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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1980s
Stunning Nuremberg Gingerbread Candy Container, Antique German Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Amazing and rare round shaped box, hand crafted in cardboard dating from the 1910s or older. The top of the box shows i view of the Nuremberg Castle in 3d optic. This antique box is ...
Category

1910s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Tibetan Telescoping Long Horn
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Lofty Tibetan Dungchen ceremonial long horn crafted with copper and brass in a dramatic telescoping sculptural form. Retracted height: 25".
Category

Early 20th Century Tibetan Tibetan Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper

Girl in beautiful Dress, Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bisque Head, Arms and Leg Doll is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful Outfit, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes The Doll with the Outfit, all in very good condition. Made of Fabric, Bisque Porcelain parts and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this dollhouse toy...
Category

Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain, Fabric

Empire Style Birdcage Model of Chateau de Luneville, Early 20th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The wood and wire birdcage faithfully depicting the chateau.
Category

Early 20th Century French Empire Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Carved Pine Rocking Horse
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved and painted pine rocking horse with leather saddle and harness on trestle rocker. Dimensions Height 47 inches Width 66 inches Depth 19...
Category

Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pine

Carved Pine Rocking Horse
Carved Pine Rocking Horse
$2,398 Sale Price
40% Off
The History of the Colony Club by Ann F. Cox Book
Located in Stamford, CT
The History of the Colony Club by Ann F. Cox. Hardcover, 1st edition. 1984. Privately printed by the club. The Colony Club is a women-only private social club in New York City.
Category

1980s American Belle Époque Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1902 The Works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Located in Bath, GB
A striking limited edition set of the collected works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a beautiful and illustrated set. A limited edition. The 'Author's Edition' limited to one-thousand s...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

IMCO 1000 Ifa-Storm 1924 Julius Meister Thumbwheel Mechanical Lighter In Brass
Located in Miami, FL
IMCO mechanical lighter made by the Julius Franz Meister Company. This is an amazing authentic petrol lighter original from the art deco period. This industrial piece was originally designed and patented by Hans Silverknopf and was made in Austria back in 1925-26 by the Julius Meister Company, JMCO commonly know as IMCO. This is the final 4th model storm thumbwheel, called IFA-1000. It was crafted in solid polished brass and is fitted with mechanical sliding elements. This lighter has the rare sub-variety in the snuffer, is rounded and domed on top. The function is very simple, the metallic wheel on the lighter, when pushed down by one's thumb, will rub against the ferrocerium to produce a scorching spark. Simultaneously, the petrol vape is released, which is vaporized (depressurized) as soon as it exits the container. This lighter is original not a reproduction and has been cleaned and polished to bring back his original splendor. IMCO The company was founded by Julius Franz Meister in 1907, the Julian Meister Co. (JMCO/IMCO) began as a button and metal goods factory in Vienna. Bernhard Silberknopf became a company partner during 1911. The factory began manufacturing lighters after World War 1. The first lighter model, the "Imko Feuerzeug" was patented in 1920 and several other models were produced during the early 1920s based on this patent. Hans Silberknopf patented the design for the famous "Ifa" Sturmfeuerzeug in 1925. IMCO produced other several models based on this patent. The design was copied by multiple U.S. and Japanese companies during the 1930s and 1940s and countless replicas have been produced. Frequently deceptively characterized as "trench lighters...
Category

1920s Austrian Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Steel

Lot of Deer, Rabbit & Hunter Putz Toy Antique German Erzgebirge Christmas 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Antique German set of 14 Putz stick-legged Deers, Bunny Rabbits, Fox and a Hunter. All of them are genuine antique German Christmas nativity scene or paradise yard garden...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

8 Volumes. Homer, The Iliad & The Odyssey.
Located in New York, NY
8 Volumes. Homer, The Iliad & The Odyssey. Large Paper Edition. Bound in 3/4 brown morocco and marbled boards. The raised band spines are gilt-tooled. The top edges are gilt with mar...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Art Deco Silver Plate Cigarette Case - Monogrammed - Unsigned - Circa 1930's
Located in Chatham, ON
Art Deco period silver-plate cigarette case - 'D' monogram - delicate diagonal tooling - interior gilt wash - unsigned - United States (likely) - circa 1930's. Excellent vintage con...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

Distressed Caucasian Rug With A Tribal Design In Rust, Dark Blue, And Cream
Located in New York, NY
An antique Caucasian Kazak rug from the early 20th century. The warm madder red field is divided into four rectangular panels, each with a central motif radiating four serrated leave...
Category

Early 20th Century Caucasian Tribal Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wool

A Hermitage of American Paintings from the National Gallery of Art
Located in Bradenton, FL
A Hermitage of American Paintings from the National Gallery of Art by William James Williams. A leather bound, hardcover book published by Hammond Inc. of Maplewood, New Jersey. Stat...
Category

1980s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Silvertone Model VII Phonograph in Mahogany – 1920
Located in HÉRIC, FR
Featured in the 1920 annual catalog of the American company Silvertone, this phonograph features a drop-leaf door with various moldings mounted on compasses. The resonator box, decor...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome and black accents and flip out view finder. Shown with life size hand. Sold as decorative o...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Edwardian Sterling Silver-Mounted Threaded Crystal Amber Colored Match Striker
Located in New York, NY
Rare, Edwardian Period, sterling silver-mounted, deep amber-colored threaded crystal match striker, probably England, Ca. 1915. The striker measures approximately 2 1/2 inches high...
Category

1910s English Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

RONSON USA 1927 Art Deco Tabourette Desk Lighter In Chromed Steel
Located in Miami, FL
A Tabourette desk lighter designed by Ronson. Very beautiful Tabourette desk lighter, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, back in the 1...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Madonna Della Sedia Antique Framed Hand-Painted Portrait on Porcelain
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This finely executed portrait is unsigned and presumed to have originated from Italy and date to approximately 1900 and done in a Renaissance style. The portrait is hand-painted on a...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Renaissance Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

G M Ellwood, attri. An Arts & Crafts Walnut & Inlaid Piano made by J Brinsmead
By John Brinsmead, George Montague Ellwood
Located in London, GB
George Montague Ellwood, designer (attributed). A rare Arts and Crafts Walnut and inlaid upright iron framed piano made by John Brinsmead and Sons, London...
Category

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut

Antique Rolling Ruler, English Cartographer’s Instrument, Architect, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fine antique cased rolling ruler. An English brass cartographer's or architect's instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. A superb example of precision engin...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

100 Year Old Canoe Carved from One Piece of Molave Hardwood
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant canoe carved from one piece of Molave hardwood. Approx. 100 years old. Original condition, has been used and is still functional.  
Category

Early 20th Century Philippine Other Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hardwood

English Lignum Vitae Lawn Bowls
Located in Winter Park, FL
A set of nine early 20th Century English lawn bowls, made of solid turned lignum vitae wood. Each ball with natural light and dark grain pattern, carved incised rings and inlaid bone...
Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bone, Hardwood

Colibri Original Swiss Made Lift-Arm Pocket Lighter, 1928
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Colibri was founded in 1928 by Julius Lowenthal, who in the same year, invented the world's first working semi-automatic lighter known as the Colibri "Original". This vintage Swiss-m...
Category

1920s Swiss Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Boy dressed in Sailor Outfit Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare and exquisite miniature antique German Bisque Head, Arms and Leg Doll is a must-have for Dollhouse and Doll collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its beautiful Sailers Outfit, it is suitable for any room and adds a touch of elegance to your Dollhouse. The set includes The Doll with the Outfit, all in very good condition. Made of Fabric, Bisque Porcelain parts and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this original piece is a testament to the rich history of German toys. Whether you're a fan of entertainment or vintage items, this dollhouse toy...
Category

Early 1900s German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Porcelain, Fabric

Liberace Autographed Vintage Schoenhut Toy Grand Piano
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

Japanese Kiseru Tobacco Pipe & Case, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant pipe of white brass and bamboo dates to early 20th century Japan and was used for smoking finely shredded tobacco (kizami-tabako). Known as a rao-kiseru, these short smo...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Highly Important Theodore Roosevelt Collection of 6 Items
Located in Dallas, TX
PRESENTING A HUGELY IMPORTANT, EXCEPTIONALLY RARE and FULLY AUTHENTIC COLLECTION of 6 Items pertaining to President Theodore Roosevelt, that have never been outside family ownership, namely: (1) Original Theodore Roosevelt Letter 14th August 1918 to Eliza Calvert Hall, (2) Original Envelope – Aug 1918, with postage stamps, marks, etc. (3) Original Theodore Roosevelt Letter 8th November 1918 to Mrs Obenchain (4) Original Envelope – Nov 1918, with postage stamps, marks, etc. (5) HUGELY IMPORTANT handwritten ‘Poem’ on an Index Card by Eliza Calvert Hall which was sent by her to Theodore, after the death of Quentin in July 1918 and is referenced to by him, in the letter of August 1918, and (6) Original letter dated 12 September 2018 to Maj LC Obenchain, which completes provenance/background. (1) & (2) – PRESENTING AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE and FULLY AUTHENTIC Theodore Roosevelt Letter from August 1918 with original envelope. On ‘Sagamore Hill’ letterhead. Fully handwritten and personally signed by President...
Category

Early 20th Century American American Empire Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Art Deco Smokers Stand with Figural Nude Female
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Highly stylized Art Deco brass and cast iron smoking stand with figural nude female on top surface. It also features a pull-out drawer and a handle for carrying.
Category

1920s Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Iron

S.T. DuPont Laque De Chine Lighter with Box and Papers
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice DuPont Butane lighter with a laque de chine and gold plate finish. In good condition with the original box and manual and blank guarantee card. The lighter works. I’ve had a n...
Category

1980s French Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Gold Plate

Art Deco Madonna Holy Virgen Sculpture, 1920
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Deco Madonna Statue, 1920s Hand-Carved Oak Holy Virgin Sculpture. This exquisite French Art Deco Madonna statue dates back to the 1920s, expertly hand-carved from what ap...
Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Silver and Enamel Dog Cigarette Case
Located in Newark, England
CONTINENTAL PROBABLY AUSTRIAN From our Cigarette Cases collection, we are delighted to offer this Silver and Enamel Dog Cigarette Case. The Cigarette Case...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Enamel

The Love Affairs of Lord Byron by F. Gribble – COSWAY STYLE BINDING
Located in Middletown, NY
A sumptuous extra-illustrated copy with Cosway-style binding by Bayntun of Bath. London: Eveleigh Nash, 1910. Octavo, 8 1/4 x 5 3/8 (210 x 137 mm),pp. i-xii, 382. Illustrated with ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paint, Paper

Bauhaus, Weimar 1919-25 Dessau 1925-28, Museum of Modern Art, 1938 First Edition
Located in Stamford, CT
Bauhaus, Weimar 1919-25 Dessau 1925-28 Alfred H. Barr jr. (preface) Published by Museum of Modern Art, 1938 This hardcover is a first edition copy printed by The Museum of Modern A...
Category

Early 20th Century American Bauhaus Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Art Deco Leather and Sterling Silver Cigarette / Cigar Case
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Exquisite leather cigar case with sterling silver collar. Expands for differing lengths of small cigar or cigarettes. Made in the U.K. in the 1900-1920´s. It has the stamp of the re...
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Brass Nautical Maritime Plunger Operated Yacht Boat Fog Horn 27"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 19th - early 20th century brass plunger operated fog horn. Cylindrical body with horn attached to one side, pierced lid, and round, black finial on the plunger. Pair of brackets...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Catalogue of the Morgan Collection of Chinese Porcelains
Located in Middletown, NY
Among the most beautifully printed books on Chinese ceramics. Catalogue of the Morgan Collection of Chinese Porcelains by: Bushell, Dr. Stephen W. and William M. Laffan New York: Pr...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

Furniture Masterpieces of Duncan Phyfe by Charles Over Cornelius, 1st Ed 1928
Located in valatie, NY
Furniture Masterpieces of Duncan Phyfe by Charles Over Cornelius. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1928. This book contains a detailed g...
Category

1920s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

The Rock, by T. S. Eliot – FIRST EDITION
Located in Middletown, NY
Eliot, T. S. The Rock; A Pageant Play Written for Performance on Behalf of the Forty-Five Churches Fund of the Diocese of London London: Faber and Faber, 1934. FIRST EDITION, Thir...
Category

Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Classical Revival Pair of Ceremonial Swords & Shield
Located in Milford, NH
A fine pair of Classical Revival ceremonial swords with brassed handles, attached to a pressed steel shield with nickel plating featuring classical, angelic and military figures, som...
Category

Early 20th Century European Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Steel

H.T. Cushman Antique Early 20th Century Petite Smoking Stand Humidor Ashtray 26"
Located in Dayton, OH
A quaint smoke stand by H.T. Cushman, circa early 20th century. Features wooden construction with turned pots, 2 central glass ashtrays, a strike pad and lower humidor cabinet. D...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Persian Engraved Iron and Brass Shield Astrological Symbols with Starburst
Located in Rochester, NY
Persian brass and iron shield. Engraved with signs of the zodiac. Hide interior. Early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Iron

Early 20th Century Softshell Turtle Skeleton (Trionychidae) Taxidermy Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A decorative softshell turtle skeleton, housed and mounted within a shadow box. The skeleton appears to be complete and well detailed, laid on a mottled paper backing, gilt slip and...
Category

Early 20th Century European Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine

Petit Vase en Malachite par Henri Vever – Art Nouveau, circa 1900
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Petit vase en malachite par Henri Vever – Art Nouveau, circa 1900 Ce délicat vase rectangulaire en malachite, réalisé autour de 1900, est une pièce ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Malachite

Large Antique Silver Hand Arm Ex Voto, Antique European, 1910s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A cute petite religious Ex Voto. I do not know what it is made of, thin and light filigree silver or silver plated metal. It is handmade, embossed an...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate, Sheet Metal

Five Foot Mahogany and Brass Ships Wheel
Located in Norwell, MA
Exceptional sixty-four-inch mahogany ships wheel with maple inlay. Round brass medallion marked with makers name of Williamson Brothers of Philadelphia. Large solid brass hub. Note: ...
Category

1910s North American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Sinar P Expert Kit Large Format 4X5
Located in valatie, NY
Sinar p 4x5 expert kit containing: Sinar copal f5.6 auto aperture shutter & release cable Sinar p 4x5 camera Regular bellows Wide angle bellows 4x5 g...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Ronson England 1929 Deco RonDeLight Steel Table Lighter Black & Cream Lacquer
Located in Miami, FL
A ball table lighter designed by Ronson. Very beautiful RonDeLight Junior desk lighter, created in England by The Ronson Co. during the art deco period, b...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Disco Ball Mirror Mosaic With Rotor, diameter 20 cm, never used
Located in Palermo, IT
Disco ball mirror mosaic with rotor, diameter 20 cm, never used This object is part of a series found in a warehouse of a shop specializing in the sale of disco products. Excellent c...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mirror

20th Century Italian Miniature Mahogany Piano Sterling Silver Details
Located in VALENZA, IT
Mahogany vertical piano miniature with 925 sterling silver inserts and details. In the upper part, the silver is pierced with drawings of children picki...
Category

1980s Italian Other Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

1902 The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe
Located in Bath, GB
A beautiful limited edition set of the complete works of Edgar Allan Poe, illustrated with ten plates to each volume, and signed by t...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Collection of Pig & Chimney Sweep Lucky Charm Figurines, Antique Austria, 1900s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful collection of golden rabbit, pig and Chimney Sweep lucky charm figurines. Made from white metal, pewter or composition (putz) and hand painte...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition, Metal

Extremely Rare Antique Solid Brass Maritime Ships Porthole Storm Cover Window
Located in Dayton, OH
Extremely unique original antique heavy solid brass maritime Ship's Porthole or Hatch. A rare find with storm door, swing plate and barking plate. Its very ...
Category

Early 20th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

DICKENS, Charles (Arthur Rackham). A Christmas Carol. LIMITED SIGNED EDITION
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DICKENS, Charles (Arthur Rackham). TITLE: A Christmas Carol. PUBLISHER: London: Heinemann, 1915. DESCRIPTION: LIMITED SIGNED EDITION. 1 vol., 11-9/16" x 9-3/8", limited t...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Antique Ladies Cane or Walking Stick by Wmf Germany, 1910s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish dress cane or women's walking stick. Its made from black lacquered wood and features an ornamented handle in Alpacca Silver. Fully hallmarked from...
Category

1910s German Edwardian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Mandalian Art Deco Flapper Enamel Mesh Purse with Floral Motif and Drop Beads
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mandalian Art Deco Enamel Mesh Purse with Floral Motif and Drop Beads, USA, Circa 1920s Description: A vibrant example of early American Art Deco design, this Mandalian Manufacturin...
Category

1920s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Austrian Silver & Enamel Cigarette Case with Floral & Ribbon Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This silver and enamel cigarette case is hallmarked by an unknown maker and is presumed to have been made in Austria in approximately 1920. The case is composed of .800 silver and ha...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Induction electrification demonstrator instrument, Italy 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Induction electrification demonstrator instrument. By putting two electrically neutral spheres in contact with each other, when a charged wand is approached, it is possible to notice...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass

Antique J.C Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass In Original Mahogany Box
Located in New York, NY
Brass and steel survey transit and compass in the original mahogany box. Made by J.C Ulmer Co. Good condition with appropriate wear from age. One availa...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Steel and Brass Pruning Shears c1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Vintage steel parrot beak pruning shears with brass spring-loaded handle and lock. CREATOR P.S. & W. Co. Pexto, Cleveland, OH. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920. MATER...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Steel

20th Century "Boule" Ring in Yellow Gold Adorned with Sapphires and Brilliants
Located in Sofia, BG
Yellow gold “Boule” ring, perfect sphere adorned with faceted round sapphires and small brilliants. Ring size: 58. P. Brut: 13.5g France, circa 1920.
Category

Early 20th Century French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

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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Ahoy! You’ve Never Seen a Collection of Sailor Art and Kitsch Quite Like This

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Pamela Shamshiri Shares the Secrets behind Her First-Ever Book and Its Effortlessly Cool Interiors

The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.

Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier

Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.

Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure

Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.

Whaam! Blam! Pow! — a New Book on Pop Art Packs a Punch

Publishing house Assouline and writer Julie Belcove have teamed up to trace the history of the genre, from Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama to Mickalene Thomas and Jeff Koons.

What Makes a Gem-Encrusted Chess Set Worth $4 Million?

The world’s most opulent chess set, weighing in at 513 carats, is literally fit for a king and queen.

Tauba Auerbach’s Geometric Pop-Up Book Is Mighty Rare, Thanks to a Hurricane

This sculptural art book has an epic backstory of its own.

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