Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
Sears Tower Constellation Portable Typewriter W/Metal Case. Circa 1960s.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Sears Tower Constellation Portable Typewriter W/Metal Case. Circa 1960s.
Manufactured for SEARS is the equivalent of a Smith-Corona Classic 12.
Features a stylish mid century...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Table Radio with Wooden Case
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Antique table radio with wooden case. With a classic design, probably from the 40s and 50s, and a sturdy dark wood structure.
The speaker grille is covered in a woven fabric, allowi...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Italian mid-century Filofort sewing chest of drawers by Tre Cerchi ISC, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Filofort sewing chest of drawers by Tre Cerchi ISC, 1940s
Filofort sewing chest of drawers with light wood structure, with walnut colored handles.
Produced by Fil...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Vintage Faux Reptile Leather Golf Bag
Located in Milano, IT
A beautiful golf bag for golf clubs made in the 1970s of the finest Italian manufacture.
The bag is made of camel-coloured faux reptile leather, which is simply fantastic.
The bag has many compartments and accessories. The central pivot base of the bag has a beautiful cylindrical shape, with a clearly visible round base. From the base we see a large duffel...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
1970 Brutalist Peace Ring Sterling Silver 4-sided design
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Brutalist Peace Ring Sterling Silver 4-sided design
Biker Rocker Vintage Peace Symbol
Stamp sterling (appears as Lucas Ster DES PDG 1970)
.88 x .88 x .5 w Size 8.25
Preowned o...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
1960s Gumps Black Brocade Bag Jade Clasp Hong Kong
By Gumps
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Gump's San Francisco Black Clutch Bag Jade Clasp
floral silk brocade pattern
antiqued gold tone hardware
Stylish wristlet strap
Silk lining
interior pocket
approximately 6 h x...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Metal
1960 Stunning Table Lighter in Murano Glass by Antonio Imperatore. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1960 Stunning table lighter in frosted Murano glass by Antonio Imperatore. Made in italy. The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly
Dimension:
diam 3,54" x 4,33" H in...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Murano Glass
1955 "Space Commander" Rocket Ship Kids spring riding toy, Wonder Horse Style
By Del Williams
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual and rare 1955 "Space Commander" Rocket Ship Kids spring riding toy, Wonder Horse Style made by Delphos Bending Company,, Totally original,, origin...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Ricci Paolo Italian Onyx green Vintage Telephone
By Paolo Rizzo
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgeous Italian Vintage rotary dial telephone, made of green onyx and 18 kt gold plated details , años 60-70. Beautiful light green color with beautiful veins that make up onyx, a...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Marble
1957 Gretsch 6187 Corvette "Lotus Ivory/Grey Mist , original case
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist design..1957 Gretsch 6187 Corvette in Lotus Ivory!
Very clean 1957 Gretsch 6187 in Lotus Ivory w/ Gray Metallic back/sides/neck...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Rosewood
Mounted Half Block Ship Model of a 1936s America's Cup Sloop the Endeavour II
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Early Mounted Half Block Ship Model of a 1936s America's Cup Sloop
This half block miniature boat model is dedicated to Joe and has quiet the provenanc...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Cherry, Maple
Barometer Weather Station Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Barometer weather station Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Original condition
it is working.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Amazing cherry wood with inlay Game Box, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Amazing cherry wood with inlay Game Box, circa 1950s
Very good original condition
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Cherry
Large Mid-Century Modern Tv-Tower Collection of 8 pcs., 1970s / 1980s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Wonderful TV towers from the 1960s-1970s. Some made of steel, metal, aluminum, bronze. The little one golden ist made in plastic.
Various heights from 22cm to 47cm!
Have the normal...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Contina AG Mauren Curta I Mechanical Calculator
Located in Mexico City, MX
An important CURTA Type I mechanical calculator by Contina Ltd. Mauren. Made in Liechtenstein, manufactured in september 1968. Serial number 72161. Black body with 8 digits for data ...
Category
1960s Liechtenstein Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Universal Model CE-616 Turquoise AM Band Portable Radio & Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This radio was made by Universal of Canada and dates to approximately 1965 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern style. This radio is a six transistor AM band portable radio done with a turquoise plastic molded...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold And Ruby Leaf Form Brooch Pin
Located in Norwood, NJ
Tiffany & Co. vintage 18K yellow gold and ruby leaf form pin brooch. 18k yellow gold with a florentine satin finish and 9 prong set round rubies. The leave patterns preserve the orig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Original Exhibition Catalog – Dibujos 1928-1942 by Julio González
By Julio González
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – Dibujos 1928-1942 by Julio González, Galeria Dreiseitel, 1974
Artist: Julio González
Exhibition: Dibujos 1928-1942 – Galeria Dreiseitel, Köln
Year: 1...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Sterling Silver Horseshoe Pendant Charm Style Hermes
By Taxco
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Sterling Silver Horseshoe Pendant Charm
style of Hermes
.75 w x 1.13 h x .13 thick
stamped initials ATI 925
Preowned vintage
refer to images listed
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Salvador Dali Rare Hand Signed Midcentury Book A Study Of His Art In Jewels 1959
Located in Studio City, CA
A quite scarce and coveted hardcover book in slipcase - "Dali: A Study of His Art-In-Jewels (The Collection of the Owen Cheatham Foundation)".
Bound into the book are color photographs of 28 jewels designed by Dali with comments and captions written by the artist himself. The book was published by The New York Graphics Society in 1959 - a quite collectible first edition/first printing (with no other printings noted) of the art book.
The book is boldly hand-signed and dated (in the year of publication - 1959) by Dali on the lower corner of the first blank page/ front free endpaper. As such, exceedingly rare (we only know of two other existing copies, and only one was also signed in the year the book was published).
A scarce signed edition. Would be a great addition to any collector of Dali's work or those who appreciate his fine art jewelry...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Intron Table Radio Antique Collection
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Intron table radio, Antique Collection. With a veneered and lacquered wooden frame, it has an iconic Deco design in the shape of an arch, characteristic of radios of the time. The f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage French Lucite Modernist Chess Set, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A particular minimalist french chess game dated to the 1970’s. It features a modernist design with a perforated thick plexiglass base topped with sculptur...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Rare Pair of Pearl & Oakley Acoustics Ceramic Chinese Urn Stereo Speakers
By Altec Lansing Corporation
Located in St. Louis, MO
Very Unique 1980s Asian Modern Pearl & Oakley Acoustics custom home audio speakers in the form of Chinese lidded urns or ceramic vases with crackle glaze...
Category
1980s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
Jesus on Cross Figurine by Hagenauer Made from Nutwood and Sooted Brass
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a Mid-Century Jesus fetish by Austrian Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien. The cross is made from beautiful, warm-toned nutwood and slightly varnished. The Jesus figurine is made ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Iron
1970s Smoking Set by Pierre Cardin, Made in France
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous smoking set by Pierre Cardin in brass and metal. Made in France. The table lighter works. This smoking set is in excellent condition and it's signed
Dimension :
Tab...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Pendant Necklace with Semiprecious Stone Pink, Tan, Cream, Mauve, Clear
Located in Warrenton, OR
Vintage Pendant Necklace with Semiprecious Stone Pink, Tan, Cream, Mauve, Clear, Silvertone
This is a unique, beautiful pendant! On a silvertone chain.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOLLOW...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Metal
Carl Auböck Model #5734 'Hand' Brass Figurine Keyring
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5734 'Hand' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass.
Price is per item....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Kay Bojesen, Toy or Decorative Sculpture, Teak, Denmark, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in High Point, NC
A teak toy or animal sculpture designed by Kay Bojesen, Denmark, 1950s.
Dimensions variable, measured as illustrated in first image.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Teak
1960s Stunning Grey table Lighter in Murano Sommerso Glass By Flavio Poli for S
By Flavio Poli
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Stunning grey table lighter in Murano sommerso glass By Flavio Poli for Seguso. Made in italy
The item is in excellent condition and it works perfectly
Dimension:
2,75 x 2,75 x...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Murano Glass
Tin Plastic Futuristic Blizzard 2000 Friction Toy Car Vintage GDR 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Gorgeous vintage sheet metal and plastic Toy car. Operated by a friction engine. In very good condition, with Aging in a few spots but is still a great collectible.
A beautiful decor...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Modernist Silver Spiral Bracelet in Style of Alexander Calder
Located in Studio City, CA
A fantastic, wonderfully designed, and artfully crafted Mid-Century modern vintage spiral/swirl pattern silver bracelet somewhat reminiscent of the jewelry designs of Alexander Calde...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Le Corbusier Der Modulor 2 Book, 1955
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier Der Modulor book. Le Corbusier published Le Modulor in 1948, followed by Modulor 2 in 1955. These works were first published in English as The ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Brown Leather Travel Bag With Brass Hardware, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Zohor, SK
A beautifully preserved leather travel or gym bag from 1960s Czechoslovakia, crafted from rich brown leather with brass hardware. The bag features two sturdy carry handles, a detacha...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Illuminated Magnifying Glass Eagle Hong Kong
By Eagle Tool and Metal Mfg.
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Eagle Magnifying Glass Hong Kong
2.75 h x 4.5 diameter x 9.5 long
reading magnifying glass with light by EAGLE
stamped by maker
Preowned vintage condition
Refer to images
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Alexander Calder and His Magical Mobiles Art Book, Lipman & Aspinwal, 1st Ed.
Located in Vienna, AT
A great art book about sculptor Alexander (Sandy) Calder by Gene Lipman, a long-time friend of Calder, and Margaret Aspinwall. 1st Edition from 1981.
7.5X10.25“, 96 pages, 95 illustrations, hardcover with dust jacket.
The book describes the life and career of the twentieth-century artist and includes illustrations of a variety of his works and a guide to his sculptures in museums and public spaces. It focuses on his representative mobile works and also features early wire works, commercial sculptures...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Cute Little Vintage Dutch Children's Rolling Wood Cart with Pull String
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Dutch wood cart with pull string and wheels. In original condition with heavy, visible wear including paint splatter, stains and chipping. Wear is consistent with its age and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Large Ceramic Relief Tile Plaque by Helmut Schaffenacker
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern large relief tile handmade fat lava Helmut Schaffenacker ceramic wall plaque sail boats colorful abstract West German art.
Wonderful and colorful midcentury matte...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Rare Kelvin and Hughes Teak and Brass Navigational Nautical Binnacle Compass
Located in Nantucket, MA
A rare ship's binnacle brass compass in working order housed in a teak and brass case. It includes the kerosene side light to illuminate the compass at night. By Kelvin and Hughes,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Original Ladislav Sutnar Catalog Design Progress
By Ladislav Sutnar
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Oblong Quarto. Unpaginated. Original spiral-bound cream boards with modern design in color on cover reverse white lettering on red label of spiral, in original tan dustjacket with cu...
Category
1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Large French Silvered Bronze Box Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silvered bronze poudrier box "Ammonite" by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997).
In the 1940s, Line Vautrin designed a series that was inspired by the shape of na...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Set of Two Antique Spanish Wooden Stamps, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of two antique wooden stamps, made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...
Category
1930s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Venice Souvenir Building Ashtray Vintage, Italy, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A 1950s souvenir building architectural model ashtray. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. A beautiful nice item to use...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Italian Leather Matchstick Holder and Match Striker Box
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian leather and gold embossed matchstick holder box and match striker, circa mid-20th century, Italy. This Italian leather piece has gold embossed detail on top lid a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
The Beatles 'A Hard Day's Night' Original Vintage Movie Poster, Australian, 1964
Located in Devon, GB
Printed in stunning stone lithography, this incredibly rare Australian three-sheet poster advertised The Beatles' first full-length feature film 'A Hard Day's Night,' which followed ...
Category
1960s Australian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Linen
James Bond 'You Only Live Twice' Original Vintage Movie Poster, 1967
Located in Devon, GB
The fifth film in EON Productions' James Bond series and the last of Sean Connery's first stint starring as the suave secret agent, it was announced during filming of 'You Only Live ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1960s Modernist Striking Chess Game Set Aluminum and Walnut Wood
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Modern chess game set in aluminum and walnut wood
Unmarked
Preowned vintage condition. Some pieces have been restored.
Refer to all images please.
Measures: 3 tall x 12 x...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
'La Dolce Vita' Original Vintage French Movie Poster by Yves Thos, 1960
By Yves Thos
Located in Devon, GB
Opening with the striking panorama of a statue of Christ suspended by helicopter, flying across the city of Rome, Federico Fellini’s epic satire 'La Dolce Vita' charted seven episode...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper, Linen
Georg Jensen Disk Pendant Necklace Sterling Silver 337a Designer Nanna Ditzel
Located in Toledo, OH
Georg Jensen modern designed disk pendant necklace. Sterling Silver, # 337A designed by Nanna Ditzel. 2 3/8" diameter with a 29" chain. 33.5 grams. Excellent condition, newly buffed.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Set of Four Vintage Weights, circa 1920
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of four vintage weights: 5, 2, 1 and a half kilograms. By unknown manufacturer, circa 1920. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with ...
Category
1920s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Dunhill Carlton Ware Spider Web Table Lighter
Located in Northampton, GB
Alfred Dunhill Lighter Circa 1957
From our Accessories collection, we are delighted to offer this Dunhill ‘Carlton’ Spider Web Table Lighter. The Lighter Gold Plated lighter was produced in partnership with Carlton Ware with the ceramic body produced by Stoke on Trent potters Carlton (Carlton Ware). The body has been hand painted with a spider web design amongst blossoming flowers and two dragonflies. The Lighter is embossed to the front Dunhill and bears the registration number to the inside of the pivoting arm 737418. The base of the lighter is stamped Dunhill, Lighter. The Lighter dates to the middle of the 20th century circa 1957.
Carlton Ware was established in 1890 by James Frederick Wiltshaw, William Herbert Robinson and James Alcock Robinson trading under the name of Wiltshaw and Robinson. The trademark “Carlton Ware” was introduced in 1894, and the company’s factory was renamed the Carlton Works. The company changed its name multiple times and changed hands finally reaching the name ‘Carlton Ware Ltd’ in 1958. In 1966 the company was sold to Arthur Wood and Sons before coming under financial pressure in the late 1980s being forced into receivership in 1989 and production ending in 1992. In 1997 the Carlton Ware brand was resurrected by Francis Joseph of the Carlton Ware Design Centre, Roslyn Works, Stoke-on-Trent. It continues to manufacture novelty items aimed at the collectors’ market today.
Dunhill Lighters specifically the classic petrol lift arm table lighter was introduced by Dunhill in 1928 running until the introduction of gas in the 1960’s. This particular Carlton Wear example was first introduced in the Dunhill catalogue in 1957. The body was created in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent potters Carlton Ware. Carlton Ware produced three different examples to compliment the Dunhill body a fish underwater design, a chinoiserie pagoda design and the spider web as seen here.
Dunhill Alfred Dunhill was Born September 30th 1872. From 1890 Dunhill ran a company that sold motoring accessories through mail order under the name Dunhill’s Motorities. In 1902 he opened a shop on Conduit Street, Mayfair which sold clothing...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
20th c. Nautical Hand-Painted Trinket Pottery
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
A hand-painted trinket dish by ceramic pottery artist.
Category
20th Century South African Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pottery, Ceramic, Paint
Mid-Century German Spring Bending Dumbbell, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century German Spring Bending Dumbbell, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969.
Additional information:
Material: Metal, Wood
Color: Black
Styles: Mid-Century Mod...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Massachusetts Institute of Technology Collectibles
Located in Riverdale, NY
Mid Century Massachusetts Institute of Technology Collectibles. Upgrade your legacy and clout with a few well placed trinkets from Mid Century M.I.T. sca...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain, Wood, Paper
Sterling Silver Ring Eternal Heart Love Band
By Taxco
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Sterling Silver Eternal Heart Love Ring
925
size 8.25
75 diam x .25 W
Preowned vintage
Refer to listed images
Category
Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Ceramic Easter Egg from Atelier Madoura 'circa 1960s'
By Madoura
Located in London, GB
Vintage ceramic egg figure from Atelier Madoura, Vallauris, France (circa 1960s). This egg-sized ceramic figure is painted with a stylized suited man w...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
4 Vols Vintage English Maps, John Speed, Cartography Folio, Reproduction, C.1953
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage 4 volume compendium atlas of England by John Speed. An English, cartography folio, reproduced and presented in slip cases by John Arlott, dating to the mid 20th ce...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Milton Glaser 'Am., 1929 -2020' Sword Swallower, Painting Le Cirque Ny
Located in Bridgeport, CT
From pasta primavera to world-renowned decadent desserts, Le Cirque's ubiquitous reputation for presenting its fine dining fare with whimsy and fun, landed it on the map of must-dine destinations in New York for glitterati and foodies alike. No matter the location, monkeys and circus themes remained a design staple of the iconic restaurant. Although the landmark restaurant's NYC doors are now closed, We are pleased to offer items from the famed restaurant.
Sword Swallower - Large Original Mural on...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Andy Warhol's 'Flesh' Original Vintage Movie Poster, French, 1968
Located in Devon, GB
Conceived by Andy Warhol and young filmmaker Paul Morrissey while Warhol was recovering from gunshot wounds, 'Flesh' was the first of Warhol's experimental and avant-garde films to b...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Mid-century Modern collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern 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 Mid-Century Modern collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States 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 Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Line Vautrin, Dunhill, and Kay Bojesen. 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 $15 and tops out at $130,932 while the average work can sell for $755.