Collectibles and Curiosities
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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1920s
FORNASETTI Chess Board Game Set Box
By Fornasetti
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage chess board - game set box for Dal Negro by Piero Fornasetti, made in Italy in the 1970s. The box is made in walnut wood, and it includes chess game, checkers game, card game...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Niels Erik From Modernist Silver Pendant Necklace with Agate
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A late 1960s or early 1970s pendant necklace by Danish silversmith N. E. From. The ovale pendant has a polished insert of red/rose agate. Its comes with its original 50 cm box neckla...
Category
1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Agate, Sterling Silver
Art Deco Radio by American Bosch Circa, 1935
Located in Fulton, CA
Classic Art Deco AM radio by United American Bosch (Magnito Corporation) Springfield Mass. circa. 1935. Restored to original working condition.
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Rhodes, James Ford, History of the United States, 7 Vols, in a Fine Binding
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: RHODES, James Ford.
TITLE: History Of The United States From The Compromise of 1850 To The Final Restoration Of Home Rule At The South In 1877.
PUBLISHER: NY: The Macm...
Category
1910s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Oscar: The Style, Inspiration & Life of Oscar De La Renta by Sarah Mower (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This is a very good hardcover copy in a very good dust jacket. Completely clean inside and out. Lavishly illustrated with color and black & white photographs of the wealthy and stylish set that could have been in Slim Aaron's book A Wonderful Time. Similar guest lists. Many of Oscar de la Renta's most memorable gowns and elegant evening wear are here. Also many of the designer's drawings reproduced here. Lots of insider talk from John Fairchild, Diana Vreeland, C.Z. Guest, Anna Wintour, etc. Photographs by Irving Penn, Bert Stern, Steven Meisel, Harry Benson, Richard Avedon, Patrick Demarchelier, Helmut Newton, Francesco Scavullo, Arthur Elgort, David Bailey, Mario Testino, Annie Liebovitz...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Miniature Painted Union Jack Leather Chesterfield Sofa – Vintage British Style
Located in Morristown, NJ
Late 20th/Early 21st c. a striking handcrafted miniature Chesterfield sofa, meticulously designed with a distressed dark navy leather exterior and a hand-painted Union Jack motif. Me...
Category
1990s English Chesterfield Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Two Large Malachite Eggs on Brass Stands
Located in Somis, CA
Set of two splendid malachite eggs. Hand crafted and polished, displaying fantastic various natural patterns of swirls and stripes. A stone of transforma...
Category
20th Century Italian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Malachite
Antique Gold Filled Walking Stick Cane
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique black lacquer ebonized wood walking stick cane with gold filled ornately decorated top with monogram. 36 3/4" long. Top is 2 1/2" x 1 1/2".
Category
Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Art Deco Sterling Silver Cigarette Cigarette Case - Goldsmiths & Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Period, sterling silver, hinged cigarette case, London, year-hallmarked for 1931, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths (located at 112 Regent Street West, London) - makers. The cigar...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
large Santa Claus Belsnickle Christmas Chocolate Mold Antique 1900s, German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous chocolate mold. Made of metal, not marked. Beautiful and ready to use or display, with nice patina. The 1890s to 1920s were the golden age of Chocolate production and cons...
Category
Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Barnum & Bailey Circus Horse Collar
Located in Fulton, CA
Vintage and historical leather and painted wood horse collar from Barnum & Bailey Circus. Embossed in leather "Barnum & Bailey". Could be converted into a mirror or simply enjoyed as...
Category
20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Gothic Revival Oak Fireplace Mantel with Carved Church Window Panels & Guards
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful Gothic Revival fire-place mantle surround with an amazing presence and patina.
If you like Gothic Revival furniture then we are certain you will like this quality made and quality carved, antique Gothic mantle...
Category
Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Oak
C1930 Vintage & Unusual Form Upright Bass Benedikt Lang Germany
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular upright bass 4 string by Benedikt Lang c1930. Was told its an unusual form, and from my experience i believe that to be very true. Seems as tho its in fairly good conditi...
Category
1930s German Bohemian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fruitwood, Maple
Cartier Paris Poker or Bridge Cards in Red Original Box Vintage 1970
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Must De Cartier Paris Vintage Playing Poker or Bridge Cards in Red Original Box.
Cartier playing cards, one deck plus joker, poker, bridge playing cards in Cartier red 2-doors case.
Les Must De Cartier playing cards were only sold from 1972-1976.
This silk-lined box of cards with 18-karat gilded corners, printed with the Les Must De Cartier logo, is a gift for the true collector.
The box measures: 6 1/2" by 4 1/4" by 1 3/8" and is marked Cartier.
Beautiful deep red color cards with golden accents, Cartier cameo monogram, and 18-karat gold splashed edges.
These cards are beautiful and rare, a real treasure.
Cartier playing cards in gilt-tooled leather red case, the inside marked "Les Must de Cartier, Paris".
Genuine Cartier and marked "Cartier Paris".
Cartier playing cards are Monaco grade for casinos and gaming each with the Cartier monogram.
Vintage Luxe Must De Cartier poker...
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Masterpieces of Impressionism & Post-Impressionism - The Annenberg Collection
Located in Bradenton, FL
Masterpieces of Impressionism & Post-Impressionism - The Annenberg Collection. Softcover book, published in 1989 in conjunction with the exhibition at The Philadelphia Museum of Art....
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of 5 Handpainted Swedish Traditional Dala Horse Toys – Designed by Nils Olsson, Sweden, Circa 1960
Experience the timeless charm of Sweden with this set of five handpainted trad...
Category
1960s Swedish Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Early 20th century English Enamel Equestrian Silver Flask
Located in Leesburg, VA
Early 20th century English Enamel Equestrian Silver Flask
Unidentified Maker
England; early 20th century
Silver, enamel
Approximate size: 6 (h) x 3 (w) x 1.25 (d) in.
Crafted in E...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Hannah Wilke Retrospective Book with Drawing and Signature
By Hannah Wilke
Located in New York, NY
Hard bound first edition monograph on pioneering feminist artist/performance artist Hannah Wilke. Titled "Hannah Wilke: A Retrospective," it was published in 1989 in conjunction with...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Sotheby's Antiquities et Objets d'Art, Marquis de Ganay, Monaco 1987, Hard Cover
Located in Stamford, CT
Sotheby's hard cover catalog important antiquities and objects of art, Monaco, December 5, 1987.
Antiquities et Objets d'Art, Collection de Martine, Comtesse de Behague
provenant de ...
Category
Late 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
American Diplomatic Mission Flag, Judaica- Liberation of Concentration Camp 1945
Located in Doha, QA
This American Diplomatic Mission Flag is one of its kind, a true museum’s piece, and it’s from the time which should never happen again in human history.
This Flag was taken from th...
Category
20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton
Large Vintage Cartier Jewelry Blue Sapphire French Gold Silk Scarf Pillow
By Cartier
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Katie Larmour Studio is the original vintage scarf pillow maker. Gaining notability for her unique idea and creations back in 2013 - featured in the like...
Category
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Textile, Linen, Silk
'Maison Kuiper' Ocelot Fur Hat, 1950s
Located in Tilburg, NL
'Maison Kuiper' Ocelot fur hat, Model Sissy, The Netherlands, 1950s.
This is a rare beret style hat in ocelot fur made by 'Maison Kuiper' a very high-end...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fur
[1st ed] Teenage Lust (Signed)
By Larry Clark
Located in New York, NY
First edition of Larry Clark’s iconic second book of photographs (following 1971’s Tulsa) documenting and immortalizing a debauched adolescent subculture. Self-published in 1983. Con...
Category
1980s American Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
![[1st ed] Teenage Lust (Signed)](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/1st-ed-teenage-lust-signed-for-sale/f_8285/f_441747221742773661557/f_44174722_1742773662340_bg_processed.jpg?width=240 "[1st ed] Teenage Lust (Signed)")
Original Antique Map of the American State of Indiana, 1903
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Antique map of Indiana
Published By A & C Black. 1903
Original colour
Good condition
Unframed.
Free shipping
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1930s Mole-Richardson, Hollywood CA, Movie Set Light, Model 210, #2487, Restored
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
1930s Mole-Richardson-Hollywood CA, Movie Set Light, Model 210, #2487 -Professionally Restored, Made in Hollywood, Ca, 1930s
An original, exemplary, example of the rare Model 210, numbered 2487, film studio light made by Mole Richardson, Inc. of Hollywood, CA,
We are offering a professionally restored, remarkably intact version, including the the sliding interior lighting mechanism, the orignal porthole glass shade and rubber lighting cord. The high quality of casting of the brass and chrome parts , many of them with the enameled Mole Richardson logo.
The brass company identification tag is retained, the flood and spot light and the on and off switches are operational.
The lamp is raised on a wheeled tripartite base, with an adjustable height from 4' to 8' feet. Moves easily.
This is a rare opportunity to own the 'Rolls Royce' of movie studio lights, from the golden era of American film.
Overall measurements:
80-inches high, diameter of base 33-inches
The brass and chrome lantern /porthole light...
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Antique Copper Brass Nautical Maritime Gimbal Compass Binnacle Oil Lamp 11"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique English nautical ship / Yacht / lifeboat gimbal compass / binnacle. Copper and brass body with single oil lamp on one side for illumination. Gimbal Sestrel compass...
Category
Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1933 - A Century of Progress - Chicago Worlds Fair Solid Etched Copper Tray
By Raymond Hood 1
Located in St. Louis, MO
1933 - A Century of Progress - Chicago Worlds Fair solid etched copper souvenir tray, unusual version with handles.
The Century of Progress International Exposition, also known as...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Copper
Vintage Box of Multicolored Chalks, Conte à Paris, 1970s, Unused, 2C10
Located in Bordeaux, FR
This exceptional vintage box of multicolored chalks by Conte à Paris dates back to the 1970s and remains unused, offering both artistry and nostalgia. The set is housed in its origin...
Category
1970s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Ship Model "Sovereign of the Seas " a 17th-century warship of the English Navy
Located in Miami, FL
The Sovereign of the Seas, an early British "First-Rate Ship of the Line" was launched in 1637 and was the most magnificent ship of her era. Designed in 1630s by Phineas Pett, she was the first ship to have three full gun decks, carrying a total of 102 guns, on the orders of King Charles I. No expense was spared in her construction. Renamed the Royal Sovereign when Charles II came to the throne in 1660, she fought in several battles during the second and third Dutch wars between 1666-1673. The nine years war against France broke out in 1689 and the Sovereign of the Seas (Royal Sovereign) was present at the Battles of Beachy Head...
Category
20th Century English Renaissance Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Virgin Sculpture on a Wooden Glass Door Cabinet, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique cabinet with a slide glass door containing an antique plaster sculpture of a virgin, dressed with hand-tailored clothes. Manufactured by unknown artist in Spain, circa 1940....
Category
1940s Spanish Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
"The Second World War, " Chartwell Edition by Winston Churchill
Located in Austin, TX
The Second World War (Chartwell Edition-United States) by Winston Churchill from Houghton-Mifflin Company, Boston.
A deluxe edition of Winston Churchill's six-volume memoir, The Sec...
Category
20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1900s Decorative Wall Hanging „Multimeter“ Scientific Slide Rule Calculator
Located in Vienna, AT
A dekorative appr. 120-year-old, large, wall-mounted round „Multimeter“ analog slide rule calculator. Dated around 1900, made in Germany. It has a rotatable glass disc and offers multiple features like multiplication, division, interest-calculation and square root...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Venini Glass, Two Books Catalogue Raisonne by Frano Deboni (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This two-volume set of books is the much-awaited 2007 reprint, which has now been enlarged to include a section on lighting, a directory of some of the major artists...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Karl Griesbaum Automatronic Singing Bird Cage, Made in Germany
Located in Norwood, NJ
Vintage automatronic wind-up singing bird cage crafted by Karl Griesbaum in Germany. Automation makes the caged bird sing, flutter its tail and move its beak and head about. The cage...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Complete "101 Dalmatians" Collectors Box by McDonalds / Disney, 1990s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Complete limited edition "101 Dalmatians" collector box, toys that were issued for McDonald's "Happy Meal" between November 1996 and January 1997. The t...
Category
Late 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Art deco gold ring Diamond and Sapphire
By Cartier
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Art deco 14K yellow gold ring
Glass paste faux Sapphire cabochon in the center with synthetic diamonds
condition very good
Size 17.5 solid gold ring
Category
20th Century Dutch Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Revolver Lighter, 1980s Japan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handsome lighter is cast in the shape of a revolver. Perfect for any collector of smoking paraphernalia or firearm enthusiast. Meticulous attention to detail throughout makes fo...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage Gloster Meteor F4 Airplane Model with Postcard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool vintage Gloster Meteor F4 Airplane Model with desk model with black and white postcard, circa 1960s. The model is in very good condition and measures 9.5" wingspan x 8.5...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Miniature 'Dragon' Sailing Boat
Located in Tilburg, NL
Art Deco Style Miniature 'Dragon' Sailing Boat. Europe, mid to late 20th century.
A wonderful miniature sailing boat - very refined and semi-abstract. Wonderful details and appearan...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Metal
French Chess Theme of Ancient Egypt Plaster & Wood Restored, circa 1920
Located in Labrit, Landes
French chess game in the thematic of Ancient Egypt. The chess pieces are in painted and waxed plaster, the board is in wood and the is also a display shel...
Category
1920s French Egyptian Revival Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster, Wood
'Taxi Driver' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Japanese, 1976
Located in Devon, GB
Set amidst the moral decay of New York City following the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal, Martin Scorsese's 1976 psychological thriller "Taxi Driver" starred Robert De Niro as a l...
Category
1970s Japanese Post-Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage German D.F. 10x80 Luftwaffe Binoculars On Stand 20th Century
Located in London, GB
Vintage German pair of World War Two D.F. 10x80 Luftwaffe binoculars on stand with manufactured code of DKL made by Joseph Schneider & Co, Kreuznach, Germany, circa 1939 in date.
D....
Category
20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Stunning Nuremberg Gingerbread Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Amazing and rare round shaped box, hand crafted in cardboard dating from the 1910s or older. The top of the box shows i view of the Nuremberg Castle in 3d optic.
This antique box is ...
Category
1910s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Composition
Large Antique Malachite & Carrara Marble Chess Board Early 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Large and Rare Antique Malachite & Carrara Marble Chess Board Early 20th Century
This is a wonderful antique Italian malachite and carrara marble chess board with complete chess piec...
Category
1920s French Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Malachite, Marble
MILNE. The 4 Winnie The Pooh books EACH INSCRIBED BY CHRISTOPHER (ROBIN) MILNE !
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: MILNE, A. A.
TITLE: When We Were Very Young - Winnie The Pooh - House At Pooh Corner - Now We Are Six.
PUBLISHER: London: Methuen Children's Books, 1977.
DESCRIPTION: INS...
Category
1970s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Cigarette Case Black and White Art Deco Style Fire Enamel Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ladies’ cigarette case rectangular convex “olive” shape in 925/1000 sterling silver with black and white fire enamel with Art Deco style design. With “lost” hinge, that is semi-invis...
Category
1970s Italian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Roy Lichtenstein by Diane Waldman (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
Roy Lichtenstein helped usher in the pop art movement in America in the 1960s with his large-scale paintings of comic-book panels and his deadpan renditions of consumer-product adver...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
BR Western Highlands Original Vintage Travel Poster by Edward Halliday, 1950
Located in Devon, GB
Produced for British Railways to promote rail travel to the Scottish Highlands, this scarce British quad royal travel poster for the Western Highlands features a picturesque and peac...
Category
1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Linen
Disston and Sons Brass Back Saws c.1940s-Price per item
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Price per item.
Vintage saws with hand carved wood handles, brass labels, brass screws and steel blades. Two have brass backs.
CREATOR Diss...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Antique 1930's Gretsch Arch Top Acoustic Guitar
Located in New Milford, CT
**Antique 1930s Gretsch 150 Archtop Acoustic Guitar – Vintage Elegance with Timeless Tone**
Step into the golden age of American craftsmanship with this stunning antique 1930s Grets...
Category
1930s American American Classical Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Maple, Rosewood
Brushed Aluminum Stacked Level Pool Table, 1980s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom made regulation size, three tiered pool table from the 1980s. Made in the USA.
Hidden ball return system allows each pocketed ball to roll internally back to the front of the...
Category
1980s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Slate, Aluminum, Brass
Hermes, La Beaute En Voyage (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
This beautifully presented book illustrates the collection of luxurious travel objects made by the world-famous brand Hermes. In the latter years of the 19th century Emile Hermes tra...
Category
20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Blue Pop Art APC Pouring Paint Can Bank
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly Pop Art 1980s pouring paint can piggy bank/sculpture. Metal paint can with a quarter-sized coin slot in its bottom appears to be defying gravity by resting on a pouring ...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Plaster Religious Traditional Wall Artwork of The Last Supper, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, ES
Traditional religious plaster wall artwork depicting The Last Supper. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear con...
Category
1950s Spanish Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter Designed by Ettore Sottsass. circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter with the Original Case. circa early 1970s
Created by famed Italian designer/architect Ettore Sottsass...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Art Nouveau Glass Paperweight with Floral Silver Overlay, c. 1910s
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant paperweight from the early 20th century is expertly crafted of cut glass and floral silver overlay in the manner of Art Nouveau. The translucent glass cube is shaped wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Original Exhibition Catalog – 5 Grabats Més 1 Portada by Joan Miró, Sala Gaspar
By Joan Miró
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – 5 Grabats Més 1 Portada by Joan Miró, Sala Gaspar, 1976
Artist: Joan Miró
Exhibition: 5 Grabats Més 1 Portada – Sala Gaspar, Barcelona
Year: 1976
La...
Category
1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
20th Century American Collection of Twenty Five Edition Harvard Classics Books
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern American collection of twenty five volumes Deluxe Edition Harvard Classics books, covered in red, green leather in good c...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, 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.