Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
MEDIEVAL STYLE
The Middle Ages in Europe followed the end of the Roman Empire, and in this time of change, which preceded the Renaissance, furniture was simple and utilitarian, with most homes having only the necessities like chests and benches. Much of medieval furniture, which was often made in oak or walnut, was built for the elite, particularly the emerging merchant class who owned multiple homes.
Life for many in the medieval era was unstable, and furniture was designed to be functional and portable. Peasants worked the fields for affluent landowners and didn’t have access to literature in the way that nobles and people of the church did (women less so than men). The furniture in their modest dwellings was typically limited to cookware and a handful of stools. Foldable chairs, while uncommon in homes of the early Middle Ages and emblematic of wealth, like all other furnishings of the time, allowed for easy transportation of a household. Trestle tables with detachable legs and collapsible beds were designed to be simply moved from place to place.
Medieval blanket chests were among the most important furniture objects and could further serve as tables or even beds. Some ancient traditions were carried forward to build this sturdy furniture, such as turnery. Although the furniture was minimally designed, embellishments like carvings added elegance to the heavy wood pieces. These details sometimes reflected trends in religious art like rose windows.
By the later Middle Ages, storage pieces like chests of drawers were often adorned with high relief carvings, such as geometric and floral motifs. By the 14th and 15th centuries, design had developed to include more involved pieces like cupboards and desks, while benches frequently doubled as chests with hinged seats. Beds also changed in this era from basic boards to four-post designs with large drapes to keep the sleeper warm. These beds and other medieval bedroom furniture were significant status symbols, passed down through families and used as places to conduct business and receive visitors.
Surviving examples of medieval furniture are very rare, yet its distinctive aesthetics influenced later styles like William and Mary and Arts and Crafts.
Find a collection of medieval seating, garden elements, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Medieval
Miniature Iron Maiden of Nuremberg
Located in Hanover, MA
Miniature "Iron Maiden" in blackened cast metal attached to its original round wood base. The front doors are pin-hinged and open to reveal pointed spikes. At base of doors is printe...
Category
1890s German Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
17th Century European Religious Book Binding Brass Mounts Vellum Monumental Size
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique animal skin or vellum book binding with brass or possibly bronze mounts (sometimes called furniture - centerpiece, corner pieces) of monumental scale. The work measures al...
Category
17th Century European Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Antique Scottish Silver Large Celtic Double Sided JHS Christogram Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Finely detailed antique Scottish silver Celtic cross with exquisitely decorated arms featuring interlaced Medieval style motifs and a central nimbus with a Christogram, the stylized ...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley, Later Printing, 1891
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus. London: George Routledge and Sons, 1891. 12mo. Rebound in 1/.4 black leather and green marbled boards, with raised bands, gilt...
Category
1890s English Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Antique Early Romanesque Gothic Architectural Tabernacle Niche Door
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique ecclesiastical architectural hand carved and painted wooden church - cathederal tabernacle door.
18th century or earlier, early Medieval European Romanesque Gothic style, facade with elaborate arched header atop partial quartfoil, hinged tabernacle door panel which would have opened to important religious niche...
Category
18th Century European Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Byzantine Style Sterling Silver Amethyst Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique sterling silver Byzantine style hand crafted organically shaped cross pendant with a rectangular amethyst center framed by two rows of granulation work, the arms decorat...
Category
19th Century European Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Jacques Callot, French Book by Paulette Choné, 1992
Located in Atlanta, GA
Jacques Callot 1592 - 1635, French book by Paulette Choné, 1992.
This important book was published after the Jacques Callot exhibition presented at the Lorraine Historical Museum in ...
Category
1990s French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique French 19th Century Vampire Slaying Kit.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French 19th Century Vampire Slaying Kit.
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Byzantine Style Large, Substantial Silver Five Fold Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Byzantine style large, substantial antique silver Five-Fold cross pendant with an oval faceted garnet glass center, granulation, silver wire decoration and a circular chased bale.
19th Century
The five-fold cross is symbolic of the five wounds of Christ, Christ and the four quarters of the world and Christ and the four evangelists. It is also known as Cross and Crosslets and has been the emblem and coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem since the thirteenth century.
Large Byzantine style statement crosses...
Category
19th Century Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
13th Century Period Wood Carved Polychrome Sculpture of Corpus Christi
Located in Vero Beach, FL
13th Century Period Wood Carved Polychrome Sculpture of Corpus Christi
Rare and beautiful sculpture of Corpus Christi. The artwork, probably German, is carved from hardwood. This f...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Unknown Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
Rare Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral, Rome, 19th century, circa 1840.
Possibly a representation of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence Italy.
The Italian Renaissance is renowned for its magnificent works of art and architecture, which are admired to this day for their grandeur and intricate details. Among the most impressive examples of this era are the rare and monumental carved Carrara marble models of cathedrals...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Carrara Marble
Two Vintage Framed Shield Form Heraldic Crests
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large tanned leather shield forms with nail head trim and carved and painted applied crests with some gilt details. Each with a different crest- one with a swan and rampant lions, th...
Category
20th Century Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Glass, Wood
Vintage French Medieval Knight's Helmet in Brass
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage French Medieval Knight's Helmet in Brass is a marvelous recreation of a period artifact. Hand-crafted by an obviously skilled artisan who clear...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Nickel
Ancient Byzantine Bronze Double-Sided Engraved Reliquary Cross, 9th-12th Century
Located in New York, NY
Fine engraved double-sided Byzantine bronze reliquary cross, 9th-12th Century AD
Excellent original patina
Composed of two parts hinged at the top an...
Category
15th Century and Earlier European Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Antique Large Carved Oak Figure of Saint Anthony of Padua, 18th-19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Fine hand carved oak figure of Saint Anthony of Padua
Late 18th- Early 19th Century
Saint Anthony is depicted with his head raised, mouth ajar, as if in the process of speaking. He stands upright wearing his traditional Franciscan robes and holding open a book. Beautifully carved with high level of detail, unusual for oak pieces. Oak is a dense hardwood which is difficult to carve and it's rare to see this level of detail in an early oak sculpture.
Saint Anthony is the Patron Saint of lost things. While living at the monastery, he had a treasured book which contained psalms and personal observations. His book was stolen by a man who decided to leave the monastery and Anthony ferverently prayed for its return as the cost of a new book would have been beyond his means. The thief repented and returned the book which is believed to be preserved at the Franciscan Library in Bologna. He is one of the most popular Catholic saints...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Oak
Medieval Style Armor Gauntlet Articulated Steel
Located in Rochester, NY
Articulated medieval style steel gauntlet. Well made, mid-20th century.
Category
Mid-20th Century Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Steel
Large Early 19th Century Door Lock and Latch on Patinated Stand
Located in San Mateo, CA
Large early 19th century European door lock and latch. This had a custom stand made that was patinated to match the lock. This was probably done in the 1970's. There is an acrylic mi...
Category
Early 19th Century European Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Iron
French 19th Century Brass Altar Candlestick Lamp and Shade
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An antique brass altar candlestick from 19th century France, that has been converted into an electrified lamp. This gorgeous fixture i...
Category
19th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Italian Medieval / Renaissance Style Suit of Armor
Located in New York, NY
Italian Medieval / Renaissance-style (19th Century) small metal suit of armor with two Roman figures on the breast plate and an antique rolling stand.
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Edward F. Caldwell Gothic Style Jeweled Champleve Enamel Antique Folio Cover
Located in New York, NY
A very rare, fine large Edward F. Caldwell jeweled champleve enamel folio cover in the High Gothic Style. The central panel depicting a King on a white horse holding a large orb with a snake symbol, surrounded by exquisitely detailed Gothic heraldic elements and jeweled embellishments. Burgundy velvet lined interior, retaining original leather backing and spine, wear commensurate with age, ideal for a museum or private collection.
Measurements: 13.63 inches high, 11 inches wide, 1 inch deep
Condition: the enamel panel is in excellent condition, age appropriate wear to velvet, leather and interior pages. Please note, the enamel panel may be removed and mounted on a modern folio if desired. This piece may be framed or displayed as a decorative panel on a stand
Edward F. Caldwell & Co was established in 1895 in New York City at 31 East 17th Street and quickly became one of the premier designers and manufacturers of fine lighting and decorative objects. Their commissions included J.P. Morgan's residence, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Vanderbilt Mansion, Henry Clay Frick residence, Harvard Club...
Category
Early 20th Century American Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Enamel
Gothic Style Huge Triptych Shadow Box/Display Of Orthodox Church Silver Icons
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Gothic style huge triptych shadow box/display of an Orthodox Church silver icons. The triptych is a large ogee shaped arc closed display made of heavy wood and glass. When you open the doors, it features some icons painted on wood and covered by an embossed and chased silver oklads with some gilt areas. They are framed by some red velvet. In the center, there are two icons who represent St.Paul and St.Peter; above them is the Almighty God...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Mid-18th Century French Carved Polychrome Statue of Moses in Oak Niche
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France circa 1760 and resting in a carved oak niche, the figure depicts the prophet Moses, the most important prophet in Judaism and Christianity. Moses is best known from the story in the biblical Book of Exodus and Quran as the lawgiver who met God face-to-face on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments after leading his people, the Hebrews, out of bondage in Egypt and to the "promised land" of Canaan. He is represented with horns on top of his head. The horns came about because of an ambiguity of the Latin version of Exodus 34, 30. After being addressed by God on top of Mount Sinai and given the Tablets of the Law containing the Ten Commandments, Moses descended to his people in the desert. His face was seen to shine with a divine light. (The first Moses with horns was commissioned in 1505 by Pope Julius II for his tomb; it was based on a description in chapter 34 of Exodus in the Vulgate, the Latin translation of the Bible used at that time). The religious and biblical item...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
18th Century French Religious Fer a Hosties Eucharist Host Iron Waffle Press
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique, circa 1765, French fer a hosties (cast iron host press / host mold).
Exquisitely hand forged in France in the 18th century, showcasing the blacksmith's high qual...
Category
Late 18th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Antique French Statue Figure Saint Lady Sculpture Book Bible Carved Oak 23.5" T
Located in Tyler, TX
RARE Carved Oak Statue Figure~~Medieval Saint or Lady Holding Bible~~c. late 19th to early 20th century
MASTERFULLY CARVED from one piece of oak depict...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
Georgian Architectural Model
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine English early 19th century mahogany architectural model of a church, the multiple steeples flanking a faux carved slate shingled room, wh...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Sterling Silver on Brass Spider Web Belt Buckle Signed Baldwin
Located in Ferndale, MI
Brass frame belt buckle with nicely soldered spider web embellishment. Signed Baldwin on the backside.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Brass
16th Century French Gothic Carved Oak Architectural Fragment
Located in Stamford, CT
Early 16th century carved oak fragment of Gothic tracery likely from a choir screen or other decorative element from the interior of a cathedral or chapel. Very fine organic carving ...
Category
16th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
Pair of 12' Polychromed Plaster Angel 14-Light Candelabra / Lamps on Pedestals
By Daprato Rigali Studios
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 12' polychromed plaster angel 14-light candelabra / lamps on pedestals
Subtle and dramatic, impressive in size and well executed.
Each angel sta...
Category
Early 20th Century American Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
12th Century Rare Romanesque Wood Sculpture of the Virgin Mary
Located in Vero Beach, FL
12th century extremely rare romanesque wood sculpture of the Virgin Mary.
Magnificent wood hand carved sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding a book to her chest.
It is an extremely rare survivor of the 12th century. The style is European, possibly French or English. This statue is a testimony to beautiful religious art from about 1150. A truly rare Romanesque sculpture...
Category
15th Century and Earlier English Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone
The Grandes Heures of Jean, Duke of Berry by Marcel Thomas, 1st Edition
Located in valatie, NY
The Grandes Heures of Jean, Duke of Berry by Marcel Thomas. George Braziller, 1971. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket and with the original Mylar protective overlay jacket. The book ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
15th C Gothic Tabernacle 4 ft.+ Rare Architectural Religious Art, Museum Quality
Located in Vero Beach, FL
15th century period Gothic Tabernacle, extremely rare (Medieval) architectural religious art, museum quality ecclesiastical altar piece.
This is an ...
Category
15th Century and Earlier German Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Paint
Antique Model of Ulm Cathedral
By Michael Molz
Located in Atlanta, GA
Stunning and rare scale model of the Ulm Cathedral, completed in 1925 by Michael Molz of Los Angeles. It is in remarkably good condition and features sta...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Mid-19th Century English Cast Iron Commodities Scale, Marked Birmingham
Located in Charleston, SC
A large 19th century English cast iron scale, circa 1840, marked Birmingham, England and features scrolling decorative and organic elements. It was purchased in the U.S. and would ha...
Category
19th Century British Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
19th Century French Gothic Free Standing Repousse Brass Church Crucifix
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful and intricate crucifix was created in France circa 1880. Coming from a small catholic chapel in France and built of brass, the cross stands on three small curved acant...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Russian Icon of Madonna and Child in Repoussé Metal, Early 20th Century
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Russian icon of Madonna and Child from the early 20th Century. The handmade icon features silvered sheet metal over wood with Repoussé work featuring etched, engraved, and hammered ...
Category
1910s Russian Vintage Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Silver
Medieval collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Medieval collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, 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, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Medieval collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, 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 Europa Antiques, Arval Argenti Valenza, Edward F. Caldwell & Co., and Michael Molz. 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 $88 and tops out at $48,000 while the average work can sell for $1,795.
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