Skip to main content

Collectibles and Curiosities

122
1,812
39
34
to
317
894
891
1,885
1,882
1,883
966
870
824
554
459
311
251
206
196
165
155
84
66
52
47
41
47
29
1,736
73
64
1,146
369
1
4
26
86
289
282
230
44
29
936
452
315
218
210
1,204
497
420
261
207
58
41
17
14
13
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Rococo
Italian Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Owl Money Bank
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Money Bank of an Owl in Italian Silver Plate. This charming money bank comes in two parts that is easily opened. This bank is very functiona...
Category

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

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Astro, Great War
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial spotter's refractor in leather case, dating to the Great War period, circa 1915. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky An attractive telescope with quality leather protective case Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order Rich tan coloured leather dresses the primary barrel and sun shade Of 3 draw type, opening with a reassured action to each tube Clear, bright objective lens with a diameter of 48mm (2") Quality, matching leather dust cup present for the objective and eyepiece The eyepiece finished with concentric ring turning Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass Captains Stand...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

HMV Model 2107 (RCA 45-J) 45 rpm record player turntable, bakelite 1950s classic
By HMV, RCA Victor
Located in London, GB
His Masters Voice (HMV), UK (manufacturer) Model 2107A (RCA 45-J equivalent) 45rpm record player with record-changer facility Manufactured under licence from RCA Victor Designed 1949...
Category

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

Materials

Bakelite

1950s Vintage Vornado Gray Electric Window Wall Fan
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Industrial Gray Electric Window Fan 18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d Preowned unrestored vintage condition. Missing circle with label in center ...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Sculptural ashtray/catchall in the style of Matégot and Georges Jouve
Located in East Hampton, NY
This French ashtray stand with brass body and metal base, has an original black ceramic bowl with a few flea bite chips.
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Donna Chambers 14k Yellow Gold Mother Pearl Goddess Pendant Brooch Cadillac
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Contemporary Pin/Pendant. 14K Gold & Antique Mother-of-Pearl, Chinese Gambling Chip Pin, and Combination Enhancer. Hand-carved tiger-eye face, h...
Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Carl Auböck Pipe Holder, Austria 1950s. Solid brass, leather strapping
Located in Köln, NW
Mid Century Pipe Holder by Carl Auböck, Vienna. 1950s. The pipe holder was made in the Carl Auböck workshops from solid brass and leather. Outstanding quality. Fine decorative collec...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Wall Cross - Black, White, Red - Handmade Studio Pottery, Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century wall crucifix is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The elongated cross, maintaining consistent proportions, is hand-painted in semi-glossy black. The Christ f...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by Louis Zwicki, c. 1960's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Step back in time with this masterfully-crafted Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by the renowned Louis Zwicki. From the heart of the 1960's, a period when design and craftsmanship me...
Category

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

Materials

Teak

1950s Coppola e Toppo Sculpted Crystal Collar Necklace Smokey Red Surrealism
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Statement Collar Necklace, with an intricate design of Smokey Crystal Beads with Shades of Deep Blood Red & Bright Red Crystal Beads Woven into a Sculpted Design. Coppola e Toppo Sig...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Danish Design Midcentury Rosewood Pianette by Louis Zwicki, 1950s
Located in Elshout, NL
Danish design A rare Danish midcentury pianette made of gorgeous rosewood with damper. It is called pianette due to the 82 keys rather than the standard 88 of a full size piano. This...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rosewood

Red ceramic wall cross handmade in Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic cross is a quintessential representation of mid-century modern design, realized by a skilled European studio pottery artist. The cross features a simplistic yet profound...
Category

1980s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by Louis Zwicki, c. 1960's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Serial No. 11494. 82 Keys. Step back in time with this masterfully crafted Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by the renowned Louis Zwicki. From the heart of the 1960's, a period whe...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Antique Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique laboratory microscope. A German, brass and enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the early 20th cen...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Rare 1950s Dunhill Aquarium Service Lighter, Gold Plated, Made in England
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A rare 1950s Half-Giant Dunhill Aquarium table lighter (made in England) with silver-plated metal work Each of these lighters are very rare and unique as they were hand carved and ...
Category

1950s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

Modernist Cobalt Blue and Gold Wall Cross - European Studio Pottery Masterpiece
Located in Chicago, IL
This modernist Studio Pottery wall cross, meticulously crafted by a European artist, features a cobalt blue crucifix enriched with subtle gold accents cross, bearing an exceptional m...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Midcentury Gymnastic Leather and Oak Pommel Horse Bench
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large mid-century modern gymnastic pommel horse or bench vault. The bench features an oak frame covered with rich patinated cognac leather. The leather has a lovely aged patina with ...
Category

20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Pierre Jeanneret / Le Corbusier "The Indian Adventure" Book About Chandigarh
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and collectable book about the Pierre Jeanneret & Le Corbusier's "The Indian Adventure" in Chandigarh, India. In good used condition. Published in 2010 in a limited numbers. Very sought after. LE CORBUSIER, PIERRE JEANNERET. L'Aventure Indienne / The Indian Adventure. Design, Art, Architecture. By Éric Touchaleaume and Gérald Moreau, with the collaboration of Martial Vigo. Editions Éric Touchaleaume, Architecture design du XXe siècle, Galerie 54...
Category

2010s French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Mid Century Modern Small Round Onyx Stone Ashtray
Located in Amityville, NY
Vintage mid century modern small round ashtray made from a beautifully layered and striated piece of onyx stone in shades of brown, tan and beige. An amazing piece of stone that show...
Category

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

Materials

Onyx

Post War & Contemporary Art Design, Barbara Jakobson Collection, 2005 Christie's
Located in Rochester, NY
Post - War & Contemporary Art and Design: From the Collection of Barbara Jakobson - May 12, 2005 Christie's New York auction catalog. Proceeds partially to benefit future acquisition...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Dunbar For Modern: Market Notes, January 8 to January 19, 1951
Located in New York, NY
Small format brochure published in January 1951 showcasing 39 Edward Wormley designs for Dunbar Furniture, presented at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. Highlights include the Sleepy Hollow chair...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Cassettiera portacucito, italiana metà secolo, Filofort di Tre Cerchi ISC 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Cassettiera portacucito Filofort con struttura in legno chiaro, con maniglie in tinta noce. Prodotta da Filofort di Tre Cerchi ISC. e cucirini Cartoni Coat nel 1940 ca. Buone condizi...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Modernist Greek Virgin Mary and Child Jesus Ceramic Wall Decoration
Located in Chicago, IL
This 16-Inch ceramic wall decoration, crafted by a European Modernist Studio Pottery artist, showcases a Mediterranean color palette: terracotta, turquoise blue, and olive green shad...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

1964 Ray Simpson Original Teakwood Tool Rake Grate
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Vintage Rake Tool Brush in Teakwood Modern Aluminum Grate Stamped Ray Simpson Original 1964 22.13 long x 3.88 w x 1.25 Preowned original vintage co...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Antique Chinese Abacus in Mahogany with Brass Accents
Located in San Diego, CA
Original antique solid mahogany , with patinated brass accents in great condition.
Category

20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Virgin Mary & Child Jesus Modernist Wall Decoration by European Pottery Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist Virgin Mary and Child Jesus. Large 19-Inches Studio Pottery wall decoration. Interesting display of matte and glazed areas. Masterful color textures compositions on audacio...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Globe, globe SVH, scale 1 to 38500000
Located in EINDHOVEN, NL
This beautiful globe has some minor damage at the height of the Galapagos Islands. Height: 50 cm. Width: 35 cm. Depth (= Ø sphere): 33 cm. Origin: The Netherlands, 1960s. Material: ...
Category

1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Modernist red crucifix with Christ figure, wall decoration handmade
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist Crucifix made in Europe by Studio Pottery artist. Deep red brown glossy cross contrasting with the matt elongated floating Christ relief designed in a typically modernist f...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Pair Davy Jones Pirate Treasure Chest Bookends With Skull And Cross Bones Hats
Located in South Burlington, VT
Antique pair hand cast pirate treasure chest sculptural book ends, circa 1930 Skull and crossbones hats. Designer: Hubley Dark original patin...
Category

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

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Rocking Sheep w/ Real Sheepskin, Black Painted and Natural Wood
By Povl Kjær
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cute little. mid century, wooden rocking sheep with real sheep coat, black lacquered carved face and feet, with wood handles. In original condition, with vi...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wool, Wood

Ward Bennett Designs for Brickel Associates (2 Volumes)
Located in New York, NY
Two catalogs presenting Ward Bennett’s product designs for Brickel Associates, published circa 1977. Bennett (1917-2003) was an influential and acclaimed artist, sculptor, interior d...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic, Paper

Mid-Century Fat Lava Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century wall cross embodies the distinctive European design ethos of the 1950s, masterfully handcrafted by a studio pottery artist. The piece features a "fat lava" glaze, a hallmark of the period, renowned for its thick, bubbly texture that creates a dramatic and tactile surface. This particular cross showcases a grey-white glaze overlying the robust terra cotta red of the clay body, presenting a striking visual contrast that is both rugged and delicate. The form of the cross itself is slender and minimalist, a design choice reflective of the modernist movement's lean towards simplicity and functional beauty. This minimalist form is artfully juxtaposed with the maximalist texture of the fat lava glaze, offering a visual and tactile play between excess and restraint. This texture, reminiscent of volcanic surfaces, gives the cross an almost otherworldly appearance, while the grey and white tones evoke a sense of tranquility and reverence suitable for a devotional object. The cross's slim profile, combined with the depth of the glaze's texture, allows it to stand out as a significant piece of both religious significance and artistic innovation. As a representation of mid-century European studio pottery, this ceramic cross...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

1970 Franco Bucci Laboratorio Pesaro Italian Ceramic Ashtray _ Set of 3
Located in Brescia, IT
Franco bucci Laboratorio Pesaro Italy, 1960 Set of 3 ceramic ashtrays "LP" mark under the base Perfette condizioni h 6 cm / d 20 cm / w 20 cm h 6 cm / d 10 cm / w 10 cm
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Reproduction 17th Century Map of Europe, American, Cartography, Blaeuw
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage reproduction map of Europe. An American, paper stock cartography print in frame after the work by Blaeuw, dating to the late 20t...
Category

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

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Germanic Virgin Mary and Child Jesus Wall Decoration, Modernist Studio Pottery
Located in Chicago, IL
10-inch Virgin Mary and Child Jesus, draped in a hooded cape and a striped dress in terracotta and black. A serene Virgin Mary and a captivated Child Jesus, both with their head cove...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

1970s Ottaviani Design Italiano Argento Smalto Scatola Carte Da Gioco
Located in Brescia, IT
Scatola Carte da Gioco Ottaviani Italy, 1970 Argento sbalzato con smalti nero e rosso Scatola in legno
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Cartier, Cartier Frames, C 1970, Gold Frames, Cartier Gold Eye Glasses, Vintage
Located in New York, NY
Gold frames by Cartier, C 1970. Made in France. Originally mens glasses, 5.5" from arm to arm. Sold with Cartier case.
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Plate

Decorative Sculpture of a Goddess Holding a Consolidated B-24 Liberator
Located in Milano, IT
Coming from the house of an Italian WW2 Veteran, the present object is a decorative desk sculpture representing a goddess, possibly Minerva, holding in her hand a faithful reproducti...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

1970 Ottaviani Design Italiano Argento Smalto Blu Portacenere
Located in Brescia, IT
Portacenere Ottaviani Italy, 1970 Argento con smalti blu e dettagli legno Firma "Ottaviani" impressa nell'argento Eccellente stato di conservazione
Category

1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Weightlifter Hagenauer Mid-Century / Art Deco Sculpture, Austria, 1930
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco / Vintage liftweight sculpture. Weightlifter Hagenauer mid-century / Art Deco Sculpture - Austria 1930 Franz Hagenauer sculpture of a weightlifte...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Cut Glass Ashtray, Diamond Shape, Clear Crystal, Mid Century Modern
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage diamond-shaped cut crystal ashtray, made in clear glass and possibly of French origin. Has two grooves to put down cigarettes if it's used as an ashtray. Preserved in very go...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal

Chairs by Harry Bertoia: Knoll Associates, Inc Brochure
Located in New York, NY
Knoll brochure featuring chair (and bench) designs by Harry Bertoia but also including work by Richard Schultz, Isamu Noguchi, and Florence Knoll. Publi...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Danish Design Midcentury Pianette by Louis Zwicki in Mahogany, 1950s
Located in Elshout, NL
Danish design A rare Danish midcentury pianette made of mahogany. It is called pianette due to the 82 keys rather than the standard 88 of a full size piano. This pianette is made by ...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Cased Scholar's Microscope, English, Brass Scientific Instrument, C.1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased scholar's microscope. An English, brass scientific instrument, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Fascinating cased microscope with distinctive a...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Brass and Copper Airplane Jet Aviation Model, France 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stunning large brass and copper airplane model made in France circa 1960. It features an impressive all-metal jet plane model on a thick, sol...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

A Rare Rosenthal Green Organic Shaped Three Tier Tobacco Jar With Pipe Rest
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Rare Mid Century Rosenthal Green Organic Shaped Three Tier Tobacco Jar With Ergonomically Shape Pipe Rest Made in Germany Rosenthal Studio Linie Dimensions are a rough guide
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Brass and Bloodwood Pipe Holder by Dunhill w/ Silver Medico Pipe
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Brass and bloodwood pipe holder by Dunhill with silver and wood pipe by Medico. Measures: Holder: 4.5" x 4" x 4" Pipe: 3.5" x 1.75" x 5.5".
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Complete Set of Vintage Oversized Chess Pieces in Black and Cream Plastic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Uniquely large chess pieces in black and cream plastic, ca. 1970s USA. Full and complete set with no board, though squares would need to be 4" minimum in order to accommodate the dia...
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Felt, Plastic

Hans Gugelot designed radio for Braun, 1955
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Radio "Super" G11 by Swiss designer Hans Gugelot for Braun in 1955. Braun is of course well known for their iconic, Dieter Rams designed, audio equipment. This piece is not tested, w...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Knoll Studio Collection - Binder - Catalogues - Price List - Year 2000
Located in Rochester, NY
Knoll three ring binder w/ Knoll collection catalogues and the Knoll Studio price list - 306 pages showing images, diagrams, dimensions, finishes, fabrics - for the year 2000 collect...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Picasso's Variations On Velazquez Painting "The Maids of Honor" Abrams, 1st Ed.
By Harry N. Abrams, Pablo Picasso, Jaime Sabartés
Located in Rochester, NY
Picasso's Variations on Velazquez Painting "The Maids of Honor" And Other Recent Works - With a Personal Reflection by Jaime Sabartes - Harry N. Abrams Inc. Publishers, New York. Pub...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Ben Siebel Iron Stand and Ashtray Catch All by Jenfred Ware 1950s
Located in San Diego, CA
Ben Seibel for Jenfred Ware brass bowl and iron stand. Originally designed as a smoking stand, but could be used to hold cards, candy or ??? 1950s.
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century, Brown. Waldorf Rocking Sheep
By Peter Kraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cute mid-century rocking sheep with real sheep coat, carved wood face and rocker. A vintage room accessory perfect for adding a little life a...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Vintage Choker/ Necklace by Christian Dior, 1961
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Absolutely collector's item from 1961, vintage necklace with original box and extremely rare hangtag by Christian Dior. Brand: Christian Dior, France Manufacturer: Henkel & Grosse*...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

Vintage Folio, Civil Architecture, English, Sir William Chambers, Reproduction
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage folio A Treatise on the Decorative Part of Civil Architecture. An unbound reproduction of the 18th century original by Sir William Cham...
Category

Late 19th Century British Mid-Century Modern Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

18th Century Pearl and Murano Glass Bead Altar Palmetti and Urn
Located in Hastings, GB
A stunning late 18th century Italian altar palmetti, hand crafted flowers made from tens of thousands of individual murano glass beads and simulated pearls, woven together to form a ...
Category

Late 18th Century Italian Rococo Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Murano Glass, Wood

Vintage Reproduction Folio, Chinese Design, English, William Chambers, C.1969
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage reproduction folio, A Design of Chinese Buildings, Furniture etc. An unbound reprint of the 18th century original by Sir William...
Category

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

Materials

Paper

Gino Cenedese Ultra Rare Murano Glass Chess Set 1960s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gino Cenedese Ultra Rare Murano Glass Chess Set, Venice, Italy, 1960s. This is a highly rare Murano glass chess set by Gino Cenedese - one of the famo...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian 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.

Recently Viewed

View All