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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Victorian
Style: Eastlake
Victorian Display with Taxidermy Birds of Paradise by Jane C. Ward
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An extremely rare Australian Victorian display cabinet with birds of paradise by Jane Catherine Ward (1817-1889)
Sydney, circa 1880
Wi...
Category
19th Century Australian Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Other
Antique Brass Table Vesta with Novelty Enameled Figure
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual antique brass table vesta or nib holder decorated with a novelty black enamel figure of a boy diving on the ground dating from the 19th ...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique English Victorian Brass Letter Scale & Weights, Circa 1880-1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian Brass Letter Scale with Weights, Circa 1880-1890.
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
19th Century thermometer in original case
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
19th century thermometer in original case circa 1890.
Fine quality thermometer which measures between -45 degrees centigrade and +50. In fully working condition, complete in its ori...
Category
Late 19th Century Swedish Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Paper
Antique Carpentry Book, Architecture Reference, Peter Nicholson, Victorian, 1846
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique carpentry book. An English language, bound reference guide by Peter Nicholson, dating to the Victorian period, published 1846.
Fu...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Late 19th C Gregory Bottley Scientific Collection of Mineral Fossils Shell
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A good collection of Gregory Bottley mineral, fossils and shell all contained in there original teak trays and card board sleeves.
Each specimen has its original hand written and nu...
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Natural Fiber, Hardwood
Large Antique Book, Modern Practical Farriery, WJ Miles, English, Circa 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique copy of Modern Practical Farriery, by W.J. Miles et al. An English language, hard bound non-fiction book, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Full title, as follows: Modern practical farriery - a complete guide to all that relates to the horse, its history, varieties, and uses; breaking, training, feeding, stabling, and grooming; how to buy, keep and treat a horse in health and disease, etc.; forming a complete system of the veterinary art, as at present practised at the Royal Veterinary College, London / by W.J. Miles, M.R.C.V.S.L.; with numerous illustrations and a series of anatomical plates, engraved from original drawings from nature, by Benjamin Herring, Esq.; to which is added an essay on the diseases and management of cattle, sheep, and pigs by J.L. Lupton, M.R.C.V.S.
In fair, well-thumbed order. Some pages loose and displaying signs of coloration
Superb frontispiece in colour, redolent of contemporary William Morris print...
Category
Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Victorian Chinese Black Lacquered and Abalone Inlaid Games Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Victorian Chinese export black lacquered wood and abalone shell inlaid folding games box, backgammon, chess and checkers game.
The fine antique Chinese game board in black lacquered wood and abalone inlays, decorated with architecture, chinoiserie scenes of animals, figures, boats and landscape on the outside, medallions of floral design on the inside.
Handcrafted Chinese black lacquered folding game set box with the exterior designed as chess board the interior as a backgammon board, both boards inlaid intricately carved and etched abalone shell.
Dimensions: Length: 25” Width (folded): 11.25” Height: 3” Dimensions: unfolded: 22.75" x 27 x 1.5".
Circa 1920s, this great game set remains in good vintage condition.
There is no game pieces included just the box.
Collectible fine antique Asian game set...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Abalone, Wood, Lacquer
19th Century French Émile Deyrolle Anatomical Lithograph Poster
Located in London, GB
Émile Deyrolle Anatomical poster
A wonderfully rare and decorative curio medical French (Paris) original lithograph on board anatomical poster in ...
Category
1880s French Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting the Human Skeleton
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicting the human skeleton. On the sides On the sides are detailed description in German language. The wall...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
19th Century Life-Size Corpus Christi Figure Leg
Located in London, GB
19th century life-size corpus Christi figure leg
We are proud to offer a very unusual religious artifact, dating from early to mid-19th century and either Spanish or Italian in orig...
Category
1850s Spanish Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak, Paint
Antique 19th C. Cast Iron Classical Figural Dolphin Victorian Book Press
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique 19th C. Cast Iron Classical Figural Dolphin Victorian Book Press. Item features Intricate supports with dolphins and fluted columns, acanthus accented base, substantial and h...
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Fine Quality Antique French Toy "Dancing Couple", circa 1880, Rare
Located in Incline Village, NV
One of a kind, fine quality antique toy, "Dancing Couples" is of French manufacture, it is marked in raised lettering "A.L. Paris" at the top of the base. It is also very similar to several French toys noted in "Antique Toys" by Jeffrey Levitt, and the young lady's face is almost identical to the bisque face on a French toy referenced on page 209 plate #372.
This outstanding toy consists of two figures, a young man resembling Napoleon Bonaparte, and a young lady, dressed in period clothes with bisque (porcelain) faces and heads and wooden legs. The base is some type of metal composite consisting of a cast lead alloy. The polychromed hand painted blue and red metal dance floor is also a lead alloy. The wire stands supporting the figures is of ferrous metal.
The bisque faces are very lifelike with flesh tones and blue eyes, rosy cheeks to the lady with bisque auburn hair. He is dressed in original period Napoleon type military clothes...
Category
1880s American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
English Brass & Leather Hand Held Telescope
Located in Queens, NY
English (19th Century) brass and leather hand held telescope
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
19th Century Victorian Solid Silver Lighter & Vesta Case
Located in Bilzen, BE
A silver very rare horseshoe shaped vesta case decorated with niello inlays opening on 2 sides, with a compartment for matches and a striker, with wheel to wind the lighter wick
the ...
Category
19th Century French Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Antique Lithography Map, Western Russia, English, Framed, Cartography, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique lithography map of Western Russia. An English, framed atlas engraving of cartographic interest by John Rapkin, dating to the early Victorian period and later, circ...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Pair of Antique Carnival Plaques, Venetian, Bronze, Decorative, Victorian, 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique carnival plaques. A Venetian, bronze on oak decorative wall plates, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Fasc...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Collection of Ten Antique Carpet Balls
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Ten carpet balls crafted in stoneware, decorated and glazed in several different colors and designs including a white cue ball.
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stoneware
Antique Charles Dickens First Edition Nicholas Nickleby 1839 Chapman & Hall Book
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique 1st Edition book titled Nicholas Nickeby was authored by Charles Dickens and published by Chapman and Hall of England in 1839 in the period Victorian style with etchings by Hablot Knight...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
English Victorian Umbrella Cane with Horse Head
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian carved umbrella design cane with silver horse head handle.
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Antique Cylinder Sundial Late 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
A boxwood cylinder sundial...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paper
Victorian Miniature Mahogany Bowfront Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Attractive And Elegant Mid 19th Century, Victorian Period, Mahogany Bowfront Miniature Mahogany Chest, Having Very Well Figured Top, Over Two Short And Two Long Drawers Retaining ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Brass Fox Head Walking Stick, Glass Eyes, Scarf Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Brass Fox Head Walking Stick, Glass Eyes, Glove Ring
Offered for sale is an antique Victorian brass fox-head walking stick with a brass glove ho...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Rare Antique English Victorian Solid Brass Playing Card Press, Circa 1880-1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rare Antique English Victorian Solid Brass Playing Card Press, Circa 1880-1890.
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Miniature 19th Century Victorian Figured Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Morristown, NJ
19th c. Charming antique miniature chest of drawers. The chest has a marble top. The case is figured mahogany, with four stacked drawers, the ...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble, Brass
Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s
A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Taxidermy Black Hairy Clawed Cochin Chicken
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Taxidermy Black Hairy Clawed Cochin Chicken, a stunning representation of the Cochin breed, which boasts a rich history dating back to the 1840s and 1850s when large feathe...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Feathers
Antique Glass Display Dome
Located in Norwalk, CT
A wonderful glass display dome great to keep sculpture or collections safe and look more interesting than just on a shelf.
Category
Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
John Ruskin, The Stones Of Venice, Vols. I-II, 1880
Located in Bridgeport, CT
John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1880, illustrated. Tan leather with red, green and gilt spines. Marbled end papers, gilt edges. Volumes 1 and 2.
9 1/4" H x 6 3/8" D x 1 1/4"
Conditio...
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
19th Century English Victorian Wood and Silver Cane
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian light wood cane with silver fluted design handle with hallmarks at base.
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
19th Century Erotic Meerschaum Pipe & Cheroot Holders of a Woman in Bed
Located in London, GB
Antique Meerschaum Pipe, Erotic Meerschaum Pipe, Erotic Antique, Cabinet of Curiosities, Antique Cheroot Holders, Romantic Antique.
Rare late 19th Century erotic Meerschaum Pipe in the form of a woman laying in a bed decorated diorama case, with her legs forming two Cheroot Holders.
C. 1880.
Austrian.
Exquisitely modelled & beautifully detailed, with lovely period charm & style.
The Meerschaum female body shaped pipe has an Amber mouthpiece, and the Meerschaum Cheroot Holders are shaped as legs with Amber boots.
The pipes leather covered & hinged cardboard case forms the shape of the bed, with dark red satin & velvet coverings, with lace trims.
Very good period condition. All complete. Some signs of age to the lace behind the body, and general wear to the case.
Displays very attractively.
As well as a rare Tobacciana collectible, the piece also evokes an atmosphere of an anatomical wax...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Clay, Fabric
19th Century Reverse Painted English Glass Games Board
Located in London, GB
19th Century Reverse Painted English Glass Games Board
We are proud to offer a highly decorative 19th Century reverse painted glass games board. Depicting some delightful floral ...
Category
19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Paint
Rare Monochrome Shell Cameo of a Female Bacchus, c. 1850
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exceptional antique cameo, likely from England and dating to around 1850, is carved from a single-colored shell—a rarer choice compared to the more common layered varieties. It ...
Category
1850s Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Shell
Miniature Terrestrial Globe Newton & Son London, Post 1833, Ante 1858
Located in Milano, IT
Miniature Terrestrial Globe
Newton & Son
London, post 1833, ante 1858
Paper, papier-mâché, bronze and wood
It measures: sphere diameter 2.95 in (7.6 cm); diameter of the wooden base 6.02 in (15.3 cm); height 8.36 in (21.24 cm).
Weight: 2,067 lb.
State of conservation: the globe still bears its original paint, but has various small gaps, abrasions and stains on the surface.
The globe is hinged with two pins at the meridian circle, which is in turn inserted perpendicular to the horizon circle; this is supported by four semi-arches connected at the bottom by a small goblet-shaped foot, resting on a wooden bell-shaped base.
Apart from the wooden base, the entire support structure is made of bronze; on the foot there are the scale reproductions of a compass, a telescope and an open book.
The sphere is made of papier-mâché and is covered with twelve printed paper gores.
In the North Pacific Ocean the globe bears a cartouche with the inscription (about 30% of the writing is illegible, but the missing parts can be easily integrated based on the rest):
NEWTON’S
New & Improved
TERRESTRIAL
Globe
Published by Newton & Son
66 Chancery Lane
LONDON
On the globe, much of central Africa is empty and the great lakes Tanganyika and Victoria are not marked (Europeans would begin to explore the area after 1858). Canada is called "British Territory" and Alaska "Russian Territory" (it would become part of the United States in 1867). Australia already bears its modern name (until 1829 it had been called New Holland) and its coasts are completely designed; Tasmania is listed as an island (Matthew Flinders circumnavigated it in 1798). The routes of Cook's various voyages are plotted; both the route followed by Biscoe in 1831 and the "Land of Enderby" which he discovered on the coast of Antarctica, south of Africa, are marked.
Bibliography
P. Van der Krogt, Old Globes...
Category
1840s English Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Mid 19th century pietra dura brooch, circa 1860
Located in Central England, GB
This superb quality mid 19th century Pietra dura brooch is a very fine example decorated with a complicated and detailed display of cut flowers which include turquoise blue forget-me...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone
Antique Opalescent Perfume Bottle with Brass Mounts and Painted Medallions
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique opalescent perfume bottle is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Europe, likely in France or Italy in circa 1890 for a Grand To...
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
19th Century Miniature Wellington Chest, England
By Wellington
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful miniature Wellington chest of drawers. Warm Mahogany color.
All four drawers are locked by the hinged side pilaster on the right, term...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Liberace Autographed Vintage Schoenhut Toy Grand Piano
By Schoenhut
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Made by the renowned American toy manufacturer in approximately 1920, this wooden toy baby grand piano has been autographed in two places by the legendary Liberace. The piano shows o...
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Beautiful Victorian Cigar Cutter, Antique German, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful cigar cutter to stand beside your Humidor. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of sheet metal on a base. A beautiful nice collectible item or just a d...
Category
Early 1900s German Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Sheet Metal
Pair of Victorian White Kid Leather Lady's Boots, American, Circa 1890
Located in Incline Village, NV
Dress up your wardrobe with these authentic, vintage, high top white kid leather boots with a generous amount of shoelace loops; wearable and in very nice condition--small size; lady...
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Pair of Grand Tour Obelisks
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A pair of late 19th century Grand Tour Obelisks. The mouldings in Carara, the plint in Sienna, the plaque in Lapis Lazuli and the obelisks themselves in onyx.
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Onyx, Marble
American Victorian Bronze Presentation Sword with Scabbard
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian bronze presentation sword with an American crest and eagle plate over the handle (inscribed behind handle)
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Fine French Antique 1856 Hand Watercolour Map of Dept Des Hautes Pyrenees
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning 1856 hand watercolour map of the Austrian Alps titled Dept Des Hautes Pyrenees taken from the Atlas Nat...
Category
1850s French Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
19th Century Parlor Kaleidoscope by C.G. Bush & Co. of Providence, RI
By Charles G. Bush & Co
Located in Nantucket, MA
C.G. Bush & Co. parlor kaleidoscope on a turned mahogany pedestal with splayed legs, the cylindrical body of black colored textured cardstock with ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
19th Century, Piece de Maitrise, Architectural Model Roof Square and Round
Located in Vosselaar, BE
Architectural models as these were made by apprentices or master craftsman to apply for a title by their respective guild. In France these craftsmen were known as the 'Compagnons du ...
Category
Early 19th Century French Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Softwood
English Victorian Painted Book
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian (Dated 1869) painted book with golf scene on edge in wood holder
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Painted Pine 19th Century Miniature Chest Of Drawers
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Extremely Attractive Mid 19th Century Painted Pine Miniature Chest, Having Elegant Decoration To Top And Sides, With Two Short And Two Long Drawers Retaining Original Turned Brass...
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
Pair Of Antique Decorative Figures, English, Cast Iron, Rubenesque, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique decorative figures. An English, painted cast iron putto on elm base, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870.
Delightfully unusual figures with Rubenesq...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Late 19th Century English Diorama Clipper Ship Shadowbox
Located in Queens, NY
Late 19th century English Victorian painted diorama wall plaque of clipper ship with red flag painted in cloudy sky in mahogany frame.
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Victorian Hand Bag with Large Decorative Sterling Silver Clasp
Located in Van Nuys, CA
English hand bag featuring a large decorative sterling silver clasp with a religious scenic along the clasp.
Hallmarks indicate this purse was...
Category
1880s English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Wood & Brass Pill Roller from a Pharmacy Apothecary
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Antique Wood & Brass Pill Roller from a Pharmacy Apothecary
This is an antique apothecary pill rolling machine, a brass chemist's countertop instrum...
Category
1880s Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Sterling Bookmark with Letter R
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful Sterling Silver bookmark with the letter "R".
The piece easily slides onto a book and is a lovely addition to any desk or work station, or bedside.
We love its simplici...
Category
20th Century French Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
925 Sterling Scrollwork Tang Grass Pattern Victorian Statement Ring Size 10
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Great Boho Victorian style sterling silver statement ring showcases a cut-out tang grass pattern. The intricate design features crisp lines and open spaces, creating a delicate balan...
Category
1970s American Victorian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Metal and Wooden Handle Candle Snuffer
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Victorian silver plated and wooden handle candle snuffer.
Candle snuffer with carved wood long and hand carved handle.
Snuffers are great for extinguishing the flames of your...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Collection of 9 Folky English Victorian Brass Shoe and Boot Mantel Ornaments
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A collection of 9 brass shoe mantel ornaments.
Each in the form of a lady's boot or shoe.
Some with applied buttons and etched decorations.
Most ...
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
ANTIQUE ENGLISH 18 PIECE HARDWOOD WALL MOUNTED SNOOKER POOL BiLLIARDS CUE HOLDER
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this lovely antique Mahogany snooker or pool cue wall mounted holder that takes 18 cues
Please note the del...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood
English Sterling Silver Charm Neckless Long Antique Neck Chain, 1860s
Located in Wembley, GB
An open curb link charm necklace which had hung various charms, including a fire engine, motorcycle, trolley bus, doctor’s bag, dunce hat, barrel organ, an...
Category
1860s English Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Silver, Sterling Silver
19th Century Gilt Bronze Tabletop Cigar Lighter in the Form of a Beared Man
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Very unusual 19th century silvered bronze tobacco cigar table lighter.
The finely cast and chiseled features of a bronze man with a top hat and a large beared. The beared can be us...
Category
Late 19th Century American Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
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.