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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Hollywood Regency
Vintage Italian Mid-Century Leather Cigar Etui Holder
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Italian Leather Cigar Etui. Gold stamped case Made in Italy.
Category

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

Materials

Leather

Rare Italian Porcelain Madonna by Paolo Marioni
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare Italian porcelain Madonna, signed P Marioni. Paolo Marioni as author. Measures: Height 51 cm, width 24 cm, depth 12 cm.
Category

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

Materials

Porcelain

Vallauris French Mid-century Ceramic Crucifix, 1950s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Mid-century ceramic crucifix, France, 1950s. Exceptional design and quality. Height: 12.3" (31.2cm), Width : 7.1"(18cm), Depth : 2"(5cm). "Vallauris" engraved on the back (se...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Seguso Murano Blue Red Rope Italian Art Glass Boat Anchor Nautical Sculpture
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown sapphire blue Italian art glass boat anchor nautical sculpture on base. Documented to designer Archimede S...
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

1970s Handmade YO-YO Toy Exotic Wood Style Don Shoemaker
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Modern Handmade YO-YO Toy Exotic Wood in the style of Don Shoemaker 1.5 w x 3.5 diameter Preowned vintage condition unrestored. Refer to images listed.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Madonna with Child Terracotta Sculpture
Located in Antwerp, BE
Madonna and Child”. A statue of terracotta. Signed " Erika". Belgium, 1950s. Height 18" - 46 cm. Width 10.6" - 27 cm.
Category

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

Materials

Terracotta

Face Forward By Kevyn Aucoin Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Face Forward By Kevyn Aucoin Hardcover Book. Face Forward is a cosmetics book written by Kevyn Aucoin. It was a New York Times bestseller. The book was widely noted for introducing m...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Hollywood Regency Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Large and Heavy Mid-Century Modern Tv-Tower Sculpture, 1970s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Large and Heavy Mid-Century Modern Tv-Tower Sculpture, 1970s
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Steel

Kartell 1968 Catalog: Lampade e Arredamento
Located in New York, NY
November 1968 catalog for the iconic Italian design company Kartell, divided into two sections: Lamps and Furnishings. Square 8vo with printed plasticized wrappers, 55 pages, lavishl...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage 1968 Edition Dali de Draeger by Max Gerard Book Art Table Book
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible art table book that is enigmatic as well as unique. This book from the first edition, was limited to 1500 copies. This book is full of surprises and beauty. This copy with a full page original illustration by Dali in black pen on verso of front free endpaper, depicting three men and their horses crossing...
Category

1690s French Mid-Century Modern Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Western Tooled Leather Horse Saddle Line of Texas
By Visalia Stock Saddle Co.
Located in Chula Vista, CA
\ Vintage Saddlery Tooled Leather Horse Saddle Saddle Line of Texas Quality Vintage Leather Horse Saddle 15 h x w 22 w x 27d Preowned vin...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Flipper Modello Nautilus Produzione Zaccaria, anni 70
By Zaccaria Cremaschi
Located in Milano, IT
Flipper completamente revisionato e funzionante, struttura in legno, gambe in metallo. Buone condizioni. (una volta avviata una partita è fondamentale finire tutte le palline a dispo...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Italian Mid Century Poker Set Bottle, 1960's
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
This rare item is designed as a bottle and hides a poker set inside and is a real collectors item. All chips and markers are in place as well as well as the original dice. The bottle is made in wood and decorated with cow hide. We had an exact bottle like this previously produced in 1962, albeit with a little bit different design on the bottle that was stamped Gucci as seen in the pictures. This one does not have a mark that says Gucci but is similar inside on all parts. If you want to see more pictures of that piece let us know. The three last pictures are of the Gucci poker...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic, Cowhide, Walnut

Ashtray Stand in the Manner of Carl Auböck in Brass, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Nice light patina. A second ashtray in the same design is also on offer here on the platform. Very nice proportions.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass

12 Adam D. Tihany for Le Cirque N.Y. Villeroy & Boch Oval Plates w/ Big Top
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine destinations in New York for glitterati and foodies alike. No matter the location, monkeys and circus themes remained a design staple of the iconic restaurant. Although the landmark restaurant's NYC doors are now closed, Black Rock Galleries is pleased to offer items from the famed restaurant. Set of 12 oval porcelain plates designed by Adam D. Tihany for Le Cirque and made by Villeroy & Boch. The plates with yellow circus big top...
Category

20th Century Luxembourgish Hollywood Regency Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain

Song & Dance The Complete Story of Stage Musicals Kurt Ganzl Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Song & Dance The Complete Story of Stage Musicals Kurt Ganzl Hardcover Book. Publisher ‏ : ‎ Smithmark Pub (January 1, 1995) Language ‏ : ‎ English Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.5 x 1 x 12 inches. A history of stage musicals in the United States and Europe as well as an illustrated collection of some of the most memorable. This book does a very good job starting with what Gånzl holds are the proto-musicals, the opera-bouffes of the 19th century and follows the genre through the Gilbert...
Category

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Hollywood Collects An Exhibition from April 5 to May 15 1970 by Henry J. Seldis
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Hollywood Collects An Exhibition from April 5 to May 15 1970 by Seldis Henry J. (editor). Hardcover Book. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Hollywood Regency Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1960s Pierre Cardin Acrylic Coffee Table Lighter Signed
Located in San Gabriel, CA
Rare acrylic and brass table lighter with laminate backing by Pierre Cardin. Signed piece.
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Swiss Air Boeing 747 Chrome Plated Ashtray
Located in Weesp, NL
Presenting the Ultimate Collectible: Rare Mid-Century Modern Swiss Air Ashtray with a Boeing 747 Model! Imagine owning a piece of aviation history an...
Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Early 1960s Elegant Christian Dior Prong Set Blue & Clear Crystals Necklace
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning early example of a 1960s Christian Dior necklace, with prong-set blue and clear crystals. The necklace is a classic example of Dior's elegant and sophisticate...
Category

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

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Collection of Three Paris Eiffel Tower French Souvenir Building Metal, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A 1960s or older collection of three souvenir building architectural models. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. A beautiful nice desktop item or just a...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Pair of Elegant Early 1960s Christian Dior Blue & Clear Crystal Earrings
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning early example of a pair of 1960s Christian Dior earrings with blue and clear crystals. The earrings are a classic example of Dior's elegant and sophisticated ...
Category

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

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Mid-Century Era Eko Vox Teardrop Mark 6 Hollow Body 6 String Electric Guitar
By VOX
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Mid-Century era semi-hollow body teardrop guitar was made by EKO of Italy for VOX in approximately 1967 and done in the period style. The model is not indicated anywhere on the ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Vintage Marquetry Checker board
Located in Denton, TX
Beautiful marquetry design checker board with wood playing disc. Made for travel so it folds in half. Table not included.
Category

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

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Starburst German Catchall
Located in Charleston, SC
Great minimalist colors in this ceramic ashtray/catchall. This is one from my personal collection, I hope you love it as much as I do. I love the starburst effect made in this on...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Vintage Large Blue Italian Ceramic Ashtray
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful large blue and green incised ceramic ashtray in the style of Aldo Londi’s Blue Rimini line for Bitossi. Perfect for the 1960s smoking swagger enthusiast or as a decorati...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

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 4,72" H inches d...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Onyx

ORIGINAL 1ST EDITION 1962 BRIAN WILDSMITH SiGNED ABC CHILDREN'S BOOK
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare, highly collectable original 1st Edition signed Brian Wildsmith 1962 children’s A.B.C book B...
Category

1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

LAST OF ITS KIND BRAND NEW IN THE BOX 1969 PRINCE CHARLES INVESTITURE ARMCHAiR
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this unique opportunity to purchase the last of its kind, a brand new in the box 1969 Prince Charles Investiture armchair complete with an archive of documentation including all the original order paperwork Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote, please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price. What can I say, this is a Museum exhibit right here, the Investiture chair...
Category

1960s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Set of Wooden and Brass Marvellous Beers Playing Cards with Poker
Located in High Wycombe, GB
A Vintage Set of Marvellous Beers Playing Cards with Wooden Brass Finished Poker Card Box Item is in vintage condition, cards featured in the images are included in the price.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Ashtray Stand in the Manner of Carl Auböck in Brass, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Nice light patina. A second ashtray in the same design is also on offer here on the platform. Very nice proportions.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Metal

Picasso by Gaston Diehl, Bonfini Press 1977, Printed in Italy
Located in New York, NY
Hardcover book of Picasso illustrations and paintings by Gaston Diehl, Bonfini Press 1977, printed in Italy. Text in English. This book explores the many contributing elements to Pi...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - Somso ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - Somso ca. 1900 A folding model of an ear. It was used as teaching material in German schools ca. 1900. It is made of wood and paper mache by ...
Category

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

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Brass Hourglass Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Perfectly patinated brass hourglass holder. Dimensions 1.25" diameter x 3.75" height Condition Good vintage condition; age appropriate patina.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pair of 14k Yellow Gold Ridged-Hoop Earrings w/ Omega Clips
Located in Shippensburg, PA
VINTAGE PAIR OF 14K YELLOW GOLD RIDGED-HOOP EARRINGS Item # C104601 A very nice vintage pair of hoop earrings entirely crafted of 14 karat yellow gold, they hang on stud posts with ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Framed Large Collection Of Vintage Cigar Bands
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Various brands including one with a collie, one with a horse, an eagle (Turkish), cows (Turkish), birds (Egyptian Deities, and others). A large one at top for La Reclama, Havana Ciga...
Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paper, Glass

1970s Davidoff Cigar Humidor XL Switzerland
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Extra Large Rosewood Cigar Humidor Box Campaign Brass Handles made by Davidoff Switzerland Luxurious Swiss design 10 h x 19.75 d x 31.5 w Signature on handles. Brass has patina...
Category

1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Les Ateliers L&M Bordeaux Barometer stich leather 1960s France
Located in Den Haag, NL
Les Ateliers L&M Bordeaux Barometer Green Stich Leather, Savannah made in France. Ship decor .Works perfect .
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Radiophonograph Brionvega RR 126 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Italy
Located in Argelato, BO
Radiofonografo R126 in Noce Canaletto, di Achille e Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Brionvega, Italia, 1965 It is one of the most iconic and refined works of the famous pair of Italian ar...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

20th Century Terrestrial Globe by Peter J. Oestergaard
By Peter J. Oestergaard
Located in Madrid, ES
Early 20th century antique traditional Columbus earth globe, brass frame, papier mâché sphere and turned, ebonized wooden base. Gezeichnet & Hergestellt Peter J. Oestergaard.
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Harley Davidson Rolling Sculpture Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Harley Davidson Rolling Sculpture Hardcover Book by Doug Mitchel Celebration of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.The book features full-color photography of over 100 classic and contempor...
Category

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

Materials

Paper

Vintage Backgammon Dominos Briefcase with Multiple Game Set
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage backgammon and dominos briefcase with multiple Game Set monogrammed SB. Vintage 1970 backgammon, dominos game set grey and black velvet interio...
Category

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

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Baier German 1947 Army Truck Lighter Cigarette Holder And Ashtray In Aluminum
Located in Miami, FL
Army Truck Lighter, Cigarette case & ashtray by Walter Baier Company. Beautiful large sized aluminum lighter by Baier in the shape of a jeep with a ...
Category

1940s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Enamel

Ceramic Piggy Bank by Eva Jancke Björk, Bo Fajans, 1940s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A charming piggy bank designed by Eva Jancke Björk for Bo Fajans. While the piggy banks from Bo Fajans may share similar shapes, each one boasts a distinct hand-painted face and atti...
Category

1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Desktop Barometer / Weather Station by Airguide Instrument Company
By AirGuide
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool desktop barometer / weather station by Airguide Instrument Company, circa 1950s. The device is packaged in a walnut case with brass feet and accents. It has gauges and ...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Remington Rand Typewriter, 1947
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a vintage Remington Rand typewriter from 1947. The typewriter is the portable De Luxe Model 5, issued in a sleek carrying case. Still functional, this classic design features a black crinkle finish, and a QWERTY keyboard. Included in the set of metal rimmed black keys are fun features like a shift key, shift lock key, self-starter key, marginal release, and a back space key. A touch regulator is also included in this De Luxe model. The touch regulator is an adjustment mechanism that permits the keyboard tension to be set at any one of five positions, as indicated by the number in the center of the touch regulator slot. This enables the operator to easily set the key action to suit light, medium, or heavy touch, ensuring maximum typing comfort and speed. The first commercially successful typewriter was designed by Christopher Sholes and Carlos Glidden and manufactured by gunmakers E. Remington and Sons in 1868. In 1886, E. Remington and Sons sold the entirety of their typewriter interests to Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict. Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict manufactured their typewriters under the Remington Standard Typewriter Company name beginning in 1892. The company became the Remington Typewriter Company in 1902, before merging with the Rand Kardex Company in 1927 to become Remington Rand. Remington Rand continued to sell typewriters until around 1955, when it was acquired by the Sperry Corporation. Among the early famous typewriter users was Mark Twain. Twain said in a letter to Remington, “Please do not use my name in any way. Please do not even divulge the fact that I own a machine. … I don’t like to write letters, and so I don’t want people to know I own this curiosity-breeding little joker,” talking about his 1875 Remington model. Twain was the first author ever to have a manuscript typed. Other famous users include Agatha Christie, Rudyard Kipling, who made good use of the Remington Noiseless...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage Leather Medicine Ball
Located in Vienna, AT
Original patinated leather medicine ball from the 1950s.
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Mid Century Modern Vintage Brass Wood Sailing Ship Hagenauer Style 1950s Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage sailing ship from hammered brass and oakwood designed and executed in Vienna 1950 in the style of Franz Hagenauer. This amazing sailing ship from stained o...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Georg Jensen Silver Ring No. 91 by Nanna Ditzel
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Nanna Ditzel for Georg Jensen sterling silver ring. Designed as a curved undulating sculptural form. It sits beautifully on the finger, catching light from different angles. The ri...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid Century Modern Teak Case AM/FM Stereo Radio by Panasonic
Located in San Diego, CA
Cool in working condition Panasonic Model RE-7371 AM/FM Radio circa 1970's great condition nice teak case with chrome accents .
Category

20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Chrome

Rare Mid Century Swiss Air DC 4 Chrome Plated Ashtray
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing a Collector's Dream: Rare 1960s Swiss Air Chrome-Plated Ashtray with a DC-4 Airplane Model! Are you ready to own a piece of aviation history that's not just functional b...
Category

1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Chrome, Iron

Alexander Calder and His Magical Mobiles Art Book, Lipman & Aspinwal, 1st Ed.
Located in Vienna, AT
A great art book about sculptor Alexander (Sandy) Calder by Gene Lipman, a long-time friend of Calder, and Margaret Aspinwall. 1st Edition from 1981. 7.5X10.25“, 96 pages, 95 illustrations, hardcover with dust jacket. The book describes the life and career of the twentieth-century artist and includes illustrations of a variety of his works and a guide to his sculptures in museums and public spaces. It focuses on his representative mobile works and also features early wire works, commercial sculptures...
Category

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

Materials

Paper

10K White Gold Citrine Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
10K white gold ring featuring 7 buff top citrines, further decorated with 36 champagne diamonds weighing a total of approx. 0.36 carat, marked: "10K FP". Measuring approx US size 6, ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hollywood Regency Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Vintage Pan Am Pan American World Airways Advertising Wall Barometer, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
A round and large mid-century wall-mounted barometer / weather station from the airline PAA Pan American World Airways. Dated around the 1960s. A high-quality product, made in Western Germany...
Category

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

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Creative Playthings Crossword Blocks
Located in Garnerville, NY
Wood crossword blocks puzzles by Creative Playthings, Princeton, New Jersey. Circa 1967. Instructions included. Solid wood cubes with vibrant orange lettering. Never mind the phone o...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mario Bellini for Brionvega 'RR 130 Totem' Stereo System in Chipboard
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Brionvega, 'RR 130 Totem' radiogram, chipboard, plastic laminate, Italy, 1970 Postmodern stereo system designed by Mario Bellini (1935-) for Brionvega, Milan. The ...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Leather Medicine Ball
Located in Vienna, AT
Original patinated leather medicine ball with a branded manufacturers mark "Platura.
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Mid Century Revere S-16 16mm Sound Movie Projector w Case 22"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Revere 16 sound projector with case. Working. Dimensions: 22"x 15.5" x 7.5"
Category

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

Materials

Metal

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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