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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Audi Merchandise Chrome Plated Roll-Top Cigarette Dispenser, Carl Aubock, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
The presented rolltop dispenser was a merchandise gift designed and produced by Carl Auböck for Audi (Autounion) in the 1950s. Made from the typical chrome plated brass, a lacquer...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Brass Gregorian refractor telescope circa 1750 attributed to James Short
Located in Milan, IT
Antique mid-18th-century brass Gregorian refractor telescope, almost certainly made by James Short (1710-1768). Good condition, replaced eyepiece and missing lens, lathe rebuilt the ...
Category

Mid-18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Art Nouveau Medusa Brooch by René Lalique - Glass & Brass
Located in Chicago, US
Embossed inscription Lalique France and company signet Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the default quote does not include packing and insurance. 1stDibs shipping provides a level of value, protection, and care that aligns with our commitment to safeguarding historic artworks and providing excellent client service. "Few artists influenced the direction of early 20th century decorative design more than René Jules Lalique. Lalique was born in the small village of Ay in northern France in 1860, but moved with his family to Paris at the age of two. "Like many talented artists that emerged from Paris during the early 20th century, Lalique thrived in the creative epicenter of the European world, attending Collège Turgot, a premier Parisian school of the arts. After his father’s death in 1875, Lalique found employment apprenticing with jeweler Louis Aucoc, gaining experience that would lay the groundwork for his own mastery of the craft. By 1881, Lalique had transformed himself from an eager apprentice into a successful freelance jewelry designer, working for manufacturers such as Cartier and Boucheron, as well as a growing roster of private clientele including actress Sarah Bernhardt and oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian. "Lalique’s nature-inspired creations, with their soft, sensual Art Nouveau curves...
Category

1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Inox Metal FOOSBALL TABLE RS2 by RS Barcelona
Located in Rhinebeck, NY
FOOSBALL TABLE RS2 DESIGNED BY RAFAEL RODRÍGUEZ for RS Barcelona RS2 is a design football table, a spectacular reinterpretation of one of the all time classics of Spanish game cultu...
Category

2010s Spanish Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stainless Steel

2 Volumes. Austen Henry Layard, Nineveh and its Remains.
Located in New York, NY
2 Volumes. Austen Henry Layard, Nineveh and its Remains. First Edition. Bound in 3/4 tan calf and marbled boards. The raised band spine is gilt-tooled with red and green morocco labe...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

19th c. D.R. Barton Smooth Coffin Plane c.1832
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Rare D handled smooth coffin plane. CREATOR D.R. Barton. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1832. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Walnut, Steel. CONDITION Good. Wear consiste...
Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

3 Vols. Adam Badeau. Military History of Ulysses S. Grant
Located in New York, NY
3 Volumes. Adam Badeau. Military History Of U.S. Grant. Bound in 3/4 green morocco, marbled boards and endpapers, marbled edges, raised bands, illustrated. Published: New York: D. Ap...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Vintage Style Ski Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, Matterhorn & Skiers
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage style ski photography, framed Alpine ski photograph, Matterhorn & Skiers. 'MATTERHORN & SKIERS', a modern framed and mounted bla...
Category

1930s English Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper, Wood

Rare First Edition Magic Game of "Juego de Magia Borras", 1933
Located in Barcelona, ES
First edition of the well-known Spanish magic game 'Juego de Magia'. Manufactured by Borras Plana in 1933. In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, ...
Category

1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Design Vignelli by Beatriz Cifuentes-Caballero (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
The definitive monograph on a master of modern design. The graphics, interiors, and products designed by Vignelli Associates are internationally recognized for their refined aesthet...
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of North America by Lowry '1852'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'North America'. Original map of North America. This map originates from 'Lowry's Table Atlas constructed and engraved from the...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Impressive Early 19th Century Model Chateau
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
Extraordinary Early 19th Century Chateau Model found untouched in its original painted finish. impressive attention to detail with some carved brickwork,...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Italian Cash Register With Hand Crank, 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-Century Italian cash register with hand crank, 1960s Fair condition, signs of aging, ideal as a vintage furnishing object
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Religious Carved Polychrome Painted Devotional Icon Triptych Folk Art
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning rustic antique Christian carved wood devotional painting triptych, early 20th century or most likely much older, handmade religious folk art in Medieval / Middle Ages tast...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Mr. Pidgeon's Island, by Anthony Berkeley
Located in Middletown, NY
Garden City, New York: Doubleday, Doran & Co. (The Crime Club), 1934. First American Edition. 8vo, 7 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches (190 x 130 mm); (8), 347 pp. Publisher's red cloth title in b...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Thorens Swiss AD 30 Upright Music Box with Ten Discs, circa 1970
Located in Evergreen, CO
Manufactured by the renowned Thorens Company of Switzerland in the mid-20th century, this delightful music box is comprised of a quality fruitwood case with a glass door that allows ...
Category

1970s Swiss Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fruitwood

Canterbury Cathedral: First Edition, The Antiquities Of Canterbury By Somner
Located in Kent, Dover
An extremely rare first edition: William Somner, The antiquities of Canterbury. Or a survey of that ancient citie, with the suburbs, and cathedrall. Containing principally matters of...
Category

17th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Pair of ww2 polished steel German rangefinder flak binoculars
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Pair of ww2 polished steel german rangefinder flak binoculars circa 1941. Good quality pair of binoculars used in the second world war for directing accurate flak fire for anti airc...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Basquiat a Venezia, Exhibition Catalog 1999
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition catalog: Venezia (Venice), Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa, 1999 Catalog produced for the occasion of the exhibition "Jean-Michel Basquiat a Ven...
Category

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The Works of William H. Prescott - 11 vols. - IN A FULL POLISHED CALF BINDING
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: PRESCOTT, William H.. TITLE: The Works of William H. Prescott. Ferdinand & Isabella - Philip The Second - Charles The Fifth - Conquest Of Peru - Conquest Of Mexico. PUBLIS...
Category

1850s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

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

Alpine Ski Photograph, 'St. Moritz' Taken from Original 1930s Photograph
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Alpine Ski photograph. 'St. MORITZ', a new mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930s skiing photograph. Prior to being a recreational activity skiing was purely a means of travelling from A to B through the snow, it only started to become the sport it is today in the mid-1800s. St. Moritz is a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland's Engadin valley. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, has the Cresta Run...
Category

1930s English Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Jewish Bar Kokhba Revolt Silver Zuz (AD 132–135) – Judaean Coin Certified by NGC
Located in New York, NY
This silver zuz coin, weighing 3.30 grams, was minted during the Bar Kokhba Revolt, a Jewish uprising against Roman rule in Judaea from AD 132 to 135. Undated but attributed to the y...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Israeli Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Genuine Birds Nest with Branch Coral (15.5 lbs)
Located in New York, NY
As a species of colonial stony coral in the family Pocilloporidae, Seriatopora hystrix is commonly referred to as thin birds nest coral due to its bushy clump formation. It can be fo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Coral, Other

24 Volumes. Joseph Conrad, The Works.
Located in New York, NY
24 Volumes. Joseph Conrad, The Works. Limited signed edition. Bound by James Macdonald Co. in 3/4 tan morocco and green linen boards. The covers and raised band spines are gilt-toole...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Stunning Stylized Mid-Century Modern Electro Voice Stereo Speakers in Walnut
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning stylized Mid-Century Modern electro voice 3-way loud speakers in oiled walnut with aluminium trim, amazing original condition, cabinets possibly...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Oil on copper, 17th century. “Saint Mary of Egypt, Penitent“
Located in Madrid, ES
Oil on Copper — "Saint Mary of Egypt, Penitent," Spanish or Flemish School, 17th Century A captivating oil on copper painting depicting Saint Mary of Egypt, dating from the 17th cen...
Category

17th Century European Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper

Antique Verger's Bible Box, English, Oak, Carved, Ecclesiastical, William III
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique verger's bible box. An English, oak carved ecclesiastical case, dating to the William III period, circa 1700. Fascinating carved box, with country provincial cra...
Category

Late 17th Century British William and Mary Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Kokeshi with leaves by Usaburo, Japan, 1990s
Located in Lyon, FR
Kokeshi with leaves, made in the 1990 by Usaburo. Sleek and tall kokeshi with leaves decoration, which has been awarded the Agriculture and Forest Ministry prize. Very good condition...
Category

1990s Japonisme Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paint

Ferrari telephone , 80s Miami Vice Era Phone , Vintage Telephone , Collectible
Located in Milano, IT
Rare Ferrari Telefone / Decorative Object / Limited Edition piece of the 80's It may not be white, but Miami Vice vibes are guaranteed with this funny and rare "Ferrari Testarossa" ...
Category

1980s Hong Kong Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Model of the Schooner Yacht "America"
Located in Norwell, MA
Fine, scale model of the schooner yacht “America”, the first winner of the America’s Cup. Copper sheathed below the waterline. Mahogany deck, linen sails....
Category

20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Cabinet of Curiosities Shelve Sculptural Artwork, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Cabinet of curiosities of plaster figures and pieces in a wooden stand. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor we...
Category

1950s Spanish Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Girl in beautiful Dress, Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bisque Head, Arms and Leg Doll is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful Outfit, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes The Doll with the Outfit, all in very good condition. Made of Fabric, Bisque Porcelain parts and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this dollhouse toy...
Category

Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain, Fabric

Rare Bamboo & Rattan Doll's Bedroom, Playhouse, ca.1900
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This charming and rare French doll's bedroom playhouse, dating from around 1900, is a delightful example of antique bamboo, rattan, and wicker craftsmanship. Featuring a set of minia...
Category

Early 1900s French Napoleon III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan

Rare Vintage 1970's A.A Sutain - n.147 Oversized Wrap Tortoise Frame Sunglasses
Located in St. Louis, MO
This is a nice vintage pair of c. 1970s A. A. Sutain - France model 147 oversized tortoise wrap with bronze lenses sunglasses Always ahead of their time, A. A. Sutain is famous for ...
Category

1970s French Hollywood Regency Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Plastic

Antique Cast Iron Penny or Money Bank Boy Fishing Marked "The One That Got Away"
Located in Miami, FL
A nice sized Early 20th century American cast iron piggy, penny bank or money box. This decorative bank features a boy fishing and obtains its original anti...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Set of 5 Vintage Instructional School Signs
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 5 Instructional Educational School Signs. Show great signs of wear with nice patina! Stand easily and are easy to move around! Fun accent to use ...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Italian Renaissance Chrome Armillary
Located in Queens, NY
Italian Renaissance-style (20th Century) chrome armillary globe with a rust patina.
Category

20th Century American Renaissance Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Chrome

Industrial Aluminum Cross
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Industrial Aluminum Cross Minimalist Design "nice detail with hexagon ends tapered to square at intersection" "appears to have been custom made in a machine shop"
Category

Mid-20th Century American Minimalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Collection of Antique Neoclassical Plaster Cameos
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A superb collection of 16 antique plaster cameos and intaglios of French and English origin presented in a wooden tray, supplied loose. These 19th century plaster cameos each display...
Category

Late 19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Pine

Antique Austrian Silver & Enamel Cigarette Case with Floral & Ribbon Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This silver and enamel cigarette case is hallmarked by an unknown maker and is presumed to have been made in Austria in approximately 1920. The case is composed of .800 silver and ha...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Riva Model
Located in Paris, FR
Model Riva with wooden structure in light wood in honey brown finish. Speed-boat modal with many hand-crafted details. Model on wooden base.  
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Barbie(TM): The World Tour
Located in New York, NY
Author Margot Robbie and Andrew Mukamal, Photographs by Craig McDean, Foreword by Edward Enninful, Introduction by Margaret Zhang, Afterword by Greta Gerwig For the press tour following the record-breaking release of Greta Gerwig’s award-winning, acclaimed Barbie movie, producer and star Margot Robbie and her stylist Andrew Mukamal immersed themselves in some of Barbie’s most iconic outfits and curated vintage pieces, then approached designers, from Giorgio Armani to Donatella Versace, to create looks inspired by the doll-size originals. Many of these looks were not seen as the official Barbie press tour was cut short—so Margot and Andrew worked with renowned fashion photographer Craig McDean to shoot her in the looks exactly as they were curated: Schiaparelli in Los Angeles, Vivienne Westwood in London, vintage Chanel with matching Steamline luggage at the airport, and beyond. Accompanying McDean’s sumptuous photography are original Barbie dolls...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Sea Life and Shell Diorama /Shadow Box
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
3-715 Beautiful sea life diorama including sea shells various crustaceans ,seahorse starfish encased in a walnut frame under glass. Brass hanging ring
Category

1950s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Shell

Rare 19th Century Automaton Theater
Located in Madrid, ES
This important and rare automaton theater dates from the late 19th century and features both its original mechanical system and later electrical modifications. Materials: Constructe...
Category

1890s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fruitwood

Large South Pacific Tridacna Gigas Clam Shell
Located in Copenhagen, K
Large South Pacific Tridacna Gigas Clam shell The shell is in very good condition and with a beautiful pink tint.  
Category

15th Century and Earlier Pacific Islands Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Shell

Set of 4 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 4 hand-painted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consist...
Category

1960s Swedish Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Cross necklace. Mediterranean coral from Sciacca, England 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A thin and long necklace constructed from fragments of Sciacca (Sicily) coral perforated in an irregular sequence is closed by a low-carat gold clasp with an elongated barrel. A regu...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Coral, Gold

20th Century Japanese Pair Of Naval Bridge "Big Eye" Binoculars By Nikon c.1940
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare 20th Century set of Japanese naval bridge “big eye“ binoculars by Nikon manufactured during WWII by Tokyo Kogaku Kikai (Tokyo Optical Company). They have been expertly cleaned...
Category

20th Century Japanese Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

19th Century Chinese Jian Sword with a Double-Edged Metal Blade and Scabbard
Located in North Miami, FL
19th century chinese decorative Jian medium sword with a double-edged metal blade and scabbard By: unknown Material: iron, metal, paint, brass, copper, wood, animal skin, zinc Technique: forged, hammered, painted, gilt, carved, metalwork, hand-crafted, hand-painted, hand-carved Dimensions: 3 in x 23 in x 1 in Date: 19th century Style: Qing Place of origin: China This 19th century Chinese Jian sword exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of Qing dynasty decorative weaponry. The double-edged blade, forged from iron, exhibits a quadrangular cross-section and tapers to a sharp point. Its wooden hilt, intricately carved, is complemented by a brass pommel and guard, both featuring delicate chiseled ornamentation. The sheath, a testament to the artisan's skill, is constructed of wood wrapped in animal hide, displaying a distinctive black-and-white spotted pattern that adds texture and visual interest. Brass fittings, including an elaborately decorated chape, two suspension rings, and a locket, secure and embellish the scabbard. While the Jian was a classical Chinese weapon...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Copper, Iron, Brass, Zinc

2 Vols Antique Book, British Sports and Sportsmen, English, Sporting Reference
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is 2 large antique volumes of British Sports and Sportsmen. An English, bound and numbered limited edition sporting reference book, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1920. ...
Category

1920s British Other Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

French 19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Wood Four Doors Miniature Chest
Located in Firenze, IT
This lovely French late 19th century walnut miniature chest is ornately hand carved with the typical Coastal France, probably Breton, geometrical patterns inlays and charming hand-tu...
Category

Late 19th Century French Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Nutwood, Walnut

Antique 6-String Mahogany, Rosewood & Pine Ukrainian National National Balalaika
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique 6-String Mahogany, Rosewood And Pine Ukrainian National Balalaika C1920 Measures - 26 5/8" x 15" x 4 1/2"
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany, Rosewood, Pine

Stunning 20th Century Polished Airplane Propeller Blade c.1960
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A mid 20th Century polished cast aluminium twin-bladed propeller, complete with a polished central cone and metal wall mounting. A superb and characterful piece, certain to spark end...
Category

20th Century European Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Sailing Ship Model of "HMS Victory, 1805"
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
A Magnificent Carved Wooden Ship Model of HMS Victory, 1805 This exquisite 20th-century wooden ship model is a stunning replica of the iconic HMS Victory, the flagship of Lord Nelso...
Category

20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut

Antique Victorian Fully Fitted Games Compendium Chess Draughts Etc 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful antique Victorian mahogany games compendium, circa 1860 in date. The hinged lid reveals fitted compartments, the interior with a lift-out tray fitted with boxwoo...
Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

Geometrical and Graphical Essays by George Adams (1750-1795)
Located in Middletown, NY
Geometrical and Graphical Essays [and] Plates to the Geometrical and Graphical Essays.; By the late George Adams, Mathematical Instrument Maker to his Majesty, & c. London: W. & S. Jones, 1813. Fourth Edition. Two volumes, 8vo, 9 x 5 3/4 in. (228 x 145 mm). Text volume: pp. frontispiece, xii, 534, [16] ads; Plates vol.: pp. title page and 34 folding plates. Previous owner's name penned on the first free flyleaf. Uniform contemporary paper-covered boards, untrimmed, housed in a felt-lined custom clamshell box, 9 x 5 1/2 in. Occasional browning to the edges of some of the plates in Vol. 2, 1/2 inch tear to fold of Pl. VIII and 1 inch tear to the edge of Pl XIV, none of these minor flaws affecting the images. Frontispiece "The Great Theodolite, by Ramsden, Used by the late Gen.l Roy &c. in the great English Trigonometrical Operations." This is the "Fourth Edition, corrected and enlarged by William Jones, F. Am. P. S. [ESTC T88416, 1791 edition]. The last chapter of these fascinating volumes includes conversion tables to various standard national measure ranging from the Paris foot to the Russian archine, to the Venice braccio, the Egyptian stadium to 'The mathematical foot of China'. GEORGE ADAMS the younger (1750–1795) was an English scientist, optician and scientific writer. In politics Adams was a Tory, and as such was received with favour at court by George III, who made him his official mathematical instrument maker, succeeding his father George Adams in the post. George III was personally interested in instruments and had Adams produce items for him exclusively, many in silver. These instruments now form a collection which is housed in London's Science Museum Royal collection Adams was also known for making globes, and for inventing the lucernal microscope, a type of projection microscope where the image is projected on a screen by a large oil lamp...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

The Works Of Edgar Allen Poe. - 10 vols. in 5 - IN A FULL LEATHER BINDING!
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: POE, Edgar Allan. TITLE: The Works Of Edgar Allen Poe. PUBLISHER: Boston: Jefferson Press, n.d., (c.1900) DESCRIPTION: 10 vols. in 5, 8-7/16" x 6-1/16", illustrated, titl...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

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.

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