matt elongated floating Christ relief designed in a typically modernist f...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Virgin Mary & Child Jesus Modernist Wall Decoration by European Pottery Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist Virgin Mary and Child Jesus. Large 19-Inches Studio Pottery wall decoration. Interesting display of matte and glazed areas. Masterful color textures compositions on audacio...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

1970 Franco Bucci Laboratorio Pesaro Italian Ceramic Ashtray _ Set of 3
Located in Brescia, IT
Franco bucci Laboratorio Pesaro Italy, 1960 Set of 3 ceramic ashtrays "LP" mark under the base Perfette condizioni h 6 cm / d 20 cm / w 20 cm h 6 cm / d 10 cm / w 10 cm
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

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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