Modern Historical Memorabilia
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
In Stock in Los Angeles, Marc Jacobs Illustrated by Grace Coddington
By Phaidon
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marc Jacobs Illustrated (Hardcover) by Grace Coddington
In stock in Los Angeles
A unique monograph of over 50 collections created by the fashion desi...
Category
2010s American Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Decorative Valley Harp Sculpture Piece Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Decorative Valley Harp, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Valley was designed to enhance luxury interiors. A decorative harp lacquered...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Gold Leaf
George Harrison "The Concert For Bangladesh" Post Concert Program August 1, 1971
Located in Incline Village, NV
Offered here is the paper bound program for the August 1st, 1971 iconic charity concert, put on by famous Beatle band member, George Harrison,and produced by world renowned music producer, Phil Spector; to raise money for the impoverished people of Bangladesh impacted by flood devastation created by a typhoon at the time. It was the first fund raising concert of its kind, to be followed in later years by Willie Nelson and Neil Young's Farm Aid concerts.
George Harrison was joined by other famous rock n' roll celebrities such as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
American flag in mahogany presentation cabinet
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Here we present a traditionally folded American flag in mahogany glazed cabinet.
Complete with certificate to say that the flag was flown over th...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
In Stock in Los Angeles, Beaumarly Paris by Gilbert Costes, Assouline
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beaumarly Paris (Hardcover)
In stock in Los Angeles
Icons of the Parisian lifestyle, Beaumarly establishments encompass more than twenty ultra-stylish cafés, hotels, nightclubs, and restaurants dotted around the mythical City of Light, from the heart of the Louvre to the rooftop of the Centre Pompidou, from Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the Golden Triangle, from Pigalle to the Bastille. Created by Thierry and Gilbert Costes, who over thirty years have been transforming the way Parisians experience their city, Beaumarly properties include Café Marly, Café Beaubourg, Hôtel Amour, Brasserie Thoumieux, and Club Matignon.
Each distinctive Beaumarly venue offers a journey for the senses born of close collaborations with the biggest names in architecture, art, and design, such as Christian de Portzamparc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
In Stock in Los Angeles, Alaïa Livre de Collection by Prosper Assouline
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Alaïa: Livre de Collection by Prosper Assouline (Hardcover)
In stock in Los Angeles
For over 35 years, Prosper Assouline and Azzedine Alaïa were close friends. As a tribute to th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Yohji Yamamoto Orange Leather Jacket 1991 AW '6・1 THE MEN'
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Vancouver, BC
Leather jacket from Yohji Yamamoto Pour Homme, Autumn/Winter 1991-1992, also known as '6・1 THE MEN'.
One of the most iconic pieces of archival menswear.
The leather is as soft as...
Category
1990s Japanese Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage 7.5 Foot Black Wood Guess Cultural Advertising Sign
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage 7.5 Foot Black Wood Guess Cultural Advertising Sign
Vintage 7.5 foot wood black "Guess Parfum" signature question mark advertising sign. This sign would be perfect for a fas...
Category
1990s American Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood, Paint
Frank Lloyd Wright Signature Collage
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation bank check, signed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The check is dated March 1, 1954, payable to Iovanna lloyd Wright ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
5000 ANTIQUE ITALIAN TERRACOTTA BRICKS 10X20X5 CM REFRACTORY end 19th/20th Cent.
Located in Madrid, ES
5000 ANTIQUE ITALIAN TERRACOTTA BRICKS 10X20X5 CM REFRACTORY end 19th/20th Century
WE SELL EACH BRICKS AT € 5,00
Handmade, bricks measuring 20x10x5 cm, more or less the same size used by the Romans to make Opus Spigatum, original ancient bricks...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Terracotta
5000 ANTIQUE ITALIAN TERRACOTTA BRICKS PINK to RED end 19th/20th Cent.
Located in Madrid, ES
RECYCLED ANTIQUE TERRACOTTA BRICKS FROM PINK TO RED
19/20th Century
Italy
PRICE of EACH BRICK: €5.00
Selected recycled red and pink colored b...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Terracotta
Leonard Bernstein's Edison Award, 1968
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Leonard Bernstein's Edison Award, 1968,
Last photograph is Leonard Bernstein receiving this Edison Classical Music Award in 1968
The Leonard Bernstein Edison Award, received in 1968...
Category
20th Century European Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Marble, Brass, Bronze
Vintage Decorative Halved Ammonite, African, Fossil, Display Plinth, Cretaceous
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative halved ammonite. An African, opalized fossil on display plinth, dating to Cretaceous period millions of years ago, polished and presented circa 1970.
Delightful example with a dual view of the fascinating fossil data
Displaying a desirable aged patina and in good original order
Lightly polished shell...
Category
Late 20th Century African Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Natural Fiber, Wood
Vintage Decorative Ammonite, African, Opalized Fossil, Display, Specimen, C.1970
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative ammonite. An African, opalized fossil on display plinth, dating to millions of years ago, polished and presented, circa 1970. ...
Category
Late 20th Century African Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Other
Set of Vintage Rare Earth Metals, Continental, Decorative Display, Oak Plinth
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of vintage rare earth metals. A Continental, bismuth, pyrite and galena decorative display on oak plinth, dating to the late 20th century, and...
Category
Late 20th Century European Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Pyrite
Plastel Medal of Mussolini by Aurelio Mistruzzi, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Plastel medal of Mussolini made by Aurelio Mistruzzi, in the 1930s.
Measures: D 10 cm.
Good conditions.
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Plaster
Medal 1883 Serbian Order of Saint Sava
Located in Madrid, ES
MEDAL 1883 Serbian Order of Saint Sava.
Category
20th Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silver
Angel Trumpeter, Original Hand Painted Recovery Weapon England Early 20th C.
Located in Madrid, ES
Angel trumpeter - original hand painted recovery weapon England early 20th Century
Original antique English weather vane in hand painted iron depictin...
Category
Early 20th Century English Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
Vintage Carved Decorative Ammonite, African, Fossil, Display, Cretaceous C. 1970
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage carved decorative ammonite. An African, opalized fossil on display plinth, dating to Cretaceous period millions of years ago, polished an...
Category
Late 20th Century African Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Other
Royal Diana and Charles 's Wedding Philatelic Panels Collection 125 Stamps
Located in Plainview, NY
The Royal Wedding Philatelic Panels Collection was published by the Postal Commemorative Society in 1983. The album collection of historic Royal Wedding Commemorative Stamps also features full color photographs of the wedding as well as photos of official visitation with stamps of many countries: Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda, British Antarctic Territory, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Tuvalu, Barbados, Belize, Mauritius, Swaziland, Falkland Islands, Nevis, Tristan da Cunha, Turks & Caicos Islands, St. Helena, Pitcairn Islands, Maldives, Ascension, Sierra Leone, Kiribati, Falkland Islands Dependencies, Montserrat, St. Vincent, Dominica, Fiji, Great Britain, St. Kitts, British Virgin Islands...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Patinated Terracotta Fireplace End 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
PATINATED TERRACOTTA FIREPLACE end 19th Century
HEIGHT 110cm
WIDTH 150cm
DEPTH 30cm
WEIGHT 130Kg
FIRE MOUTH WIDTH X HEIGHT 94 X 85 cm
MANUFACTURE Tuscany / Tuscany
MATERIAL ...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Terracotta
Steel Stamp Coinage Joan Mirò, 1974
Located in Roma, IT
Steel stamp coinage Joan Mirò for Arphila 75 commemorative stamp.
Ref. Yvert et Tellier FR 1395; Stanley Gibbons FR 2034; Unificato FR 1811
Original minting by the artist with ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
Sailor with Glasses Original Hand Painted Recovery Vanity England Early 20th C.
Located in Madrid, ES
Sailor with glasses - original hand painted recovery vanity - england early 20th century.
Original antique English weather vane in hand painted iron depicting a sailor looking t...
Category
Early 20th Century English Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
Skyward by Richard E. Byrd, First Edition, 1931
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Byrd, Richard E. Skyward. New York: Blue Ribbon Books, 1931. Octavo. First edition, eleventh printing. In original hardcover boards and original pictorial dust jacket. Presented in a new archival slipcase.
This is a 1931 first edition, eleventh printing of Richard Byrd’s Skyward. The book was published in New York by Blue Ribbon Books in 1931. This is the eleventh printing of Skyward, which was first published in 1928. The book is presented in its original hardcover boards and pictorial dust jacket, with a new archival slipcase. Rear admiral Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957) is celebrated as a pioneering American aviator, polar explorer...
Category
1930s American Vintage Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Charlie Duke Signed Photograph of Apollo 16 Moonwalk
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an Apollo 16 mission photograph, signed and inscribed by Apollo 16 moonwalker Charlie Duke. The photograph shows Duke collecting lunar samples n...
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Decorative Brahms Cello Sculpture Piece Handmade in Portugal by Lusitanus Home
Located in Lisboa, PT
Decorative Brahms Violin, Lusitanus Home Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Lusitanus Home.
Brahms was designed to enhance luxurious interiors. A decorative violin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Gold Leaf
100-Record Retro American Seeburg Select-O-Matic V-200 Jukebox
Located in London, GB
100-Record Retro American Seeburg Select-O-Matic V-200 Jukebox,
American, c. 1955
Dimensions: Height 149cm, width 91cm, depth 68cm
This stylish vinyl jukebox is a classic American Select-O-Matic V-200 by Seeburg. Inspired by car design, the coin operated jukebox features a distinctive metal exterior, with the front appearing almost like a car grill. The cabinet form features painted burgundy and turquoise accents, brass metal fixtures, shiny chrome trim, and a large glass dome. The mechanism features burgundy record rack side covers and strong 'High Fidelity' sound system. This revolutionary mechanism plays 45 RPM records vertically using two separate needles, allowing the jukebox to play both A and B sides of 100 different records without flipping. All the labels are displayed in a rotating title barrel, which includes great names including Billy Fury, Dusty Springfield...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Chrome, Brass
Calder The Complete Bronzes Book
Located in New York, NY
Calder: The Complete Bronzes book. Published on the occasion of the exhibition; October 25 - December 8, 2012, New York, New York. This exhibition book is a great addition to a colle...
Category
2010s American Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Rock 'n' Roll Billboards of the Sunset Strip Signed by Robert Landau
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Rock 'n' Roll Billboards of the sunset strip by Robert Landau Signed.
Signed, as well as Inscribed by author Robert Landau.
Title: Rock 'n' Roll Billbo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
ITALIAN FIREPLACE IN SERENA STONE early 20th century
Located in Madrid, ES
FIREPLACE IN SERENA STONE early 20th century
Italy
HEIGHT 130 cm
WIDTH 140 cm
DEPTH 70 cm
WEIGHT 340 Kg
FIRE MOUTH WIDTH BY HEIGHT 90 X 96 cm
MATERIAL Sand-stone
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Stone
Paris Berlin 1900-1933 Coffee Table Book
Located in New York, NY
The 'Paris Berlin 1900-1933 ' is a soft-cover book covering an exhibition from July 12-November 6, 1978, at The Centre Pompidou, Paris, France. Book cover...
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Italian Trumeaux Fireplace in Limestone Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Trumeaux fireplace in limestone early 20th century.
Italy
Measures: Height 210 cm
Width 160 cm
Depth 80 cm
Weight 350 Kg
Fire mouth width by height 105 x 90 cm.
Material Limes...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Stone
Guy Sydenham Poole Pottery Ltd Edn QEII Silver Jubilee Loving Mug
By Guy Sydenham
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A large and impressive Poole Pottery limited edition twin handled loving mug commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 by renowned potter Guy Sydenham (British, 1916-2005).
Guy Sydenham joined Poole Pottery in 1931 and completed a seven year apprenticeship. He was a master potter for more than 50 years and was renowned for the original work he created in the Poole Pottery Studio in the 1960’s and 1970’s. He worked as head of the ‘making department’ at Poole Pottery resigning in 1977 possibly making this commemorative one his last important works.
This stylish twin handled stoneware mug (as it was called!) stands raised on a wide round base the rim carved with the words THE QUEENS SILVER JUBILEE 1952 – 1977. The piece has a narrow stem and a wide round cup shaped top with finely formed and elegant handles applied to either side. The is mounted with a relief molded medallion with a Lion, Unicorn and Crown and initials E II R. The medallion has a contrasting brown stained finish with a brown wash also applied to the edge of the foot. The body has a slightly textured satin brown glazed finish with a rich dark honey glaze...
Category
1970s English Vintage Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Stoneware
Pablo Picasso, a Retrospective, Library or Coffee Table Book, 1980 New York
Located in New York, NY
Pablo Picasso: A Retrospective, The Museum on Modern Art, New York, library or coffee table book, 1980.
Published on the occasion of the exhibition "Pablo Picasso: A Retrospective,...
Category
20th Century American Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Vintage Masonic Lodge Rotating Sign Liberty Hall Strict Order Candle Holders
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture
Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this vintage Masonic Lodge rotating wood sign with brass candle holders
A g...
Category
20th Century English Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
19th Century Solid Wood Coffee Table
By France"
Located in Madrid, ES
19th century solid wood coffee table.
Above it has a glass back
In the centre it has a brass pot for flowers.
Measures: 50 cm high and 110 c...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Omas 1997 18-Karat Gold Return to the Motherland Limited Edition Fountain Pen
Located in Weesp, NL
New Return to the Motherland 18-karat gold 1997 limited edition fountain pen. After 150 years of the British Union Jack waving over Hong Kong, this influential territory returns to its Motherland, China in July 1, 1997. From a Historic perspective, we cannot ignore the worldwide significance of this event. Authorized by the Association for Celebration of Reunification of Hong Kong with China, Omas creates a magnificent commemorative collection with a prestigious and emblematic design.
This distinguished writing instrument, New Old Stock never used, shows distinctive aspects of both Hong Kong and China in 18-karat gold. The cap displays treasured symbols of both Hong Kong and China, with the Bauhinia flower encircled by the words "Return to the Motherland" enameled in the original red color of the Association's official logo. The clip is embellished in the same hue by a thin linear element reminiscent of basic calligraphy. The band around the cap synthesizes the Great Wall of China, one of the most recognized monuments on this earth, the OMAS logo emerging from one of the Wall's majestic gates, and the 4 ideograms meaning "Return to the Motherland" in Chinese. Comes with the original Omas Return to the Motherland inkt.
The barrel of the pen follows this theme of combining Hong Kong and Chinese motifs. Sculpted in to the metal sheath of the barrel, two Chinese dragons, mother and child, allude to the relationship between Hong Kong and China and support the emblem of their unity, the pink Chinese dolphin.
The OMAS 1997 18 karat gold 063/200 Edition is comprised of 200 fountain pens and features an 18-karat gold calligraphic nib inlaid with a dragon head and engraved with the words "Hong Kong 1997...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Gold
Claes Oldenburg "Gayety" Happening Rare Original Poster
Located in Sharon, CT
One of the original ephemeral Pop Art events of the 1960s, Claes Oldenburg's "Gayety" happening, is documented with this rare poster advertisement, and including a mimeo list of deta...
Category
1960s American Vintage Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Italian Modern Plexiglass and Glass Mercury Wall Thermometer, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern plexiglass and glass mercury wall thermometer, 1980s
Old mercury thermometer for wall,
Coming from an old doctor's office site in Mil...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Glass, Plexiglass
Modern historical memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique 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 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 Europa Antiques, Assouline Publishing, Lusitanus Home, and Phaidon. 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 $7 and tops out at $18,582 while the average work can sell for $977.
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