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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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Style: Medieval
Period: 20th Century
Antique Cast Figural Medieval Knight in Armor Cigar, Pipe or Cigarette Lighter
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This figural cigar lighter is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Austria in circa 1930. The lighter is a standing figural cast and cold-painted medieval knight in armor hold...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Spelter

Antique Lifesize Crowned Mother Mary and Child Jesus Gothic Revival Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Hand carved wood antique statue of Mother Mary wearing a Gothic crown. This original and all hand carved sculpture of the mother of all mothers is anothe...
Category

Early 20th Century European Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

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

An antique bronze scale model of an 18th century cannon on a hardwood base c1920
Located in Central England, GB
This superb finely detailed model of an 18th century cannon is very well engineered. It has large distinctive front spoked wheels with studded tra...
Category

Early 20th Century British Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Early 1900 and Very Fine Quality Hand Carved Wall Crucifix / Jesus on the Cross
Located in Lisse, NL
Sizeable crucifix with a finer quality carved corpus of Christ. Looking at Christ like this and thinking about the gruesome way in which He lost His earthly life, the crucifix (in our view) is a symbol of what 'telling people the truth' can lead to. 'The truth does not have many friends' is something I once read. Looking at what is going on in the world today, in most countries that still is the case. However, we feel that we (humans), nevertheless, are still becoming more loving, civilized, empathetic and self-conscious. Mind you, this good size wall crucifix dates from the early 1900s and the cruelties that people did to one another for acting or being different than 'normal' in those days, in most cases were far worse than what we see in this day and age. Looking at Christ on the cross with this in mind, we have come along way and we are slowly, but surely evolving in the right direction. Maybe it is just some of our 'leaders' who are lacking behind. Christ on the cross should therefor also be a reminder of someone who has lived and foreseen all this and who should therefor always be a beacon of hope and light when things are not going our way, yet. What attracted us most in this work of religious art are the quality details of His anatomy and the warm patina of this finely carved corpus. The facial features of this superb corpus of Christ reveal...
Category

Early 20th Century European Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

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

Pair of Alabaster Bookends in Form of Medieval Library Very
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Library, Book, Throne, medieval, revival Alabaster and marble bookends in the shape of monks sitting on a throne reading a book Medieval style figur of a monge carved on the albastr...
Category

20th Century Italian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Alabaster

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

Ardagh Chalice, an Antique Sterling Silver and Enamel Replica Dublin 1914
Located in London, London
The Ardagh Chalice is considered to be one of the greatest treasures of the early Irish Church, and one of the finest known works of Insular art. It is thought to have been made in the 8th Century AD, and was discovered in 1868 by Jim Quin & Paddy Flanagan just outside the village of Ardagh in County Limerick, Ireland. Hallmarked in Dublin in 1914 by West & Son, this handsome, Antique Sterling Silver Replica of the Ardagh Chalice, is decorated with Celtic bands...
Category

1910s Irish Vintage Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Weighted Resin Chess Set Game in Jointed Wood Box Kings, Ca 1930s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good and complete English resin moulded "weighted" chess set game of 32 pieces, in a jointed pine box, all dating to the early/ mid 20th century, Circa 1930's. The chess...
Category

Early 20th Century British Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Resin, Pine

Unique Small Size & Quality Hand Carved Tiger Oak Gothic Revival Chest, 1920
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and practical size, multi purpose Gothic chest / box from a monastery. This here Gothic chest is one of the smallest yet most stylish we ever had the pleasure of offering. ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wrought Iron

Important Book 'Seigneurs et Princes de Monaco' by S.E René Novella and Philip R
Located in London, GB
Important book 'Seigneurs et Princes de Monaco' by S.E René Novella and Philip Reder French, Late 20th century Book: height 6.5cm, width 30cm, depth 38cm Case: height 9.5cm, width 34cm, depth 40cm Beautifully decorated in the style reminiscent of Medieval illuminated manuscripts, the book describes the history of Lords and Princes of Monaco. Written by S.E René Novella and illustrated by Philip Reder in the late 20th century, it was manufactured using traditional bookmaking techniques by Arts et Couleurs. Intricate colour border detailing adorns the pages of this publication, with a colour palette of various shades of green, blue, and red predominating. The names of lords and kings are further decorated with ornate borders, including motifs such as a crown, and the text includes ornate, coloured lettering. A luxurious red satin case with a red leather spine protects the book which comes with a certificate of authenticity. A collection of red lacquer illustrations depicting various arches is part of the publication. Red leather was used for the cover of the book and is decorated with gold and black debossed patterns. Only 150 copies were made with the book in Mayfair Gallery...
Category

Late 20th Century French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Satin, Paper

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

Metal Cross with Candlesticks
Located in Chorzów, PL
Metal cross with candlesticks Very good condition Measures: height 26 cm, width 31 cm.  
Category

1950s Polish Vintage Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Stunning Large Oak Corpus Christi on Crucifix w. Symbols of the Four Evangelists
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique large crucifix with stunning quality, hand carved details and an amazing patina. This remarkable and large sculpture of a suffering Chr...
Category

Early 20th Century European Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Wooden Cross, Western Europe, 1950s
Located in Chorzów, PL
A wooden cross from the 1950s. Dimensions: height 85 cm / width 40 cm / depth 15 cm.
Category

1950s Polish Vintage Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Good Size Pair of Hand Carved & Patinated Don Quixote and Sancho Panza Bookends
Located in Lisse, NL
Finest quality carved and mint condition 1930s, famous novel bookends. If you are looking for decorative, practical and very well-crafted bookends then this detailed pair could be...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Wooden Cross, Western Europe, 1950s
Located in Chorzów, PL
A wooden cross from the 1950s. Dimensions: height 85 cm / width 40 cm / depth 15 cm.
Category

1950s Polish Vintage Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

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

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

20th Century Sculptural Italian Chess Game
Located in VALENZA, IT
Brass chess board and chess game made with the ancient casting technique. After casting, the finish was chiseled and subsequently silvered and finished with 24-carat gold plating. The figures are in Florentine medieval style then painted with antioxidant treatment using a special transparent lacquer. The two-tone mirrored glass chess top which highlights the high quality of execution. Italian silverware, already with a centuries-old tradition, had a great development in the twentieth century and produced pieces of the highest quality that the whole world envies. Italian craftsmanship had a kind of new Renaissance after the war. A great many high-quality silverware was born where exceptional pieces were produced that now decorate the most prestigious houses. Made entirely by hand in the artisan workshop of piero Benzoni...
Category

1980s Vintage Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

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

Cross, Western Europe, 1950s
Located in Chorzów, PL
A wooden cross from the 1950s. Dimensions: height 170 cm / width 75 cm / depth 20 cm.  
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Cross, Western Europe, 1950s
Located in Chorzów, PL
A wooden cross from the 1950s. Dimensions: height 85 cm / width 40 cm / depth 15 cm.
Category

1950s Belgian Vintage Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Impressive and Large Bronze Wall Plaque of a Suffering Christ by Sylvain Norga
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare and sizeable Art Deco religious plaque. Stunning sculpture / plaque by one of the greats when it comes to religious art. This sizeable, heavy and detailed plaque depicts Jesus...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Unique Fine Table Altar Crucifix with Bronze Sculptures of Christ, Mary and John
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and exceptional work of religious art. If you are a collector of truly exceptional church artefacts then this early 20th century altar piece could be perfect for you. With church related antiques as one of our specialties we know that you will rarely find a better quality altar crucifix...
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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

Early 1900s Marked Art Deco Period Bronze Relief Wall Plaque Depicting the Pieta
Located in Lisse, NL
Heavy and finest quality, religious bronze wall plaque. This intense, bronze wall plaque depicts the Virgin Mary grieving over the body of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion. The h...
Category

Early 20th Century European Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Early 1900 Hand Carved Marble Statue / Sculpture of Mother Mary w. Cross & Book
Located in Lisse, NL
Beautiful antique and all handcrafted, solid Carrara marble sculpture. This rare work of religious art is entirely hand carved out of white marble. We are not certain, but we feel t...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Carrara Marble, Marble

Hand Carved Medieval Style & Excellent Condition Wooden Canon on Wheels Bookends
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size and striking pair of handcrafted canon bookends. Nobody in his right mind will like warfare, but there is something so cool about the shape and the look and feel of Mediev...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Large Pair Gothic Revival Hand Crafted Brass Table or Altar Candlesticks
Located in Lisse, NL
Large and heavy pair of altar candle sticks. These handcrafted and heavy candleholders are made around 1930 by H. v/d Heijden. With beautiful scro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Medieval Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

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

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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