Skip to main content

Collectibles and Curiosities

to
872
2,672
2,311
5,215
1,294
465
176
162
155
93
32
29
27
26
26
7
6
4
3
1
1
4,403
6,613
13,356
2,717
3,500
3,046
522
300
739
464
899
880
906
664
575
2,329
1,181
1,141
545
394
2,668
1,580
1,215
633
457
5,215
5,215
5,215
48
28
23
21
18
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1920s
Scandinavian ModernSterling Silver Cuff Bracelet, Pekka Piekainen, Finland 1978
By Pekka Piekäinen, Auran Kultaseppä
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern sculptural sterling silver cuff bracelet designed by Pekka Piekainen 1976, made by Auran Kultaseppä, Finland. Measures: Depth 2.25...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Silver Maltese Royal military boat presented to Sir Robert Laycock Major General
Located in Central England, GB
This larger scale solid silver presentation model depicts a traditional Maltese sailing or fishing boat. The model is beautifully handmade in solid silver with Maltese silver hallmar...
Category

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

Materials

Silver

A Wooden American Belle Bass Synagogue Memorial Sign, 1945
Located in New York, NY
An Interesting Wooden American Belle Bass Synagogue Memorial Sign, made in 1945 in the United States. The sign is made of wood, stained in a rich, dark color, and smoothly finished, with each letter of the text nailed into the wood. The size of the sign is large enough to be prominently displayed in the Synagogue where the dedication was made. A Star of David is nailed to the top of the dedication followed by " The Belle Bass Memorial" in large, bold letters. The dedication Continues; The privilege of burning the mortgage was accorded to 'Jacob Bass...
Category

1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Color print from the 1950s depicting the single-engine biplane SAML S 2 1917
Located in Milan, IT
Color print from the 1950s depicting the SAML S 2 single-engine biplane, produced in 1916 by the Italian company Società Anonima Meccanica Lombarda (SAML). It was a training and reco...
Category

Mid-20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rebajes Sterling Silver Ubangi Brooch, Master Modernist Jewelry Artisan
Located in Buffalo, NY
1950s ubangi woman pin is among the most striking of artist Rebajes pieces. Seldom seen sterling silver version, as most Rebajes pieces are in copper. It is jigsaw cut with wrapped w...
Category

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

Materials

Silver

Vintage Nautical Signal Flag in Frame
Located in Norwell, MA
Framed maritime signal flag representing the number “7”, “SEVEN” in the international code of signals. This authentic and ocean used pennant is made of individual panels of red and y...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cotton

1923 R.U.R. Rossum's Universal Robots
By Karel Capek
Located in Bath, GB
A signed copy of the fifth edition of Karel Capek's science-fiction play, an important work of twentieth century science fiction, remarkable for introducing the word 'robot' to moder...
Category

1920s Czech Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Art Deco Bronze Figure Dancer by Demetre Chiparus
Located in BILBAO, ES
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus (1886 - 1947) Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 52 cms. alt. total and 17 cms. diam. base...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

'Eryx' Yacht Half Hull Model, circa 1962
Located in London, GB
A mid 20th century shipyard engineers model of The Eryx II yacht, commissioned by Comte Robert‐Jean de Vogüé and the last schooner designed by Charles ...
Category

1960s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Unusual Art Nouveau Woman, Carved Wood and Metal Pipe Holder Wall Plaque
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Art Nouveau woman, relief carved wood and metal pipe holder wall plaque. Stunning nude, wonderful detailing.., bronze mounted, hand forged pipe holders, carved wood match hol...
Category

1920s American Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

1960s Swank Arrow Tie Bar Clip
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Swank Arrow Tie Bar Clip maker stamp 3.5 long x .25 x 3.16 thickness Preowned vintage Refer to images provided
Category

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

Materials

Metal

J. Kohle Pforzheim, German silver lock with Pearls Necklace
Located in Delft, NL
J. Kohle Pforzheim, German silver lock with Pearls Necklace Pearls on double strand necklace with silver (835/1000) closure with a hook lock on a round crown-shaped clasp with pearl...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Vintage Boho Brass Roosters - a Pair
Located in west palm beach, FL
This striking pair of vintage monumental brass roosters exudes bold Bohemian charm and timeless sophistication. Each rooster is meticulously crafted with intricate details, from thei...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Rustic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Aldo Tura Smoking Stand, Italy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Aldo Tura smoking stand made from stained fruitwood and a scalloped parchment covered top. A patinated nickel and copper plated ashtray with cigarette ...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fruitwood, Parchment Paper

P.W. Baston Supp-Hose Woman's Stockings Advertising Pen Holder Desk Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This advertising pend holder was produced by P.W. Baston, also known as Sebastian Miniatures, of the United States in approximately 1960 in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The figurine is composed of a glazed ceramic with a brass and plastic pen holder. The figurine depicts of business woman...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern British Ilford Selo Photography Film Store Display
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This store display was made for the English film manufacturer, Ilford to advertise their Selo film line during the 1960s in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The frame of the disp...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Six Foot Model of the Titanic
Located in Norwell, MA
Fine cased model of the white star liner “Titanic”. Well executed model of the classic and famous four stack liner. Details include lifeboats, cargo booms, skylights, cabins, railing...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Alpine Ski Photograph, 'Three Peaks' Taken from 1930s Original
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage, Alpine Ski Photograph. 'Three Peaks', a new mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930s skiing photograph. Black and white alpine photos are the perfect addition to any home or ski lodge, so please do check out our other ski photos...
Category

1930s English Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Canned Candies, The Exotic Women and Clothes of Paco Rabanne by Jean Clemmer
Located in CA, CA
Canned Candies, The Exotic Women and Clothes of Paco Rabanne. Photographed by Jean Clemmer. Published by Charles Skilton Limited, 1969. A collaboration between the Parisian photog...
Category

1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Early 20th Century hand carved huge pine architectural model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century hand carved huge pine architectural model A well modelled early 20th century hand carved huge pine architectural model of a rooftop. Showing natural age and minor...
Category

1920s British Late Victorian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Yacht Binnacle by Kevin Hughes
Located in Norwell, MA
First class yacht binnacle by Kevin Hughes of New York and Boston. Varnished wood base with hinged door. A bronze clinometer is mounted to the base. Iron ...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vintage Billiard, Snooker, Pool Cue Tipper in Boxwood
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Billiard, snooker, pool cue tipper. A very good quality billiard / snooker cue tipper, made from boxwood with brass fittings and steel file attached on a cha...
Category

1930s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Boxwood

Very Large Aluminum Maritime Beacon
Located in Norwell, MA
Beacon built by Stone Chance Navigational Aids. Exceptional piece of industrial lighting. Fresnel glass lens set into a sturdy aluminum housing. The drum lens is 12 inches tall. Ther...
Category

1960s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

A pharmacy mushroom model: Morchella Rotunda, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Morchella Rotunda mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

German "Schaukelwagen" by Hans Brockhage & Erwin Andra for Siegfried Lenz
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This ingenious design for children is from German (DDR) designers Hans Brockhage and Erwin Andra made in the early 1950's Hans Brockhage (1925-2009) was wounded in WWII and starte...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Birch, Plywood, Rubber

Brass Yacht Lantern with Fresnel Lens
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass marine lantern with Fresnel glass lens. Protective brass cage. This lantern has been meticulously polished and lacquered. It has been...
Category

1940s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Sold Brass Ship's Searchlight Mounted to a Ship's Decking Pedestal
Located in Norwell, MA
Ship's spotlight with meticulously polished and lacquered finish. Glass lens. Mounted on an iron pole with a mahogany and holly replicated ship's decking. The base weighs over 200 po...
Category

1930s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Yacht Club Secretary Flag
Located in Norwell, MA
Nautical flag in frame with glass. Blue flag with crossed feathered quills. Blue field with white applied letters. White hoist with brass grommets. Weight: 4 lbs. Overall Dimensions...
Category

1930s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

Vintage Style Ski Photography, Framed Alpine Ski Photograph, Haircut Sir
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage style Ski Photography, framed Alpine Ski Photograph, Haircut Sir. 'HAIRCUT SIR', a modern framed and mounted black and white pho...
Category

1930s English Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper, Wood

Les Déjeuners - Picasso, 1st French edition, 1962
Located in CA, CA
Les Déjeuners - Picasso, 1st French edition, 1962
Published by Éditions Circle D’art Paris, 1962 
 A beautiful copy of Picasso’s seminal book Les Déjeuners complete with fine cloth s...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Large Original Vintage Map of Israel, circa 1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great map of Israel Original color. Good condition Published by Alexander Gross Unframed.
Category

1920s English Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

One of a Kind Miniature Stylized Oil Rig Made of Wood Painted in De Stijl Colors
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Model six pile off-shore production platform This do-it-yourself set consisting of an oil rig, a ship with cargo and a helicopter truly is a unique piece. It was commissioned by Du...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

FER model logarithmic circular slide rule H 39 n. 1675 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
FER model logarithmic circular slide rule H 39 No. 1675 from the 1930s, Italian Patent No. 1680, housed in its original round-shaped wooden box like the instrument, complete with in...
Category

1930s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Ski Photography, Antique Alpine Ski Photograph, 'Descent in Powder'
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Ski Photography, antique Alpine Ski Photograph. 'Descent in Powder’, a new mounted black and white photographic image after an original 1930s s...
Category

1930s British Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare Columbia Film Studios Motion Picture Reel Case with 35mm Movie "Tarzana"
Located in San Diego, CA
An extremely rare Columbia Studios motion picture reel case with three reels of 35mm movie "Tarzana", circa 1969. The case was manufactured by Goldberg...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Mexican Modern Sterling Silver Earring William Spratling
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of modernistic sterling silver earring by William Spratling from the third period 1964-1967. Made in his studio in Taxco, Mexico. The earri...
Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pate de Verre Daum Art Glass Triangular Dish Midcentury Ashtray Blue Dot, French
By Daum
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful design, great table prop/decor. Signed on top side, Daum, then the Cross of Lorraine symbol, and Nancy and also Signed on the bottom; Daum Nancy France.
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Art Glass

Art Deco Gold Painted Bronze Figure "Phoenician Dancer" by Demetre Chiparus
Located in BILBAO, ES
Dancer by Demétre Chiparus 1886 - 1947 Large chrysoelephantine sculpture in gilt bronze Marble base. Signed "D. H. Chiparus". Measures: 67 cms. alt. total and 49 cms. diam. base Good condition. Demétre Haralamb Chiparus was a Romanian Art Deco era sculptor who lived and worked in Paris, France. He was one of the most important sculptors of the Art Deco era. Sculptures of Chiparus represent the classical manifestation of Art Deco style in decorative bronze and ivory sculpture...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

1950s Atomic UFO Ashtray in Black and Red Molten Lava Space Age Midcentury
By Erwin Kalla
Located in Hyattsville, MD
6 and a half inch round dish ashtray with cork bottom, and makers markings.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Nautical magnetic compass made USA 1930s original wooden box
Located in Milan, IT
Nautical magnetic compass, made in the USA in the 1930s. Bon état. Housed in its original box with wooden slot lid and mounted on gimbal. Box measures 12x12x8.5 cm - inches 4.8x4.8x...
Category

1930s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Boxing Carpet, Randolph Turpin, Middleweight Champion of the World, Sugar Ray
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
A large vintage Randolph Turpin carpet. A wonderful impressive carpet made for the British boxer Randolph Turpin (nick named 'The Leamington Licker'). The carpet measuring nearly 3 meters by 4 meters was made by a life long friend, Mr Dennis Quayle, and would make a remarkable wall hanging. Quayle owned a high quality furniture store in Birmingham and supplied amongst other furnishings, high quality handmade carpets. Following Turpin’s triumph over Sugar Ray Robinson to win the world title in 1951, Mr Quayle had the carpet made as a gift for Turpin. Later in Turpin’s life when in trouble, Quayle bought back the carpet in order to help him financially, with the carpet remaining in the Quayle family ever since. Randolph Turpin is one of Britain’s greatest sportsmen who plied his trade with courage, honor and skill and gave Britain one of its best nights in a boxing ring. As a 33-1 underdog Turpin humbled the greatest fighter the world had seen, Sugar Ray Robinson, at Earls Court in London to become Middleweight Champion of the World. Sugar Ray was at his peak and the fight was the culmination of the flamboyant champion’s famous tour of Europe. Unable to cope with Turpin’s long reach and unusual wide stance the American struggled to land punches and Turpin’s strength inside was too much and he took the win on points after 15 rounds. He would lose the belt in a rematch 64 days later but Turpin’s achievement is a remarkable one which crowns a distinguished boxing career, he was later inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 2001. Randolph Turpin's titles:- British Middleweight 17th Oct 1950 European Middleweight 27th Feb 1951 World Middleweight 10th July 1951 Commonwealth Middleweight 2nd Oct 1952 Won the British Light...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Sporting Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wool

Sterling Silver Art Deco Cigarette Case w/ 18k Gold Inlay by Marathon
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Stunning 1930s Art Deco silver cigarette case with Gold inlay by Marathon, straight out of the golden age of Hollywood! It features gold pin stripes on a silver body with geometric p...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Silver

Webb Miniature Toy Childs Garden Lawnmower
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Webb Miniature Toy Childs Garden Lawnmower A great collectible piece, the mower is complete with grass catcher All the moving parts move, and so could be sharpened and returned t...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Silvered Bronze Box with Relief Cast Poem by Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A wonderful jewelry box in silvered cast bronze by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997). From a small special series, the designer created circa 1945-55. on which poems were cast in relief on the cover. Most existing examples features poems that are well-known. This poem, however, was not identified by us, and possibly is a creation of the artist herself. It is a very soulful prose (see the full poem in French below). Signed on the base as shown. We have a gilt bronze box with the same relief cast poem that comes with a three-page Certification in French by Comite Line Vautrin, shown in some photos as well. Reference: For other boxes with poems see "Line Vautrin Sculptor, Jeweller, Magician by Line Vautrin and Patrick Mauries, page 42. "Les glaciers vagabonds qui ébranlent les murs et les anges frileux qui cherchent un asile quand la nuit de décembre anesthésie la ville t’effraient plus que les morts tutélaires et durs Ils désertent pour toi...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 ART DECO CASION CHIP POKER SET WiTH BAKELITE HANDLE CASE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very nice circa 1920 Art Deco casino chip / poker set in the original wood case with Bakelite handle A...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Rare Oversized Stormoguide Barometer by Short & Mason
Located in Sandwich, MA
Rare oversized Stormoguide barometer by Short & Mason circa 1930. Possibly made as a store display, this barometer's 12-1/2" dial is over twice the size of the more commonly found St...
Category

Mid-20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Metal Patinated Ceramic Jesus Christ Memorabilia Figure, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Jesus Christ metal patinated ceramic statue. Made Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Signed by M...
Category

1950s Spanish Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Army Air Forces WWII Poster "O'er the Ramparts We Watch" by Jes Schlaikjer, 1944
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a vintage 1944 United States Army Air Force poster. Designed by Jes Schlaikjer, the design features an Army Air Force serviceman looking s...
Category

1940s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Period Model of the Packet Anglo Saxon
Located in Norwell, MA
Antique ship model with provenance. This model of the packet ship “Anglo Saxon” was “presented by Charles H Taylor of Boston to the Pelham Country Club as ...
Category

1930s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Set of 3 Traditional Religious Plaster Figures, Catalan Craftsmanship
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 3 Traditional Religious Plaster Figures, Catalan Craftsmanship, Circa 1950 – Spain Description: This set of three traditional religious plaster figures, crafted in the renown...
Category

1950s Spanish Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brass Menorah After Gio Ponte
Located in west palm beach, FL
Adorn your space with this striking Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brass Menorah, a sculptural masterpiece reflecting the sophisticated lines and architectural elegance reminiscent of Gi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Hollywood Regency Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern C. Jere Style Ship Wall Sculpture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful mid-century wall art features a three dimensional sailboat sculpture with plenty of intricate detail. A wonderful realistic design in the style of C. Jere with multipl...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Leather and Wood Vaulting Horse from the 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
Leather and wood vaulting horse from the 1930s. This adjustable vaulting horse was made in the 1930s in former Czechoslovakia. The thick cowhide leather has a nice patina. Very goo...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Sterling Silver Necklace
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This is a sterling silver necklace with black charms. The longest charm is 1.5" T x .25" W The medium charms are: .5" T x .25 W The smallest charms are: 1...
Category

1960s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Miniature Table Top Drawered Chest Circa 1920
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A beautifully made fully functional miniature chest of drawers. This three-drawer chest of mahogany with inlaid panels of satinwood and pencil inlay. Only 11 inches tall, this chest ...
Category

1920s European Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Solid Brass Ships Fixed Porthole
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass highly polished ships portlight with tempered glass. The glass has imperfections from years at sea. This porthole has been polished and lacquered. Weight: 16 LBS Over...
Category

1930s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Console table with carved mirror 1920's marble Mirror Antique
Located in Taranto, IT
Console table with carved mirror 1920's marble Mirror Antique. Antique Italian console table from the early 1900s, made of walnut, carved with many curls. Large antique mirror, ma...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble

Large Mid-Century Gran Habano Rajah Cigar Advertising Tobacco Store Display Sign
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very large and colorful placard sized store display sign was presumed to have been made in the United States for the Gran Habano Cigar Company of Honduras in the 1960s to advert...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Anglo Raj Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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.

Recently Viewed

View All