Skip to main content

Collectibles and Curiosities

2
90
4
1
to
23
59
33
95
95
95
1,819
959
871
821
556
453
310
250
206
196
166
155
85
66
57
53
47
42
26
33
31
5
15
10
4
1
4
1
1
1
48
41
19
11
9
83
23
17
8
7
11
2
1
1
1
Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Style: Medieval
17th Century Embroidered King David With Harp Silk Tread Green Velvet Flanders
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Step into the rich tapestry of the 17th century with our exquisite embroidered picture featuring King David With Harp. Meticulously crafted with silk thread, mounted on luscious gree...
Category

17th Century Belgian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silk, Velvet

Antique Hand-Carved Gothic Style Quasimodo / Hunchback of Notre Dame Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Very rare, 19th century statuette of Victor Hugo's famous novel character. If you are a collector of rare novel and/or famous movie characters then this 19th century sculpture of Quasimodo, better known as the Hunchback of Notre Dame...
Category

Late 19th Century French Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Cast Figural Medieval Knight in Armor Cigar, Pipe or Cigarette Lighter
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This figural cigar lighter is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Austria in circa 1930. The lighter is a standing figural cast and cold-painted medieval knight in armor hold...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Spelter

Flemish Hand Embroidery 15th & 16th Century Gothic Silk & Gold threat Liturgical
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Flemish hand embroidery from the 15th to 16th century adorns this chasuble fragment, depicting scenes of the Virgin Mary Madonna and child amidst a garden setting. Created with lavis...
Category

16th Century Belgian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

An Architectural Model of a Gothic Pinnacle France
Located in Chonburi, TH
This architectural model is a stunning representation of a Gothic pinnacle from France, standing at an impressive height of 51 cm. Crafted with meticul...
Category

19th Century French Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Mary Magdalene on her way to Marseille. Castilian school, 15th century.
Located in Madrid, ES
Mary Magdalene on her way to Marseille. oil on board. Castilian school, towards the last third of the century XV. Oil on panel showing a landscape in the background with a walled city, some mountains and the shore of a watercourse (from the theme it is seen that it is the shore from sea). In the foreground and in full body, a boat with a sail appears with a circus richly dressed characters and with their respective nimbus (these decorated with geometric elements and engraved vegetables), two women and three men. Note the anecdotal detail of the fish crossing the waters under the ship. In the Golden...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Spanish Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

European 16th Century Hand Carved Wooden Virgin Mary Polychrome Statue
Located in Oostende, BE
This 16th century hand-carved wooden Virgin Mary polychrome statue comes from a church in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium (Europe), and was bought directly fr...
Category

16th Century Belgian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Walnut

Miniature Iron Maiden of Nuremberg
Located in Hanover, MA
Miniature "Iron Maiden" in blackened cast metal attached to its original round wood base. The front doors are pin-hinged and open to reveal pointed spikes. At base of doors is printe...
Category

1890s German Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

17th Century European Religious Book Binding Brass Mounts Vellum Monumental Size
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique animal skin or vellum book binding with brass or possibly bronze mounts (sometimes called furniture - centerpiece, corner pieces) of monumental scale. The work measures al...
Category

17th Century European Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique Scottish Silver Large Celtic Double Sided JHS Christogram Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Finely detailed antique Scottish silver Celtic cross with exquisitely decorated arms featuring interlaced Medieval style motifs and a central nimbus with a Christogram, the stylized ...
Category

19th Century Scottish Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca XVII century. Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 14X6 cm. Good condition.
Category

17th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Large Medieval inscription
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Large Medieval German Inscription stone Germany, 14th century 46 x 83 x 13 cm
Category

15th Century and Earlier German Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone

Antique Byzantine Style Large, Substantial Silver Five Fold Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Byzantine style large, substantial antique silver Five-Fold cross pendant with an oval faceted garnet glass center, granulation, silver wire decoration and a circular chased bale. 19th Century The five-fold cross is symbolic of the five wounds of Christ, Christ and the four quarters of the world and Christ and the four evangelists. It is also known as Cross and Crosslets and has been the emblem and coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem since the thirteenth century. Large Byzantine style statement crosses...
Category

19th Century Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Jacques Callot, French Book by Paulette Choné, 1992
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jacques Callot 1592 - 1635, French book by Paulette Choné, 1992. This important book was published after the Jacques Callot exhibition presented at the Lorraine Historical Museum in ...
Category

1990s French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Byzantine Style Sterling Silver Amethyst Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique sterling silver Byzantine style hand crafted organically shaped cross pendant with a rectangular amethyst center framed by two rows of granulation work, the arms decorat...
Category

19th Century European Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique French 19th Century Vampire Slaying Kit.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French 19th Century Vampire Slaying Kit.
Category

Late 19th Century French Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

An antique bronze scale model of an 18th century cannon on a hardwood base c1920
Located in Central England, GB
This superb finely detailed model of an 18th century cannon is very well engineered. It has large distinctive front spoked wheels with studded tra...
Category

Early 20th Century British Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

13th Century Period Wood Carved Polychrome Sculpture of Corpus Christi
Located in Vero Beach, FL
13th Century Period Wood Carved Polychrome Sculpture of Corpus Christi Rare and beautiful sculpture of Corpus Christi. The artwork, probably German, is carved from hardwood. This f...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Unknown Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

Early 1900 and Very Fine Quality Hand Carved Wall Crucifix / Jesus on the Cross
Located in Lisse, NL
Sizeable crucifix with a finer quality carved corpus of Christ. Looking at Christ like this and thinking about the gruesome way in which He lost His earthly life, the crucifix (in our view) is a symbol of what 'telling people the truth' can lead to. 'The truth does not have many friends' is something I once read. Looking at what is going on in the world today, in most countries that still is the case. However, we feel that we (humans), nevertheless, are still becoming more loving, civilized, empathetic and self-conscious. Mind you, this good size wall crucifix dates from the early 1900s and the cruelties that people did to one another for acting or being different than 'normal' in those days, in most cases were far worse than what we see in this day and age. Looking at Christ on the cross with this in mind, we have come along way and we are slowly, but surely evolving in the right direction. Maybe it is just some of our 'leaders' who are lacking behind. Christ on the cross should therefor also be a reminder of someone who has lived and foreseen all this and who should therefor always be a beacon of hope and light when things are not going our way, yet. What attracted us most in this work of religious art are the quality details of His anatomy and the warm patina of this finely carved corpus. The facial features of this superb corpus of Christ reveal...
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Antique Early Romanesque Gothic Architectural Tabernacle Niche Door
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique ecclesiastical architectural hand carved and painted wooden church - cathederal tabernacle door. 18th century or earlier, early Medieval European Romanesque Gothic style, facade with elaborate arched header atop partial quartfoil, hinged tabernacle door panel which would have opened to important religious niche...
Category

18th Century European Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley, Later Printing, 1891
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus. London: George Routledge and Sons, 1891. 12mo. Rebound in 1/.4 black leather and green marble...
Category

1890s English Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Antique Lifesize Crowned Mother Mary and Child Jesus Gothic Revival Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Hand carved wood antique statue of Mother Mary wearing a Gothic crown. This original and all hand carved sculpture of the mother of all mothers is anothe...
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Small 15th Century Illuminated Vellum Book Page, Handwriting
Located in Buisson, FR
Fabulous handwritten and illuminated book page. Beautiful period piece with gorgeous faded colors and typical gilded Gothic initials, France, 15th ce...
Category

15th Century and Earlier French Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Parchment Paper

Weighted Resin Chess Set Game in Jointed Wood Box Kings, Ca 1930s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good and complete English resin moulded "weighted" chess set game of 32 pieces, in a jointed pine box, all dating to the early/ mid 20th century, Circa 1930's. The chess...
Category

Early 20th Century British Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Resin, Pine

Two Vintage Framed Shield Form Heraldic Crests
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large tanned leather shield forms with nail head trim and carved and painted applied crests with some gilt details. Each with a different crest- one with a swan and rampant lions, th...
Category

20th Century Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Glass, Wood

John on the chest of Christ Sculpture Museum Reproduction
Located in Den Haag, NL
This Item is an Identical Museum Reproduction The carving shows Christ and St John sitting on a bench. John rests his head on Christ's chest, his eyes closed in devotion. His right hand rests in that of Christ, who places a loving arm around his shoulder. This Item is an Identical Museum Reproduction . Polymer is a heavy and very strong type of resin material that captures perfectly the details of the casting. The advantages of polymer when compared to concrete, cast stone, and cement are that it is far less fragile and much more resistant . sold by . Ancient Sculpture...
Category

2010s American Gothic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Unique Small Size & Quality Hand Carved Tiger Oak Gothic Revival Chest, 1920
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and practical size, multi purpose Gothic chest / box from a monastery. This here Gothic chest is one of the smallest yet most stylish we ever had the pleasure of offering. ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Alabaster Bookends in Form of Medieval Library Very
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Library, Book, Throne, medieval, revival Alabaster and marble bookends in the shape of monks sitting on a throne reading a book Medieval style figur of a monge carved on the albastr...
Category

20th Century Italian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Alabaster

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca xvii century Very beautiful cross of Caravaca made in bronze. 17th century. Measurements: 12 x 6cm Good condition.
Category

17th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Italian Sterling Silver Chess Board, Chess Game, Sodalite Marble
Located in VALENZA, IT
Impressive sterling silver chess board medieval style chess set. The chess board, made by ARVAL ARGENTI VALENZA, was made in white marble and sodalite is supported by a STERLING SILVER frame made with the casting method and finished with a chisel, subsequently burnished and reproducing the bricks of a wall of a fortress. This "frame" is supported at the four horses two tone...
Category

2010s Italian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Marble, Sterling Silver

Rare Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral, Rome, 19th century, circa 1840. Possibly a representation of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence Italy. The Italian Renaissance is renowned for its magnificent works of art and architecture, which are admired to this day for their grandeur and intricate details. Among the most impressive examples of this era are the rare and monumental carved Carrara marble models of cathedrals...
Category

19th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Carrara Marble

Large Early 19th Century Door Lock and Latch on Patinated Stand
Located in San Mateo, CA
Large early 19th century European door lock and latch. This had a custom stand made that was patinated to match the lock. This was probably done in the 1970's. There is an acrylic mi...
Category

Early 19th Century European Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Iron

Ardagh Chalice, an Antique Sterling Silver and Enamel Replica Dublin 1914
Located in London, London
The Ardagh Chalice is considered to be one of the greatest treasures of the early Irish Church, and one of the finest known works of Insular art. It is thought to have been made in the 8th Century AD, and was discovered in 1868 by Jim Quin & Paddy Flanagan just outside the village of Ardagh in County Limerick, Ireland. Hallmarked in Dublin in 1914 by West & Son, this handsome, Antique Sterling Silver Replica of the Ardagh Chalice, is decorated with Celtic bands...
Category

1910s Irish Medieval Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century cross. Nice XIX century cross in olive wood. Measures: 23x12 cm. In good condition. Good condition.
Category

19th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Vintage French Medieval Knight's Helmet in Brass
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage French Medieval Knight's Helmet in Brass is a marvelous recreation of a period artifact. Hand-crafted by an obviously skilled artisan who clear...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Great Quality Carved & Superb Condition Wooden Corpus Christi on Crucifix, 1800s
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique crucifix with stunning hand carved details and an amazing patina. This remarkable and good size crucifix with a sculpture of a suffering Christ on the cross is another one...
Category

Early 19th Century German Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fruitwood, Oak

Important Book 'Seigneurs et Princes de Monaco' by S.E René Novella and Philip R
Located in London, GB
Important book 'Seigneurs et Princes de Monaco' by S.E René Novella and Philip Reder French, Late 20th century Book: height 6.5cm, width 30cm, depth 38cm Case: height 9.5cm, width 34cm, depth 40cm Beautifully decorated in the style reminiscent of Medieval illuminated manuscripts, the book describes the history of Lords and Princes of Monaco. Written by S.E René Novella and illustrated by Philip Reder in the late 20th century, it was manufactured using traditional bookmaking techniques by Arts et Couleurs. Intricate colour border detailing adorns the pages of this publication, with a colour palette of various shades of green, blue, and red predominating. The names of lords and kings are further decorated with ornate borders, including motifs such as a crown, and the text includes ornate, coloured lettering. A luxurious red satin case with a red leather spine protects the book which comes with a certificate of authenticity. A collection of red lacquer illustrations depicting various arches is part of the publication. Red leather was used for the cover of the book and is decorated with gold and black debossed patterns. Only 150 copies were made with the book in Mayfair Gallery...
Category

Late 20th Century French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Satin, Paper

19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century cross Nice xix century cross in olive wood. Measures: 23 x 12 cm. In good condition.
Category

19th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Medieval Style Armor Gauntlet Articulated Steel
Located in Rochester, NY
Articulated medieval style steel gauntlet. Well made, mid-20th century.
Category

Mid-20th Century Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Steel

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca XVII century. Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 15x6 cm. Good condition.
Category

17th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Cross of Jerusalem, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of Jerusalem 19th century. XIX century Jerusalem cross ancient xix century Jerusalem cross in olive wood and mother of pearl. Measures: 14x7 cm.
Category

19th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

18th Century French Religious Fer a Hosties Eucharist Host Iron Waffle Press
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique, circa 1765, French fer a hosties (cast iron host press / host mold). Exquisitely hand forged in France in the 18th century, showcasing the blacksmith's high qual...
Category

Late 18th Century French Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Antique Large Carved Oak Figure of Saint Anthony of Padua, 18th-19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Fine hand carved oak figure of Saint Anthony of Padua Late 18th- Early 19th Century Saint Anthony is depicted with his head raised, mouth ajar, as if in the process of speaking. He stands upright wearing his traditional Franciscan robes and holding open a book. Beautifully carved with high level of detail, unusual for oak pieces. Oak is a dense hardwood which is difficult to carve and it's rare to see this level of detail in an early oak sculpture. Saint Anthony is the Patron Saint of lost things. While living at the monastery, he had a treasured book which contained psalms and personal observations. His book was stolen by a man who decided to leave the monastery and Anthony ferverently prayed for its return as the cost of a new book would have been beyond his means. The thief repented and returned the book which is believed to be preserved at the Franciscan Library in Bologna. He is one of the most popular Catholic saints...
Category

Early 19th Century European Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Oak

19th Century Cross
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century cross. Made in olive wood and silver metal. Measures: 8x5 cm. Good condition.
Category

19th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Book of the Hunt by Gaston Fébus, One-Time Only Limited-Edition Facsimile
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This is a one-time only facsimile edition limited to 987 copies of a Medieval illuminated manuscript, the Book of the Hunt, by the Fren...
Category

2010s French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Ancient Byzantine Bronze Double-Sided Engraved Reliquary Cross, 9th-12th Century
Located in New York, NY
Fine engraved double-sided Byzantine bronze reliquary cross, 9th-12th Century AD Excellent original patina Composed of two parts hinged at the top an...
Category

15th Century and Earlier European Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca XVII century. Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 15x6 cm. Good condition.
Category

17th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

CROSS OF CARAVACA 17th CENTURY
Located in Madrid, ES
CROSS OF CARAVACA XVII CENTURY BEAUTIFUL CARAVACA CROSS FROM THE 17TH CENTURY IN BRONZE. MEASURES: 12.5X5.5 CM. IN GOOD CONDITION good condition
Category

17th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Cross of Caravaca 17th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Cross of caravaca xvii century. Very beautiful cross of caravaca made in bronze. 17th Century. Measurements: 14x6 cm. Good condition.
Category

17th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Val-Dieu Apocalypse - One-Time Only Limited-Edition Facsimiles
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This is a unique facsimile reproduction limited to 987 copies of a medieval manuscript, the Apocalypse Val-Dieu, owned by the British Library, mad...
Category

2010s French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Brooch in the Shape of a Cross 19th Century 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Brooch in the shape of a cross xix century It is made of wood and golden metal. Measures: 8 x 5 cm Good condition.
Category

19th Century Italian Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Gothic Style Huge Triptych Shadow Box/Display Of Orthodox Church Silver Icons
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Gothic style huge triptych shadow box/display of an Orthodox Church silver icons. The triptych is a large ogee shaped arc closed display made of heavy wood and glass. When you open the doors, it features some icons painted on wood and covered by an embossed and chased silver oklads with some gilt areas. They are framed by some red velvet. In the center, there are two icons who represent St.Paul and St.Peter; above them is the Almighty God...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Liber Astrologiae - Albumazar Treatise - One-time only limited-edition facsimile
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This is a unique facsimile edition limited to 987 copies of a Medieval manuscript on Astrology, the Albumazar Treatise, also known as the Liber As...
Category

2010s Dutch Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sheet Metal

Antique & Unique Glazed Earthenware Pot W. Gothic Christogram / Christ Symbolism
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique glazed pot with a hand-painted and rare Gothic Christogram. Possibly medieval. Over the past decades we have seen and sold many works of religious art, but we never before had the pleasure of offering such a unique and all handcrafted and glazed earthenware 'pot'. To have found a piece of this unicity, this size, this great shape and in this beautiful condition more than made our day. The unique Christogram ofcourse is at the center of this one of a kind antique. At the outer end of each letter of this Christogram is the famous Gothic trefoil...
Category

19th Century European Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Terracotta, Paint

Stunning Large Oak Corpus Christi on Crucifix w. Symbols of the Four Evangelists
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique large crucifix with stunning quality, hand carved details and an amazing patina. This remarkable and large sculpture of a suffering Chr...
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Wooden Cross, Western Europe, 1950s
Located in Chorzów, PL
A wooden cross from the 1950s. Dimensions: height 85 cm / width 40 cm / depth 15 cm.
Category

1950s Polish Gothic Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique French Statue Figure Saint Lady Sculpture Book Bible Carved Oak 23.5" T
Located in Tyler, TX
RARE Carved Oak Statue Figure~~Medieval Saint or Lady Holding Bible~~c. late 19th to early 20th century MASTERFULLY CARVED from one piece of oak depict...
Category

Late 19th Century French Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

French 19th Century Brass Altar Candlestick Lamp and Shade
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An antique brass altar candlestick from 19th century France, that has been converted into an electrified lamp. This gorgeous fixture i...
Category

19th Century French Gothic Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

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