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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
Period: 20th Century
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

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

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

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

Early 20th Century Brass Electric Fan, by Frost & Co
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Early 20th century brass electric fan, by Frost & Co A very stylish good looking piece, with aluminium blades and metal cage This piece looks to be...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

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

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

Antique American Railroad Track Switch Target Sign
Located in Forney, TX
An antique American railroad yard switch sign on custom stand. A wonderful example of both Americana and industrial folk art! Born in the US in the early 20th century, the large, double sided, painted red iron circular disc shaped "target" sign; mounted to painted black cast iron central pedestal standard; surmounted by hand hammered and chiseled raw iron three inch tall finial; rising from a later five spoke pentagonal black iron base, elaborately shaped, fan form with niche curved flowing lines. The central standard can unscrew from the base for easy transportation and storage. Versatile, use it indoors as a decorative accent and quick way to add color, rustic texture, dimension, and interest, or use outdoors to brighten up your space as a garden ornament or statue. Original condition but we mildly sealed it to preserve the beautiful, warm rustic patina that enhances it so much. Now stable, it won't make a mess or deteriorate, while retaining the unique character and charm that can only be aquired from decades of use, being weathered, naturally distressed, with old chippy paint, that's elegantly aged, rich deep red color It is a full size, authentic railroad iron target...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Open Scale Barograph by C F Casella & Co of London
Located in London, GB
An open scale barograph by C F Casella & Co of London, circa 1960. 7 day clockwork "Gluck" barometer recorder. Measures: Width: 32 cm. Depth:18 cm. Height: 23.5 cm. C. F. Casella and Co: Established in 1810 as Tagliabue and Casella. Incorporated as a limited liability company, C. F. Casella and Co, in 1910. AS advertised in 1930: C. F. Casella and Co Ltd., of Regent House, Britannia Walk, London, N1 7ND - Makers of anemometers, anemographs, barometers, barographs, hygrometers, hygrographs, radiation instruments, rain gauges...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Industrial Glove Hand Mold or Cutter, 1940s
Located in Wallkill, NY
Industrial glove cutters right out of a New York State glove factory that closed down years ago. They range in measurements. Measures: 5.5 in to 7 in high, 3 in to 4-3/8 in wide, 5/8...
Category

1940s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

French Commercial Coffee Bean Dispenser (4 available- Sold EACH)
Located in Dallas, TX
Commercial Coffee Bean Dispenser (4 available- Sold EACH), is a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors, with an interesting dispenser with integral funnel that allows one to dis...
Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Tin

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

Collection of 12 Perspex Teaching Blocks & Lenses
By Griffin & George Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A collection of twelve Perspex teaching optical blocks and lenses. Various shapes, forms and blocks, convex and concave, a number are backed with a white film. Three have their...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Acrylic

Antique Commercial Balance Scale by H. L. Becker in Brussels
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique commercial balance scale by H. L. Becker in Brussels is the type of precision instrument for which the company was known during the early 20th century. Note the attention to ...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

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

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

Vintage Metal Parking Lot Number Signs
Located in Topeka, KS
We are offering here 23 vintage metal parking lot number signs. They are in differing degrees of condition and patina but all wonderful. We have priced the...
Category

20th Century Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Micro-Barograph by Short & Mason of London
Located in London, GB
An open scale Micro-barograph by Short & Mason of London in enameled glass case. Number: 551/41 Seven day clockwork drive by Horstmann Gear Co Ltd, of Bath. Serial number: 7027/59 With Meteorological Office “MO” logo. Meteorological Office calibration certificate dated 27.6.96 Literature: Barometers - Aneroid and Barographs, Edwin Banfield, 1985. page 131 fig. 116. Short and Mason...
Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

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

Vintage Boon & Lane Aluminum Hat Block Mold Form Millinery Luton Beds England B
By Boon & Lane
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Boon & Lane aluminum hat block mold form Millinery, Luton beds, England (B) listing is for (1) hat mold as pictured, circa mid-20th century. Mea...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

1938 Pull Down Anatomy Chart, Denoyer-Geppert, Artist P.M. Lariviere
Located in Buffalo, NY
1938 pull down anatomy chart, Denoyer-Geppert. Artist P.M. Lariviere. KL3 circulatory system. Stunning image, screenprint on linen.
Category

1930s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Linen

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 Motorcycle 1955 Paloma P 500 by Michel Humblot
Located in North York, ON
Vintage Paloma P 500 moped motorcycle from 1955, made in France by Michel Humblot. Original paint 49cc Lavalette engine. Not tested, Sold as is.
Category

1950s French Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

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

1950s All Aluminum United States Mail Letter Box, Manufactured by Bommer
By Georg Bommer
Located in Buffalo, NY
1950s all aluminum United States mail letter box, manufactured by Bommer Industries, simple Classic design, would make an amazing piggy bank, pull down handle door, mail slot...
Category

1950s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

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

Vintage Do Not Pass Metal Traffic Signs
Located in Topeka, KS
Cool vintage “Do Not Pass” metal traffic signs. We have two offered and have priced them individually. These are in wonderful vintage condition mad...
Category

20th Century North American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

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

Lufthansa Boeing 747 Scale Model by Verkuyl of Holland
Located in London, GB
A scale model of a Lufthansa Boeing 747 - 100 by Verkuyl of Holland. 1/100 scale. Made by Matthys M Verkuyl, Badhoevedorp, Holland. As marked to the u...
Category

Late 20th Century European Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

0-4-0 Industrial Tank Live Steam Railroad Engine
By M. Hale
Located in Peekskill, NY
This a good sized (7.5" Gauge) railroad engine. The scale is large and powerful enough to pull an adult and a number of children on cars behind it. It was hand built in 1974 by M. Ha...
Category

20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

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

1970s Cast Aluminium & Steel Flame Proof Floor Lamp Tripod - Warm White T8 Led
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Reclaimed and modified 1970s Daeyang Electric Co. Ltd flame proof luminaire with fully updated electrics and fitted with T8 Warm white LED tubes. The tube light has been fitted to a custom made tripod was comprises of 6 rigging screws to create the tripod base and spine, the tilt can be adjusted by a few degrees to allow the light lean back or stand more upright. The light has been cleaned back to its factory finish which is aqua marine and battle ship grey then lacquered to protect and give a gloss finish. The mains cable is sleeved with silver grey braid and has an onboard switch mounted on the opposite side to the cable entry. Daeyang strip lights were originally used in hazardous areas on large cargo ship and supertankers where dangerous gasses and flammable cargo may have been present, typically in cross loading areas, cargo bays and engine rooms. The cast aluminium chassis and toughened glass make an extremely robust fixture which has stood the test of time in the harshest of conditions. Flame proof light...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

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

Mounted Turnstile “To The Fun House” from Coney Island, New York
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A rare and Historical Industrial Era Mounted Turnstile from the Fun House at Coney Island, New York, featuring original painted finishes mounted on wood plinth with label reading, “T...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Steel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patinated Curling Stone
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An unusual and finely patinated curling stone with a bronze handle and iron body.
Category

Early 20th Century Scottish Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze, Iron

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

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

Antique Cast Iron Shoe Mold
Located in New York, NY
Antique factory shoe mold made of cast iron. USA, circa 1920. A beautiful, simple form.
Category

1920s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

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

1930s Chrome Diamond Plate Paperweight Curiosity Desk Object Architect Sculpture
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful desk relic from a captain of industry.
Category

1930s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Pair Vintage World War ii Bomber Plane Balloon Tires Prop Accent Sculptures Red
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Strewn some midcentury red and black throughout your interior, they are holding air, great props! Measures: D 27 x D 7 inches.  
Category

1940s German Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Siemens, Ships Telephone, 1960's, Massive Aluminum Housing, Industrial Design
Located in Vienna, Austria
Siemens ships telephone for the wall. Made from massive, polished aluminum, this beautiful piece of industrial design can be used at home. This is a rare find.
Category

1960s Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

1970s Brushed Aluminum Airplane Propeller Sculpture
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An actual airplane propeller in brushed aluminum mounted on a thick base. Available in a variety of finishes.
Category

1970s American Vintage Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

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

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

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

Vintage Ped Xing Florescent Orange Metal Traffic Signs
Located in Topeka, KS
Cool vintage Ped Xing aluminium metal traffic signs in florescent orange. There are a pair, but we have priced them separately. They are in excelle...
Category

20th Century North American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

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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