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
1970s American Crouse Hinds / Pauluhn Cast Aluminium Flameproof Tube Light
By Crouse-Hinds, Pauluhn
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
This is a 4ft flame proof strip light manufactured by Crouse Hinds / Pauluhn, Texas, USA.
These rare examples were made in the 1970s for use in hazardous areas on super tankers an...
Category
1970s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Large Kodak No. 2C Folding Pocket Camera/Leather Case c.1914
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original large Eastman Kodak No. 2C folding pocket camera with red bellows. The body is wrapped in leather with chrome and brass accents. The camera folds to 2.25 inches. O...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Chrome
Braun Audio wall mounted audio system designed by Dieter Rams
By Braun, Dieter Rams
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Braun wall mounted audio system designed by Dieter Rams for Braun, 1960's/70's. Equip with Braun Audio 300/310, L46 wall speakers, and vintage Vitsoe ...
Category
Late 20th Century German Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Vintage Enameled Light Blue Tool or Tackle Box with Handle and Stacking Trays
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage light blue metal tool box with handle and stacking trays. Label reads 'VEB Starkstromamlagenhau Cottbus', presumably a construction plant in Germany. In original condition wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
1970s Korean Industrial Flameproof Wall-Mounted Tube Light, Satin Grey
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
A retro Industrial aluminium flameproof wall-mounted twin LED tube strip light by Daeyang.
Originally these lights were manufactured circa 1970 for NATO vessels. Reclaimed and pro...
Category
1970s Korean Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Antique Steel and Wood Chisels
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A set of antique steel and wood chisels with bronze collars. One steel nail punch.
CREATOR Stanely. Buck Brothers. E.A. Berg Eskilstuna.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1850-1...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Giant Champion Cricket Bat, Trade Sign by N Cochrane
Located in Godshill, 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
Antique J.C Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass In Original Mahogany Box
Located in New York, NY
Brass and steel survey transit and compass in the original mahogany box. Made by J.C Ulmer Co. Good condition with appropriate wear from age. One availa...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Steel
Massive three foot Iron wrench as steampunk Industrial Sculpture
Located in Ferndale, MI
36" long cast steel wrench with 4" opening . Not sure what field of endeavor this was used in . Large installations need large hardware . Large hardware needs large tools . Clear ev...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel, Iron
Vintage Bronze Porthole With Mesh Screen #2
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A heavy classic port hole with its mesh insect screen intact under the glass door. Along with two screws for attachment.
Dimensions: 14" diameter x 6 3/4" high
Condition: Please r...
Category
20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Bronze
41.5 in. Cast Iron Ship Maritime Mooring Bollard 470 Pounds
Located in New York, NY
The cast iron construction adds a rustic and weathered charm, reminiscent of its original use on ships. The distressed paint further enhances the vintage appeal, telling a story of i...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
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
19th c. Varvill & Son York Moving Filletster Plane circa 1829-1840
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Solid boxwood carpenter's wood plane with steel and bronze accents. Stamped "Varvill & Sons York" on both sides.
CREATOR Varvill & Sons York, England.
DATE OF MANUF...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Mid-Century Pedal Car Fire Truck
Located in Chicago, IL
Vibrant, sleek and full of character, this vintage pedal car was once the prized possession of children all across America. A popular toy since the late 19th century, pedal cars expe...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Original Vintage Scale from the 20th Century 'Designed by Berkel'
By Berkel 2
Located in Udenhout, NL
Original personal scale from 1946 designed by Berkel in Belgium.
(Made in Brussels.)
Very nice Industrial decorative object.
Category
1940s Belgian Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Pair of ship’s "Not Under Command" lights, by Eli Griffiths & Son of Birmingham
Located in London, GB
A pair of ship’s copper & brass "Not Under Command" lights, by Eli Griffiths & Sons of Birmingham, circa 1935.
360˚ clear glass Fresnel lenses. with red filter inserts. Glass marked...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Copper
Gymnastic Leather Pommel Horse Bench 1920s
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This gymnastic pommel horse bench originates from former Czechoslovakia and was part of traditional gymnastic equipment. The wooden legs were modified to a seat height of 50 cm, maki...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Animal Skin
9 in. Nautical Red Brass Round Boat Porthole Window
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century nautical style brass round porthole window painted red and oxidized from the ocean winds. The interior is embossed with the number 9, which refers to the width of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1940s 42.25 in. Cast Iron Deck Cleat
Located in New York, NY
Incorporate a touch of maritime history into your space with this early 1940s deck cleat. While it bears signs of weathering, including rust and some damage around the bolt holes, th...
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
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
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
Early 20th c. Walnut and Maple Inlay Croquet Mallet
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A vintage Walnut croquet mallet with inlay Maple wood.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920-1950.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Walnut, Maple.
CONDITION...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1970s Cast Aluminum, Brass and Glass Industrial Flameproof Striplight, Poli Noir
By Daeyang
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
A reclaimed retro industrial Korean flameproof striplight made by Daeyang circa 1970 professionally finished using a poli noir technique.
Poli...
Category
Late 20th Century Korean Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Leather Football Helmet c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Middlebury college leather football helmet. Hand block not included.
CREATOR Uknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940.
MATERIALS...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Plastic
Vintage Swiss Patinated Leather Medicine Ball
Located in Bern, CH
Vintage Swiss Mid Century Leather Medicine Ball with light patination.
Weight: 2Kg's
Diameter: 25cm's
Great decorative item which suits all decorative styles, with functional use in...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Anatomical Model of Cow, Germany
By Hauptner
Located in Peekskill, NY
This rare German papier mâché teaching model measures over 36 inches long and 21.5 inches tall. The base is wood and splits in two along with the cow. One side shows a beautiful real...
Category
20th Century German Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gesso
Chadburn’s patent engine revolution counter
By Chadburn
Located in London, GB
Chadburn’s patent engine revolution counter,.
Marked:
ONE FOURTH SPEED OF TURBINE
CHADBURN'S (SHIP) TELEGRAPH Co Ld
- LIVERPOOL-
· PATENT ·
4296
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegrap...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1970s Japanese XL Stainless Steel, Cast Brass & Glass Search Light Pendant
By Industrial Production
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Extra large stainless steel searchlight ceiling lights. Originally a marine searchlight converted into ceiling pendant light fixtures.
Originally manufactured in Japan c1970 profe...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel
Antique Draw Knife and Mezzaluna Knife c.1860-1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique 12 inch draw knife with wooden handles and one mezzaluna knife with Beech handles. Brass collars.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c. 1860-1900.
MAT...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel, Brass
Pair Of Lantern Wall Sconces Attr. Anderson And Gyde Birmingham, England
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A stylish pair of wall sconces in the form of WWII ship lanterns sporting rustic black metal forms with industrial style attributed to Anderson and Hyde make...
Category
20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Smiths Astral 'Great Britain' Shipboard Clock, circa 1930s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Early 20th century Smiths Astral [Great Britain] shipboard brass clock, circa 1930. A brass case with inset beveled glass panel that reveals a silvertone...
Category
1930s English Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Late Century Japanese Cast Aluminium Industrial Flameproof Table Lamp, Edison
By Industrial Production, Kokosha
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Reclaimed Kokosha aluminium flame proof ceiling light circa 1998, made by Kokosha of Osaka, Japan
Originating form super tankers and cargo ships this lamp has been expertly stripp...
Category
1990s Japanese Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Crouse Hinds Vintage Nautical Spot Light
Located in New York, NY
Vintage nautical or industrial ship spotlight / search light / lantern by Crouse Hinds. USA, circa 1930. For display purposes only; not tested for us...
Category
1930s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Stanley Antique Square Ruler Vintage Carpentry Tool in Rosewood & Brass
By Stanley
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
Pair WWII Bomber Airplane Wheels c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Pair of World War II bomber airplane wheels with red enameled, cast aluminum rims and balloon tires.
CREATOR U.S. Airforce, United States.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Bronze Ship Porthole With Storm Cover
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Vintage heavy paint decorated bronze porthole with dog ear locks and glass. Stamped indistinctly on verso and on lock as shown.
Dimensions: 14 3.4" W, 5 1/2" D to top of screws. Gla...
Category
20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Keuffel & Esser Co. Military Transit Surveyor Telescope
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Keuffel & Effer Co. military transit surveyor. It consists of a compass and a telescope. Inside the center of the compass is hallmarked Keuffel & Esser. Also over the front...
Category
20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Teak Ship's Hand Rails with Brass or Chrome Hardware
Located in Nantucket, MA
A group of teak hand rails on teak backplates with brass hardware. As of this writing there are at least 6 pieces in this 4 1/2' length. There are also a couple of 3' lengths. Th...
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Teak
Reclaimed 59 in. H Cast Iron Ship Maritime Mooring Bollard
Located in New York, NY
This early 20th Century cast iron construction adds a rustic and weathered charm, reminiscent of its original use on piers. The distressed paint further enhances the vintage appeal, ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Vintage Dark Green Tool or Tackle Box
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage green metal tool box with handle and stacking trays. In original condition with visible wear, including enameled loss, discoloration and scratches. Wear is consistent with it...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Railway Signal Bell or Quirky Countertop Courtesy Bell
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Railway Signal Bell or Quirky Countertop Courtesy Bell
Dating from the late 19th century this is a Railway Brass Signal Bell.
This lovely period railway item is well made, and woul...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
19th Century American Country General Store Carpenter Model Trade Shop Display
Located in Forney, TX
A rare, unusual, and most charming diminutive hand-crafted Gold Rush era American country general store counter merchant desk.
Mid-19th century, United States, most likely commissi...
Category
19th Century American Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wrought Iron
19th c. Bronze, Rosewood and Ebony Try Squares c.1850-1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Collection of six 19th century try squares with bronze, Ebony, Rosewood, and steel handles. The Halsted & Ackerman is a rare combination square with a pop out bevel from the b...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Bronze, Steel
1970's British Ultimate Gray /Monochrome Black AC GMT Co. Classic Wall Clock
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Quartz sweep seconds / non ticking wall clock finished in ultimate gray pantone 17-5104
Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert...
Category
1970s English Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Reclaimed Early 1940s WW2 42 in. Cast Iron Deck Cleat
Located in New York, NY
Whether displayed as a standalone decorative element or incorporated into a maritime-themed setting, this WW2 deck cleat becomes a unique focal point that captures the spirit of the ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Antique Schoenhut "Humpty Dumpty Collection" Giraffe Circus Toy c.1903-1935
By Schoenhut
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Jointed wooden giraffe manufactured in the 1900s by the Schoenhut Piano Company as part of the Humpty Dumpty Circus collection. Made from c...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Wood, Paint
19th Century Frankstein Wall Art Throw Switch Slate Brass New Haven Mfg Co
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Bolt it on the wall for decor on set on a table for conversation. A large example by New Haven Manufacturing Co. of Connecticut, c.1890s.
L 14.5 x W 5.5 x Thk 3 in
Category
1890s American Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Slate, Brass
Port & starboard dredge control by Simons Lobnitz of Renfrew
Located in London, GB
Double port and starboard dredge pumping control by Simons Lobnitz Ltd of Renfrew. Circa 1960.
Two 12 ½ inch dials, and two 4 ¼ dials, with internal lights.
Simons-Lobnitz Ltd of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scottish Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Aircraft Design Wind Tunnel Scale Model of a Late 1960s GAC-100 Airliner
Located in London, GB
A 1/10 scale wind tunnel model of a GAC-100 Commuter airliner.
Wingspan: 7ft (214 cm)
The model is constructed out of laminated mahogany, and is built to the highest standards,...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Large Antique Salvaged Pyle & National Co. Nautical or Marine Spotlight
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and substantial Art Deco industrial nautical spotlight was made by the Pyle & National Company of Chicago Illinois in circa 1925 in the period industrial Art Deco style. T...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Rosewood Stanley No. 12 1/2 Veener Plane c.1904-1943
By Stanley
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Cabinet makers veneer scraper plane with Rosewood handles and bronze knobs.
CREATOR Stanley Tools Inc.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1904-1943.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Ship's Brass Porthole Window, 1980's
Located in Nantucket, MA
A nautical brass porthole window with a swing plate from a decommissioned ship. One hinged side and one 'dog' that opens and closes the window. ...
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Very Large Ophtalmotrope
Located in Peekskill, NY
What is an ophthalmotrope? An ophthalmotrope is an apparatus for demonstrating the movements of the eye and the action of the different muscles which produce them, consisting essentially of a model eyeball to which are attached strings and pulleys to duplicate the line force of the muscles.
We think this example is most likely French from the early 20th century. The base is marble with paw feet. It’s also quite large at well over 3 foot tall. This instrument is very complete. It also includes additional parts to set the mechanics up in a different way. In the pictures above the strings are attached to a keyboard. The alternative replaces the keyboard with string guide with a dozen hanging tubular weights. This is one of the largest and most decorative examples we have seen. I have only seen pictures of ophthalmotropes and never one this fine and complete. It’s as rare and impressive show piece.
This item was also used in the movie Knives Out,
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Nautical Red Brass 9 in. Round Boat Porthole Window
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century nautical style brass round porthole window painted red with netting in the window opening, showing some wear from usage and age. The interior is embossed with the ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Collection of 19th and 20th Century Spoke Shaves
By Stanley
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Collection of antique 19th century wood spoke shaves and early 20th century steel spoke shaves.
CREATOR Stanley, Made in England. Kunz, Made in Germany.
DATE OF MAN...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
20th Century German Glass Case Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century German scale encased in a glass and wood frame is a fine example of precision engineering and functional design. The scale features a b...
Category
20th Century German Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
Vintage Leather Gymnastics Stool 1930s, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This gymnastics stool, originally a pommel horse, was produced in Czechoslovakia in the 1930s. It has been shortened to a height of 51 cm, making it usable as a bench.
The piece is ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Animal Skin, Wood
Large Brass Plated Cup Trophy with Bakelite Base c.1940
By Trophy Craft Los Angeles
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A large brass plated cup trophy with a Bakelite base and Bakelite collar.
Shown with life size handle model for scale.
CREATOR Trophy Craft Co.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
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.