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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Art Deco
Bilancia pesa persona Wunder
Located in Roma, IT
Bilancia pesa persona prodotta in Italia negli anni 70 in perfetto stato Meccanica restaurata Pesata 120 Kg divisioni 500g
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

S. T. DuPont Gatsby Paris Cigarette Lighter with Original Box and Papers
Located in High Wycombe, GB
S. T. DuPont Gatsby Paris Cigarette Lighter with Original Box and Papers Booklet stamped at purchase 2016 Stamped 1LY8N84 DuPont PARIS, Made in France on base.
Category

2010s French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Intèrieurs Bruxellois Modernisme & Art Dèco
Located in Montelabbate, PU
During the interwar period, housing in Brussels experienced considerable expansion. Two major currents coexisted at this time: one resolutely modernist and avant-garde, in the moveme...
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Foot Brass Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist foot keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck in Austria. Fully stamped and ma...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5617 'Peanut' Brass Figurine Keyring
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5617 'Peanut' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass. Price is per ite...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5732 'Hand' Brass Keyring
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5732 'Hand' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass. Price is per item....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5734 'Hand' Brass Figurine Keyring
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5734 'Hand' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass. Price is per item....
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4500 'Lucky Pig' Brass Figurine Keyring
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4500 'Lucky Pig' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Original Travel Caddie in Bright Yellow Fiberglass / Black Interior, circa 1960
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach...
Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fiberglass

The 24K Gold Plated Cart by Christopher Kreiling
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Gold Cart' is a fully articulated working shopping cart. It is made of steel and bronze then 24K gold plated. This is an addition of 100+ artist proof. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Plate, Bronze

Vintage 1957 Chicago World Metallurgical Congress Brass Medal Badge Pin 4.5"
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century brass medal / badge / brooch pin from the 1957 Chicago World Metallurgical Congress. American Society for Metals, R.J. Raudebaugh, USA, Group 8, Struck by Medallic Art Co...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vintage NY Hotel and Restaurant Matchbooks from the 1950s-1980s
Located in Austin, TX
In the spirit of Will Rogers, 'Buy matchbooks, because they're not making anymore!' This would make an unexpected and nostalgic gift for the lover of Old New York who already has everything. This collection of 70 vintage matchbooks...
Category

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

Materials

Paper, Parchment Paper

Classic Mid Century Modern Quad Esl 57 Speakers, Amazing Architectural Design
Located in Buffalo, NY
The Quad Electrostatic Loudspeaker (ESL) is the world's first production full-range electrostatic loudspeaker, launched in 1957 by Quad Electroacoustics, then known as the Acoustical...
Category

1950s English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Horse on Wheels Toy Framed Painting
Located in Antwerp, BE
Framed painting of a papier mache horse toy on wheels. A paper mache - cardboard ride on toy horse - pull toy - horse pull toy with a boy on top. The boy wears a stylish blue costum...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Canvas, Plaster, Wood

Enzo Mari silver ring from "Collezione Magic di Arnolfo di Cambio", 2001
Located in London, GB
Enzo Mari silver ring from "Collezione Magic di Arnolfo di Cambio", 2001 with original box and booklet
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Signed Araki's Magnum Opus: Complete Book Collection 1-20 + Satchin and Mabo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book Complete Collection 1-20 plus special book Nobuyoshi Araki Book Satchin and His Brother Mabo / 1stn in 1997 The works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book collectio...
Category

1990s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Alfred Dunhill Sterling Silver Cigarette Case, circa 1930
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Sterling silver cigarette case with decorative enamel face. Art Deco design. The case is beautifully enameled in a blue and black geometric pattern with a silver finish. The interior of the cigarette case is marked "Alfred Dunhill Paris...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Machine Age Art Deco Doctors or Bathroom Floor Model Scale Weigh Master by Hanso
Located in New York, NY
Great Machine Age, American Art Deco floor scale, Weigh Master by Hanson. The scale is fully functional, it shows cosmetic wear to the paint finish, and th...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

S.T. Dupont Briquet De Poche LD Plaque Gas Cigarette Lighter With Original Box
Located in High Wycombe, GB
S.T. Dupont Briquet De Poche LD Plaque Gas Cigarette Lighter With Original Box and Papers Stamped 100NL95 No 2294 Made in Paris, France Purchase receipt shoes 4/2/1995 Goldsmith...
Category

20th Century French Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Plate, Steel

Lighter S.T. Dupont Chinese Lacquer Gold Plated Made In France Midcentury
Located in Palermo, IT
Lighter S.T. Dupont china lacquer black is a LUXURY product known for its elegance and superior quality. This specific model, with its lacquer and 18kt gold plating, is particularly ...
Category

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

Materials

Gold Plate

German Art Deco Desk Top Barometer and Weather Station
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
German Art Deco desk top barometer and weather station. German desktop barometer, thermometer and hydrometer. This station is unsigned and made...
Category

20th Century German Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper
Located in Chicago, IL
These leg splints were designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced for the United States Navy by the Evans Products Company, molded plywood division. They're still in their origin...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plywood

France Art Deco Horse, 1940
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
It was exhibited in the original Miami beach antique show and Palm beach "American International Fine Art Fair (AIFAF)". Horse in wood and chrome. We ha...
Category

1940s French Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Chrome

Rare Big Adjustable Gymnastic Leather Pommel Horse, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
- completely good and original condition with minor damages - Czechoslovakia, around 1950s - adjustable height.   
Category

1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

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

Cartier Lighter Circa 80s Vintage "Trinity" Brown Lacquer
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Cartier Lighter Circa 80s Vintage "Trinity" Brown Lacquer 18k Gold Plated Beautiful vintage Cartier flame lacquered lighter with pentagonal design. A rare piece in very good conditio...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Lacquer

Spanish Scrollwork Iron Galleon / Sailing Ship Sculpture
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wrought iron Spanish caravel boat / galleon sculpture. Spain, 1940s-1950s This sailing ship sculpture was handcrafted in Spain at the mid-20th century period. The ship has a richly detailed scrollwork...
Category

20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron, Gold Leaf, Iron

Travertine Animals; Elephant, Anteater, Hippo, & Rhino, Flli Mannelli for Raymor
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury collection of animals rendered in carved travertine designed by Flli Mannelli for Raymor, Italy, 1960s,
Category

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

Materials

Travertine

Vintage Chic Square Silver Plated Brass Vide-Poche, Hermes Paris 1970's.
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Chic Square Silver Plated Brass Vide-Poche, Hermes Paris , France 1970's. Silverplate Vide Poche or Cigar Ashtray.
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Raymond Loewy Designed Nordmende Spectra Futura Transistor Radio in Red & Orange
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Nordmende Design Center collaborated in the late 1960's with renowned American designer Raymond Loewy, who created iconic designs like the Coca-Cola bottle and Lucky Strike pack. Collaborating with the American designer was an excellent choice. The device that was the result. the Spectra Futura...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Authentic Art Deco Black Bakelite Bangle Bracelet with Sterling Accent
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Black Bakelite bangle bracelet with sterling silver band adornment. Measures: 2 3/8" inside circumference.   
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bakelite

Abstract Mid-Century Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern ceramic cross is an exemplary piece of European studio pottery that displays the innovative and abstract artistry of the period...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ceramic

Climax Streamline 1930s American Art Deco Train Car Ashtray and Drink Stand
Located in Buffalo, NY
W.J. Campbell designed this art deco cocktail smoker in 1934 for the Climax Machinery Company of Indianapolis. The smoke stand and ashtray feature a circular ring which doubles as a ...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Copper, Steel, Chrome

Selection of Coffee Table Books - Furniture Design Interior Design Fashion Art
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Coffee Table Books, priced at $150 each. If one of the books is sold, it will have SOLD next to the title below. These books are all from the estate of . was the President of The Art Deco Society of New York City and had an incredible library of books on furniture design, interior design, art, photography, and fashion. Many of the books focused on Art Deco or mid century modern design. Please see our other listings for more books from the same estate. Please note that we are not specialists in books. All of the books are in very good condition and were well cared for in a smoke and pet free environment. There may be some small tears to slipcovers, scratches, rubs, and wear commensurate with age and use. The books in this listing are: Stack Left Dagobert Peche and The Wiener Werkstatte by Neue Galerie Josef Frank Architect and Designer Billy Baldwin by Adam Lewis New Dimensions by Paul Frankl Jean-Michel Frank by Rizzoli Jean Michel Frank by Editions Du Regard A House Is Not A Home Bruce Weber Photography Art Deco by Skira Stack Right Jean Dunand by Anthony Delorenzo Jean Dunand Ruhlmann Master of Art Deco Jean Dunand His Life and Works...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Park Sherman 1930 Art Deco Chromed Steel Roller Box With Red And Black Bakelite
Located in Miami, FL
Decorative roller desk box designed by Park Sherman. Very decorative desk box, created during the art deco period in America by the Park Sherman Company, back in the 1930. This roller-lid box is very innovative in design and with Avant Garde look. It was crafted in chromed steel with red lacquer and elements in red and black Bakelite. It is fitted with a roller lid, which is in perfect working condition. The Park Sherman Company Park Sherman was an important Springfield company for several decades ending with the sale of the company to a New Jersey firm in 1960. They mass-produced smoking accessories, particularly lighters, as well as a multitude of office, novelty, and other items. The Park Sherman Company operated in Springfield, Illinois until 1960 when it was sold to a New Jersey company. A man named Jacob S. Sherman was the founder of the Park Sherman Company. The company sold miner's supplies (miner's cap lamps, match cases, etc.) and later specialized in things like coin banks and smoking accessories such lighters and cigarette cases. The company's products were sold throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. 'Everdry' was a brand name that Park Sherman used on some of its products. The word "Everdry" was used, for example, on match cases to indicate that the case would prevent the matches from getting wet. Presumably, your "Everdry" cigarette case kept the contents from getting wet. Materials: Chromed steel and red and black Bakelite. Weight: 231.7 Grams, (0.51 Pounds). Measurements: 114.3 mm by 101.6 mm by 63.5 mm (3.50 x 4.0 x 2.50 Inches). Literature: Rodney and Diane Capstick-Dale, The art deco Collectibles...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Original poster Loterie Nationale 9E Tranche 1940 by Artist Derouet Lesacq
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1940, France - framed - original, no reprint - Artist:Derouet Lesacq - Lithograph printed in colour jr
Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper, Glass

Salvador Dali Rare Hand Signed Midcentury Book A Study Of His Art In Jewels 1959
Located in Studio City, CA
A quite scarce and coveted hardcover book in slipcase - "Dali: A Study of His Art-In-Jewels (The Collection of the Owen Cheatham Foundation)". Bound into the book are color photog...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

1970s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Original astonishing playing cards box by Piero Fornasetti in walnut wood . It's in excellent condition and includes two packs of vintage Dal Negro cards, 7 dices, and chips. T...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Walnut

4 Desk Top Model Aeroplane, KLM, Britannia, EvaAir and Emirates
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
4 Desk Top Model Aeroplane, KLM, Britannia, EvaAir and Emirates These are 4 pieces of Aeronautical nostalgia Vintage KLM Boeing 767-300 KLM BRITANNIA 757-200 EVA AIR CARGO CARGO ...
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Betel Motor Car Art Deco Brass Box, Collectible Toy, Children's Paint Set, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Patent 75086 - This is a large tobacco box with many purposes, (Child's Paint Set). Car in multicolored golden tin in classic brass. Almost new with all the original parts. Wonderful...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Natural Leather Punching Bag
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage punching bag with handsome, worn genuine leather. A stylish addition to a home gym, this hanging punching bag is approximately 30lbs and is in original condition with some vi...
Category

1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

Carl Auböck Model #5600 'Heart' Solid Brass Keyring w/ Signature
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #5600 'Heart' Solid Brass Keyring w/ Signature. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricate...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Petite Red Stone Decorated Silvering, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Decorative and special vintage silvering with 12 red/orange stones on a decorated silver base. From circa 1940s. Silverstamped: 925. Measures: Inner diameter is 16 mm. Size of stone front...
Category

1940s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Silver

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Heart Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist heart keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck ...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Lot of Five Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Bronze Crucifix Cross Wall Decoration
By Egino Günther Weinert
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist 1970s to 1980s German bronze Crosses for Wall Decoration. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany. They are not marked, attributed to Egino Weinert...
Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis, First US Edition in DJ
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Lewis, C. S. The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. New York: The Macmillan Company, 1950. First U.S. edition. Octavo. In the original publisher's blue cloth boards and illustrated d...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Collectible "Knoll" Tractor Trailer Truck Toy with Original Box by Winross USA
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool and collectible "Knoll" diecast tractor trailer truck toy with original box by Winross USA of Rochester, NY, circa 1980's. This is new old stock and appears to have never ...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Set Of 3 Miniature Amber And Silver Harley Davidson Style Motor Bikes
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of 3 Miniature Amber and Silver Harley Davidson Style Motor Bikes 925 stamped silver.
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Vintage Book, Once A Week, AA Milne, English, Morocco Bound, Short Stories, 1926
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage copy of Once a Week by A.A. Milne. An English, Morocco bound book of short stories, dating to the early 20th century. Once a Week is a collection of short stories ...
Category

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

Materials

Paper

Carl Auböck Model #5608 'Donkey' Brass Figurine Keyring
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5608 'Donkey' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass. Price is per ite...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Art Deco by Victor Arwas, 1st Edition
Located in Bradenton, FL
Art Deco by Victor Arwas, hardcover book with dustjacket. First edition, published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc. of New York in 1980. Printed and bound in Japan. 416 Illustrations, includ...
Category

1980s Japanese Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Il pleure dans mon coeur (It's crying in my heart) by Line Vautrin
Located in Brussels, BE
Il pleure dans mon coeur (He is crying in my heart), by Line Vautrin. Gilded bronze compact whose lid is decorated with a poem by Paul Verlaine (1844-1896) published in the collectio...
Category

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

Materials

Bronze

1970s Gorgeous Turquoise and White Chess Set in Volterra Alabaster Handmade Made
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous turquoise and white chess set in Volterra alabaster. Handmade Made in Italy, the items are in excellent condition. So rare to find in this color This chess set is a be...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Alabaster

Antique Art Book Golden Book of Famous Women, English, Eleanor F Brickdale, 1919
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique art book 'Eleanor Fortescue Brickdale's Golden Book of Famous Women.' An English language literary compendium, dating to the early 20th century, published 1919. A...
Category

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

Materials

Paper

Art Deco Ashtray Stand, Chrome and Bakelite by Demeyere, Belgium, 1930s
Located in Saarburg, RP
Art Deco ashtray stand This beautiful and rare Art Deco Ashtray Stand from the 30s/40s is in the streamline modern art deco style. The designer of this extraordinary object has succ...
Category

1930s Belgian Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron, Chrome, Metal

Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Bakelite, Brass, Mathematical Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, Bakelite and brass cased mathematical instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Beautifully pre...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Vintage Gold Dollar Cigarettes Advertising Sculpture 1950s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Gold Dollar Cigarettes Advertising Sculpture 1950s This old BAT (British American Tobacco) advertising figure made of wood and plaster advertising the cigarette brand "Gold ...
Category

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

Materials

Wood

1951 Life Magazines Bound Volume, Incl Queen Elizabeth Issue, Aug-Dec, 11 Issues
Located in New York, NY
Life Magazine, 11 International Edition issues bound volume. August- December 1951, Binding label months in French, see photo. This volume includes an issue with H.R.H. Princess Eli...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

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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