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Models and Miniatures

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Models and Miniatures For Sale
Returnable Items Only
Rare Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral, Rome, 19th century, circa 1840. Possibly a representation of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence Italy. The Italian Renaissance is renowned for its magnificent works of art and architecture, which are admired to this day for their grandeur and intricate details. Among the most impressive examples of this era are the rare and monumental carved Carrara marble models of cathedrals...
Category

19th Century Italian Gothic Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Carrara Marble

Diminutive 19th Century American Mercantile Trade Store Display Model
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and historic diminutive hand-crafted and painted antique American country display model general store - mining trade mercantile cabinet. Mos...
Category

19th Century American Industrial Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Wrought Iron

Lacquered Edwardian Style Novelty Faux Book Spine Waste Paper Basket
Located in London, GB
A lacquered Edwardian style novelty faux book spine waste paper basket English, 20th century Height 22cm, diameter 23cm This quirky and curious piece is a English, early 20th ce...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Resin, Wood, Lacquer

Painter Anatomical Skull
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
We offer this painter anatomical human skull, circa 1970. This skull was acquired from a painter's studio, the skull was painted with oil paint.
Category

1970s North American Arts and Crafts Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Plaster

Midcentury French Anatomical Medical Teaching Display, circa 1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
About A midcentury French anatomical medical teaching device of the human body. The organs and muscles are numbered and the skull has Roman numerals. One glass eye. The piece has re...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Plastic, Wood

20th Century Japanese 950 Silver Yacht by Seki Takehiko
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Mid 20th Century Japanese hand crafted silver yacht, presented in its original glass case and wooden plinth. CONDITION In Great Condition - No Damage. SIZE Height: 32cm Widt...
Category

20th Century Japanese Models and Miniatures

Materials

Silver

Unique Bronze Design of the Ball Fountain from Nuremberg by Günther Rossow
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Bronze design of the famous ball fountain from Nuremberg by sculptor Günther Rossow. Günter Rossow (*1913 Deutsch Krone / West Pomerania †1992 Marktre...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Waterline Model of the Submarine HMS Finwhale
Located in London, GB
A bronze waterline model of the Royal Navy porpoise-class submarine HMS Finwhale (SO5). HMS Finwhale (S05) was the fifth Porpoise-class submarine of the Royal Navy. She was launched on 21 July 1959 and first commissioned on 19 August 1960. During her first commission she went further under the ice than any other submarine at the time. She was recommissioned on 27 January 1964. In March 1965 on her second Arctic patrol she further eclipsed her first ice patrol, penetrating 95 miles into the ice. The Porpoise class was an eight-boat class of diesel-electric submarines operated by the Royal Navy. This class was originally designated patrol submarines, then attack. They were the first conventional British submarines to be built after the end of World War II. Their design was, in many ways, influenced by the German World War...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Models and Miniatures

Materials

Bronze

US Air Force Aluminum Airplane Model Wooden Base, 1970s Italy
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Scaled model of the a US Air Force airplane. made of aluminum with a wooden base. A nice sculpture for every living room or desktop. Use it at as a Pictur...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Metal

Vintage Pair Ceramic High Heels Shoe Walter Bosse Era, Austria, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This offer is for a pair of ceramic high heels, an exceptional piece made in Austria during the Bosse era in the 1960s. They are glazed in typical midcentury colors of yellow and tur...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Ceramic

6 Miniature Cannons from the, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
lovely collection of small cannons from the end of the 19th century. All the canons have different dimensions
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Models and Miniatures

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 Industrial Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Metal

19th Century Meissen Porcelain: Empress Catherine ii of Russia's Favorite Dog
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Meissen Porcelain Model Of Empress Catherine II Of Russia's Favorite Dog (Russisches Windspiel). This delightful 19th-century Meissen porcelain model depicts Empress C...
Category

1860s German Louis XVI Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Porcelain

Industrial Vintage Metal Aircraft Jet Plane Model Desk Item Statue, circa 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An Industrial plane model made in the 1980s. This unique object is made of metal and has a chrome finish. A nice Industrial sculpture for displaying them on a cupboard, credenza or d...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Metal

Lladró Horse Race Figurine in White by Ernest Massuet. Limited Edition.
Located in New York City, NY
Race of horses figurine joined together and one of them attached to the white, glossy and matte porcelain base limited series. The thrilling energy of a horse race, captured in all i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Porcelain

Lladró Hercules Beetle Figurine by José Luis Santes
Located in New York City, NY
An innovative porcelain and metal creation inspired by one of the fascinating creatures in nature. Part of the Awesome Insects collection. This origi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Metal

French Beaded Evening Handbag With Limoges Porcelain Cameos
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a French beaded evening’s handbag. It depicts a rectangular handbag body that has been hand stitched completely with tiny white pearly like bead glass. The work looks neatly done. At the upper top, there is a gold tone metal rectangular hinged lid/“door” with scalloped border adorned with gold and white glass beads that has been twisted and/or braided. Seven Limoges porcelain cameos...
Category

20th Century French Models and Miniatures

Materials

Metal

Vintage Clear Crystal Mg Roadster Decorative Model Car / Paperweight
Located in Milano, IT
Little but realistic miniature model of a classic MG Roadster from the late 1970s/early 1980s. It is made in pressed clear glass, and is rich in details, to the point it even shows t...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Crystal

Hand Carved Mexican Folk Art Archangel, circa 1940-1970 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
About Hand carved, painted Mexican wooden folk art archangel on custom stand. Creator Unknown. Mexico. Date of manufacture circa 1940-1970. Materials and techniques paint, w...
Category

Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Models and Miniatures

Materials

Wood, Paint

Victorian Sterling Silver Wager Cup / Marriage Cup Chester 1900 Berthold Muller
Located in London, London
Carrying import marks for Chester in 1900 by Berthold Muller, this charming, Victorian,antique sterling silver wager cup, is modelled as a lady in costume, a...
Category

Early 1900s English Victorian Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th C. English Carved Mahogany Jewelry Box in the Form of a Miniature Dresser
Located in New Orleans, LA
A very unusual and handsome English carved mahogany Gentlemens jewelry box in the form of a miniature dresser, the upper section with an upward slidi...
Category

1870s English Late Victorian Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass

Industrial Vintage Metal Aircraft Plane Model Desk Item Statue, circa 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
An Industrial plane model made in the 1980s. This unique object is made of metal and has a chrome finish. A nice Industrial sculpture for displaying them on a cupboard, credenza or d...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Metal

Georgian 18th Century Elm Table Top Bureau
Located in Bedfordshire, GB
An Extremely Rare Mid 18th Century, George II Period Elm Table Top, Miniature, Bureau Retaining Exceptional Colour And Patina To Figured Timber Throughout, Having Fall Front Enclosin...
Category

Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Elm

Midcentury Kids Mechanical Pedal Car, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
In good original condition No damages Fully functional For kids.
Category

1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Steel

Compulsion Gallery Pewter Jaguar 1955-1959 Edition Mark i Car Must See Pictures
By Jaguar Cars Ltd.
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage Compulsion Gallery Pewter model of a Jaguar Mark I made in 1955-1959 This is one of the sleekest and most elegant cars ever made, it was produced during 1955-1959, can you imagine post war Britain...
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Pewter

Antique Miniature Bamboo & Pine Wardrobe Armoire Mirror Dollhouse Furniture 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th century doll furniture miniature wardrobe featuring a bamboo frame, mirrored door and lower drawer for accessories.
Category

Early 20th Century Models and Miniatures

Materials

Bamboo, Mirror, Pine

Jewish Silver, Enamel and Jewel Torah Crown Keter
Located in London, GB
This Torah crown is a small (15cm high), exquisitely-crafted and lavishly-decorated piece of Judaica. The Torah – the first of five books of the Hebrew...
Category

19th Century European Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Silver, Enamel

19th Century French Marquetry Miniature Sample Commode
Located in Winter Park, FL
An early 19th century French marquetry commode de maitrise, or miniature sample commode. Made veneer of mahogany with pine and beech as a secondary w...
Category

19th Century French Louis XV Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Beech, Mahogany, Pine

Late 19th Century French Hand Carved Oak Child's Chair with Needlepoint Seat
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late 19th century French oak child's chair features a seat back with hand carved rosettes at the corners, scrolling leaves, a central rosette, and finials. The seat rests on tur...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase U by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese artificial flower vase U by Ettore Sottsass, Edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numbered pieces, number 4 / ...
Category

1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Glass, Wood

Staffordshire Marble Slipware Glazed Pottery Pig Moneybox
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A delightful antique English Staffordshire pottery pig moneybox decorated in marble effect slipware glazes and dating from around 1840. The moneybox shaped as...
Category

1840s English Early Victorian Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Pottery

1860 Grand Tour Bronze Statue of Place Vendome Column with Napoleon, Marble Base
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for auction this stunning antique circa 1860 Grand Tour bronze statue of Place Vendome Column with Napoleon on top in so...
Category

1860s Italian Grand Tour Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Trumpet-Shaped Miniature Brass Candlesticks from, 1830s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of cute trumpet-shaped miniature brass candlesticks in Karl Johan, during the 1830s. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category

1830s Swedish Karl Johan Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass

Setof 12 Luxury Christmas Tree Ornaments Handmade Teacups in Vintage Irish Linen
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Set of 12 limited Edition Artisan Irish Linen teacup ornaments in pastels by Katie Larmour This is a luxury box set of artisan made decorative ornaments created with authentic Irish Linen, exclusive to 1stdibs. They are special because they are limited editions from a beautiful mixture of vintage and deadstock fabric in small batches (some even one-of-a-kind) embellished with exquisite copper embroidery and dainty beading. These novelty ornaments are a unique and quirky gift, or a treat to oneself, particularly suitable for the holiday season, all year round occasions, celebrations and home decor. They are collectible and can be kept as heirlooms. Katie Larmour is an acclaimed Northern Irish designer with a studio based in her hometown of Belfast. Known for heritage textiles, her signature use of Irish Linen and original designs have seen her brand make waves in Europe and beyond. The fabric is 100% pure Irish Linen from a mixture of sustainable sources - vintage, local mill deadstock rolls from one of the last remaining linen mills still active in Ireland today, repurposed antique...
Category

2010s Unknown Models and Miniatures

Materials

Linen

Three-Dimensional Anatomical Midcentury Wall Plaster Sculpture, Germany, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Midcentury three-dimensional anatomical plaster painting representing human respiratory system, provenance Hygiene Museum Dresden with museum sticker ...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Victorian Sterling Silver Model of a Shoe, London 1893 Import
Located in London, London
Carrying import marks for London in 1893 by Thomas Goodfellow, this charming, Victorian, Antique, Sterling Silver Model of a Shoe, features a gilt in...
Category

1890s English Victorian Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ettore Sottsass Pink Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, by BD Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shiva ceramic flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona. In good original condition with minor wear consistent ...
Category

2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Ceramic

19th Century Two French Sevres Discs in Biscuit with Profile of a Young Lady
Located in Sofia, BG
Two discs in fine white biscuit made by Sevres in France in the late 19th century. Both have identical form of a left profile of a young lady, her hair held up by a lace headdress. D...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Porcelain

Historic Ship Model from the DeCoppet Collection
Located in Norwell, MA
Nineteenth Century ship model of an American Brig from the esteemed New Bedford Whaling Museum, formerly the Old Dartmouth Historical Societ...
Category

1920s European Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Wood

Pair of Mid-Century Folk Art Leather and Paper Mache Big Cat Figures
Located in Charleston, SC
For your consideration we have 2 mid-20th century era “big cat” leather wrapped animals. One being a panther who seems to be slowly approaching ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Folk Art Models and Miniatures

Materials

Leather, Paint, Parchment Paper

Ettore Sottsass Twenty-Seven Woods for a Chinese Artificial Flower Vase G
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese Artificial flower vase G by Ettore Sottsass, edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numered pieces, number 3 / 1...
Category

1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass

Vintage Decorative Snow Shoes Chalet Prop
Located in London, GB
A pair of vintage unusual snow shoes, with wooden surrounds and sprung string design. France, circa 1930s. Good vintage condition, but for use as a prop only we would suggest. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Models and Miniatures

Materials

Wood

Italian Silver Set of Rare and High Quality 11 Miniature Cars / Automobiles
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary assortment of Italian silver miniature cars (either continental 0.800 or sterling 0.25 silver), rendered with exquisite details and movabl...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Italian Silver Miniature Printing Press by Menegatti Brothers
Located in Delft, NL
An Italian silver miniature printing press by Menegatti Brothers. A silver miniature printing press on a marble base, after an example of a printing ...
Category

20th Century Italian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Marble, Silver

Painted Dolls House, England circa 1810
Located in Culver City, CA
Painted Dolls House England circa 1810 Georgian era dolls house with original paintwork. 19.5”L x 11.25”d x 17.75”h
Category

19th Century English Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Wood

Spitfire Model on Stand in Aluminium Silver Polished
Located in Paris, FR
Desk model Spitfire all in solid aluminium in highly polished silver finish.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Models and Miniatures

Materials

Aluminum, Silver

Viennese Bronze Miniature Cold-Painted Dog Figurine
Located in Delft, NL
A Viennese bronze miniature cold-painted dog figurine A bronze miniature dog figurine. Cold painted bronze, signed and numbered on the belly...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Bronze

French Large Model of Eric Tabarly's Pen Duick Sailboat in Varnished Wood
Located in Sofia, BG
Very large model of Eric Tabarly's Pen Duick sailboat in varnished wood and textile in very good condition. Lovely piece which could be a great accent in any kind of interior. Franc...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Models and Miniatures

Materials

Textile, Wood

Set of 12 Limited Edition Artisan Irish Linen Lips Ornament Pink Red Valentine
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Set of 12 limited edition artisan irish linen lips ornaments in pinks and valentine’s day reds by Katie Larmour. This is a luxury box set of artisan made decorative ornaments created with authentic Irish Linen, exclusive to 1stdibs. They are special because they are limited editions from a beautiful mixture of vintage and deadstock fabric in small batches (some even one-of-a-kind) embellished with exquisite copper embroidery and dainty beading. These novelty miniatures are a unique and quirky gift for Valentine’s Day, perfect for a lover all year round or a treat to oneself, and they definitely tick the box for Christmas tree decorations. They are collectible and can be kept as heirlooms. Katie Larmour is an acclaimed Northern Irish designer with a studio based in her hometown of Belfast. Known for heritage textiles, her signature use of Irish Linen and original designs have seen her brand make waves in Europe and beyond. The fabric is 100% pure Irish Linen from a mixture of sustainable sources - vintage, local mill deadstock rolls from one of the last remaining linen mills still active in Ireland today, repurposed antique tablecloths...
Category

2010s Unknown Models and Miniatures

Materials

Linen

Small Solid Marble Mid-Century Ball Desk Curio
Located in London, GB
A small solid marble ball. Italy, c1970s. Ideal desk or shelf geometric curio. Tactile objet. Vintage condition, occasional scuff commensurate with age. Location: Belg...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Models and Miniatures

Materials

Marble

Antique Cornish Pixie Gong, English, Brass, Oak, Dinner Chime, Victorian, C.1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Cornish Pixie gong. An English, brass and oak dinner chime, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Charming gong raised b...
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass

Set of 9 Luxury Christmas Holiday Ornament Vintage Irish Linen Donuts Doughnuts
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Set of 9 Limited Edition Artisan Irish Linen Donut ornaments by Katie Larmour This is a luxury box set of artisan made decorative ornaments created with authentic Irish Linen, exclusive to 1stdibs. They are special because they are limited editions from a beautiful mixture of vintage and deadstock fabric in small batches (some even one-of-a-kind) embellished with exquisite copper embroidery and dainty beading. These novelty miniatures are a unique and quirky gift, or a treat to oneself, particularly suitable for the holiday season. They are superb decorating a Christmas tree but also work all year round. They are collectible and can be kept as heirlooms. Katie Larmour is an acclaimed Northern Irish designer with a studio based in her hometown of Belfast. Known for heritage textiles, her signature use of Irish Linen and original designs have seen her brand make waves in Europe and beyond. The fabric is 100% pure Irish Linen from a mixture of sustainable sources - vintage, local mill deadstock rolls from one of the last remaining linen mills still active in Ireland today, repurposed antique tablecloths...
Category

2010s Unknown Models and Miniatures

Materials

Linen

Set of 15 Vintage Irish Linen Handmade Pumpkin Fall Ornaments by Katie Larmour
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Set of 15 limited Edition Artisan Irish Linen pumpkin onaments by Katie Larmour This is a luxury box set of artisan made decorative ornaments created with authentic Irish Linen, exclusive to 1stdibs. They are special because they are limited editions from a beautiful mixture of vintage and deadstock fabric in small batches (some even one-of-a-kind) embellished with exquisite copper embroidery and dainty beading. These novelty miniatures are a unique and quirky gift, or a treat to oneself, particularly suitable for the holiday season. They are superb decorating for Fall, Harvest, Thanksgiving and Halloween celebrations but also work all year round. They are collectible and can be kept as heirlooms. Katie Larmour is an acclaimed Northern Irish designer with a studio based in her hometown of Belfast. Known for heritage textiles, her signature use of Irish Linen and original designs have seen her brand make waves in Europe and beyond. The fabric is 100% pure Irish Linen from a mixture of sustainable sources - vintage, local mill deadstock rolls from one of the last remaining linen mills still active in Ireland today, repurposed antique tablecloths...
Category

2010s Unknown Models and Miniatures

Materials

Linen

Kilgore Authentic Anatomical Preparation Human Skull
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Prepared by legendary medical supply company Kilgore International, this is an advanced anatomical reference human skull! An exceptional authentic vint...
Category

1950s American Vintage Models and Miniatures

Materials

Bone

Framed Set of Five Lava Cameos Mid 19th c
Located in valatie, NY
Framed set of five Lava Cameos, Mid 19th c. Cameos made of colored limestone were popular souvenirs of a trip to the south of Italy in the 19th century. The material was promoted to ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Lava, Foil

Set of 9 Christmas Ornaments Vintage Irish Linen English Biscuits Jammie Heart
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Set of 9 limited edition Artisan Irish Linen Jammie Biscuit Ornaments by Katie Larmour. This is a luxury box set of artisan made decorative ornaments created with authentic Irish Linen, exclusive to 1stdibs. They are special because they are limited editions from a beautiful mixture of vintage and deadstock fabric in small batches (some even one-of-a-kind) embellished with exquisite copper embroidery and dainty beading. These novelty ornaments are a unique and quirky gift, or a treat to oneself. They are particularly suitable for the holiday season and the ultimate Christmas tree decoration. They are also very sweet for Valentine’s Day and telling someone you love them. Inspired by the much loved British biscuit. They are collectible and can be kept as heirlooms. Katie Larmour is an acclaimed Northern Irish designer with a studio based in her hometown of Belfast. Known for heritage textiles, her signature use of Irish Linen and original designs have seen her brand make waves in Europe and beyond. The fabric is 100% pure Irish Linen from a mixture of sustainable sources - vintage, local mill deadstock rolls from one of the last remaining linen mills still active in Ireland today, repurposed antique tablecloths...
Category

2010s Unknown Models and Miniatures

Materials

Linen

Antique Miniature Four Drawer Tall Boy Dresser with Turned Knobs & Brass Locks
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This minature table top sized chest of drawers is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States and date to approximately 1880 and done in a Colonial style. This n...
Category

Late 19th Century American Colonial Revival Antique Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass

Limited Edition Vase O by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Twenty-seven woods for a Chinese Artificial flower vase O by Ettore Sottsass, edited by Design Gallery Milano, 1995. Limited edition of 12 signed and numered pieces, number 3 / 1...
Category

1990s European Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Brass

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.

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