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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Color:  Brown
Large Elm Tiller from the Brixam Fishing Trawler 'Provident'
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A large elm tiller with a bronze helm and turned finial from the Brixham fishing trawler 'Provident', 1924 Provident details: Builder: J Sander...
Category

1920s English Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Silver Lady Woman Ex Voto religious Folk Art, 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 and then welded. Given the delicacy...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate, Sheet Metal

African Fulani Currency Bracelet, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Characterized by its open shape capped with geometric ends, this bracelet is but one form of the many types of body adornments favored the Fulani people of West Africa. The thick des...
Category

Early 20th Century Nigerien Tribal Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Original Antique Cricket Print, Circa 1900
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Great image of a young cricketer Chromo-lithograph Original colour Published C.1900 Unframed.
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

"Alraune", Original German Movie Poster
Located in London, GB
Original German movie poster for the silent 1919 horror film. The film tells the story of a woman who is forced to mate with a mandrake root, prod...
Category

1910s German Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Weighted Club Chess Set Kings Staunton Pattern No. 5 Boxed, Circa 1930
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good, high quality vintage English handmade, boxwood "weighted" chess set club game of 32 pieces, Staunton Pattern No. 5 all in its original box and retailed by The British Chess...
Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hardwood

Rhodes, James Ford, History of the United States, 7 Vols, in a Fine Binding
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: RHODES, James Ford. TITLE: History Of The United States From The Compromise of 1850 To The Final Restoration Of Home Rule At The South In 1877. PUBLISHER: NY: The Macm...
Category

1910s American Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Scandinavian Antique Leather-Bound Books, 2000 Books in Brown And Red Available
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A large collection of Scandinavian decorative antique library leather-bound books Please note that the pictures listed are a sample of the books available and not the exact 50 books available. We will send pictures of the actual books before shipping them out. An attractive collection of 2000 mid-size antique leather-bound books. This lot of books on literature from Sweden are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of varying rich, warm tones and gold leaf print embossing. The books seated side-by-side measures 2,5 meters, approximate 8´2 foot run. This collection of antique Swedish books are ready to ship and take their place, handsomely adorning your bookcase or library shelves...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Paper

Assorted Small Black Forest Roe Buck Mounts
Located in Bridgehampton, NY
Assorted Small Black Forest Roe Buck Mounts, Early 20th Century Sold individually.
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Antler, Wood

Large Marble Solitaire Board Game with 33 Early Handmade Clay Marbles
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a complete board game of marble solitaire with a large turned maple board from the 20th century and handmade clay or stone marbles from the mi...
Category

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone

Vintage Art Deco Cork & Bakelite Backgammon Set
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Art Deco cork and bakelite backgammon set, circa 1940s. Set is complete with a foldable wood board with cork inset, 30 bakelite checker...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bakelite, Wood, Cork

Antique Automata Gentleman's Walking Stick, Horse Head Glove Holder
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Automaton horse head walking cane. Early 20th century walking stick with an automaton horse head glove holder. The handle is carved from Horn, finel...
Category

Early 1900s Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Horn

Accordion by Sabatino Nocentini & Figli Made in Florence, Italy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Italian custom made accordion by Sabatino Nocentini Castiglion & Figli. Antique pearl white accordion, Italian accordion with profuse inlay decoration, gorgeous hand made wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Japanese Unique Old Owl Face Cigar Stogie Tray
Located in South Burlington, VT
Even if you dont smoke cigars- delightful to display Japanese Unique Old Owl Face Cigar Stogie Tray This handsome Japanese quality over sized iron "Owl" faced cigar tray...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Extraordinary Walking Stick Horn Handle Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
massiv horn handle silver shaft robust stick (V-215).
Category

1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Horn

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

Antique English Sheraton Style Mahogany Playing Cards Box
Located in Pearland, TX
A fine antique English Sheraton style mahogany playing cards box, circa 1910. This lovely box has a hand painted wreath on one side and musical lyre design on the other side with a shell decoration on the lid. A set of vintage playing cards...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mahogany

Stunning Hand Carved Art Deco Era Bust Sculpture of an Olympian w. Laurel Wreath
By Otto Poertzel 1
Located in Lisse, NL
Solid wooden bust of an Olympic champion by (professor) Otto Poertzel (1876 - 1963). This stunning bust of a young male athlete is of museum quality and condition. Both the geometrical design of the wooden base and the fresh and energetic look and feel of this young male Olympian breath the spirit of the roaring twenties. You will hardly ever come accros a better proportioned, a more realistic or more 'soulful' bust than this wonderfully patinated athlete. It takes an incredibly skilled artisan to be able to create a piece of this quality, because it simoultaniously breathes both energy and serenity. For the mouth, nose, eyes and ears to also be of such perfection makes this antique an...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

1902 Regina Music Box
By Regina Music Box Co.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1902 Regina music box with 3 discs and crank. Molded oak case. One additional disc should not be used. "Regina 66394". Box clasp lacks hole part to hold shut...
Category

Early 1900s Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Antique Catholic Virgin Mary Figure Glass Dome Monastery Work, Germany Altotting
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An antique glass dome with Virgin Mary figure and some other wooden and glass parts. It has also a touch relic of Agnus Dei. Found at an estate sale...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Half Hull Model and Framed Photograph of the Yacht 'Barabel', circa 1902.
Located in London, GB
A rare builders half hull boat model of the 36 Linear Rater yacht Barabel, designed by A Mylne, Glasgow. The half hull boat model is made from solid timber, and painted cream to the waterline with painted caveta and black below, with a black deck. Bearing an ivorine plaque inscribed: Mr C.MacIver's "Barabel" 36LR designed by A Mylne, Glasgow on a mahogany backboard, set with 56 silver regatta prize flags, circa 1902-1904. The nautical half hull comes together with a framed photograph of Barabel sailing at sea. Alfred Mylne was apprenticed to the famous Scottish shipbuilders, Napier Shanks and Bell. He then worked as draftsman to G.L. Watson, where he was involved in drawing up the plans of the Royal Yacht "Britannia," the magnificent racing cutter that was first owned by the Prince of Wales [later King Edward VII] and which later passed to his son, King George V. Mylne set up his own office in 1896, which almost certainly makes the firm that still bears his name the world's oldest yacht design business in continuous production. Mylne immediately established a reputation as a designer of winning yachts, and was one of the people behind the most successful yacht handicap rules of all time - the International Metre Rule. Mylne designs were always admired for their elegance, and this was one of the attractions that drew owners to commission cruisers of every size from his design board...
Category

Early 20th Century British Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

God Lamp / Church Chandelier Brass Early 20th Century Sanctuary Lamp Art Nouveau
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
God's Lamp/Church Chandelier brass early 20th century Sanctuary lamp Art Nouveau style Beautiful authentic brass Church chandelier/God's lam...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Bronze on Wood Religious Crucifix
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Bronze Jesus On Wooden Carved Crucifix, Early 1900's This wood crucifix would certainly make a wonderful addition to any collection of religious works of...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Other Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

1911 Gold Sovereign - King George V - London
Located in Braintree, GB
A 1911 gold Sovereign coin featuring King George V, and the classic George & Dragon design. This coin is provided in a plastic capsule. The lack of mintmark denotes that coin was produced at the London Mint. Manufacturer: Royal Mint Weight (grams): 8.00 grams Dimensions: Diameter: 21 mm King George V was the monarch of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, reigning from 1910 until his death in 1936. Born on June 3, 1865, he was the second son of King Edward VII. George V's reign was marked by significant historical events, including World War I, the decline of the British Empire, and the rise of the Labour Party. Despite facing challenges such as the Irish War...
Category

1910s British Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

1900 gold Sovereign - with the Queen Victoria old (Veiled) head design
Located in Braintree, GB
A 1900 gold Sovereign - with the Queen Victoria old (Veiled) head design. The lack of mintmark denotes the London Mint. Provided in a plastic capsule. Manufacturer: Royal Mint Weigh...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Barnfind Antique Large Tadpole Rider Tricycle Pedal Car, France, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Awesome Barnfind, this large Tadpole Rider Tricycle pedal car. This antique pedal car was made in France circa 1930-1940. It's made of heavy solid m...
Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Set of Chinese Wooden Printing Blocks, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
Chinese innovations in ink, block printing, and movable type fueled global advancements in printing technology, expanding the range of influence of the written word. These printing i...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Rare & Large Antique Hand Carved Gothic Revival Wall Clock w. Lenzkirch Movement
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and impressive clock with an abundance of Gothic details. Gothic wall clocks make great decorative antiques and this turn of the century specimen, in our view, has the perfect...
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Vintage Golf Club, Putter With Alloy Head
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Antique Spalding Aluminium Mallet Head Putter. A good example of an aluminium head putter with original hickory shaft by A.G Spalding & Bros. The crown of the club head stamped 'A.G ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Silver and enamel Emile Dropsy pendant
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Silver and enamel Emile Dropsy pendant Madonna Regina Virginium motif Materials: Solid silver and enamel Perfect condition includes its original box from the Carassole house of Buenos Aires, Argentina...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Golf Ball, St. Mungo Patent Colonel Bramble Pattern Golf Ball
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Patent Bramble pattern golf ball by St. Mungo. A good example of 'The Colonel' bramble patterned rubber core golf ball. The golf ball is in good condition a...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rubber

ANTIQUE CIRCA 1900 ANGLO INDIAN INLAID CHESSBOARD AND PIECES STUNNiNG TIMBER
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this extremely rare circa 1900 Anglo Indian Export Chessboard and pieces A truly stunning and highly colle...
Category

Early 1900s Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Hardwood, Boxwood, Walnut

Pair Rock Crystal Gem Stone, Silver & Gilt 8 Bell Judaica Torah/ Rimonim Finials
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair Rock Crystal Gem Stone, Silver & Gilt 8 Bell Judaica Torah/ Rimonim Finials European, 1900s We are pleased to offer this stunning pair of European Judaica...
Category

Early 20th Century European Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Rock Crystal, Metal

Antique Carved Polychrome Painted Panel Devotional Icon Triptych Altarpiece
Located in Forney, TX
A rustic religious folding three carved wood panel devotional painting icon triptych, 20th century, comprised of three heavily patinated metal hinged shaped wooden panels, decorated in parcel gilt and rich polychrome paint, depicting saint with staff, flanked by two angels. Can be displayed or folded closed. Dimensions: (approx) 15.5" High, 17" Wide, 0.75" Deep / 2" Deep Closed. 4lbs A wonderful example of antique religious folk art / Ecclesiastic painting having worn, nicely aged warm and rustic distressed weathered chippy paint finish over the whole, wood losses, attractive imperfections and various antique character marks that add to the distinct beauty and charm. Similar to a retablo, reredos, altar piece, overdoor, table screen, tabernacle cabinet...
Category

Early 20th Century Rustic Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

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

Vanished Towers and Chimes of Flanders Book
Located in Seguin, TX
Vanished Towers and Chimes of flanders by George Wharton Edwards, illustrated by author. Published by Penn Publishing Company, Philadelphia, 191...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

C R Ashbee. Made by The Guild of Handicrafts. An Arts and Crafts Copper chalice.
Located in London, GB
C R Ashbee. Made by The Guild of Handicrafts. An Arts and Crafts Copper chalice. The lid with semi-precious red stone to the wirework handle rising from...
Category

Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Copper

Antique New Williams Arts & Crafts Leather Treadle Belt Sewing Machine Cum Table
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Under-appreciated but exceptionally made Antique New Williams Company treadle sewing machine with leather belt and working mechanism. Inside it ...
Category

Early 1900s Canadian Arts and Crafts Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Jewelry Box Art Deco Period
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique Art Deco period jewelry box, styled by Jacques Kreisler, circa early-20th Century, New York, New York. Box is an aubergine ...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Ohio State Basketball Trophy c.1935-1936 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Ohio State Journal Trophy basketball trophy top sponsored by "Morrey Jewelers" This was part of the Columbus Basketball League 1935- 1936. A r...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique German Bisque Doll A & M Armand Marseille, Ric#006
Located in Norton, MA
An original Armand Marseille doll, with a Bisque head and hands. Her feet wear red socks. Beautiful blue glass-fixed eyes and her parted lips show her...
Category

1910s German Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Giraffe Circus Toy c.1903-1935
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Jointed wooden giraffe manufactured in the 1900s by the Schoenhut Piano Company as part of the Humpty Dumpty Circus collection. Made from c...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

Traditional Wooden Artist Mannequin Model Doll Vintage Italy, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A handmade wooden Artist mannequin model - all joints move as they should. Found on a Estate sale in Verona, Italy. Shows some wear - but looks beautiful on display! Some scratches a...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Folk Art Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

A set of bronze imperial standard bell weights by De Grave & Co
Located in London, GB
A set of bronze imperial standard bell weights by De Grave & Co of London, circa 1900. 4 bell weights: 7, 4, 2 and 1 lbs. With a case of smaller ounce and dram disc weights. (8, 4,...
Category

Early 20th Century English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Vintage Wilson Leather Boxing Gloves c.1950 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Original leather boxing gloves filled with horse hair. The leather is very soft and in good condition. . CREATOR Wilson Sporting Goods. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1950-1...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Natural Fiber

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Tiger Circus Toy c.1903-1935
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Jointed wooden Tiger manufactured in the 1900s by the Schoenhut Piano Company as part of the "Humpty Dumpty Circus" collection. Made from c...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

Set of 3 "Kokeshi" Dolls
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Japanese dolls called Kokeshi of the early 20th century. Provenance from the northern Japan. Set of 3. Measures: 30 x 9 cm 30.5 x 8.5 cm 30 x 9 cm Handmade by Japanes...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Edo Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Lion Circus Toy c.1903-1935
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Jointed wooden lion manufactured in the 1900s by the Schoenhut Piano Company as part of the "Humpty Dumpty Circus" collection. Made from ca...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

Antique Gilt Wooden Gothic Art Hand Carved Gargoyle Wall Bracket Shelf / Corbel
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and amazingly hand carved, Gothic gargoyle bracket. If you are a collector of rare and striking Gothic antiques then this bracket could be the perfect addition to your collection. This all handcrafted and marvellously hand carved antique wall bracket in the form of a squated and winged gargoyle with a grotesque head is one of the best works of Gothic art we have ever seen. Its perfect posture and the top quality carved details of its creepy head, its lion's tail, its claw feet and its deeply carved wings are some of the elements that make this antique truly extraordinary. The beautifully carved edge on the shelf has the most amazing shape and combined with the ancient patina of its entirely gilt surface, this Gothic Revival bracket is an absolute joy to look at. This finest quality antique can be the perfect base or display for a statuette, a small clock, a vase, etc. However, because of its uniqueness, its top quality workmanship and its extreme decorative appeal, this wall bracket certainly does not need anything on top. Thanks to the brass hooks on the back this fascinating gargoyle shelf...
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Revival Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Lion Circus Toy c.1903-1935
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Jointed wooden lion manufactured in the 1900s by the Schoenhut Piano Company as part of the "Humpty Dumpty Circus" collection. Made from ca...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Dark Lion Circus Toy c.1903-1935
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Jointed wooden lion manufactured in the 1900s by the Schoenhut Piano Company as part of the "Humpty Dumpty Circus" collection. Made from ca...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

Sestante in ottone firmato HEATH & C Ltd New Heltham London dei primi del '900.
Located in Milan, IT
Sestante in ottone firmato HEATH & C Ltd New Heltham London azienda costruttrice di strumenti scientifici fondata nel 1845 e attiva fino al 1937. Modello HEZZANITH Endless Rapid Re...
Category

1920s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vintage Hoofed Pipe, Leather Pouch and Leather Dog Lead, Early 20th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
Collection of interesting vintage items sold together including: Leather Pouch, embossed "Property of U. S. P. O. Dept.", 8" H, 4" W, .5"D. Great patina and history. Leather Dog Lead...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

A Victorian taxidermy fox dressed in complete hunting outfit with leather boots
Located in London, GB
A Victorian taxidermy fox dressed in complete hunting outfit with scarlet red hunting jacket with brass buttons, leather riding boots, jodhpurs and carved fox head...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Organic Material

Antique English Oak Cribbage Game Board, circa 1910
Located in Pearland, TX
An early 20th Century handmade English cribbage oak game board with beveled edges and 4 pegs, circa 1910. Maker's mark on reverse. It would make a wonderful gift! DIMENSIONS 12.5ʺW ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

England 1900 Two Draw Personal Pocket Monocular Telescope In Brass And Red Wood
Located in Miami, FL
British two-Draws Monocular Telescope. Beautiful monocular telescope, created in England during the Victorian era, in the last three-quarters of the 19th century, circa 1900. This i...
Category

Early 1900s English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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 and then welded. Given the delicacy...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate, Sheet Metal

Large Cast Iron/Wood Laboratory Test Tube and Beaker Stand c.1930 FREE SHIPPING
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Contact us for more shipping quotes: S16 Home San Francisco. An antique cast iron and wood laboratory test tube and beaker stand. Holds eight test tube and one beaker. Inclu...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

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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