British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
BRITISH COLONIAL STYLE
Typically made of mahogany, teak or bamboo and featuring a range of fabrics and prints with botanical patterns, antique British Colonial furniture and decor varies as it involved local materials and techniques and spanned centuries of design styles.
As the British Empire expanded from the 16th to the 20th century, its conquest and control of colonies around the world bolstered its wealth through the extraction of resources. Including colonies in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, this spread of often violent subjugation imposed British culture, language and faith on Indigenous peoples. The design of homes was included in this expression of imperial power, with government officials, merchants and military officers creating homes mimicking the luxuries they were used to in England.
Local artisans were commissioned to replicate British designs, resulting in versions of Regency, Chippendale, Sheraton and other styles of furniture being crafted from mahogany, rosewood, ebony and teakwood as opposed to beech and oak, which were more common in Europe. Whereas the colonial furniture for the Portuguese and Dutch regularly had motifs of indigenous flora and fauna, the British tended to want more exact reproductions of their home country’s designs.
To escape the summer heat in places such as India and the Caribbean, British colonizers relocated to airy houses in the hills or plantations, leading to foldable chairs and collapsible desks in the style of military campaign furniture. Rather than upholstery as they might have in Europe, chairs and sofas in the British Colonial style had rattan and cane seating for these higher temperature climates. The contrast between the light textiles and the dark colors of the sturdy furniture became a defining aesthetic of British Colonial interiors.
Find a collection of antique British Colonial outdoor furniture, seating, bedroom furniture, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.
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Style: British Colonial
Vintage English Brass, Copper, and Pewter Chess Set
By Harrods
Located in Skokie, IL
Vintage English Brass, Copper, and Pewter Chess Set
This is a very fine English brass, copper, and pewter gaming set, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980. The chess board is...
Category
1980s English Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Copper, Pewter
Scandinavian Antique Leather-Bound Books, 2000 Books in Brown And Red Available
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A large collection of Scandinavian decorative antique library leather-bound books
Please note that the pictures listed are a sample of the books available and not the exact 50 books available. We will send pictures of the actual books before shipping them out.
An attractive collection of 2000 mid-size antique leather-bound books. This lot of books on literature from Sweden are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of varying rich, warm tones and gold leaf print embossing. The books seated side-by-side measures 2,5 meters, approximate 8´2 foot run. This collection of antique Swedish books are ready to ship and take their place, handsomely adorning your bookcase or library shelves...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Albert Engstrom Leather & Gilt Swedish Book Set, C. 1945
By Bonniers
Located in Ross, CA
Set of 6, leather bound book set written by Albert Engstrom (1869-1940), published by Bonnier's in Stockholm in 1945. The Swedish language books are books are filled with the author...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Maitland Smith Brass Nautical Maritime Binnacle Ship Compass Gimbal Oil Lamp 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Maitland Smith reclaimed brass nautical / maritime binnacle gimbal ship's compass with double oil lamps.
Dimensions:
13.5" x 10" x 10" (Width x Depth x Height)
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Large Mid 20th Century Teak Ships Wheel A wonderful decorative piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Mid 20th Century Teak Ships Wheel
A wonderful decorative piece, heavy and made in solid teak with Turned spindles radiating out from the centra...
Category
1960s Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Teak
Old Brass British Military Issue Brass Handbell A Great Piece, Second World War
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Old Brass British Military Issue Brass Handbell
A Great Piece, Second World War, dated 1942, marked A.S.1942, and with the broad arrow insignia denotin...
Category
1940s Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Royal Standard of the United Kingdom in Giltwood Frame and Under Glass
Located in Morristown, NJ
An antique Royal Standard of the United Kingdom, possibly by Benjamin Edgington, London. The fabric is in a giltwood frame under glass. Each of the four quadrants on the flag represe...
Category
1830s English Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Glass, Wood
Collection of 24 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 24 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print embossing.
The book collection measure horizontally is 79 cm, approximate 31,10 inches wide. This collection of books...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Collection of 22 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 22 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print embossing.
The book collection measure horizontally is 80 cm, approximate 31,49 inches wide. This collection of books...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Collection of 42 Swedish Early 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 47 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books from the from the 1930s-1940s.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of w...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Collection of 34 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 34 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print e...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Collection of 47 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 47 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
19th Century Model Field Gun on Carriage, Cast Iron Porch Cannon
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century Model Field gun on carriage, cast iron porch cannon
A good and well made piece, the field gun is made in good detail, this piece has spent m...
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Royal Air Force P10 Aircraft Compass No. 10489 T
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A Royal Air Force P10 aircraft compass No. 10489 T
The compass has a brass body finished in black, it comes in its battleship grey painted wooden ...
Category
1930s Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1 Large Mounted Sable Antelope Skull with Large Curved Ringed Horns / Antlers
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent, stunning African sable antelope with large curved ringed horns or antlers mounted on a wrought iron stand. The piece is mounted as a scul...
Category
20th Century African British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
WWw11, Tiny Leather Attaché Case First Aid Medical Equipment
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
WW11, tiny leather attaché case first aid medical equipment
This is a superb piece and is in excellent condition almost unused, the case is mad...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Handsome Military Snare Drum from Sevenoaks Air Training Corps
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Handsome military snare drum from sevenoaks air training corps.
This a good decorative piece ‘2158 SEVENOAKS SQDn’ AIR TRAINING CORPS’ painted on the f...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Novelty Royal Navy Purser’s Ceramic Grog Mug
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Novelty Royal Navy Purser’s Ceramic Grog Mug
A Great looking piece in very good condition
The Mug is 3.5” high and 3.5” in diameter
TAC227.
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Antique English Gaming Wheel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Transporting antique English gaming wheel crafted in pine darkened by aged shellac with leather stopper and decoupaged numbers 1 through 30 and se...
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
Hanging Wicker Monkey after Mario Lopez Torres
By Mario Torres
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A small hanging wicker monkey holding a grouping of leaves. This cute brown monkey is created from wicker and features arms and legs which are bent so t...
Category
20th Century American British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wicker, Rattan, Paint
The Stick has CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. Crest on the Round Head
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. swagger stick.
The stick has CANFORD SCHOOL O.T.C. crest on the round head
The metal top appears to be a white metal overprinted to look like brass
The sti...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cane
Brass Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Brass banana tree or palm tree sculpture with a custom burnished bronze like finish, removable leaves, a weighted base decorated with floral designs,...
Category
20th Century Italian British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Unique Folk Art Made Metal and Cold-Painted Colonial Canon Model
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Folk Art constructed model canon was made in Canada by a retired millwright in 1984 in the British Colonial style. This model canon loosely resembles...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Jockey Scales from Market Rasen Racecourse
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Avery brass height and weight standing jockey scales from Market Rasen Racecourse
This is a very rare set of 19th century Jockey scales, it was made by W & T Avery Birmingham...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Traditional Shield Swimming Trophy
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Traditional Shield Swimming Trophy
The is a traditional golden oak shield has a large silver plated mount, in the centre “CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SWIMMING FATHER HUDSON’S SHIELD BOYS”
...
Category
1930s Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
19th C Jamaican Minature Spice Cabinet, attributed to Ralph Turnbull
Located in Charleston, SC
This Caribbean miniature demipress/spice cabinet was made in Jamaica in the 1830's and is attributed to Ralph Turnbull. This British Colonial piece is c...
Category
19th Century Caribbean Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Coconut, Mahogany, Rosewood, Satinwood
19th Century British Colonial Wood Counter Game
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Curious mechanical lottery apperatice that has a hardwood spinning canister with pine cap and spout, supported by two turned mahogany posts on a round wood base with ball feet. The p...
Category
19th Century English Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood
Vintage 1939 Map of the Philippines and 1939 Cenus
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This vintage piece is a 1939 map of the Philippines accompanied by a census, sourced from Volume V of a book containing historical statistical information. Encased in a stylish black...
Category
1930s Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Impressive Collection of 82 Antique English Bridle Rosettes
Located in Bridgeport, CT
These English equestrian bridle mounts and pins range in various subjects and motifs including dogs, equestrian, floral arrangements, nautical and monarchy. Note: Four are solid bras...
Category
Early 20th Century British British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Related Items
Original Vintage 1966 Austin Cox Chess Set
Located in East Hampton, NY
Marked Austin Enterprises to the bottom of every piece, this wonderful vintage aluminum chess game set from 1966 comes in its original box.
The box can be hung on the wall (see im...
Category
1960s American Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Set of 4 Blue Leather Bound Books. The Works of J.M Barrie, C.1924
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Nice set of The Works of J.M Barrie
Published C.1924
Blue leather with gilt tooling
Gilt facsimile monogram of Barrie on the fronts of 3 of the volumes
Good condition/ minor chip...
Category
1920s English Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
No Reserve
H 7.25 in W 3.25 in D 5 in
Austin Cox Chess Set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare Austin Cox chess set on chrome base with walnut trim and printed green velvet board - by Austin Cox.
Set comes with original box with won...
Category
1950s Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Jacques Staunton Chess Set
Located in Flower Mound, TX
Jaques of London. Original Staunton limited edition chess set, no. 035184 (kings 9cm), in original box with key.
Staunton chess pieces are the most common and familiar pieces today. ...
Category
20th Century English British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Boxwood
World War 2 Era Military Trunk, c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
A World War 2 era Army military trunk with original stenciled graphics on top, label and hinged lid. Army green with black and brick red stencil. ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Ethnic Musical Instrument, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Ethnic musical instrument is a unique object realized in the half of the 20th century.
Ethnic musical instrument made by craftsmanship with wood and recycled materials.
Mint c...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Nautical or Maritime Motif Collapsible Brass Anchor Bookends
Located in Cathedral City, CA
1970s Pair of nautical anchor bookends
Category
1970s Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
'Book Sets' 2 Volumes, Francois Rabelais, The Complete Works
Located in New York, NY
2 Volumes. Francois Rabelais. The Complete Works. Illustrated by W. Heath Robinson. Frontispiece of Gargantua. Bound in 3/4 green morocco by Kelly. Linen boards, marbled endpapers, g...
Category
20th Century North American British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Mid-20th Century Israeli Mezuzah
Located in New York, NY
Early Israeli Mezuzah on velvet mounting with ornate silvered body, and with gilded top and base. Decorated with colored glass and with gilded bell hangin...
Category
1940s Israeli Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century French Leather Bound Gilt Embossed Books Complete Work, Set of 24
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a study bookcase or a library with this elegant set of French books; published circa 1975 across Europe in places like Geneva, Switzerland and Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, each book has an elegant green leather bound cover with gilt and red embossed motifs. The set of 24 books on history addresses topics such as Napoleon Bonaparte, the History of the United States, Marie Antoinette, Les Conquistadors, Mazarin, Napoleon III, Louis XI (Saint Louis), Robespierre, Henri IV, Richelieu, Alexandre Le Grand, Les Croisades, and the Renaissance. They are published by a variety of publishers, including Éditions Famot, Éditions Crémille, and Saint-Claire. Each work has a beautifully printed picture on the cover page and a variety of crests printed...
Category
Mid-20th Century French British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
H 11.25 in W 8.75 in D 1.25 in
19th Century French Leather Bound and Gilt Book of The Virgin Mary
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a shelf or a library with this beautiful antique red book named "La Sainte Vierge"; crafted in Paris, France, circa 1877, the religious book dep...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Leaf
Vintage Staunton Design Chess Set
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Antique Staunton Style Chess Figures.
A Staunton style chess set with wooden chess pieces with wide turned bases for added stability, and the underside of each piece being covered wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century English British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Previously Available Items
Vintage 1939 Map of the Philippines and 1939 Cenus
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This vintage piece is a 1939 map of the Philippines accompanied by a census, sourced from Volume V of a book containing historical statistical information. Encased in a stylish black...
Category
1930s Vintage British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
19th c German Musical Automaton Toy by Zinner & Sohne Co. British Raj Theme
Located in Savannah, GA
The German manufacturer Gottlieb Zinner & Sohn produced sensational mechanical dolls and toys from 1845-1926. They worked in mostly bisque and wood and were a world leader in making mechanical and musical dolls. This rare extravagant presentation features wonderful unique faces, charming actions and great music. Arranged on a paper and worn velvet-covered platform is a British Raj Period hunter holding a wooden gun...
Category
1890s German Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain, Fabric, Wood
H 17 in W 15.75 in D 8.25 in
Pair of Tibetan Telescopic Horns or Dungchens
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Intriguing pair of 19th century Tibetan horns hand crafted with copper and brass in a charming rustic technique featuring a time turned lush patina.
Me...
Category
Mid-19th Century Tibetan Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Copper
Large Antique Bronze Ships Bell
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large Antique Bronze ships bell
19th Century Bronze Ships Bell comes complete with a new iron clapper, it is in very good un polished condition, ...
Category
19th Century Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Collection of 40 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 40 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print e...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
19th Century Bronze Cannon
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century bronze cannon
This wonderful piece is heavy and in sound condition with considerable verdigris patination, I think it may have been rescu...
Category
19th Century Antique British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Brass Ships Bell with Royal Naval Bell Rope
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Brass ships bell with royal naval bell rope
Brass Ships Bell on a wall bracket, this good brass bell has a superbly knotted bell rope in Red, White,...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Two Antique Huntley and Palmers Advertising Tin Biscuit Box Book Buhl Tin
Located in Shreveport, LA
Two Antique Huntley & Palmers Advertising tin biscuit box book & Buhl Tin.
Direct from the antique fairs near London, an antique Huntley & Palmer tole...
Category
Early 20th Century British British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
H 6.25 in W 6.75 in D 4.75 in
Collection of 46 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 46 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print ...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Vintage Brass Navigar Necesse Martime Nautical Ships Chronometer Box Clock
Located in Dayton, OH
Navigare Necesse Est Authentic Models desktop clock, (Amsterdam London Paris), fashioned after an original by the famous London instrument maker, John Po...
Category
Late 20th Century British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
H 4.75 in W 5.375 in D 5.375 in
Collection of 9 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 9 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print em...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Collection of 14 Swedish 20th Century Leather-Bound Books
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A collection of 14 Swedish decorative antique leather-bound library books.
The books are wrapped in leather-bound covers, comprised of a selection of warm tones and gold leaf print e...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish British Colonial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
British Colonial collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique British Colonial collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities 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 metal, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used British Colonial collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $255 and tops out at $22,000 while the average work can sell for $898.
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