Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Vintage Apollo 11 "Voyage to the Moon" Pennant, 1969
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a vintage pennant from 1969 highlighting the Apollo 11 space mission. The felt pennant features a white field with the words "A Voyage to the Moon- Collins - Aldrin- Arm...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Felt
Vintage Wooden Hand Painted Cross.
Located in Seattle, WA
Cross with Beautiful Aging and Petina to the Paint and Wood. Floral and Angel Motifs. Pink and Green Toned Color,with Gold Tones at the Tip of the Cross. Possibly of Mexican Origin. ...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Vintage Hand Drum Wooden Base
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly Rawhide as the Stretched Fabric on Top of Drum. Five Direction Handles. Intricate Knotting at the Bottom to Secure the Top Fabric.Possibly Native American Origin. Vintage Co...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Post War 1953 Very Unusual Trencher Art Bookends In Bronze And Aluminum
Located in Miami, FL
Bookends with 1953 US Navy AER-53 Dummy Artillery Rounds
Elusive and historical pair of bookends, created during the post WWII period and the Korean war, back in the 1953-1955. They...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Bronze, Aluminum
Vintage Aristo Aristette Queen Professional Turquoise Blue Standing Hair Dryer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Aristette Queen Professional Standing Hood Hair Dryer in Turquoise Blue . Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 57" H x 12" W x 14" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Plastic
1950s German Newspaper Advertising Tin Clips Midcentury Graphic Design Set
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Small collection of light duty metal clips, from German newspapers. Silkscreen on thin metal. All working.
Kölnische Zeitung (Cologne Gazette)
Frankfurter Rundschau
Rheinische P...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Tin
Vintage Remington Rand Typewriter, 1947
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a vintage Remington Rand typewriter from 1947. The typewriter is the portable De Luxe Model 5, issued in a sleek carrying case. Still functional, this classic design features a black crinkle finish, and a QWERTY keyboard. Included in the set of metal rimmed black keys are fun features like a shift key, shift lock key, self-starter key, marginal release, and a back space key.
A touch regulator is also included in this De Luxe model. The touch regulator is an adjustment mechanism that permits the keyboard tension to be set at any one of five positions, as indicated by the number in the center of the touch regulator slot. This enables the operator to easily set the key action to suit light, medium, or heavy touch, ensuring maximum typing comfort and speed.
The first commercially successful typewriter was designed by Christopher Sholes and Carlos Glidden and manufactured by gunmakers E. Remington and Sons in 1868. In 1886, E. Remington and Sons sold the entirety of their typewriter interests to Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict. Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict manufactured their typewriters under the Remington Standard Typewriter Company name beginning in 1892. The company became the Remington Typewriter Company in 1902, before merging with the Rand Kardex Company in 1927 to become Remington Rand. Remington Rand continued to sell typewriters until around 1955, when it was acquired by the Sperry Corporation.
Among the early famous typewriter users was Mark Twain. Twain said in a letter to Remington, “Please do not use my name in any way. Please do not even divulge the fact that I own a machine. … I don’t like to write letters, and so I don’t want people to know I own this curiosity-breeding little joker,” talking about his 1875 Remington model. Twain was the first author ever to have a manuscript typed. Other famous users include Agatha Christie, Rudyard Kipling, who made good use of the Remington Noiseless...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
1940s Vornado Antique Electric Powerful Metal Desk Table Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1940s Vornado vintage antique electric fan powerful and silent.
Art Deco era electric table desk top fan with modern industrial design.
Has one ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Rudi Gernreich Girls Knit Monokini Bandeau Top Bathing Suit, circa 1964
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An original girls sized 6X monokini with a bandeau top bathing suit designed by Rudi Gernreich, circa 1964.
Rudi Gernreich was an American Designer born in Austria, Vienna in 1922 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Fabric
Mid Century Massachusetts Institute of Technology Collectibles
Located in Riverdale, NY
Mid Century Massachusetts Institute of Technology Collectibles. Upgrade your legacy and clout with a few well placed trinkets from Mid Century M.I.T. sca...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Porcelain, Wood, Paper
Brooke Cadwallader Carnival Mid-Century Era Silk Scarf, 1947-1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brooke Cadwallader Silk Scarf, The Carnival Print – 1947-1950
Brooke Cadwallader was a well-known printed textile designer of the mid-20th century...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
Important Silver Plate Champagne Bucket or Ice Bucket from Jack E. Leonard 1971
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A large silverplate champagne bucket or ice bucket which was given to Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme by Gladys & Jack Leonard. Jack Leonard was a well-known actor and comedian in the...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silver Plate
12 Le Cirque N.Y. Villeroy & Boch 9" Soup Bowls Designed by Adam D. Tihany
By Adam Tihany
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine...
Category
20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Porcelain
1960s Office Plaque Naval Intelligence Processing System Support Activity Nipssa
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare and Obscure Naval Department Office Wall Plaque / Sign.
Plaque Only Dia 15 x Thk 5/8 in.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Resin, Walnut
1960s Remington Rifle Life Size Advertising Dummy Board Seated Bond/ Mod Girl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A unique and possibly one-of-a-kind advertising piece from the 1960s, the Remington Rifle Life Size Advertising Dummy Board. This custom store advert...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
1960s Robert Berks Sculpture Bust John F Kennedy JFK Miami Beach Mid-Century Art
By Robert Berks
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is a rare 1965 presentation award bust of JFK. A wonderful piece of mid-century historical decor from an important American sculptor, Robert Berks. Hi...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Resin, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Push Button Genie Telephone in Peach
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very sleek & cool styling in this Genie telephone. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear retains the great color of it's early days. Not tested.
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
Large Metal Gulf Gas Station Sign
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic gas station memorabilia.
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
12 Le Cirque N.Y. Oval 12" Plates Designed By Adam D. Tihany For Villeroy & Boch
By Adam Tihany
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine...
Category
20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Porcelain
Milton Glaser 'Am., 1929 -2020' Sword Swallower, Painting Le Cirque Ny
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine destinations in New York for glitterati and foodies alike. No matter the location, monkeys and circus themes remained a design staple of the iconic restaurant. Although the landmark restaurant's NYC doors are now closed, We are pleased to offer items from the famed restaurant.
Sword Swallower - Large Original Mural on...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Canvas, Wood
12 Le Cirque N.Y. Oval 11" Plates Designed By Adam D. Tihany For Villeroy & Boch
By Adam Tihany
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine...
Category
20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Porcelain
House & Garden’s Complete Guide to Interior Decoration, Hardcover Book, 1953
Located in Philadelphia, PA
House & Garden’s Complete Guide to Interior Decoration – Hardcover Book, 1953 Edition.
First published in New York in 1947 by Simon and Schuster, this is the updated 1953 Edition,...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
"Teammates in Mankind's Greatest Adventure" Signed Poster by National Geographic
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original autographed poster from a 1973 issue of National Geographic magazine, celebrating the historic Apollo missions from the fir...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
1940s Tin Sign Philip Morris Cigarettes Smoking Mid-Century Garage Decor Tobacco
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Over two foot wide 'Tin Tacker' Sign. A brightly colored embossed metal "Call For Philip Morris" cigarette advertising sign with a great graphics of a period bell hop...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Tin
Vintage Table Top Apothecary Scale in Walnut & Brass, c. 1940's
Located in Deland, FL
A great design piece to round out your space. Vintage, unique and a rare find. Make it yours today!
Category
1940s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Oak
New York 'World's Fair' Bamboo Lamp with Parasol Shade by Christopher Tennant
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The World’s Fair Collection is a family of fixtures handmade from sustainably sourced materials and upcycled antique paper parasols given to visitors at ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Cement, Brass
1950s Reach Stroehmann Sunbeam Bread Store Display Sign Rare Vintage Advertising
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A very rare advertising campaign tin tacker sign. 'Reach for Stroehmann's Sunbeam Bread.' A single sided tin (SST) embossed sign. Marked Q.B.A. Coop I...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Vintage Emergency Service Porcelain Sign Oval Oil Gas Station Garage Man Cave
Located in Hyattsville, MD
1950s AAA Emergency Service double-sided porcelain garage sign. Distressed condition, meaning some chips from being install back in the day, exposure to t...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
1950s Midcentury Shortwave Radio by Phillips
By Phillips
Located in San Diego, CA
This cool vintage original radio shortwave by Phillips, circa 1950s with bakelite knobs in cream color case, the radio works but it takes a while to war...
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Bakelite
Alexander Girard for Herman Miller Neck Ties. NOS. Silk. Vintage 1960s, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
Super rare neckties designed by Alexander Girard for Herman Miller, 1960s. We don't think these were ever in mass production. All th...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
1950s Atomic Energy Commission Building Office Logo Wall Plaque AEC Oppenheimer
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The AEC seal is one of those great totems of the atomic age. A largely symmetrical and stylized representation of an atom (the highly toxic beryllium), it is strikingly more straightforward than the seals of its successor organizations. The design and design philosophy is very characteristic of the Mid-Century Era. This large rare plaque was only used in official locations of the Atomic Energy Department.
The AEC officially came into existence and took over from the Manhattan Project...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Aluminum
Collection of 6 Vintage Issues of Masters of World of Architecture, 1960
Located in San Diego, CA
Great collection of 6 issues of Masters of World of Architecture. These issues date back to 1960 and each focuses on a particular architecture icon that is discussed and analyzed wit...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Vintage Wood Survey Measuring Large Stick by Lenner
Located in San Diego, CA
Hard to find a rare vintage wood measuring stick by Lenner.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Aluminum
French Rally Cast Iron Trophy Car by Artist Rodolphe Mariotti
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality and delightfully heavy sculpted iron motoring trophy car.
Automobile depicted is circa 1920s.
Collectible and Commemorative of the ‘Rally U.C.O.L. Challenge - Driver...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass, Iron
Trench Art Copper Bullet Paperweight 1944 Australia Sterling Silver Florin
Located in Stamford, CT
World War II trench art paperweight with five copper bullets, one large caliber, four smaller caliber mounted on an Australian Sterling Silver Florin.
Showing the portrait of King George...
Category
Mid-20th Century Australian Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Sterling Silver, Copper
1952 Mid-Century Sirrica Brass Marble Candlestick Rutgers College Desk Lamp
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid-century Sirrica desk or library lamp. Made of brass and marble featuring footed base with round Bouillotte style form, three candlesticks, and black parchment shade marked with Rutgers logo / crest / seal. A gift / trophy to commemorate the graduation of Mr. Richard Phillips...
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Marble, Brass
1960s Industrial Nail Pliers Pincers Tool in Steel Iron Rustic Patina
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Tool
Vintage Tool Nail Pliers Pincers Pullers. Made in the USA. 1960s
Signs of vintage age and wear
Great design and form. Wonderful advertising carpentry prop.
Dimensions: 12.25 H x...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel, Iron
Set of 16 Vintage Painted Wood Weighted Beach Blocks in Various Colors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very cool assortment of Vintage Weighted Beach Blocks. Each block has unique colors, paint splatter, and in varying sizes with heavy signs of wear. Heavy patina, with varying degrees...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Large Weird, Creepy, Perfectly Patinated Plastic Clown Head
Located in Kansas City, MO
It's strange and freaky, but so cool. Vintage Ronald McDonald plastic clown head sculpture. By the way, it is hollow inside and can be put over ones head an...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Knoll International Catalogs
By Knoll
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing a captivating collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a must-have for design enthusiasts and collectors alike. This carefully curated assortment showcases the iconic furniture designs and timeless style that have made Knoll a revered name in the industry.
Each catalog in this collection offers a glimpse into the rich history of Knoll, featuring a range of beautifully photographed interiors, furniture arrangements, and detailed product descriptions. Immerse yourself in the mid-century modern aesthetic, as these catalogs transport you to an era of sleek lines, organic forms, and innovative design concepts.
Discover the vision of legendary designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Harry Bertoia, whose iconic creations are showcased within these pages. Explore the iconic Barcelona Chair, the elegant Tulip Table, or the sculptural Diamond Chair, among many other timeless masterpieces that have defined Knoll's legacy.
As you peruse these vintage catalogs, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that Knoll is renowned for. The catalogs offer insights into the design philosophies behind each piece, providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the ideas that shaped these iconic designs.
This collection is not only a valuable resource for design professionals and enthusiasts but also a visual delight for anyone passionate about mid-century modern aesthetics. The catalogs serve as a source of inspiration for interior designers, architects, and collectors seeking to create spaces that exude elegance, sophistication, and enduring style.
Each catalog has been meticulously preserved, showcasing the original graphics, typography, and design elements that capture the essence of the era. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage design, this collection of vintage Knoll catalogs is a rare treasure that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of design history.
Don't miss the opportunity to own this remarkable collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the most influential design companies in the world. Immerse yourself in the golden age of modern design and be inspired by the timeless creations that continue to shape the aesthetic landscape even today.
A wonderful collection of twelve Knoll International...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Vintage Ashtray US Oberammergau US Army School
By Lladro
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage ceramic ashtray with Imagery of the US Oberammergau US Army School established in Germany in the 1960s. Ashtray is in good condition.
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Polished Brass NY New York Display Sculpture Table Decoration
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern polished decorative heavy Brass New York big NY sculpture, window display or table decor.
Great for a Store or Showroom.
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Brass
Bruce Goff Architectural Portfolio, 1978
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Rare limited numbered boxed portfolio for the "Art and Architecture of Bruce Goff" exhibit. Yellowstone Art Center. Billings, Montana 1978. Number 366/1500....
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Memento of Bruce Goff Professorship for Creative Architecture
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Rare numbered printing of Bruce Goff's "Le Mar." Printed as a memento of appreciation for friend of Mr. Goff's who helped to establish the Bruce Goff Profes...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Life Magazine President Johnson, December 1964
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vintage LIFE Magazine from December 1963. This piece is in a wonderful vintage condition consistent with age and use. We think this would be a great gift for the political junkie per...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
1940s Isamu Noguchi Black+White Train Clock Modernist Japanese Industrial Design
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Sale includes both, and both clocks are untested, thus graded DISTRESSED, despite being cosmetically good.
Category
1930s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Bakelite
Midcentury Original Portrait Drawing Signed Chady Dated 1967
By Chady
Located in Miami, FL
Very handsome original portrait drawing signed Chady, dated 1967.
This interesting piece of art resembles Vincent van Gogh's self portrait.
Measur...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Margaret Bourke-White Statue of Liberty Inscribed Note and Limited Edition Photo
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This collage includes a limited edition photograph by Margaret Bourke-White originally taken in 1952, numbered 4/50+10 and blindstamped in the lower right margin with the artist’s si...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
1950s Aluminum on Wood General Electric Logo, Sign Plaque
Located in Buffalo, NY
1950s aluminum on wood General Electric logo, sign plaque. Salvaged from General Electric Buffalo NY office, stunning, original plaque, cast aluminum depicting famous G E Logo, mount...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Aluminum
Moto Guzzi Nuovo Falcone Military 500cc 1972
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian motorcycle order to made for the Yugoslavian Special Force Tito . Made only 500 pieces.
70 of them was used for the President Tito military ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Nautical water color print 1966 Currier & Ives Panam Airline Menu Cover
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 1966 nautical portrait is of the clipper ship "Sweepstakes". Originally intended as a menu cover for Pan Am Airlines, this piece has never been used and is in pristine condition...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Portrait Gallery of Grand Bostonians from Joe Tecce's
By Daniel Varoujan Hejinian
Located in Hanover, MA
Framed series of American modern pen and ink drawings, sixteen portraits of Boston "pols" and Italian American civic leaders, all of whom were the famous 'Friends of Joe Tecce's' of the eponymously named restaurant in Boston's North End.
The frame is sixteen feet long by one foot tall...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Plexiglass, Wood, Paper
BelAir Bantam Electric Sewing Machine Foot Pedal & Bakelite Leather Case
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Bel-Air Bantam electric sewing machine and case. Black metal body with gold painted accents. Made in Japan. Serial number B509767A. Features Bell Electric Universal Motor...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong Signature Collage
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an exclusive Apollo 11 Signature Collage. The celebratory and collectible collage is composed of a Sea of Tranquility photograph signed by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, a signed Neil Armstrong cut signature, and a Apollo 11 mission patch.
In the midst of the Cold War, President John F. Kennedy delivered a speech stating his intent to place a man on the moon: "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish."
The effort to place a man on the moon was named Project Apollo. Through multiple attempts, the United States NASA program was prepared to complete their voyage to the moon with Apollo 11. Apollo 11 successfully fulfilled the manned mission to the moon on July 20, 1969. Neil Armstrong was the first to step on the moon, with Buzz Aldrin following him a few minutes later. Armstrong's first step onto the lunar surface was broadcast on live television to a worldwide audience. He described the event as "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Apollo 11 effectively ended the Space Race and fulfilled the national goal proposed by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
This collage commemorates the feats of the Apollo 11 mission with authentic elements, including signatures, photographs, and a mission patch. At the top of the collage is a color photograph of Buzz Aldrin on the moon, taken on July 21, 1969 by Neil Armstrong as they explored the Sea of Tranquility region. Aldrin is depicted on the lunar surface and if you look closely, you can see a reflection of Armstrong in Aldrin’s visor. Aldrin signed the satin-finish photograph in blue felt-tipped ink. The signature reads "Buzz Aldrin/ Apollo XI."
Below, is a small card with Neil Armstrong's signature. The signature reads "Neil Armstrong" in felt tipped pen. To the left of the signature is an Apollo 11 mission patch. The patch features a wingspread eagle landing on the moon with the words “Apollo 11” written atop it in gold stitching. The card and patch are accompanied by black and white NASA photograph of Neil Armstrong.
CONDITION:
Buzz Aldrin signed Sea of Tranquility photograph. Aldrin signs in blue felt tip, as "Buzz Aldrin." Signature is legible, without smudges or fading. The gorgeous satin-finish photo is in near fine condition. Photograph measures 8" H x 10" W.
Neil Armstrong signed...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
12 Le Cirque Custom Villeroy & Boch Berry Bowls Designed By Adam D. Tihany
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine...
Category
20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Porcelain
12 Le Cirque N.Y. Villeroy & Boch 10 12" Dinner Plates Designed Adam D. Tihany
By Adam Tihany
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine...
Category
20th Century Luxembourgish Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Porcelain
Mid-century Modern historical memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern 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 paper, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern historical memorabilia made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original historical memorabilia, popular names associated with this style include Vincent Rossell, Lance Wyman, Gosta Aberg, and Albert Kallis. 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 $70 and tops out at $58,950 while the average work can sell for $1,399.
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