Models and Miniatures
Mid-18th Century German Rococo Antique Models and Miniatures
Wood
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Models and Miniatures
Wood
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Models and Miniatures
Bone
Early 20th Century American Models and Miniatures
Brass
18th Century French Louis XV Antique Models and Miniatures
Chestnut
Early 20th Century English Models and Miniatures
Wood
1920s British Edwardian Vintage Models and Miniatures
Walnut
2010s European Art Deco Models and Miniatures
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel, Chrome
1940s Belgian Vintage Models and Miniatures
Plaster
Late 17th Century Italian Baroque Antique Models and Miniatures
Fruitwood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Resin
20th Century French Louis XV Models and Miniatures
Bronze
Early 20th Century German Baroque Models and Miniatures
Bronze
1990s American Models and Miniatures
Bronze
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Paper
Early 20th Century East Asian Chinese Export Models and Miniatures
Mahogany, Pine
Mid-20th Century Russian Models and Miniatures
Stone
Late 19th Century French Grand Tour Antique Models and Miniatures
Slate
Mid-17th Century Scandinavian Baroque Antique Models and Miniatures
Bronze
19th Century American Folk Art Antique Models and Miniatures
Wood
Antique and Vintage Models and Miniatures
There’s a place in every room for antique and vintage models and miniatures to fit in as small pieces of decor with character. Given their diversity of design, they are well suited to fit any style of space. From boats and spaceships to animals and race cars, there is a model for every taste.
Among the earliest known uses of miniatures are models found in Egypt dating back to 3,000 B.C. They were placed in pyramids as part of religious ceremonies. Elsewhere in the ancient world, small-scale architectural models were used in burial rituals. Since then, people have made miniaturized models for a variety of purposes.
Around the turn of the last century, toy companies created sought-after miniatures like trains. In the 1930s, airplane model kits took off in popularity. Later, Pop artists helped turn these kid treasures into a higher art form, such as Andy Warhol’s 1983 Toy Paintings.
Many people now use miniatures to decorate. Miniatures and models can be a playful accent, especially in areas of leisure, like a living room, salon or bedroom. Some collect miniatures to show off a range of favorite passions, while others focus on one type of model to add sophistication to their home.
Models can depict animals, people or places — as they do for an interactive project called Gulliver’s Gate in New York — and can contribute to the curation of a space or express a personality. Connoisseurs can find folk art and historical miniatures from every era. They have been created in classic and modern designs ranging from kitsch collectibles to old-world oddities.
Explore the collection of models and miniatures on 1stDibs today to build your collection and bring whimsical joy to your home.