1950s Collectibles and Curiosities

Antique religious book artwork consisting of three books tied together by a thread. Three volumes of 'El Oratorio Festivo' published in Catal...

Precision apothecary scale, 1940s-1950s. Wooden base with drawer, brass instruments. Original set of weights included. Functioning.

Vintage One of a kind 1950s handmade metal Robot ashtray with articulating arms, pullout drawer and ash tray that comes out to be cleaned. On a hard plasti...

Kay Bojesen´s "Family Trip" is one of his most loved wooden toy designs. This set is original vintage. It consists of wagon and 4 family members: mother, father and two children. ...

Framed maritime signal flag representing the letter “U” in the international code of signals. This authentic and ocean used pennant is made of individual panels of red and white cot...

Beautiful midcentury modern gilted sterling silver bracelet with green enamel "scales" by Grete Prytz Kittelsen. Marked Sterling J. Tostrup Norway.

Crystal We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. Why are there so many antiques in Argentina? In the 1880 – 1940 there was a grate wave of immigration encouraged by the periods of war that were taking place. 1st World War took place between 1914 and 1918 2nd World War took place between 1939 and 1945 The immigrants options were New York or Buenos Aires. Tickets were cheap and in Buenos Aires they were welcomed with open arms, as it was a country where everything was still to be done. Argentina was the country of new opportunities, labour was needed and religious freedom was assured, in many cases the of the family travel first until they were settled and then the rest of the family members join them. In the immigrant museum “Ellis Island Immigrant Building” in New York you can se the promotional posters of the boats that would take them to a new life. Between the years 1895 and 1896, Argentina had the highest DGP (gross domestic product) per capita in the world according to the Maddison Historical Statistics index, this situation arose due to the large amount of food being exported to European countries, which were at war. The Argentinean ships left the port of Buenos Aires with food, but they returned with furniture, clothes and construction elements, (it´s common to see this the old buildings of the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo, the beams with the inscription “Made in England)”, as well as many markets that were built in Buenos Aires, such us the San Telmo Market, whose structure was brought by ship and afterwards assembled in 900 Defensa Street. With the great influence of European immigrants living in the country, the children of the upper classes travelled to study in France, resulting in the inauguration of “La Maison Argentinienne”, on 27th of June 1928, in the international city of Paris, which hosted many Argentinians that were studying in Frace. It´s the fourth house to be built after France, Canada and Belgium, being the first Spanish-speaking one. Still in place today (17 Bd Jourdan, 75014, Paris, France). Many of the children of these wealthy families who attended international art exhibitions, museums and art courses abroad, took a keen interest in the European style. This is why Buenos Aires was at the time referred as “The Paris of South America”. Between the years 1890 and 1920 more than a hundred Palaces were built on Alvear Avenue the most exclusive avenue in Buenos Aires. Today some of these palaces have been transformed into museums, hotels and embassies. In the year 1936, the Kavanagh building was inaugurated, it was the tallest reinforced concrete building in South America. During 1994 the American Society of Civil Engineers distinguished it as an “international engineering milestone”, and it´s now considered a World Heritage of Modern Architecture. At the time was common to hire foreign architects such as Le Corbusier, who visited Buenos Aires/Argentina in 1929 and in 1948 he drew up the blueprints for a house built in La Plata City (which was declared a World Heritage Site). In 1947, the Hungarian architect Marcelo Breuer designed “Parador Ariston” in the seaside city of Mar del Plata. After an Argentinean student at Harvard University convinced him to come to Argentina. He worked on an urban development project in the Casa Amarilla, area of La Boca. The Ukrainian architect, Vladimiro Acosta, arrives in Argentina in 1928 and worked as an architect until que moved to Brazil. Antonio Bonet, a Spanish architect who worked with Le Corbusier in Paris, arrives in Argentina in 1937, where he carried out several architectural works and in 1938 designs the well-known BFK chair. Andres Kálnay, of Hungarian origin, made around 120 architectural masterpieces, among which the former Munich brewery stands out, he even made the furniture’s design. The German architect, Walter Gropius, director of the Bauhaus, lived in Argentina, where he wrote articles for “Sur” magazine and founded in Buenos Aires, an architectural firm with Franz Möller, who was also an architect, where he built two houses. At the same time several famous designers decided to immigrate to Argentina, among them we can find the well-known French designer, Jean-Michel Frank, who arrived in the country in 1940 and also worked for the Rockefeller family. Special pieces were made, which were sold exclusively in the country, such as the well-known German company “WMF”, who sold their products by catalogue, which were chosen by the ladies of high society in the list of wedding gifts, as well as the pieces designed by Christofle. The Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti, made special pieces for Argentinean mansions. In 1904 the first Jansen branch outside Paris was established in Buenos Aires, as the Argentinean clientele demanded a large amount of furniture, from the end of the 19th century to the mid-20th century. In 1970, the brand Rigolleau Argentina made pieces authorised by Lalique. The brands Maple and Thompson also set up shop in the country. The French plastic artist, Marcel Duchamp moved to Argentina in 1918-1919. Glass signed Gallé, Charder, Leverre, Schneider, Muller and other French firms. They were bought in flower shops and were given to ladies with beautiful floral arrangements. Some furniture manufacturers travelled to international fairs and bough the patterns to produce the furniture in Argentina, such as the furniture firm Englander and Bonta, who bought the patterns ins Italy. It is worth mentioning that in Argentina we have the largest community of Italians outside...

Large highly polished and lacquered ships porthole. First class restoration. Two dog bolts, hinged door. Very heavy. Weight: 65 LBS Overall dimensions: 22” H x 29" L x 3" D Made...

A circa 1950s Spanish saddle decoration in leather and nickel plated details. Measurements: length: 60.5? width: 15.75?.

Spanish metallic virgin statue. Made Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Metal.  

The concert is a silver brooch realized by the artist Mirko Basaldella in the 1950s. Measures: 2 x 5 cm. Excellent conditions. Mirko Basaldella, Brother of Afro and Dino ...

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,...

A three-part articulated gilt bronze brooch named "Le Travail Dominant le Mond" by French Parisian art jewelry and sculpture Line Vautrin (1913-1997...

Chrome yacht winch mounted to a wood block. Classic boat winch with chrome over bronze. Still retches. Quite decorative. Weight: 11 LBS Overall Dimensio...

Set of two hand-painted antique figures of two ducks made of wood. Made by unknown manufacturer in Barcelona, Spain, circa 1950. In original cond...

Mid-Century LM Cigarette Advertising Sign. Still with Bright Colors, and age appropriate wear. This is an authentic vintage sign, and it is mar...

Set of 3 traditional religious plaster figures. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Olot has a long tradition in the production of sculptures and religious imagery. The art and industry of religious statuary...

Cabinet of curiosities of plaster figures and pieces in a wooden cabinet. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. Olot has a long tradition in the production of sculptures and religious imagery. The art and industry of religious statuary...

Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and...

Traditional religious signed plaster figure of a saint in a wooden niche. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In origina...

Pair of large classic masks from the 1950s. Masks of large size and weight in terracotta or similar on iron bases. Very decorative. Measures: 51x35x20 cm and without bases: 44x35x20 ...

Vaulting horse by unknown manufacturer from France, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beau...

Mid-20th century hand painted baby Jesus figure made of plaster in the cradle. Made in Barcelona, Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consiste...

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...

Beautiful vintage crucifix of fine Italian manufacture from the 1950s. The vintage crucifix was made with nickel plated iron and gilded bronze. The v...

Auböck brass and leather pipe holder, signed, 1950 Vienna Austria.

'Miracle du cierge' Lourde metallic virgin statue. Made France, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. ...

Framed maritime signal flag representing “SUBSTITUTE 1” in the international code of signals. This authentic and ocean used pennant is made of individual panels of yellow and blue. F...

First edition of Bernard Rudofsky’s idiosyncratic and iconoclastic discussion of modern living conditions in postwar America, published by Oxford University Press in 1955. 201 pages, 8vo, hardcover with pictorial dust jacket. Several black-and-white illustrations. Rudofsky (1905-1988), an Austrian/American architect, curator, critic, industrial designer, exhibition designer, fashion designer, and author is best-known for his controversial exhibitions and accompanying catalogs, including Are Clothes Modern? (MoMA, 1944), Architecture Without Architects (MoMA, 1964), and Now I Lay Me Down to Eat (Cooper-Hewitt, 1980). He is also famous for his mid-century Bernardo sandal designs, which are popular again today. Behind the Picture Window...

An unusual silver plated Dunhill 'Giant' table or desk lighter with Lizard skin covering to the body; circa 1950. The 'Giant' lighter was first seen in t...

Gucci rare barometer and clock year 1960 vintage design. Measure h 17 inches x L12" x deep 3".

Traditional religious wood wall artwork of a cross. Made in Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina...

Well-edited and lavishly illustrated survey of mid-century Italian ceramics, written by Hugo Blattler and published in Rome in 1958 by Aristide Palombi as part of the Arti Pratiche series, intended to contribute to an examination in depth of the material, as well as to the documentation and to the spreading of knowledge of each separate subject. Features vessels, lighting, fireplaces, and artworks by renowned artists such as Lucio Fontana, Salvatore Meli, Fauson Melotti, Gio Ponti, Antonia Campi, Marcello Fantoni, Franco Meneguzzo, Pietro Melandri, and Guido Gambone, along with a host of lesser-known figures. Stellar abstract designs throughout. Square 8vo (8.5” x 9”), 206 pages, hardcover, illustrated throughout in b/w. Slight lean to spine. Mild soiling to extremities, with chipping to corners. Professional repair to front hinge, as well as between pp. 194-5 and 204-5. Light chipping to first two leaves. The complete front cover remains of the dust jacket, which is still crisp and vibrant, with only minor chipping to top edge. Missing spine and back of dust jacket. A must-have for collectors and connoisseurs of Italian design and mid century ceramics.

A cast bronze necklace titled " "Le Bélier" (the Ram) by French Parisin art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997). The ram necklace and its variations were con...

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...

Original candid photographic production still for the American romantic musical romantic comedy directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier and Louis Jourdan...

Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic tape Measure Peoples Republic of China Wonderful vintage tape measure has a cover made from dappled rich dar...

Pair of metal military red and blue gasoline tanks, circa 1950.

Cabinet of curiosities of plaster figures, pieces and collectibles in a wooden and glass vitrine. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a ...

Highly polished ships porthole with clear lacquer finish. Hinged door with five bolts. Ring is engraved Endast Securitglas, Wojidkows, Sweden. Quality piece. Weight: 51 LBS. Over...

Traditional religious plaster wall artwork of a church. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original conditio...

Mid-Century Modern, sterling silver-mounted Honeywell barometer, Baldwin and Miller Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, Ca. 1950's. Barometer mechanism itself is made by the Honeywell Compan...

Framed maritime signal flag representing the number “4”, “FOUR” in the international code of signals. This authentic pennant is made of individual panels of red and white. Fitted to ...

Framed maritime signal flag representing the letter “U” in the international code of signals. This authentic pennant is made of individual panels of red and white cotton. Fitted to a...

1950s AAA Emergency Service double-sided porcelain garage sign. Distressed condition, meaning some chips from being install back in the day, exposure to t...

Vintage Globe from the 1950s. Specially made on the subject of aviation. Depicted with all kinds of flying lines. Made by the company M.S. Germany. The globe is made of Tin and the stand is Bakelite. Globe and stand...

M-125 Fialka-electromechanical wheel-based cipher machine USSR rotor-based cipher machine M-125, codename Fialka (Russian: ??????), was an el...

Original travel poster come to Britain for racing by Lionel Edwards. A striking horse racing poster by Lionel Edwards entitled 'Come to Britain for Racing'. The Travel Association of Great Britain and Northern Ireland published the chromolithograph to promote Britain as a holiday destination and it was printed in Great Britain by W.S. Cowell Ltd. London & Ipswich. The emblem of the 'Travel Association of the U.K, of Gt. Britain & N. Ireland' is in the bottom left-hand corner. The poster is a beautiful and colourful illustration, it is in good condition with no visible folding creases. This original vintage horse racing poster features an image of jockeys on their horses warming up before the start of the race. Spectators are lining both sides of the racetrack and a crowded grandstand can be seen in the distance. Newly framed and mounted, frame size 84cm high by 59cm wide. Other posters in the series were 'Come to Britain for Fishing' by Norman Wilkinson, 'Come to Britain for Golf...

Framed maritime signal flag representing the “ANSWERING PENNANT” in the international code of signals. This authentic and ocean used pennant is made of individual panels of red and w...

Framed maritime signal flag representing the letter “Y” in the international code of signals. This authentic and ocean used pennant is made of individual panels of red and yellow. Fi...

Cabinet of curiosities of plaster baby Jesus on a wooden stand. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. Olot has a long tradition in the production of sculptures and religious imagery. The art and industry of religious statuary...

Framed maritime signal flag representing the number “7”, “SEVEN” in the international code of signals. This authentic and ocean used pennant is made of individual panels of yellow an...

Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin in a wooden niche. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original cond...

Framed maritime signal flag representing the number “7”, “SEVEN” in the international code of signals. This authentic and ocean used pennant is made of individual panels of red and y...

Traditional religious plaster figure of a virgin. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and...

Crystal We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982. If you have any questions we are at your disposal. Pushing the button that reads ...

Handsome leather and ceramic smoking set by Longchamp. Cigarette holder opens up to reveal a cigarette dispenser which fans out and compacts back down when pushing back into the jar. Stamped with Lonchamp - France and logo on the base of the ashtray. Cigarette holder bears a ceramic horse on the front giving the set an equestrian theme. Each piece wrapped in saddle leather with contrast stitching. Brown ceramic dish sewn into leather. Great sculptural piece. Perfect ashtray or bowl for keys...

Original 1950 West German polished brass semi-auto table lighter by Augusta Lift Table Lighter Company. Simply pull up on the lighter and push back down to igniting the flame. The...