Collectibles and Curiosities
to
2,490
5,066
2,347
7,638
728
346
131
100
97
90
66
41
38
36
31
29
27
24
19
16
15
6
4,426
6,756
13,476
2,711
3,526
4,677
3,082
513
301
606
748
482
901
882
905
661
593
3,379
2,303
1,830
622
493
3,719
1,528
888
851
797
7,638
7,638
7,638
104
24
15
13
12
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 1960s
19th Century Italian Wood Mannequin, Circa 1870-1880
Located in Milano, IT
Mannequin
Sculpted and carved wood
Italy or France, second half of the 19th century.
It measures 25.59 x 6.29 x 3.54 in (65.5 x 16 x 9 cm)
It weighs 2.2 lb circa (1 kg circa)
St...
Category
1870s Italian Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1964 Raleigh RM4 49CC Moped
Located in Houston, TX
This is a 1964 Raleigh RM4 moped. The Raleigh Bicycle Company is a British bicycle manufacturer founded in 1885, it is one of the oldest and largest, b...
Category
1960s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
$2,200 Sale Price
50% Off
The Wandering Jew by Eugene Sue Complete Edition with Illustrations
Located in Dallas, TX
Presenting a rare first edition hardback copy of The Wandering Jew by Eugene Sue, Complete Edition IN ONE VOLUME with Illustrations by GAVARNI and GIRARDET, published by George Routl...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
French Solid Brass Adjustable Bible Stand
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A large decorative brass Bible stand from a Catholic church. This versatile antique book stand has the ability to lay flat or to be used at adjustabl...
Category
19th Century French Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1816 Large Southern Hindostan Map by J. Thomson – New General Atlas
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1816 Southern Hindostan Map by J. Thomson – New General Atlas
This map, titled "Southern Hindostan," was published in 1816 as part of J. Thomson’s *New General Atlas*. The ma...
Category
1810s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
$493 Sale Price
20% Off
19th c. Bock-Steger Anatomical Brain Model, Germany
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A hand crafted and painted plaster anatomical model of the human brain. Franz Josef Steger and pathological anatomist Carl Ernst Bock collaborated a...
Category
19th Century German Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
$450 Sale Price
78% Off
19th Century Italian Carved Louis XVI Style Giltwood Barometer
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous late 19th century gilt wood barometer thermometer made in Italy in the Louis XVI or baroque taste. The large barometer features a large carve...
Category
19th Century Italian Louis XVI Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Carved Wood Tobacco Pipe with Soldier Head
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Carved Wood Tobacco Pipe with Soldier Head
A rare antique handcarved wooden tobacco pipe with a fine carved soldier head as pipe head. The head features a Confederated or a Union soldier. The pipe is executed in Germany ca. 1880. A great addition to every tobacciana collection. Good condition with a small repair on the hat brim.
The tradition of wood carving, using manual skills to make everyday objects and fine art sculptures, is found throughout Europe. The incentive to create not only useful but also aesthetically beautiful things, distinguishes the craftsman from the artist. In addition to the well-known Swiss wood...
Category
Late 19th Century German Black Forest Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1880 Earnst Plank Magic Lantern, Box Plus 72 Slides
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a beautiful and decorative 1800 magic lantern full boxed set. It was created by Ernst Plank and each slide box is signed. It comes with an amazing ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, 1887
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, Translated out of the Original Tongues: And with the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised, by His Majesty’s Spec...
Category
1880s English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Antique Empire Mahogany Sleigh Bed, Cabinet Makers Example, as Dog Bed
Located in Huntington, NY
This rare cabinet makers example of an antique Empire mahogany sleigh bed,
As Dog bed. With new poly foam bed covered in black & white ticking.
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
$2,080 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of 26 English Victorian Composite Croquet Balls with Varied Colorful Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This set of 26 English composite croquet balls dates back to the Victorian era (19th century), reflecting the refined recreational culture of the time. Crafted in England, each ball ...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Boxwood, Pine
Antique, Unused Golf Ball, Gutta Percha
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Unused Antique Gutty Golf Ball.
An exceptional example of a moulded mesh patterned Victorian gutta percha golf ball. The ball is in mint condition and is with the classic mesh patter...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
Beacon Lights of History by John Lord in 5 volumes
Located in San Francisco, CA
A five volume leather bound set titled "Beacon Lights of History" by John Lord
published in New York in 1884 by Fords, Howard and Hulbert profiling various historical luminaries from...
Category
1880s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Awesome Antique Bronze Gothic Revival 9 Light Chandelier with Phoenix Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted and truly impressive Neo-Gothic Church fixture that can also be used for candles.
Over the decades we have sold a number of very good antique bronze, Gothic light fixtures for both candles and electrical bulbs. However, we never offered one as high and with as many Gothic details as this hand-crafted chandelier. You will rarely come across a Gothic work of religious art that is more elaborate and with as many Gothic details as this fit-for-a-castle pendant...
Category
Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Bronze
Set of Old Bound Books, 19th Century
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Set of old books dating from the 19th century. From an old protestant library near Le Havre in France. These books are entitled "Histoire du protestantisme français" (History of Fren...
Category
19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
A Grand Tour wooden maquette, depicting the Cathedral of Milan, Italy circa 1880
Located in Milan, IT
Rare and unusual Wunderkammer architectural model in miniature, entirely handmade, in balsa wood, depicting the Cathedral of Milan. Original patina. Italy second half of the 19th cen...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Miniature Iron Maiden of Nuremberg
Located in Hanover, MA
Miniature "Iron Maiden" in blackened cast metal attached to its original round wood base. The front doors are pin-hinged and open to reveal pointed spikes. At base of doors is printe...
Category
1890s German Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Antique Print of 'Madonna and Child with Angels' Made after Correggio 'c.1890'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Madonna and Child with Angels'. Original antique print on chine collé, made after the painting by Correggio. Source unknown, to be determined. Published circa 1...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
$186 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Ship Model of La Sirene with Cannons & Mermaid Masthead, France circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
This impressive large ship model depicts the French vessel “La Sirene." This three-masted ship of the line “La Sirene" was in use 1691–1702.
Impressiv...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Black Forest Brienz Wood Carved Dog Walking Stick, 1890s, Austria Vienna
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful hand carved dog head walking stick cane. Manufactured in the Black Forest or Brienz Area at the end of the 19th century. Wonderfully expressive representation of a bulldog ...
Category
1890s Austrian Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
Chinese Bronze Opium Pallet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant bronze tool dates to the late 19th century and was originally one of many accessories that comprised an opium smoking kit. The shovel-like too...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Antique Chinese Bronze Foreigner Figural Censer Ming Xuande Mark Ming to Qing
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Chinese Bronze Foreigner Figural Censer Ming Xuande Mark Ming to Qing. Item features two servants carrying a planter, signed on underneath, the men...
Category
19th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Huge 19th Century Moose Mount
Located in Lymington, GB
A huge, 19th century taxidermy moose mount, on its original wooden shield.
The moose is in excellent condition and has been professionally and sympathetically restored.
The moose has...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Animal Skin
Antique Judaica Bronze Passover Seder Plate Vienna Art Deco 1890 Koloman Moser
Located in Doha, QA
It is an absolutely outstanding with very rare and original design Seder Plate, hand-crafted out of Bronze by famous art deco maker Koloman (Kolo) Moser who was one of the founders o...
Category
19th Century Austrian Art Deco Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Late 19th Century English Game Box
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Lovely antique game box, made of mahogany.
The box contains several games, with many bits and pieces. Not all complete.
It is obviously that there h...
Category
1890s British Belle Époque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
19th Century Singer Sewing Machine
Located in Austin, TX
Transport yourself back in time with our exquisite 19th-century Singer Sewing Machine, discovered in France. Crafted with a sturdy cast iron base and an elegant oak frame, this vinta...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Terrestrial Instrument, Victorian, 1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky.
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, ...
Category
1880s British Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1867 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Located in Bath, GB
The sixth thousand of Lewis Carroll's highly influential work of Victorian children's literature, illustrated throughout by John Tenniel.
An exceptionally early impression of Lewis ...
Category
1860s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Poetry Book, The Lady Of The Lake, Walter Scott, Early Edition, Georgian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique copy of The Lady of the Lake, the celebrated narrative poem by Sir Walter Scott, published in 1811, a year after the initial release. A leather-bound volume, illus...
Category
1810s British Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
The History of the Discovery and Settlement of America by W. Robertson, 1835
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Robertson, William, Frost, John. The History of the Discovery and Settlement of America, With an Account of His Life and Writings, To which are added Questions for the Examination of...
Category
1830s American Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
The Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland as Mapped in 1882
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: 1882 Blackie Atlas Maps of Scotland: Northern and Southern Regions
Description: These two maps from the 1882 Blackie Atlas provide a detailed representation of Scotland, spli...
Category
1880s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Novel, The Snow Ship, Percy St John, English, Fiction, Victorian, C.1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique novel The Snow Ship by Percy St. John. An English language fiction book with secondary title Merchant of Yakoutsk, dating to the Vict...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Russian Fiery Ascension of the Prophet Elijah Rare 5 Color Enamel Icon
Located in New York, NY
A rare Russian five color polychrome enamel bronze travel icon depicting scenes from the life of the Prophet Elijah including the Fiery Ascension. The border in cornflower blue enamel and scrolled foliate elements topped by the Old Slavonic inscription- Obraz Sviatovo Proroka Ulii- Image of the Holy Prophet Elijah. In the upper left corner is of the hand of God on a white enamel background signifying the clouds. To the right is the Fiery Ascension of Elijah with his dynamic winged horses on a background of finely hand chased flames with stylized wind gusts. The Prophet holds the reigns in his right hand and reaches out with his left to his follower Elisha with a mantle for the parting of the waters of the river Jordan. The river Jordan takes center stage in the icon as a dramatic element - a wide swath of flowing waves with the scenes from the life of Elijah depicted to its left: The Prophet Elijah in the wilderness; Elijah hides in the desert and is fed by an Angel; and Elijah and Elisha crossing the river Jordan parted by Elijah's mantle.
This scarce icon is especially significant for the Old Believers tradition. The Old Believers were the chief makers of bronze icons, created by using fire rather than painted by hand. The veneration of the Prophet Elijah, who through his sacrifice, was able to call for fire from heaven manifests a special connection for the sect. Fire, ogon in Russian, was viewed as a purifier and a link to the Last Judgement and the end of the world. Polychrome enamel icons...
Category
19th Century Russian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Chinese Peking Red Overlay Snowflake Glass Snuff Bottle
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Antique Chinese Peking Red Overlay Snowflake Glass Snuff Bottle, of flattened ovoid shape with sloping shoulders, round neck, thin and flat mouth rim, raised oval foot and countersun...
Category
Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Handcrafted Ottoman Belt in Gold Blown Silver Filigree, 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Beautiful Handcrafted Ottoman Belt in Gold Blown Silver Filigree.
Very good condition.
Category
19th Century Bulgarian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Civil War Socket Bayonets
Located in Norton, MA
Three Socket Bayonets. One is a P-53 Civil War era marked "DEAKIN" and has a crown over 53, one is a "US" stamped dull tip, and the last is unmarked or stamped.
Category
19th Century American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage Parisian Dueling Pistols
By G. None
Located in Bronx, NY
These vintage early to mid-19th century French percussion cap dueling pistols are presented in their original carrying case. Each is beautifully design...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Late 19th Century Italian Wood Mannequin, circa 1880
Located in Milano, IT
Atelier mannequin
graven and carved stone pine wood
Italy, late 19th century
Measures: H 102 cm x 25 cm x 14 cm
H 40.15 in x 9.84 in x 5.51 in
Weight: circa kg 4
State of conse...
Category
1880s Italian Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Large Silvered & Gilt Bronze Gothic Revival Sanctuary Lamp with Angels in Prayer
Located in Lisse, NL
Gorgeous mid/late 1800 religious art for the collectors and enthousiasts.
In antiques it very often is the case that how older the piece is, the better the quality and the details. ...
Category
19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Bronze
19th C. Bohemian Persian Enameled Portrait of Decanter Naser al-Din Shah Qajar
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th-century Bohemian Persian Enameled Portrait of Decanter Naser al-Din Shah Qajar
This exquisite 19th-century Bohemian Persian decanter features a ...
Category
Late 19th Century European Islamic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
1960s Gorgeous Smoking Set in Onyx. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Gorgeous smoking set in onyx. The table lighter works perfectly. Made in Italy. The items are in excellent condition.
Dimension:
Table Lighter
diameter 2,36 x 4,33 H inches
di...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Onyx
A Very Rare Pair of 19th Century Bronze Barrelled Signal Cannons on Timber Base
Located in Dublin, IE
A very rare pair of 19th Century finely cast bronze barrelled signal cannons of exceptional quality with gorgeous detail and rich patination. This fabulous pair of cannons have tape...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
SHELLEY, Mary. Frankenstein Or The Modern Prometheus - 1888
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: SHELLEY, Mary.
TITLE: Frankenstein Or The Modern Prometheus.
PUBLISHER: London: George Routledge And Sons, 1888.
DESCRIPTION: 1 vol., 5-1/4" x 3-7/8", (xv)317pp.(i), boun...
Category
1880s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric
Map of Italy and Neighboring Regions by Delamarche – Antique Map, c.1800
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Map of Italy and Surrounding Regions by Delamarche, circa 1800
This elegant and detailed antique map titled Carte Générale de l’Italie was drawn and engraved by the French g...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
19th Century German Miniature Pocket Terrestrial Globe
Located in Essex, MA
A miniature 19th century 3.5 inch diameter pocket terrestrial globe by C. Abel-Klinger, Nuremberg, Germany, in English for the English speaking markets. Signed with cartouche reading...
Category
1880s German Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
$1,230 Sale Price
50% Off
Small French PISTOL FLASK, CUPID, 19th Century
Located in TEYJAT, FR
SMALL FRENCH PISTOL FLASK, 19TH CENTURY
A finely crafted brass and copper flask, measuring 11.5 cm overall, featuring a heavily embossed design of a Cup...
Category
19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
ANTiQUE 1880 HARDWOOD REVOLVING SNOOKER CUE STAND 18 CUES SIR WILLIAM BENTLEY
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely Antique Victorian Circa 1880 Mahogany Revolving Snooker cue stand with 18 cues some stamped Sir ...
Category
1880s English High Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood
Antique Museum Quality Carved Oak Church Statue of Mother Mary & Child Jesus
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful, early 1800s, wooden sculpture of a Holy Mary with child Jesus on her arm.
This stunning church relic is another great example of the quality of 19th century, European craftsmanship and we are grateful for it to have found its way to our gallery. Also, because we are certain we will make a private collector or someone's congregation very happy with it. From the amazing body posture, the wonderfully serene facial expressions and the superb manner in which Her draped clothes are hand carved, one can see that this antique and sizeable Virgin Mary statue is the work of a master sculptor. This rare antique statue is made of solid oakwood and can be enjoyed on the floor, on a table, on a wall bracket or even mounted on your wall (via the sturdy antique metal hook...
Category
Early 19th Century European Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Oak
Antique Map of the Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway by Wyld '1845'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway'. Original antique map of the Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway. This map originates from 'An Atlas of the World, Comprehending Separate...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
$139 Sale Price
40% Off
Old Yachting Ensign Flag in a Shadowbox Frame
Located in Norwell, MA
Antique boat flag with a fouled anchor and thirteen stars in the blue field. The United States yachting ensign was created by Congress in 1848 to identify yachts that didn't need to ...
Category
1960s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cotton
Antique Map of Bourbon, or Reunion, Colony of France
Located in Langweer, NL
Original antique map titled 'Ile de la Réunion'. This is a fascinating map of the French department of Ile. Bourbon or Reunion. Bourbon, or Reunion, is a volcanic island off the coas...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
$316 Sale Price
20% Off
Unique Large and Great Quality Gothic Revival Solid Bronze Two-Light Wall Sconce
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique Gothic Revival light fixture for wall mounting.
This antique Gothic wall sconce with two flowery glass shades is another one of t...
Category
Late 19th Century French Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Antique Crucifix w. Bronze Corpus and Stunning Hand Carved Oakwood Cross
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size, finest quality and superb condition antique wall crucifix.
This antique work of religious art consists of a top quality carved, oakwooden cross and a superbly hand-crafted bronze corpus of Christ with a beautiful patina. The rare wooden cross comes with superbly hand carved 'fleur de lis' symbols on all ends which makes us believe that this ecclesiastical antique in the Renaissance Style originates from France. This bronze sculpture of Christ clearly depicts Jesus just shortly after the suffering has ended and His body could no longer hold on to life. People think of different things when looking at Christ who died on the cross, but no matter what you think of most, this antique crucifix...
Category
Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
DICKENS. A Christmas Carol. FIRST EDITION 2ND ISSUE - 1843 - IN ORIGINAL CLOTH
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DICKENS, Charles.
TITLE: A Christmas Carol In Prose Being A Ghost Story of Christmas.
PUBLISHER: London: Chapman and Hall, 1843.
DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION SECOND ISSUE. ...
Category
1840s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric
Set of Sixteen Leather Bound Book by Charles Reade
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of sixteen leather bound books by Charles Reade. Charles Reade was known for his novels that often combined elements of romance, social injustice, and moral earnestness. His wo...
Category
19th Century American Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
$2,320 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Unique & Powerful Italian Antique Crucifix w. a Stunning Bronze Corpus of Christ
Located in Lisse, NL
Large antique Baroque crucifix with stunning details and an amazing patina.
Because of the quality in the detail or because of the perfect anatomy o...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Baroque Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
James Bond 'Dr. No' Original Vintage British Quad Movie Poster, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
A scarce and sought after country-of-origin poster for the first release of the first James Bond film. Based on Ian Fleming's novel of the same name, the 1962 release of 'Dr. No' fir...
Category
1960s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen, Paper
Large Vintage Santos Mahogany Pond Yacht Ship Model
Located in Kastrup, DK
A very elegant wooden pond yacht ship model. High quality, hand-built.
Hull and mast made in santos mahogany with fine details.
Set onto a custom...
Category
Mid-19th Century Danish Modern Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood
Rare Gothic Revival Embossed Brass Eagle Sculpture Church Altar Bible Stand
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and sculptural, Arts & Crafts era, church bible or book stand.
This late 1800s bible stand has beautiful details and it is in remarkably good condition. The stunning overal...
Category
Late 19th Century European Gothic Revival Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
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.