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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Recognized Seller Listings
Antique Collection of Italian Grand Tour Plaster Intaglios
Located in London, GB
Antique collection of Italian Grand Tour plaster intaglios Italian, Early 19th Century Height 39.5cm, width 27cm, depth 5cm Consisting o...
Category

Early 19th Century Italian Classical Greek Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Three mortice chisels, all with sturdy ash handles by Sorby & Co
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Three mortice chisels, all with sturdy ash handles by Sorby & Co with steel blades, two stamped T. Turton & Sons, another by Sorby & Co, one also stamped Sheaf Works and all bearing the initial W.D for the War Department, dated 1862. English. Footnote: These three chisels represent three of the most famous firms from the great age of steel manufacturing in Sheffield. Sorby & Co was founded in 1828 and remains a world leading manufacturer and exporter of specialist woodworking tools and equipment. William...
Category

1860s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ash

German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy by the Lehman Co. "Balky Mule" Circa 1909
Located in Incline Village, NV
Perhaps the wildest action of all the Lehman toys, said to resemble Ernest Paul Lehman's temperament (founder of the company), "Balky Mule" was first manufactured in 1897 in Berlin (Brandenburg), and had a multi decade run; this example is from around 1909 (see image with markings to the rear of the carriage). The toy is catalogued as "EPL #425" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982. To operate the toy; wind up the attached clockwork key on the underneath of the carriage and place the toy on the floor. Do not over-wind and be gentle, as the toy is aggressive and over 100 years old. The toy will go backwards and forward, and the clown will pop up and down as the cart goes in several different directions across the floor until it winds down (see video accompanying the listing for guidance). The toy is found broken and/or inoperable, more often than not, because of the rough action, and typical abuse by children (after all, it was a toy). This example is in very nice original condition and works well. The lithography and hand paint is bright and original with no touch up or repaint. The hand paint is; flesh tones to the face of the clown, red trousers, orange hair, and grey paint to the seat of the carriage. The clothing to the clown figure is still intact and all original. The lithography to the wheels features brightly colored clowns and a German marking logo. What is really unusual is the fact that the donkey still has all four of its loosely attached original legs, considering the aggressive action of the toy. The metal on the donkey is actually treated with "fabric like" paint, to simulate fur. All in all this is a really cool toy and a "must have" for the collector of tin toys, or someone who simply wants a wonderful example of an early, "turn of the century" iconic wind up toy. Provenance: Recently acquired from a prominent toy collection in Los Angeles, California Dimensions: 7 1/2" long x 3" wide x 5" high Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...
Category

Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

RARE Newspapers July 1918 San Francisco Examiner WW. I, Women's Suffrage, B.Ruth
Located in Incline Village, NV
Wonderful entertaining rare item consisting of the actual newspapers from the San Francisco Examiner dated July of 1918---all issues; complete. Condition: They are bound in a hardc...
Category

1910s American Other Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

From Queen Charlotte, A Rare Miniature Gold Mounted George III Almanac, 1817
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A present from Queen Charlotte given to Ann Dundas, Viscountess Melville, The Viscountess was Queen Charlotte’s Lady of the Bedchamber from 1813 until the Queen’s death in 1818. Lond...
Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

From Queen Charlotte, A Rare Miniature Gold Mounted George III Almanac
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A presents from Queen Charlotte given to Ann Dundas, Viscountess Melville, The Viscountess was Queen Charlotte’s Lady of the Bedchamber from 1813 until the Queen’s death in 1818. Lon...
Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

The Works of Francis Rabelais in 4 Leatherbound Volumes Published In London 1784
Located in San Francisco, CA
The works of Francis Rabelais, translated from the French in 4 full original calf bindings with gilt tooled spines published in London by T. Evans in the Strand in 1784. Rabelais was...
Category

Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

The Impossible Collection of Wine
Located in NEW YORK, NY
In this stunning addition to the Assouline Ultimate Collection, Enrico Bernardo, the world’s best sommelier, imagines the perfect cellar filled with the most exceptional wines of the twentieth century: The Impossible Collection of Wine...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Formula 1: the Impossible Collection
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A six-point safety harness wraps over your shoulders and between your legs, a head and neck brace clamps down your chest. The world ahead is visible only above a rim at eye level; the world behind is seen only through two mirrors little bigger than cigarette boxes. The start lights begin to illuminate red, and when they extinguish, your life will enter another dimension: this is not a fighter jet or a spacecraft, you are on the starting grid of a Formula One track, strapped into the world’s most technologically advanced racing car. The turbocharged engine, with more than 1,000 horsepower, is about to kick you in the backside, hurtling to 100 kph in 2.5 seconds, careening toward the first corner of the track. For the average reader, even driving a single lap of a Grand Prix would be impossible. But for the world’s twenty best racing drivers in the series’ ten teams, it is a way of life that is extreme in almost every facet. Selected by veteran F1 journalist Brad Spurgeon, Formula 1: The Impossible Collection chronicles the milestones that lifted Formula One from a gentlemen’s club in 1950 to a global sport with hundreds of millions of fans around the world, third in popularity only to the Olympics and World Cup soccer. Highlighting exceptional technical innovations, remarkable drivers’ achievements and exciting race finishes, this volume illuminates immortal names such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Bruce McLaren, Enzo Ferrari, Colin Chapman, Bernie Ecclestone, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Jean Todt, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Gstaad Glam
Located in NEW YORK, NY
In the southwest corner of Switzerland, nestled among the snowy mountains of the Swiss Alps is the picturesque, upscale resort town of Gstaad. Teeming with exclusive ski clubs and a fur coat–clad jet set, Gstaad is the definition of Alpine chic...
Category

2010s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

A demonstration or museum model of a civil defence traversing cannon
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A demonstration or museum model of a civil defence traversing cannon. This bronze scale model of a defence cannon rests on a solid ebony carriage with working blocks and tackle to run the barrel out. It is set on a Derbyshire black marble base inset with a spoked pivot pin in the centre of a circular rail and a second curved rail for the two pairs of trucks to follow, thus allowing the gun to swivel or ‘traverse’ from side to side. It is mounted on its original walnut table with quadrant spandrels supported on four sturdy turned and reeded legs. There is a plaque reading ‘Model...
Category

1840s English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

David, Francois-Anne The Antiquities of Herculaneum 12 Volumes Period Bindings
Located in San Francisco, CA
The Antiquities of Herculaneum with their explanations in French. Published, Paris, 1781-1803. This profusely illustrated set consists of 12 volumes retaining their original marbled ...
Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Labradorite and Silver Bird Model
Located in London, GB
Labradorite and silver bird model Continental, 20th Century Height 10cm, width 11cm, depth 12cm Crafted in the 20th century the stone model depicts a hu...
Category

20th Century European Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Silver, Other

Vintage Etruscan Revival Style 14k Yellow Gold and Gemstone Ring, Size 8
Located in Shippensburg, PA
ETRUSCAN REVIVAL STYLE 14K YELLOW GOLD AND GEMSTONE RING SIZE 8 Item # 308GEX11P A positively stunning vintage ring by Art's Elegance, it features a stippled-ground with raised hi...
Category

20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold

Vintage Tin Wind Up Toy by Lindstrom, "Dancing Katinka" American, Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Antique toys like this (wind ups) are difficult to find in outstanding operating condition as this one (see the video attached) because of the rough play they would have received from the children who owned them. In very good and all original condition and paint in green, white, yellow, and flesh tone; the paint and lithography has no touch up or repaint of any kind; there is zero restoration. To operate, just turn clockwise the attached clockwork wind up key on the back of the girl and the she dances around in a circular motion for quite some time. "Dancing Katinka" is an all tin wind up toy...
Category

1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Zebra Stone and Silver Bird Model
Located in London, GB
Zebra stone and silver bird model Height 8cm, width 9cm, depth 7cm Continental, 20th Century Expertly carved from zebra stone, the bird, most likely a wren, is sitting atop a fossi...
Category

20th Century European Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Silver, Other

Native American Indian Chief Themed Gold Ring with Polychromed Features. C. 1955
Located in Incline Village, NV
Circa 1955, uniquely designed, well crafted vintage 14k gold ring, depicting an Indian Chief in full headdress regalia with colorful polychrome features. Attention to detail with fin...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Native American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Vintage Etruscan Revival Style 14k Yellow Gold and Garnet Bracelet
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VINTAGE ETRUSCAN REVIVAL STYLE 14K GOLD AND GEMSTONE BRACELET Item # 308QAJ11Z A very finely made bracelet in the Etruscan Revival taste, it...
Category

20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold

Moderno, Design for Living in Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela, 1940-1978
Located in New York, NY
Catalog of a traveling exhibition opening at the America’s Society in New York in 2015. Published by Santillana. 4to, hardcover, 280 pages, with both full color and b/w illustrations, including a section of plates dedicated to the exhibit. With incisive essays by Gabriela Rangel, Jorge Rivas Perez, Lourdes Blanco, Ana Elena Mallet, Christina L. De Leon, Maria Cecilia Loschiavo Dos Santos, and Luis Canstaneda, along with historical texts by Clara Porset, Lina Bo Bardi and others, plus designer biographies. An important contribution to the understanding of Latin American postwar modernism...
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

19th Century Child's Platform Rocking Horse "Glider". American. Circa 1875
Located in Incline Village, NV
Of American manufacture, circa 1875, this authentic children's platform rocking horse "glider" is hand carved of hard wood, and has a hand craft...
Category

1870s American Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Leather

Japanese Puzzle Bank Portrays A Building Bank "National Savings Bank" Circa 1948
Located in Incline Village, NV
Quite an unusual piece for bank collectors or just for those seeking a unique collectible. This is a coin bank made of all wood; walnut and inlay here and there with a green painted ...
Category

1940s Japanese Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Mid-20th Century Brutalist Iron Hanukkah Lamp Menorah by David Palombo
Located in New York, NY
Large, hand forged, iron Hanukkah lamp Menorah in the style known as “Brutalism”, David Palombo, Jerusalem, Israel, circa 1960. David Palombo (1920-1966), was a sculptor and painter...
Category

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Pair of Modern 18k Yellow Gold Huggie Earrings with 44 Diamonds
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF CONTEMPORARY 18 KARAT YELLOW GOLD HUGGIE EARRINGS WITH 44 DIAMONDS Item # 307CKH29A A very attractive pair of huggie earrings executed in solid 18 karat yellow gold, they a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Jean-Gabriel Domergue's French Academician Sword
By Odette Domergue
Located in New Orleans, LA
This important and unique sword was presented to the famed French painter Jean-Gabriel Domergue to commemorate the painter's election to the illustrious Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1950. One of the highest honors bestowed on a French artist, the ceremonial induction into the French Academy has been accompanied by the presentation of a sword since the age of Napoléon. Rather than a weapon, the sword became part of the Academician's uniform, and, over time, its design came to represent the interests and aspirations of its recipient. This example was designed entirely by Domergue's wife Odette, a great sculptor in her own right, and thus it represents both a highly personal gift and an important art historical relic. The design of the sword is simply magnificent. Odette Domergue found her inspiration in antiquity, a theme that is also seen in the neoclassical sculptures that occupy the gardens of the couple's famous home, Villa Fiesole - also known as Villa Domergue - in Cannes. The impressive weapon boasts a solid gold handle that takes the form of a sinuous caryatid, who is nude save for a single swath of drapery. While the female figure recalls the sculpted supports prevalent in ancient Greek architecture, she also calls to mind the subjects for which Domergue was renowned - languorous, slightly risqué women with a seductive air. Other decorative elements such as fauna, cypresses, and grotesque heads enhance the whimsy and imagination of the incredible neoclassical design. Furthermore, the scabbard that contains the finely etched blade is also an impeccable work of art. Crafted of black Moroccan leather in imitation of the snake skin, it displays intricately engraved foliage patterns with a lion's head and Domergue's coat of arms. Though imagined by his wife, the sword was expertly chiseled by the celebrated goldsmith R. Delsinne and assembled by the atelier of the famed sculptor and medalist Raymond Delamarre...
Category

20th Century Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

An oak tray from H.M.S. Cambridge
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An oak tray from H.M.S. Cambridge, of rectangular form, the carrying handles with turned silver plated ends, decorated in cream on a green ground with a ribbon cartouche enclosing a ...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Vintage Free Wheeling Green Lithographed All Tin Racing Car. French, Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Circa 1930's free wheeling green lithographed all tin racing car, with attached pressed steel driver; it is probably of French manufacturer (the only time I have seen for sale was from a French toy dealer). This scarce toy has markings resembling early racing cars with the streamlined style graphics in yellow and green; standard grill; exhaust four manifolds to each side, and a spare tire attached to the rear; looks like an early Le Mans type car with the spare (see images). Other markings include the number "3:" on each side; "510 x 1" on the rear tire"; and probably the makers mark and logo, which I can't identify, on the top right behind the driver (see images). Not being a wind-up or a friction toy, this racing car was pushed across the floor by hand or/and used as an accessory in a toy train layout...
Category

1930s French Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

New Life for the Noble Tree: Masterworks by George Nakashima 'Sotheby's'
Located in New York, NY
Catalog of a sale held at Sotheby’s, New York, on December 15, 2006, showcasing the Arthur and Evelyn Krosnick collection of George Nakashima furniture and lighting, or actually the second collection, as the first—112 pieces-- was completely destroyed by fire in 1989. George Nakashima essentially stopped what he was doing and focused on rebuilding the collection replacing the lost items with what he deemed better examples, owing to his own technical and artistic maturation, though many were completed under the guidance of his daughter, Mira, after George passed away in 1990. Highlights include an important “Arlyn” table, lot 313, that fetched $822,000 (a record for the artist) on a pre-sale estimate of $300,000-$500,000; a superb “Minguren II” table that brought $180,000; a magnificent “Arlyn II” coffee table that sold for $204,000; and a set of eight Conoid chairs that sold for $96,000. The catalog of the Krosnick sale remains a touchstone for collectors interested in the work of George Nakashima. 103 pages with 85 lots, mostly with full color illustrations, printed wrappers. Price results...
Category

Early 2000s American American Craftsman Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

(Ten) Assorted Metal Still Coin Banks; Circa 1950's-'70's
Located in Incline Village, NV
Nine out of these ten banks are of American manufacture, made between the 1950's and the 1970's, while one (the Well's Fargo Stage Coach) was made in China, circa 1990's. Banthrico, Incorporated (Chicago) made four of these banks, while similar type companies made the other six. They manufactured coin savings banks for banking institutions who used them as premiums to those who opened up a savings account. In the case of young children they were given to them to encourage thrift and savings. These (10) banks are a representation of that era 1950 to early 1970's, encompassing enticing savings themes. They were always made of white metal, and typically plated; usually in a copper finish. All of the banks listed below are pictured front, back, and bottom. Four of the banks lack the coin holding trap, which is quite common, as it was typical for children to toss them or lose them eventually upon removing the money from the bank. 1) "Pirate Bank" Circa 1950's; depicts a pirate sitting on top of a treasure chest with a parrot on his shoulder, protecting his booty. Typical original copper finish in white metal; measures 5 1/2" high x 4 1/2" wide x 3 1/2" deep. Copyright marking to the rear "55" , perhaps 1955. Has the coin trap holder but lacks the circular coin trap. Very good condition. Referenced #335 "The Penny Bank Book" by Andy Moore (published 1984)( 2) "Eagle on Cliff" Made by Banthrico Incorporated and dated 1976 (Americana Bicentennial commemoration bank) portrays a proud American eagle perched on a cliff; nice detail to original copper finish with original coin trap in near mint condition. 6 3/8" high. Made for "United Savings Bank" Referenced #145 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001) 3) "Covered Wagon" Made by Banthrico Incorporated and from the 1950's, by "The Union Banking Company"; depicts a fully loaded chuck wagon with buckets, and a chest ":parked" on western terrain. Finished with copper finish to white metal, with the typical saw tooth coin trap intact, in excellent and all original condition. 4 5/8" long Referenced #432 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001) 4) "Well's Fargo Stagecoach Bank" Later made promotional bank by Well's Fargo banking institution; in all original and complete condition with original paint colors of red, yellow, and black, authentic looking stagecoach; in very good condition with coin trap intact and no repaint, restoration or dents. 4 3/4" long 5) "Three Little Pigs" Inscribed on front base plate, all original condition with coin trap intact. Slight manufacturing "blow hole" at base of one of the pigs (see image specific to this); unknown manufacture. Made of copper; measures 5" high. 6) "Indian Chief" Put out by "The Multnomah Bank of Portland,m Oregon; depicts an Indian Chief in full feathered head dress and chieftain regalia; with typical Banthrico Company original copper finish and Banthrico original coin trap to the base. Measures 5" high. Circa 1962 Referenced #27 "Coin Banks by Banthrico" by Jim Redwine (published 2001) 7) "Shoe House" Bank Mistakenly called "Old Lady and the Shoe Bank"; this particular bank is of unknown manufacture (could be early Banthrico bank...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Pablo Picasso: the Impossible Collection
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Pablo Picasso redefined artwork throughout his extraordinary career, becoming indisputably one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. In this evocative volume, the artist’s granddaughter, Diana Widmaier Picasso, curates the 100 quintessential, unique works that define the evolution of this illustrious artist, creating a stunning compendium of pieces that simply could never all be acquired by a single collector. Casual art lovers know his Cubist work and the Guernica, but Picasso: The Impossible Collection...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

Lalanne: A World of Poetry
Located in NEW YORK, NY
François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne are one of the most creative couples of the last century, celebrated for their surrealist sculptural works. Their pieces are as functional as they are whimsical, whether it’s the belly of a hippopotamus hinging open to reveal a wet bar, tritones fused from unfurled leaves to form a fork, or a tangle of twigs intertwined to form a bench. In celebration of François-Xavier and Claude’s ever-enchanting and whimsical sculptures, this tome, part of Assouline's Ultimate...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

Rare French, Early 19th Century Napoleonic Medal Cabinet
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
Rare French early 19th century Napoleonic medal cabinet on four gilt bronze pawfeet, a hinged door to the top and front opening to reveal four drawers containing 184 very fine bronzed plaster medals...
Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "Iris, Paris", circa 1885
By Iris, Paris
Located in Incline Village, NV
Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury, top of the line, French Lorgnette Opera Glasses; with fancy mother o...
Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Vintage Toy by Lindstrom Dancing Dutch Boy Playing Accordion American Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very difficult antique toy to come by, especially to find with the original box, as this example. In excellent and all original condition and paint in bright blue, white, and yellow paint and lithography with no touch up; there is zero restoration, and the toy is in outstanding operating condition; just wind up the attached wind up key on the back of the boy and the he dances around in a circular motion for quite some time while seemingly playing his accordion (see the video attached). "Dancing Dutch Boy" is an all tin wind up toy...
Category

1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Meerschaum Pipe Bowl with Silver Mountings by Klinkosch
Located in London, GB
Meerschaum pipe bowl with silver mountings by Klinkosch Austro-Hungarian, Late 19th Century Height 19cm, width 21cm, depth 9cm Emerging from the annals of late 19th-century Austro-H...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Pipe Rack in Brass and Leather by Carl Auböck, 1950′s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pipe Rack in Brass and Leather by Carl Auböck, 1950′s Additional Information: Material: Brass and leather Style: Mid century, Austria Produced in Austria Dimensions: (W x D x H): 9 ...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Synagogue Wall Tile
Located in New York, NY
A pressed stone tile saved from a synagogue in Poland. Pressed in the blue into the center of the tile is the Star of David, surrounded by a circle and framed by blue lines. The unev...
Category

Early 20th Century Polish Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Cast Stone

Battle of Trafalgar Bicentennial Silver-Gilt Casket
By Ian Calvert
Located in New Orleans, LA
"The Immortal Memory of Lord Nelson and those who fell with him" — Queen Elizabeth II’s toast on October 21, 2005, at the official Battle of Trafalgar Bicentennial dinner In 2005, the United Kingdom marked the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar in grand fashion. Celebrations included memorable speeches by Queen Elizabeth II, awe-inspiring re-enactments of the renowned battle and extraordinary artwork commissions. This silver-gilt creation, one of the exceptional commissions to honor the bicentennial, represents an unprecedented collaboration of the best artists and craftsmen of their day. As one of only five of its kind ever made, this remarkable silver-gilt commemorative casket immortalizes Lord Horatio Nelson's legacy in captivating form. The objet d'art intentionally evokes a graceful wave with its artfully crafted curved sides and bracket feet. The front showcases a hand-painted enamel portrait of General Horatio Nelson, exquisitely rendered on 18K gold by Gillie Hoyte Byrom. Turning the casket reveals a compelling scene of the legendary Battle of Trafalgar painted by Commander Geoff Hunt...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold, Silver

Four Piece Furniture Doll Set. All Tin. Circa 1950's
Located in Incline Village, NV
All tin; circa 1950's four piece doll furniture set, scaled to fit and accommodate all of your 8" or so dolls from that era, e.g. "Muffie, Ginnette, etc". Display your dolls around this ensemble consisting of a clothing wardrobe...
Category

1950s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Pair of English Silver and Silver Gilt Rimonim
Located in London, GB
Pair of English silver and silver gilt rimonim English, c. 1920 Height 37cm, diameter 10cm Forged from luminous silver and enhanced with elegant silver gilt accents, this refined p...
Category

Early 20th Century English Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Unique Custom Made Handcrafted Designer Golf Bag in Western Motif, circa 1955
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very unique and one of a kind item; consisting of a Custom Made Hand Crafted Leather Designer Golf Bag, in Western Motif; all hand tool and...
Category

1950s American Sporting Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Two-handled Art Deco silver trophy cup & cover
Located in London, GB
Stylish two-handled silver trophy cup and cover made in the Art Deco style and of the era. The silver trophy's elegant sweeping handles and finial are decorated with simple interwove...
Category

20th Century British Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Early 20th Century Bezalel Jerusalem Shabbat Tray
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century Bezalel Jerusalem wooden tray inlaid with Jerusalem stone and mother of pearl. The large tray is carved with the Seven Species on its margins, while the center is...
Category

Early 20th Century Israeli Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble

Dangae do tosei gusoku A blue-laced samurai armor with cuirass of double style
Located in Milano, IT
Dangae do tosei gusoku A blue-laced samurai armor with cuirass of double style Edo Period, 18th century Kabuto [helmet]: Black lacquered eboshi-nari kabuto, in the form of this ...
Category

18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Fontana Arte Book
By Franco Deboni
Located in New York, NY
Author Franco Deboni, foreword by Bernd Goeckler ?Allemandi & C. English edition, available exclusively through Bernd Goeckler antiques, starting March ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Post World War II South African Hebrew Inscribed Metal School Supply Box
Located in New York, NY
Metal school supply box sent by the South Africa Jewish Wars Appeal to the Wels displaced persons (DP) camp in Austria, 1947. Painted blue and white with the map of South Africa, and...
Category

1940s South African Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Early Vintage Chein Company All Tin Toy Wind-Up Limousine, American, Circa 1930
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is one of the earlier, New York City based, J. Chein Company, tin toy pieces. They started doing lithography in 1930. This toy wind-up sedan was made circa 1930 and is brightly ...
Category

1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Buchschmuck und Flachenmuster von Max Benirschke (Vol. 2 of De Quelle)
Located in New York, NY
First edition of the second volume (of three) of the renowned graphic design publication Die Quelle (the Source), deemed, along with the journal Die Flache, as among the finest examples of Secession-style graphic design. Published by M. Gerlach & Co of Vienna and Leipzig; not dated but circa 1902-1905. Buchschmuck und Flachenmuster translates to Book Decoration and Surface Design. It presents the work of Max Benirschke (1880-1961), an Austrian architect, illustrator, and designer who studied at the Kunstgewerbescule in Vienna under Josef Hoffmann and was subsequently hired by Peter Behrens in 1903 to teach at his newly founded School of Applied Arts in Dusseldorf. In 1900, Benirschke was enlisted by the famed Viennese publisher Martin Gerlach to produce a folio for Die Quelle; the result shows Benirschke “at the height of his Jugenstil period with a series of curvilinear plant motifs and patterns.” According to Austrian gallerist Michael Steinbach, the present volume is “one of the most important design portfolios...
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare 911 Porsche Friction Tin Toy by Bandai Toy Co. Made in Japan Circa 1960's
Located in Incline Village, NV
Offered here is a whitish/cream colored friction tin toy 911 Porsche circa 1960's, marked at the bottom; "Porsche" in addition to the Bandai Toy Company logo embossed, along with "Made in Japan" designation being noted. The Bandai Toy Company is a post war toy company established in Taito, Japan circa 1950 and is still conducting business today, albeit, it has shifted from toy manufacturing to video toy accessories. This is a very rare toy and is coveted by collectors of both toys and fast cars. Except for the odd and minor scratch here and there, the toy is in very nice, all original condition with absolutely no restoration or touch up to the paint or mechanism (see images). The action and friction functionality works well (see video). Motor and engine mechanics and nomenclature are colorfully displayed through the plastic rear trunk window (see image); while the colorful interior can be seen through the side window. Car is all tin, with rubber tires and plastic windows. Dimensions: 10 1/4" long x 4" wide x 3 1/4" high. Priced competitively; note that this toy doesn't become available very often and the few that have turned up in recent years , don't work and are several hundred dollars more than mine. Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys; important considering fakes and reproductions in the marketplace it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...
Category

1960s Japanese Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Victorian Marquetry Wall Barometer and Thermometer
Located in London, GB
Victorian marquetry wall barometer and thermometer. English, 19th century Measures: height 98cm, width 25cm, depth 7cm. This elegant piece is a fin...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Sterling Silver Citrine & Bog Oak Dirk & By-Knife & Fork Set, Highland Line
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Edinburgh in 1978 by Tony Michael Holland, trading as Highland Line, this wonderful, Sterling Silver Dirk & By-Knife & Fork Set, features a ful...
Category

1970s Scottish Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

‘The Ten Commandments’ Silver Medal Set by Salvador Dalí
Located in London, GB
‘The Ten Commandments’ silver medal set by Salvador Dalí Spanish, 1975 Height 0.5cm, diameter 10cm The unusual and rare collection of pure silver medals was designed by Salvador Dal...
Category

20th Century Spanish Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Claude Montal Exposition Universelle Piano
Located in New Orleans, LA
Crafted by renowned French artisan and author Claude Montal, this piano was presented at the famed Crystal Palace exhibition in London in 1851, where it ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

"Boy Riding a Turtle" Wind-Up Toy; by J. Chein, circa 1930s
Located in Incline Village, NV
By J. Chein, circa 1930, this tin lithographed and hand painted American tin wind-up toy is all original and in working order. There are a few scratches here and there (from normal play and use); but for a nearly 100 year old toy, it is in very good and all original paint with no touch up or restoration. The turtle is painted in colors of yellow (predominantly) with a turquoise border and red dots, and an orange neck; while the boy is dressed in yellow. The action of the toy portrays a boy riding a turtle; and upon winding up the attached clockwork key and releasing on the floor, the turtle with boy rider, ride away! The turtle moves his head up and down while the boy rocks up and down, as the turtle moves across the floor (see attached 12 second video of operation). Works well (unique for this toy) but occasionally "sticks". Of American manufacturer (marked on the left of center of the shell of the turtle), the J. Chein Company was in Harrison, New Jersey, and one of the premier toy makers of the 1930's. Dimensions: 8" long x 4 1/2" wide x 4" high Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...
Category

1930s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Large Parchment and Brass Pipe Shaped Box by Aldo Tura for Macabo, Italy, 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Pipe shaped box by Aldo Tura for Macabo. Parchment covered piece with brass and ash wood details
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Cx-52 Model Swiss Cipher Machine
Located in New Orleans, LA
A triumph of ingenuity and craftsmanship, this Swiss cipher machine is a fabulous example of mechanical precision. Cipher machines are used to encrypt a...
Category

20th Century Swiss Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage Child's Toy Tin Large Spinning Top by Chein Company, American, Ca. 1950
Located in Incline Village, NV
Highly colorful and completely operational hard to find LARGE tin child's toy spinning top made by the J. Chein Company, Harrison, New Jersey, Circa 1950. It works great and is in co...
Category

1950s American Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Japanese 19th Century Temple Gong
Located in Hudson, NY
Japanese 19th century temple gong. Temple gongs were originally used to beckon the gods. Comes with bronze bell, silk pillow, red lacquer stand and s...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Pre-War Wind-Up Toy "Boy on Motorcycle Delivery Truck" by Marx
Located in Incline Village, NV
This brightly lithographed tin wind-up toy in colors of red, yellow, and blue, with a driver dressed in appropriate motorcycle clothing, depicts a young man driving a delivery cart with "Speed Boy Delivery" printed on each side of the wagon. The manufacturers logo is clearly marked on both sides of the stake wagon and on the right shoulder of the driver "MAR" with a circle around it and "Made in The United States of America, New York, N.Y." around the circumference (see images). The license plate number is "268", which, along with the red painted inside of the drivers arms (as it should be!) indicates this earlier version and authenticity. Nearly 100 years old, it still operates fine and, upon winding the attached wind-up key a few times and placing the toy on the ground, the motorcycle and driver move across the floor on the way to their deliveries; do not over wind. (see video attached to this listing). The toy is completely original and in very good condition, with no repairs or restorations of any kind and no touch up or repaint. The arms and steering handle bars are also original (sometimes replaced) and they have the appropriate paint and markings. This would make a welcome addition to a collection of pre-war Americana. Dimensions: 9 7/8" long x 5 7/8" wide x 5 3/4" high After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...
Category

1930s Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

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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