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Industrial Historical Memorabilia

INDUSTRIAL STYLE

Industrial floor lamps, bar stools, desks and other industrial-style furnishings have experienced a resurgence in popularity with the rise of interest in minimalist design.

It's a look that celebrates the past even as it suggests vigor, productivity and brawn. The newly chic industrial style of decor repurposes the simple, sturdy furniture of an earlier world of commerce — brushed-metal storage cabinets and display shelves, task lamps and pendant lights with enameled shades, work tables with worn wooden tops and cast-iron bases — and couples them with aesthetic touches emblematic of energy and optimism, from bright upholstery fabrics to flowers.

The rise in prominence of the industrial style has come hand-in-hand with the residential repurposing of former manufacturing and warehouse districts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In many loft apartments created in shuttered factories, the architectural envelope has been left intact.

Industrial-style interiors feature elements like raw brick walls, exposed steel beams and oak floors whose history is written in every pit and gouge. Iron and glass transom windows give definition and interest to small kitchen areas anchored by kitchen islands made of marble, steel and brass, while taxidermy or vintage neon signs serve as wall art in living rooms dotted with leather club chairs. Patina is the keynote to a decor in sync with such surroundings. 

On 1stDibs you will find industrial furniture designs that wear their age beautifully — and were built to last.

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Style: Industrial
1930's Japanese WW2 Nippon Kogaku Bronze & Aluminium 60° Inclined binoculars
By NIKKO
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
A refurbished set of Nippon Kogaku 'Nikko' 60 degree inclined 15 x 80 4 degree field of view WW2 binoculars originally used for land, sea and air observation. Stripped of the origin...
Category

1930s Japanese Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Aluminum, Bronze

Adlake 55 Railway Non Sweating Signal Lamp. Ideal for Cafe decoration
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Adlake 55 Railway Non Sweating Signal Lamp. Ideal for decoration in a restaurant or cafe on a Railway or industrial theme The lamp has a single bulls eye window, no burner, it o...
Category

1940s Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

British Rail Railway Speed Restriction Sign 45 MPH Original and very tall
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
British Rail Railway Speed Restriction Sign 45 MPH Original and very tall, the sign is in good condition the paint has been restored in recent times Overall height 115” (293cm), the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Antique Cast Iron Elgin National Coffee Mill Grinder #40
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Cast Iron Elgin National Coffee Mill Grinder #40 This antique Elgin National coffee grinder has an American Bald Eagle and crest logo. Decorate you coffee shop, cafe, restau...
Category

1880s American Antique Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Industrial Hand Truck
Located in Fulton, CA
Industrial workshop hand truck with original red painted oak. Punched into back plate "Boiler Shop". Period pulleys, chain and rope a bonus. Great use as a man cave, vintage auto or ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Industrial Era Enterprise Mfg. Co. (Philadelphia) Iron Grinder
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very well made Grinder from Philadelphia dating to the late 19th/ Early 20th Century. By Enterprise Mfg. Co., Phil, U.S.A. With a hand crank and footed base. Dimensions: H. 20", ...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Antique Wooden Hat Block By W. Plant & Son, Manchester, England
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Made in two parts with a broad thick brim. Several marks including W. Plant & Son, Rochdale Road (location of plant from 1850 to 1947) Manchester, 6 Happ St. and numbers 27 and 25 (p...
Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

1940's WW2 Carl Zeiss BLC 12x60 'T' Flak Binoculars
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Carl Zeiss blc Flak 12 x 60 'T' binoculars. A beautiful set of WW2 binoculars in excellent condition made in Germany during World War 2. These were designed to be used in conjunctio...
Category

1940s German Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Aluminum

Nantucket Steamship Luggage Tag, circa 1920s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Nantucket Steamship Luggage Tag, circa 1920s, heavy stock paper or card in faded red with the printed inscription "NANTUCKET." This is the last of a stash found in an attic on Nantucket. The tag is in excellent condition, with the color delightfully faded to what is popularly known today as "Nantucket Red...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Turn of the Century Cast Iron Cobbler’s Anvil
Located in High Point, NC
This cast iron shoe form makes a lively decorative accent or craftsman’s tool. Built in turn of the century France, this attractive piece would have originally been used by cobblers ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

1918 Antique Hammond Folding Portable Typewriter
Located in San Carlos, CA
For sale we have a beautiful antique typewriter. This 1918 Antique Hammond Folding typewriter is a great relic from the early 20the century that will add cool industrial detail to your interior. All the parts on this Hammond typewriter...
Category

1910s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

1930's Simplex cinema projector by International Projector Corp of New York
Located in London, GB
A 35 mm Simplex cinema projector by International Projector Corp of New York. Circa 1935. Fitted with a Strong portable reflector arc lamp light box by The Strong Electric Corp of T...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Steel

Mid 20th centry vintage BP energol 2 stroke oil dispenser
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Large piece of british motoring history circa 1950. Was in everyday use when we purchased.  Rectangular tall container with removable lid and fully functioning perfect pour shut off...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Steel

Rare Singer Model 24 Chain Stitch Small Sewing Machine
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a rare Singer Model 24 chain stitch small sewing machine. Its background is painted black and adorned with red and white foliages decal. A gold color ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Cabine téléphonique insonorisé Française Outelec métal doré Circa 1970, vintage
By Dypout
Located in AIX-LES-BAINS, FR
Cabine téléphonique industrielle des années 1970 ,insonorisée en métal. Elle a quelques marques mais peut facilement être repeinte voir customisée. Décoration très originale
Category

1970s French Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

1950s Gates Vulco Belts Vintage Painted Tin Sign or Sales Display Ratrod Garage
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Heavily Oxidized Painted Metal Sign, Faded Graphics, but a nice even fade. It is very tall for Wall Hanging Display or Leaning against a wall, at 55.75 inches high. Structurally th...
Category

1950s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Steel

1900s French Metal Anvil
Located in High Point, NC
A metal anvil created in 1900s France. Weighty, battered, and time-worn, this solid chunk of history and craftsmanship radiates a palpable sense of a sim...
Category

20th Century French Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Industrial Design large Pulley, Cable Pull, 1950s
Located in Saarburg, RP
Old large Pulley Industrial Design - 1950/60s The old pulley (cable pull) in industrial design is an impressive piece of the past times. It combines the charm and sturdiness of the past industrial era. This iron pulley...
Category

1950s European Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Antique WWII Japanese Army Type 30 Arisaka Bayonet Scabbard Hooked Quillon
Located in Dayton, OH
"Antique World War II era Imperial Japanese Type 30 bayonet with hooked quillon, wood grip, and metal scabbard. This early model was made between ...
Category

1940s Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Dressmaker’s Hem Height Skirt Marker Beech Skirt Marker
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Dressmaker’s Hem Height Skirt Marker Beech Skirt Marker for measuring the height of a skirt from the floor up . This would have been used in a shop to make alterations to the length...
Category

1930s Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Beech

Industrial Era Post Office Box Tower
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A tall narrow oak tower fitted with 14 boxes with metal plaques on the doors and monogram US, each with two combination locks for security and glass panels. Open backs for the postal...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Industrial Design large Pulley, Cable Pull by Lyon Lilienfeld, 1950s
Located in Saarburg, RP
Old large Pulley Industrial Design - 1950/60s The old pulley (cable pull) in industrial design is an impressive piece of the past times. It combines the charm and sturdiness of the past industrial era. This iron pulley...
Category

1950s European Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

“Spoon” Industrial Design Steel Covered Book, Phaidon Press – 1st Edition
Located in Philadelphia, PA
“Spoon” Designed by Mark Diaper, Phaidon Press, 1st Edition 2002 This is the out of print polymer coated Steel version with a cover bent like the silhouette of a spoon. An award winning catalogue showcasing 100 contemporary industrial designers nominated by 10 curators. Spoon covers a vast spectrum of styles, media and work, from kitchen utensils, tools and lighting, to furniture, high-tech products and cars. Each designer is featured over two double-page spreads, illustrated with sketches, models and photographs. A short explanatory text by the selecting curator, and biographical information on the designer are provided. Each curator has also chosen a design ‘classic’ that illustrates the concept of ‘good design’. Publisher ‏ : ‎ Phaidon Press; 1st Printing Edition – September 20, 2002 Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 444 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0714842516 Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 in W x 1 in. H x 12 in. L The expected light wear found in used books.
Category

Early 2000s American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Industrial Design large Pulley, Cable Pull with Hook, 1950s
Located in Saarburg, RP
Old large Pulley with Hook Industrial Design - 1950/60s The old pulley (cable pull) in industrial design is an impressive piece of the past times. It combines the charm and sturdiness of the past industrial era. This iron pulley...
Category

1950s European Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Antique Vintage Kodak Wooden Trimming Board by Eastman
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique vintage kodak wooden trimming board by Eastman. The wooden cutting surface measures 6 inches tall by 5 inches wide by 3/4 inches tall. Some of the original writing can be seen on the surface of the board and the ruler on the top is visible. This board was used for trimming photographs. Beautiful and interesting piece for your use or library decor...
Category

1940s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Early Century Hollywood Mansion Home Movie Screen Director Cinema Prop Curiosity
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very large roll-up movie screen in a box. Overall W 75 x D 12.5 x H 57.5 in. Screen W 68 x H 53 in.
Category

1920s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Maw and Sons 19th Century Cast Iron Tincture Press
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Maw and Sons 19th Century Cast Iron Tincture Press This press dates from the 19th Century The Tincture press was used for making extracts of herbs, vegetables or fruit in a ho...
Category

1880s Antique Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Antique Industrial Cast Bronze Bolt with Nut from Brooklyn Bridge*
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique Industrial 8- Inch Cast Bronze Bolt with Nut from Brooklyn Bridge* USA, Circa 1880-1883 Beautifully made and cast, *the provenance is by repute was a leftover carriage bo...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Bronze

Vintage 1950s Tommy Gun Movie Prop Theatrical Toy Weapon
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Measures: L 32.5 x W 8 x Thk 6 in.
Category

1950s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Antique Atlantic City Souvenir Penny Game from Boardwalk Empire
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Historical artifact once used in the HBO series Boardwalk Empire. Maple cabinet with brass plaques and painted iron mechanism. Costing two quarters and a penny to play. Not tested ...
Category

20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Keuffel & Esser Co. Military Transit Surveyor Telescope
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Keuffel & Effer Co. military transit surveyor. It consists of a compass and a telescope. Inside the center of the compass is hallmarked Keuffel & Esser. Also over the front...
Category

20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Vintage Central European Wooden Element
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden decoration created in 20th century central Europe. Crafted in an inherently minimal design, this unique element doesn’t fail to please the eye all the way around its structu...
Category

20th Century European Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

Photography Panoramic 1922 Black and White Pennsylvania Fireman DuBois Hose Co.
Located in Savannah, GA
Large black and white panorama photograph featuring forty-six members of the J.E. DuBois Hose Company pictured with their Bureau of Fire, DuBois, P...
Category

1920s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Underwood Vintage Manual Typewriter
By Underwood Universal
Located in Pasadena, TX
Underwood ” Vintage manual typewriter The Underwood Typewriter Company was a manufacturer of typewriters headquartered in New Y...
Category

1940s North American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Steel

Large 19th Century Iron Pot, Cauldron on Stand
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large 19th century iron pot, cauldron on stand This is an interesting Pot, it is made in cast iron, it has a lid and a stand on which it can be tilted. The pot has green verdigri...
Category

19th Century Antique Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Antique Vintage Kodak Glass Beaker
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage 1940s glass Kodak developer beaker. This amazing piece is minimal and cool, and features a large 32 ounce capacity for holding and measuring liquids. Used primarily in dark rooms for photo developer solution, this beaker would be a great gift for that avid photographer, or use as a very unique flower vase...
Category

1940s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Glass

Vtg David White Instrument Co Surveying Equipment Plane Utility Level Oak Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage David White Instrument Co surveying equipment plane utility level in oak case. Has not been tested. Item features a plane utility level, original oak case. Circa early to m...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Store Window Display Glass Bottle Noilly Prat Vermouth Liquor
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful display bottle from Italy C1950. In very good condition with minimal wear, some label losses. Great color.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Glass, Paper

1880s Pennsylvania Railroad Company Flyer Steam Train Locomotive Bronze Bell PRR
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rings beautifully, and moves smoothly. Gifted from the Governor of Pennsylvania, David Lawerence to the Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh prior to the merger of the PRR to ...
Category

19th Century American Antique Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron, Bronze

Art Deco Cast Iron Stagecoach Door Stop with Original Paint, 1930
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Great example of a western stagecoach in original paint. Colors are still vibrant. C1930 with precise castings. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.
Category

1930s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Rare Vintage Harley-Davidson OEM 1949-58 Panhead Shovelhead Front Fender Tip
Located in Dayton, OH
Original Vintage Harley-Davidson OEM stainless panhead front fender tip with art deco styling for models from 1949-1958. Originally purchased in the 1980s from the Pennsylvania wareh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Chrome

Antique Cleveland Twist Drill Co #13 Set Bit Stock Metal Tools + Wood Case 1910
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration: Antique Cleveland Twist Drill Co. No 13 Set Bit Stock Drill Metal Tools Wood Case 1910 Antique Wood Case with Metal Too...
Category

1910s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Rare Vintage Harley-Davidson Handle Bars Red Grips Panhead Knucklehead 1949-61
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Harley-Davidson Panhead or Knucklehead handle bars with control wires and red rubber grips. 1949-1960. Originally purchased in the 1980s from the Pennsylvania warehouse where...
Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Industrial Tripod, Signal Corps Us Army, Hanging Plant Holder Base, Pedestal
Located in Antwerp, BE
Industrial wooden tripod stand - green army wooden Stand. A former military tri-pod for loudspeaker or camera with original label still on. Signal corps US Army Stand MT 128/TIQ-2 - The Eastern Company - Cambridge, Mass, USA. This tripod is adjustable in height by the extendable legs, so can be used for many purposes: Stand hanging plant holder - to place a chandelier in between or to place a spot on top. When placed lower you could place a decorative object on, a lamp , flowers etc .. This wooden tri-pod is in good used condition. Due age normal paint loss but that makes it charming. A solid tripod usable for many purposes. Dimensions on picture with plant hanger...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

Enterprise Manufacturing Co. Large Cast Iron Coffee Grinder
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an Enterprise Manufacturing Co. Large coffee grinder from Philadelphia, Pa. It is heavy and mainly made of cast iron and wood. A metal Eag...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Stanley Antique Square Ruler Vintage Carpentry Tool in Rosewood & Brass
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For consideration: Antique tool square ruler carpentry measuring by Stanley. Metal with brass and rosewood handle. Made in the USA. Size: 9.5 W x 5.63 Tall x .63 Thick Original an...
Category

1920s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Vintage Harley-Davidson Knuckle Panhead Hand Shift Lever Gear Shifter, 1948-1950
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Harley-Davison chrome hand shift lever and knob for Panhead motorcycles circa 1948-1950. Originally purchased in the 1980s from the Pennsylvania warehouse where a cache of ol...
Category

Late 20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Chrome

1940s Maple Conveyor Belt Room Screen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Industrial 1940s conveyor belt room screen made up of wood slats with rounded ends. Entire screen connected with canvas and rivets. Stands up very easily...
Category

1940s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Maple

Antique Round Carpenter's Case for Drill Bits Storage Holder in Wood and Metal
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique wood collectible case to store drill bits. Old stock. Made of wood has metal moving parts on top. The upper mechanism turns for display- providing an opening to store drill...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Antique American Railroad Track Switch Target Sign
Located in Forney, TX
An antique American railroad yard switch sign on custom stand. A wonderful example of both Americana and industrial folk art! Born in the US in the early 20th century, the large, double sided, painted red iron circular disc shaped "target" sign; mounted to painted black cast iron central pedestal standard; surmounted by hand hammered and chiseled raw iron three inch tall finial; rising from a later five spoke pentagonal black iron base, elaborately shaped, fan form with niche curved flowing lines. The central standard can unscrew from the base for easy transportation and storage. Versatile, use it indoors as a decorative accent and quick way to add color, rustic texture, dimension, and interest, or use outdoors to brighten up your space as a garden ornament or statue. Original condition but we mildly sealed it to preserve the beautiful, warm rustic patina that enhances it so much. Now stable, it won't make a mess or deteriorate, while retaining the unique character and charm that can only be aquired from decades of use, being weathered, naturally distressed, with old chippy paint, that's elegantly aged, rich deep red color It is a full size, authentic railroad iron target...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Mounted Turnstile “To The Fun House” from Coney Island, New York
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare and Historical Industrial Era Mounted Turnstile from the Fun House at Coney Island, New York, featuring original painted finishes mounted on wood plinth with label reading, “T...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Steel

1950s All Aluminum United States Mail Letter Box, Manufactured by Bommer
By Georg Bommer
Located in Buffalo, NY
1950s all aluminum United States mail letter box, manufactured by Bommer Industries, simple Classic design, would make an amazing piggy bank, pull down handle door, mail slot...
Category

1950s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage 1930s Old New York City Mounted "Straphanger" Subway Car Handle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This cast iron and porcelain 'straphanger' or pivoting grab handle was made by the Rico manufacturing company of the United States in circa 1930 in a period industrial style. The cas...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Iron

Canvas and Leather Postman U.S. Mail Delivery Bag
Located in Brooklyn, NY
U.S. postman, mailman "city collection" mail delivery bag features a well-worn canvas body with leather frame.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Leather, Canvas

1950s Wrights Bread Crate Vintage Industrial Vulcanized Display Box Basket Tray
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Big old Bread transport crate with wooden rails on bottom. Interior depth is 5 inches.
Category

1950s American Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Natural Fiber

Italian Trolley Mill Industrial Archeology
Located in bari, IT
Trolley from an old industrial cotton mill made with mixed timber dating back to the 1930s.
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Wood

Vintage Metal Parking Lot Number Signs
Located in Topeka, KS
We are offering here 23 vintage metal parking lot number signs. They are in differing degrees of condition and patina but all wonderful. We have priced the...
Category

20th Century Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Speed Limit 20 Large Steel Traffic Sign
Located in Topeka, KS
Fun Speed Limit 20 vintage steel traffic sign. It is large and in awesome vintage condition with just the right amount of age and use patina. Please see ph...
Category

20th Century North American Industrial Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Steel

Industrial historical memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Industrial historical memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage historical memorabilia created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Industrial historical memorabilia made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original historical memorabilia, popular names associated with this style include Harley Davidson, Coca Cola Bottling Co., Dypout, and Enterprise Manufacturing Company. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for historical memorabilia differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $26,634 while the average work can sell for $592.

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