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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: Late 20th Century
Period: Early 20th Century
Vintage Tribal Lapis & Carnelian Necklace
Located in Seguin, TX
Vintage middle eastern tribal necklace. Tear drop large lapis lazuli pendent and red carnelian bead pendent and large filigree brass beads which still have traces of the original sil...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Tribal Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Brass

Sotheby's Art at Auction 1992-93: the Art Market Review 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's Art at Auction 1992-93: The Art Market Review. Published by Sotheby Parke Bernet Publications. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Highlights: ...
Category

1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

All_vellum Copy of R. L. Stevenson's Virginibus Puerisque
Located in Middletown, NY
Robert Louis Stevenson, Virginibus Puerisque and Other Papers. London: Chatto & Windus for the FLORENCE PRESS, 1910. Limited Edition. 4to, 10 x 7 1/2 in. (253 x 189 mm); [6] leaves, including 1 blank + 120 pp + [2] leaves, including 1 blank. 12 chromolithographed plates by Norman Wilkinson, printed on plate paper and not included in the pagination, legends on tissue guards printed in red. This is COPY no. 4 OF 12 COPIES PRINTED ON VELLUM, as noted on the limitation page, on verso of second leaf: «Of this edition of Virginibus Puerisque / have been printed on Aldwych hand- / made paper 250 copies, of which 235 are / for sale; on vellum 12 copies, of which 10 / are for sale. / Vellum Copy No. 4». Limp vellum binding with four green ties; gilt lettering on spine and upper cover, t.e.g. Very faint spotting to front free endpaper, slight offsetting of ties. Otherwise a pristine copy. Provenance: William Russell Flint (from the family, by descent). [Beinecke, Stevenson 79; Ransom 278:6; Tomkinson 85:6; Prideaux 13] Fine. A splendid edition of Stevenson's first collection of essays which promote a spirit of playfulness in defiance of both the hardships of human life and the restrictions imposed by bourgeois callowness. The volume brought together essays that had been previously published in the Cornhill Magazine and Macmillan’s: “Virginibus Puerisque i” (1876); “ ii” (1881); “iii: On Falling in Love” (1877); “iv: The Truth of Intercourse” (1879); “Crabbed Age and Youth” (1878); “An Apology for Idlers” (1877); “Ordered South” (1874); “Aes Triplex” (1878); “El Dorado” (1878); “The English Admirals” (1878); “Some Portraits by Raeburn” (previously unpublished); “Child’s Play” (1878); “Walking Tours” (1876); “Pan’s Pipes” (1878); “A Plea for Gas Lamps” (1878) The essays inspired Norman WILKINSON (1878 – 1971) to create the 12 striking and lyrical images that accompany the texts. Wilkinson was a British artist, renowned for his poster work and honored by the British Admiralty for coming up with the idea and design for “dazzle camouflage...
Category

Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

Vintage Mahogany Leather Medicine Ball, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
Original vintage heavy leather training ball with beautiful patina. The ball is made of handstitched genuine leather in former Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. It can be used as an origi...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

William Moorcroft MacIntyre Art Nouveau Blue Daisy Pattern Tobacco Jar
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Art Nouveau James MacIntyre & Co lidded tobacco jar decorated with tubelined daisies designed by William Moorcroft (English, 1872-1945) and dating from around 1900. William Moorcroft...
Category

Early 1900s English Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Puppet Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century English folk art puppet figure We share what we love, and we love this early 20th century articulated folk art puppet figure. Made from hand carved pin, The base (handle) moves up and down to animate the puppets head. Arms are moved with the sticks. Original linen clothes...
Category

1920s European Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Viva Picasso: a Centennial Celebration 1881-1981 Hardcover Book with Jacket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Viva Picasso: a Centennial Celebration 1881-1981 Hardcover – May 1, 1981 – by David Douglas Duncan A photography book showing Duncan’s photographs of...
Category

1980s American International Style Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Very Unique Austrian Silver & Enamel Cigarette Case by Kurzer & Wolf, Dated 1916
By Kurzer & Wolf
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
This is without question a most unique Austrian silver cigarette case, the front of the case is decorated with a finely detailed road ma...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Vienna Secession Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Sotheby's Art at Auction, 1994-95: the Art Market Review 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Sotheby's Art at Auction, 1994-95: The Art Market Review 1st Ed. Published by Sotheby Parke Bernet, NY, 1996. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Numerou...
Category

1990s Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1970s Modernist Mexican Sterling Silver and Malachite Link Bracelet Taxco Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Modernist Mexican sterling silver malachite bracelet from Mexico. Maker stamped. 925 Mexico. Measures: 7.38 long x .63 wide x .13 thick Preowned origi...
Category

1970s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Malachite, Sterling Silver

Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test. Item features a Bausch & Lomb optical device. We are not exactly sure what is used for or wha...
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

1970s Modern Pottery Art Blue Tambourine Goatskin and Wood
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Modern Artistic blue tambourine in Goatskin. Pottery and wood. Art 13.88 Diameter x 1.38 D. Unrestored vintage preowned condition. See images provided.  
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Goatskin, Pottery, Wood

Chessplayer & Other Essays, Whittington Press Illustrated Edition
Located in Middletown, NY
The Chessplayer & Other Essays by Edward Thomas, with an introduction by R. George Thomas and with two wood-engravings by Hellmuth Weissenborn. Andoversford: Whittington Press, 1981. Limited Edition. Royal 8vo, 9 7/8 x 6 1/8 in. (250 x 155mm); pp. viii +28 + colophon. Two small wood engravings...
Category

Late 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Traditional Wooden Pastoral Art Saint Joan Sculpture
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional wooden Pastoral Art Saint Joan Sculpture. Handmade in the Catalan Pyrenees, 1990. Signed by Ll.Pujol In original condition, with minor we...
Category

1990s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Large Antique Warthog Tusk Trophy on Wooden Plaque, Germany 1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Antique Warthog Tusk Trophy on wooden plaque, Germany 1900s A large antique Black Forest warthog trophy on a handcarved wooden plaque. The tusks a...
Category

Early 20th Century German Rustic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Turquoise Navajo Bolo Tie by Rita Touchine
Located in Toledo, OH
Turquoise Navajo Bolo Tie by Rita Touchine. Modernist style sterling bolo by Rita Touchine. Various shades of green turquoise with silver beads. Signed...
Category

Late 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Baines Football Trade Card, Hunslet Celtic, Play The Game
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Baines football trade card, Hunslet Celtic, Play The Game. A rare circular football trade card in the shape of a leather football ball. Made by the toy shop owner from Bradford, John Baines. Baines went on to produce not only football cards...
Category

1920s British Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

African Springbok Horn Mount on Light Oak Backplate, Early 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Horn and partial skull mount on shaped oak backplate.
Category

Early 20th Century African Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Horn

1970s Gorgeous Smoking Set by Lalique, Signed on the Bottom, Made in France
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous smoking set in crystal by Lalique. made in France. The both pieces are signed on the bottom. Made in France. The table lighter works perfectly. The items are in excell...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Antique Walking Stick/Cane, Germany with Around 1910
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique walking stick/cane, Germany with around 1910 Antique historical condition. Please refer to the detailed photos for the condition (...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Collection of 47 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 47 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books. The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print ...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Model of Yacht From the Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Model of Yacht From the Early 20th Century We present you this true-to-life model of a yacht from the Interwar Period. It is in particularly good condition.
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bentwood

Space Ace Sputnik Hanging Whether Station 1970s Germany
Located in Den Haag, NL
Hanging Indoor weather station (barometer, thermometer, hygrometer), humidity, temperature and air pressure. Everything to make your own weather forecast...
Category

1970s German Space Age Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Chrome

Christie's Review of the Season 1982 Hardcover Edited by John Herbert, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Christie's Review of the Season 1982 Hardcover Edited by John Herbert. Abbeville Press, NY, 1982. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Numerous color photos of important lots from all ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Pair Giant French Bronze Cannons, Military Artillery
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Impressive pair of large French bronze cannons Great for a garden or business Of course being bronze these can live outside with no fear of rusting Viewings available by appointm...
Category

1980s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Antique Thermometer, Inlaid with Marquetry, Vienna Austria, 1907
Located in Vienna, AT
antique thermometer, inlaid with marquetry, Vienna Austria 1907, mahogany, good original condition On the back is the composition of the material...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

English Pond Yacht Ship Model
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large elegant wooden pond yacht model. High quality, hand-built. Hull made in mahogany, deck in maple wood. Very decorative and beautifully exec...
Category

Early 20th Century English Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany, Maple

Old Whaleboat Rudder
Located in Norwell, MA
Large wood whaleboat rudder with brass pintles and maple tiller. What a great Classic shape on this awesome whaleboat rudder. Awesome relic. Weight: 45 lbs Overall Dimensions: 70...
Category

1920s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Late 20th Century Silver Mezuzah Case by Shuki Freiman
By Shuki Freiman
Located in New York, NY
Late 20th century silver Mezuzah case handmade by the artist Shuki Freiman. The base of the mezuzah case is adorned with floral engraving throughout, while the cylinder is decorated ...
Category

Late 20th Century Israeli Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Collection of Vintage 1970s Skateboards
Located in Highland, IN
This colorful collection of twelve vintage skateboards from the 1970s includes examples by GT, the Scamp, the Sizzler, the Free Former and a variety...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Pair of Silver Gilt Torah Finials or Rimonim by Moses Salkind, London, 1925
Located in London, GB
A pair of silver gilt Torah finials or Rimonim by Moses Salkind London, 1925 Height 41cm, diameter 9cm Moses Salkind & Co., based on Mulberry St. London, were leading makers of ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

20th Century Italian Sterling Silver and Porcelain Miniature of Wood Stove
Located in VALENZA, IT
Sterling silver / porcelain wood stove miniature. The main structure was made of sterling silver while the central body is hand painted porcelain. Some pa...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rare Old "Cape Hattaras" Lighthouse Sculpture in Vibrant Original Colors
Located in South Burlington, VT
A hard to find tall 21 inch Nautical delight with original hand painted colors that authentically reproduces the actual colors and handsome physical architecture of today's Cape Hattaras light house (See Third Photo). First we've seen in this massive size, quality, and condition. Original hand painted colors of red, black, green, and white Heavily hand cast by expert artisans of that day, it is cast upon a well detailed base as shown and in a convenient highly displayable, portable size. It still retains original attractive vibrant hand painted colors and patina. Dimensions: Height 21 inches Width 8 3/4 inches Depth 4 1/2 inches Good garden candidate- an ideal accent size for your indoor gallery display or favorite outdoor garden space. Many of our customers display these sentimental favorites as romantic and enjoyable decorative accents for entertaining friends and family. They are a perfect choice for your indoor or outdoor garden space. Provenance: Old American/ Japanese garden Lifetime guarantee of authenticity. We are members of NAJGA North American Japanese Garden Association. History of Cape Hattaras Light House: Built in 1870, the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stands watch over the Graveyard of the Atlantic's east coast. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects one of the most perilous sea sections off the Atlantic Coast. At Cape Hattaras, the Gulf Stream...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Showa Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Hunt Brother Circus & Wild West Show Three-Sheet Broadside, circa 1900-1910
Located in York County, PA
Three-sheet, narrow, vertical broadside, made to advertise Hunt Brothers Circus and Wild West Show ca 1900-1910. With the bold headlines “Buffalo Ranch”...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Carved and Shaped Teak Seat Back from the Launch of Minesweeper H M S Bluebell
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A carved and shaped teak seat back from the launch of minesweeper H M S Bluebell, of shaped rectangular form with a central panel with 3in brass lettering HMS Bluebell, with braced b...
Category

1910s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Set of 5 Mid Century Modern "Kokeshi" Dolls
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Japanese dolls called Kokeshi of the early 20th century. Provenance from the northern Japan. Set of 5. Measures: 25.5 x 7 cm 30.5 x 9 cm 30.5 x 8.5...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Pair of Large, Very Fine English Silver Gilt Torah Finials or Rimonim
Located in London, GB
Pair of large, very fine English silver gilt Torah finials or Rimonim London, 1926 Height 40cm, diameter 9cm Wrought from silver and embellished with touches of silver gilt, the...
Category

Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Carved Wooden Antique French Barometer with Thermometer, Number 9432 1910s
Located in Verviers, BE
Carved wooden antique French barometer with thermometer Unusual antique carved wooden barometer in a lovely carved case, working order. Number 9432 ...
Category

1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fruitwood

Cameraman
Located in London, GB
Original US lobby card for The Cameraman, 1928. This silent comedy was directed by Edward Sedgwick and an uncredited Buster Keaton. The film stars Keaton, Marceline Day and Harold G...
Category

1920s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

57.5CM GEOFFREY BUTLER COLUMBUS SLX CAMPAGNOLO CHORUS WINTER TRAiNER ROAD BIKE
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning Vintage Geoffrey Butler Columbus SLX NEW Steel road bike with Campagn...
Category

Early 20th Century Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Arts & Crafts Edwardian Hand-Crafted Patinated Copper Lidded Communion Chalice
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish Arts & Crafts with Gothic elements Edwardian hand crafted patinated copper lidded communion chalice dating from the early 20th Century...
Category

Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper

Vintage Black Leather Medicine Ball by Gala, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
Original vintage heavy leather training ball with beautiful patina. The ball is made of handstitched genuine leather in former Czechoslovakia by Gala company in the 1930s. It can be ...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Gold-Plated Ronson Banjo Stylish Design Petrol Lighter, Japan
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This rare reproduction of the original 1926 Ronson Banjo features a gold-plated finish was produced by Ronson Japan in 1990. The lighter comes fully functional with fresh flit and fluid ready for use. Stamped on the lighter: Ronson Lighter US PATENT Dec,31,1918 RONSON WORLD'S FIRST AUTOMATIC...
Category

1990s Japanese Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Antique Art Deco Ladies 9 Karat Rose Gold & Diamond Cocktail Wristwatch
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique ladies cocktail or evening watch is hallmarked as originating from England and dates to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art Deco style. The case and band are c...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold

Galliano by Colin McDowell (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This book which was published in 1997 features the early years of the career of John Galliano, just as his star was rising - having become chief designer at Givenchy in 1995 and then been moved to Dior in 1996 by the owner of LVMH who owned both labels. Galliano graduated from the famous design school of St Martins in 1984 and then set up his own design label before moving to Paris where he would become the darling of Parisian couture before his dramatic fall from grace...
Category

Late 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Large Vintage Black Leather Medicine Ball, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
Original vintage heavy leather training ball with beautiful patina. The ball is made of handstitched genuine leather in former Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. It can be used as an origi...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

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

M.J. Pierpont Morgan Collection of French Porcelains, Personal Limited Edition
Located in Middletown, NY
Catalogue des Porcelaines Françaises de M.J. Pierpont Morgan by M. J. Pierpont Morgan and Xavier R.M. comte de Chavagnac. Paris: Imprimerie Nationale, 1910. Large 4to, 12 x 9 in...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

3 Masted Sailing Ship in a Bottle
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
3 masted sailing ship in a bottle Detailed model ship diorama within a spirit bottle dates to circa 1920. It portrays a three masted fully r...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Art Glass

Taxidermy Fox's Mask by Spicer of Lemington
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Fox Mask By Peter Spicer. This prepared fox mask, fox head, is mounted on a good quality oak shield impressed to reverse 'P. Spicer & Sons, Leami...
Category

1920s English Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Animal Skin

WW1 Curtis Flying Boat Hand Carved Wood Propeller
Located in New York, NY
Genuine rare 1917 hand carved WW1 wood propeller with brass tips. Manufactured by Matthew Bros MFG. Co. in Milwaukee, WI. These propellers were often seen on the US Navy's H16 Flying...
Category

1910s American Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany, Wood

Georgia O'Keeffe 'Art and Letters' Book
Located in Bradenton, FL
Georgia O'Keeffe: Art and Letters by Jack Cowart and Juan Hamilton. Published by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1989. Softcover. 1st edition. Publi...
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Edwardian Pine Five-Oar Rowing Skiff
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An Edwardian pine five-oar rowing skiff, retaining just four oars, but with the original mast and boat hook, a paper pennant on the back rest showing three heraldic lions, with a bur...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Antique Ceramic Majolica Josef Strnact Wall Plate with Landscape, Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This beautiful wall decoration plate is a nice addition to your Wall. It is marked at the back. A nice addition to your toleware room or Hollywood regency interior.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Set of Four Traditional Vintage Spanish Soda Syphon, Circa 1970
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage metal and glass traditional catalan soda syphon. By unknown manufacturer, made in circa 1990. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preser...
Category

1970s French Rustic Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique German Art Nouveau Jewelry Heart Pin Brooch Ormolu with Stone, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This lovely stylish sentimental brooch was made for a loved one. Made in Germany, circa 1900. The brooch has a red stone and a white stone (probably moonstone) in it. A very pretty ...
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ormolu

Early 20th Century Chalice
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Early 20th chalice. by unknown manufacturer, Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Metal Dim...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Georgia O'Keeffe Books, Set of 2
Located in Bradenton, FL
Two Georgia O'Keeffe softcover books. A Woman on Paper, published in 1988, 294 pages. The Poetry of Things, published in 1999, 158 pages.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern 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.

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