Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and 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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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Sport Mid-Century Letaher Gymnastic Mat, Around 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1970s, Czechoslovakia
- original condition
- for the condition see detailed pictures
- two holes repaired some time ago
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Category
1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Brown Leather and Varnished Iron Italian Exercise Horse
Located in Milano, IT
Small Italian Gymnastic Horse of FONTI production with beautiful 1950s patina in excellent vintage condition. The frame is blue painted tubular iron, well solid to support large loads. The iron feet are IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONDITION with wear from their use. The brown colored leather or hide is in its original condition. The saddle is still in excellent condition without losing their original character and patina. With original label SOURCES. The workhorse can be included in a country or vintage retro style decor...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
Vintage Carved Wood Decorative Golf Bag
Located in New York, NY
Heavily carved solid wood golf bag. Custom made and one of a kind. Nice item for a collector or golf enthusiast. Has a metal insert inside.
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Marchal Ferrari 375 Plus Accessory Counter Advertising Sign, ca 1950’s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Marchal Ferrari accessory counter advertising sign, ca 1950’s, color litho celluloid over card backing.
The sign was produced when Marchal (electrical car parts including head lamps) provided Ferrari cars of accessory. Very Rare item, perfect for any car mascot, hood ornemant or automobilia collector.
The Artist was H. Camy, a French poster designer. He did works for Marchal and Citroen among others.
FERRARI 375 PLUS
After winning the Auto Sport World Championships in 1953, Enzo Ferrari decided to build a small series of spiders that would spearhead the Scuderia’s latest assault on the World title. These cars were to be known as the 375 PLUS for which Aurelio Lampredi developed a truly powerful V12 engine of nearly five litres while Pinin Farina took care of the coachwork. The results lived up to all expectations and the car also triumphed at Agadir, Silverstone and Le Mans. However, its most significant victory of all was Umberto Maglioli’s at the Carrera Panamericana...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Other
Vintage Gymnastic Rings in Wood, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Gymnastic rings, circa 1950.
By unknown manufacturer, from France.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Set of Five Vintage Tennis Rackets
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of five wooden tennis rackets, made by different manufacturers in the early 1950s.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Bentwood
Vintage Leather Medicine Ball
Located in Vienna, AT
Original patinated leather medicine ball with a branded manufacturers mark "Platura.
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
French Hand Carved Wood Soccer Ball Piggy Bank
Located in Cathedral City, CA
French hand carved wood soccer ball bank. One side of the base is hand carved with the name "Jean Louis". Two screws attach the base to the ball. These would have to be removed to ta...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Czech Vintage Gymnastic Gym Ring Training Workout III, 1940s
Located in Wien, AT
These gymnastics rings from a Czech gym were completely cleaned and the wooden parts restored and is in excellent condition. It can be used for your daily tr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
Midcentury Leather and Wood Italian Gymnastics Horse, 1960
Located in Rome, IT
1960s gym horse. Upper part covered in leather, well-kept and of the period.
The lower part, the four legs, is made of wood. At the end of the legs are iron squares that allow you t...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather, Wood
Czech Vintage Gymnastic Gym Ring Training Workout II., 1940s
Located in Wien, AT
These gymnastics rings from a Czech gym were completely cleaned and the wooden parts restored and is in excellent condition. It can be used for your daily tr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
Super King 3-Wheel Roller Skates
Located in Peekskill, NY
This pair of rare midcentury English 3 wheel street skates were produced for only a short time by Davies Steel specialities. They date to the 1960s. This designs advantage is the low centre of gravity, 3 wheel balance...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Leather Boxing Glove, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
This boxing glove was made in the 1950s.
The covering of the boxing glove was made of beige and red brown leather. Also it has a lacing to fix the glove.
Good vintage condition with ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Enamel Castrol Sign, 1960s
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
Beautiful Castrol advertising.
The sign is made from enameled metal and has some aged related wear.
Ideal decorative piece for in a garage.
Measures: Height 70cm/27.55"
W...
Category
1960s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Enamel
Pair of Wooden Javelins from Karhu, 1950s
Located in Vienna, Austria
A pair of wooden javelins from the 1950s, from Karhu, Finnland.
Made from oak with a grip out of rope.
The company Karhu has a rich history in track and field...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Vintage Brown Leather Medicine Ball, 5kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 5kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Leather Medicine Ball
Located in London, GB
Vintage leather medicine ball, with minor stitched repair, which in our opinion adds to the character of the piece. This ball is structurally sound, with wonderful patina that only c...
Category
1950s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Brown Leather Medicine Ball, 5kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 5kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Brown Leather Medicine Ball, 5kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 5kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Poul Petersen Solid Gold Jensen Styled Queen's Plate Stakes Horse Racing Trophy
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This solid 14-karat yellow gold Queen's Plate Stakes horse racing trophy was made by renowned Danish Canadian silversmith, Carl Poul Petersen for...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Gold
Vintage Brown Leather Medicine Ball, 1kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Measures: W...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Brown Leather Medicine Ball, 2kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 2kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Mahogany Leather Medicine Ball, 4kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 4kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Black Leather Medicine Ball, 4kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 4kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Mahogany Leather Medicine Ball, 3kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 3kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Brown Leather Medicine Ball, 1kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Measures: W...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Midcentury Spanish Football Table, Cordoba Model
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
Mid century Spanish football table in good conditions. The players represent the Real Madrid's and Barcelona's football teams. Córdoba model.
Ready to s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Vintage Mahogany Leather Medicine Ball, 4kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 4kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Mahogany Leather Medicine Ball, 4kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 4kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Curling Bonspiel Trophy Stand-Up Ashtray Early, 1960s
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Curling Bonspiel trophy stand-up ashtray, early 1960s, The stand is maple with two curling brooms holding the top ashtray with the base mounted on a turned base and centered by a curling stone. The stand is made of maple, with a black glass ashtray...
Category
1960s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Maple
Horn Speaker
By Altec Lansing Corporation
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A multicellular galvanized outdoor horn speaker.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
20th Century Tennis Player Bronze Sculpture / Trophy, Italy, 1930s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Midcentury tennis player bronze sculpture / Trophy. Italy, 1930s.
Very nice Italian bronze figure. Mounted over black Portoro marble.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Marble, Bronze
Skiff Trainer, 1960, Italy
Located in Weesp, NL
Italy 1960 skiff trainer.
Italian mid-century modern working skiff trainer. A rare and very decorative piece to be used or as decoration in your home, office or sporting club.
...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Steel
Tennis Racket, Miss Go, Pro, Middle of the 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Tennis racket, Miss Go, pro, mid-20th century.
Measures: H 70cm, W 23cm, W 3cm.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Vintage Brown Leather Medicine Ball, 3kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 3kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Brown Leather Medicine Ball, 1kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Measures: W...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Vintage Brown Leather Medicine Ball, 3kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 3kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Leather
Leather and Wood Vaulting Horse from the 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
Leather and wood vaulting horse from the 1930s.
This adjustable vaulting horse was made in the 1930s in former Czechoslovakia.
The thick cowhide leather has a nice patina. Very goo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Iron
French Hand Carved Wood Soccer Ball Piggy Bank
Located in Cathedral City, CA
French hand carved wood soccer ball bank. One side of the base is hand carved with the name "Jean Louis". Two screws attach the base to the ball. These would have to be removed to ta...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Collection of Vintage Megaphones
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Very colorful and graphic collection of 13 vintage megaphones from the 1940s-1970s. Tallest example measures 38 inches, smallest measuring 8 inches.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Collection of Vintage Bocci and Croquet Balls c.1970-(FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A collection of ten vintage bocci and croquet balls: two large vintage bocci balls with original label, four croquet balls and four small ceramic bocci balls.
CREATOR Boc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Wood, Ceramic
Pair of Vintage Badminton Rackets, circa 1970's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Germany
Made of wood
Fully functional
Original condition.
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Pair of Vintage Badminton Rackets, circa 1980's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Germany
Made of wood, metal, plastic
Fully functional
Original condition.
Category
1980s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Unique & Hand Crafted Vintage 1960s Soccer Ball / Wooden Football Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Handcrafted soccer ball of many woodtypes.
This rare and beautifully made soccer ball is in excellent condition and it is made in the same size as a real one. This fine example from...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Mid-century Modern sports equipment and memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern sports equipment and memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sports equipment and 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 animal skin, leather and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern sports equipment and memorabilia made in a specific country, there are Europe, Czech Republic, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sports equipment and memorabilia, popular names associated with this style include Abercrombie & Fitch, Alfa Romeo, BRIO - Bröderna Ivarsson i Osby, and Carl Poul Petersen. 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 sports equipment and memorabilia differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $125 and tops out at $130,932 while the average work can sell for $1,050.
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