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Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

INDUSTRIAL STYLE

Industrial floor lamps, bar stools, desks and other industrial-style furnishings have experienced a resurgence in popularity with the rise of interest in minimalist design.

It's a look that celebrates the past even as it suggests vigor, productivity and brawn. The newly chic industrial style of decor repurposes the simple, sturdy furniture of an earlier world of commerce — brushed-metal storage cabinets and display shelves, task lamps and pendant lights with enameled shades, work tables with worn wooden tops and cast-iron bases — and couples them with aesthetic touches emblematic of energy and optimism, from bright upholstery fabrics to flowers.

The rise in prominence of the industrial style has come hand-in-hand with the residential repurposing of former manufacturing and warehouse districts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In many loft apartments created in shuttered factories, the architectural envelope has been left intact.

Industrial-style interiors feature elements like raw brick walls, exposed steel beams and oak floors whose history is written in every pit and gouge. Iron and glass transom windows give definition and interest to small kitchen areas anchored by kitchen islands made of marble, steel and brass, while taxidermy or vintage neon signs serve as wall art in living rooms dotted with leather club chairs. Patina is the keynote to a decor in sync with such surroundings. 

On 1stDibs you will find industrial furniture designs that wear their age beautifully — and were built to last.

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Style: Industrial
Color:  Brown
Gymnastic Leather Pommel Horse Bench Long Top, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
Pommel horse from former Czechoslovakia from the 1930s with beautiful patina, shortened to bench height 53cm and very good vintage condition. Completely restored. The iron feet are p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Antique Wooden Shoe Forms with Metal Handles, c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original pairs of cobbler's wooden shoe forms. They have retained their original finish and have the appropriate wear. Creator unknown. Date of manufacture c.1920 Materials and ...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Beech, Maple

Life-size 1950s Skeleton Teaching Aid on Stand
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Life-size 1950s Skeleton Teaching Aid on Stand A 1950s original teaching aid, quirky and fun decoration, the piece is more or less intact it has been wel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

Antique Cleveland Twist Drill Co #13 Set Bit Stock Metal Tools + Wood Case 1910
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration: Antique Cleveland Twist Drill Co. No 13 Set Bit Stock Drill Metal Tools Wood Case 1910 Antique Wood Case with Metal Too...
Category

1910s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Stanley Antique Square Ruler Vintage Carpentry Tool in Rosewood & Brass
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For consideration: Antique tool square ruler carpentry measuring by Stanley. Metal with brass and rosewood handle. Made in the USA. Size: 9.5 W x 5.63 Tall x .63 Thick Original an...
Category

1920s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Gymnastic Vintage Czech Leather Gym Stool Bench Pommel Horse, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This Czech gym stool or turn bock was produced in the 1930s. It has been shortened to a height of 54 cm. The iron feet are preserved. The thick cowhide has b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Gymnastic Vintage Czech Leather Gym Stool Bench Pommel Horse, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This Czech gym stool or turn bock was produced in the 1930s. It has been shortened to a height of 51 cm. The iron feet are preserved. The thick cowhide has b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Vintage Leather Gym Bench Top, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This gymnastics bench comes from a gym in Prague and was designed in the 1930s. The iron feet are retained. The thick cowhide has been cleaned and preserved and has a very nice patina. Completely restored. All of our vintage gym equipment...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Tin Litho Windup Toy Skier Girl by Chein C1945
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous working tin Litho toy skier by the Chein toy co. C1945. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.
Category

1940s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

Vintage US 1994 Rubber Negative Doc Holliday Ceramic Mould Cowboy Rough Cut 1363
Located in Haarlem, NL
Large vintage industrial 1994 cowboy rough cut 1363 rubber negative Doc Holliday mould to make a negative plaster mould with. With the plaster mould you ...
Category

1990s Central American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rubber

Antique Hand Sewn Large Scale Leather Pig Piggy Hog
Located in New York, NY
This little piggy pig is at market! Early 20th Century antique hand sewn leather. This baby hog has sparkling black glass eyes. This can be seen at o...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Gymnastic Vintage Czech Leather Gym Stool Bench Pommel Horse, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This Czech gym stool or turn bock was produced in the 1930s. It has been shortened to a height of 50 cm. The iron feet are preserved. The thick cowhide has b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Antique Wooden Shoe Forms with Handles c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original pairs of cobbler's wooden shoe forms. They have retained their original finish and have the appropriate wear. Creator Unknown. Date of manufacture c.1920 Materials and techniques maple or beech. Condition good. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions H 4 in. W 11.75 in. D 4 in. History This pair was salvaged from a cobbler's shop in the Mission District...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Beech, Maple

Vintage Observation Binoculars by Toko, Japan, 20 X 120
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Japanese Ex-navy 20 x 120 binoculars. A large pair of Japanese ex-navy observation binoculars mounted on a vintage adjustable wooden tripod. The WWI...
Category

1940s Japanese Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

German Anatomical Muscular Bust Model
Located in Brooklyn, NY
German, anatomical, plaster model of a cross-section of a bust, depicting the muscular and circulatory systems.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster

Gymnastic Vintage Leather Pommel Horse Gym Bench Top, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This gymnastics bench comes from a gym in Prague and was designed in the 1930s. The iron feet are retained. The thick cowhide has been cleaned and preserved and has a very nice patin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Giant Champion Cricket Bat, Trade Sign by N Cochrane
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Very rare extra large champion cricket bat by N Cochrane, Trade Sign This is an unusual piece it is in remarkably good condition, it is made in ash by the manufacturer to be used as an advertising piece...
Category

Early 20th Century Great Britain (UK) Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Ash

Vintage Miniature Wood Workbench, 1940s
Located in Wien, AT
This miniature workbench was made in the Czech Republic in the 1940s and was used for viewing in a school. Very nice vintage condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Wooden Shoe Forms with Handles c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original pairs of cobbler's wooden shoe forms. They have retained their original finish and have the appropriate wear. Creator Unknown. Date of manufacture c.1920 Materials and techniques maple or beech. Condition good. Wear consistent with age and use. Dimensions H 4 in. W 11.75 in. D 4 in. History This pair was salvaged from a cobbler's shop in the Mission District...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Beech, Maple

Vintage Wooden Sled, 1930s-1940s
Located in Uppsala, SE
Wooden sled with metal runners under the rockers. The legs and rockers have the original red paint and the seat has its original dark stained wood with ve...
Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Round Carpenter's Case for Drill Bits Storage Holder in Wood and Metal
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique wood collectible case to store drill bits. Old stock. Made of wood has metal moving parts on top. The upper mechanism turns for display- providing an opening to store drill...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Long Gymnastic Leather Pommel Horse Bench with Wooden Handles, 1920s
Located in Wien, AT
Early pommel horse with beautiful patina, shortened to bench height 50cm and in a very good vintage condition. Completely restored. The iron feet are preserved. The thick leather has...
Category

Early 19th Century Czech Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

1920s Mahogany & Brass Antique Tool Carpentry Scribe
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Mahogany Wood & Patinated Brass Antique Old Carpentry Marking Tool circa 1920s USA Carpenter Scribe Marking Gauge Vintage Wood Working Tool in Wood ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1940s Plaster Anatomical Heart Model on Wood Stand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Instructional, anatomical, plaster, heart model on 7" diameter wood base, circa 1940s.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Brass Desk Top Model of a Kedge Admiralty Anchor
Located in London, GB
A brass desk top model of a Kedge admiralty anchor. Well modeled with Shank, stock, crown, flukes, shackle and keep pin.  
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Italian Trolley Mill Industrial Archeology
Located in bari, IT
Trolley from an old industrial cotton mill made with mixed timber dating back to the 1930s.
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

1940s Maple Conveyor Belt Room Screen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Industrial 1940s conveyor belt room screen made up of wood slats with rounded ends. Entire screen connected with canvas and rivets. Stands up very easily...
Category

1940s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Maple

19th Century Box Wood and Iron Paper Guillotine
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century box wood and iron paper guillotine  Well used and still working well, the makers name in the centre of the chopping platform is too wo...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Boxwood

Large European 1930's Nautical Map Reader Magnifying Glass
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
This European set of two nautical magnifying glass map-readers are quite unusual and rarely found. It is fully encased in it's heavy wooden and metal enforced box. Hailing from betwe...
Category

1930s German Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Vintage 1930s Old New York City Mounted "Straphanger" Subway Car Handle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This cast iron and porcelain 'straphanger' or pivoting grab handle was made by the Rico manufacturing company of the United States in circa 1930 in a period industrial style. The cas...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Antique Lignum Vitae Night Stick
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An Industrial finely turned and warmly patinated antique Lignum Vitae truncheon (night stick), with a decorative handle and the original leather s...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by William Greenlief
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass, lumber caliper by William Greenlief used to measure the amount of timber from a tree features a sli...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1950s Wrights Bread Crate Vintage Industrial Vulcanized Display Box Basket Tray
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Big old Bread transport crate with wooden rails on bottom. Interior depth is 5 inches.
Category

1950s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Natural Fiber

Life-Size Mannequin Attributed to Francois-Pierre Guillois, Late 18th Century
Located in Peekskill, NY
There hasn't been much information regarding this particular type of lay figure, indeed these are exceptionally rare, until fairly recently since the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Pair of English Vintage Wood and Leather Handmade Cobbler's Shoe Lasts
Located in Atlanta, GA
A vintage pair of English wood and leather cobbler's shoe lasts from the 20th century, numbered on the side. Handmade out of wood and used to create shoes for certain clients, this pair of shoe lasts is numbered on the side. Presenting a nicely weathered appearance revealing its age and use, this pair of vintage shoe lasts...
Category

20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Leather

Anatomical Plaque by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand painted, plaster, anatomical plate by New York Scientific Supply Co. depicting the musculature and circulatory systems of the face and head on a wood plaque.
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Plaster

Gymnastic Vintage Czech Leather Gym Stool Bench Pommel Horse, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This Czech gym stool or turn bock was produced in the 1930s. It has been shortened to a height of 51 cm. The iron feet are preserved. The thick cowhide has been cleaned and preserved...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Gymnastic Vintage Czech Leather Gym Stool Bench Pommel Horse, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This Czech gym stool or turn bock was produced in the 1930s. It has been shortened to a height of 50 cm. The iron feet are preserved. The thick cowhide has been cleaned and preserved...
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Anatomical Eye Model by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Anatomical, composition, organ model of the eye by New York Scientific Co., Inc disassembles into six pieces deconstructing the eye and its nerves. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Composition

Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by E. S. Lane, Upton ME
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass hardware, lumber caliper by E.S. Lane, Upton ME used to measure the amount of timber from a tree fea...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Lens on Stand by Pye of Cambridge
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century lens on a weighted stand by Pye of Cambridge. The rotating lens is mounted in a gilt brass dial marked with 360 degree circle, the height and angle can be ad...
Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Optical Glass

Canvas and Leather Postman U.S. Mail Delivery Bag
Located in Brooklyn, NY
U.S. postman, mailman "city collection" mail delivery bag features a well-worn canvas body with leather frame.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Canvas

Vintage Nautical Spot Light
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century spot light by Crouse Hinds. USA. Features a Pyrex round shade and fully adjustable head mounted on a wide round base. For display purp...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique Industrial Slatted Foundry Patterns Handmade Wood Wall Sculpture, Grp 4
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible slatted antique handmade wood industrial foundry patterns. These were created to make the sand cast molds for casting iron sewage grates. There are ten patterns in this gr...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

19century English Balancing Scale
Located in Tarrytown, NY
19century English balancing scale.
Category

19th Century European Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Teak and Iron Ship's Nautical Clinometer, Midcentury, French
Located in Nantucket, MA
A ship's clinometer of teak and iron with original paint. Used to measure the degree of healing on a boat, or on larger boats to weigh the distribution of cargo to be sure the ballas...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Handley Page Victor "V-Bomber" Model
Located in London, GB
A 1-30 scale model of a RAF Handley Page Victor V-Bomber. The Handley Page Victor is a British jet-powered strategic bomber, developed and produced by the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Large Antique Wooden Screws Clamps Clips, Set of 8
Located in Wien, AT
These eight historic 19th century wooden clamps were sourced in Austria and are believed to have been used in the making of pianos. Everything is usable o...
Category

Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Vintage Spotlight by Crouse Hinds
Located in New York, NY
Vintage industrial / nautical spotlight by Crouse Hinds. USA, circa 1930-1940. Retains some original gray paint. For display only; not recommende...
Category

1930s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Dr. Auzoux’s Historic Full Sized Horse Model
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is one of the largest and rarest of the Dr. Auzoux papier mâché anatomical models. It’s also one of our most ambitious offerings. This prized 1846 first generation handmade model dates to the mid-1800s. I am told that there are almost 200 separate removable parts. It was recently found tucked away in a barn for over 20 years and is fresh to the market. A handful of Auzoux full size horse...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Imperial Sand & Ballast Measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London
By De Grave Short, Fanner & Co.
Located in London, GB
A rare sand and ballast measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London, circa 1940. Measures one, three-quarters, and half cubic foot. Made for Monmouthshire County Council. P...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Vintage, Anatomical, Didactic Torso, Female Bust with Head, Somso, 1960s
Located in Schagen, NL
This very complete vintage Female torso was manufactured in Germany by Marcus Sommer, 'Somso'. It features a natural size model, AS 40, in Somso-plast. The thoracic/abdominal wall...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Niels Larsen & Sons Suede Pommel Horse
By Niels Larsen
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A rare original early 20th century vaulting pommel horse in brown suede leather by Niels Larsen & Sons. The original suede has a wonderful, warm brown col...
Category

1930s English Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Wood

Iron and Woven Rush Pilot or Passenger Seat from a circa 1920s Aircraft
Located in Chicago, IL
This pilot's or passenger's seat from a circa 1920s airplane is an excellent example of early 20th century industrial design. The frame is made from rod iron, and the seat and back are woven rush. The rear of the seat back has a cleverly integrated map pocket of the same woven material. The legs bend at the bottom to form feet, which have holes to allow them to be secured to the floor of the aircraft. The design is an elegant and functional solution to the specific needs of light weight plus strength. We purchased this piece from the estate of a collector of aviation related items. It was only identified as an airplane chair...
Category

1920s Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Antique Industrial Foundry Patterns for Molds Handmade Wood Set of Seven – Grp 2
Located in Topeka, KS
Incredible set of seven antique handmade wood industrial foundry patterns. These were created to make the sand cast molds for casting iron sewage grates and other miscellaneous items...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Set of Six Large 20th Century Dutch Wooden Industrial Machinery Foundry Moulds
Located in Haarlem, NL
Set of six large bright red wooden parts in different shapes. Carved out to create negative space to be used for the casting of metal. The forms that these pieces make in the mold...
Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Antique Rendering of a Photo of Yale Locks-Hardware, Stamford Connecticut
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique circa 1897 rendering of an Aerial photograph view of the huge complex of the manufacturing company formerly residing in Stamford, Connecticut. Image measures 18 3/4 x 34 1/4...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Large Old Polychrome Painted Metal Model of a Lorry
Located in Baambrugge, NL
A large model of a lorry made in the second quarter of the 20th century. The cab is red, the body and flatbed maroon, above four spoked wheels. After an American Brockway truck. ...
Category

1920s European Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Industrial collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Industrial 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 and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with chrome, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Industrial collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Harley Davidson, and Lisa Licitri Ponti. 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 $55 and tops out at $85,000 while the average work can sell for $839.

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