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
1980 Basquiat magazine article (Basquiat Glenn O'Brien)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Graffiti 80: The State of the Outlaw Art by Glenn Obrien
June 1980 edition edition of High Times featuring in important early profile of Bassuiat aka SAMO by writer & key early supp...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1940s Leather Boxing Ball, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with minor signs of use
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Vintage Lions Club International Metal Plaque / Painted Advertising Sign, 1940´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Vintage Antique Lion´s Club International Plaque / Sign with mostly original hand paint. It has some age wear, but overall very good conditions.
Vintage Lions Club International metal plaque...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage Silver Magnifying Glass with Antler Horn Handle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
We love seeing this sitting atop antique books on a coffee or side table as well as functional on a desk in an office. Fantastic patina on this vintage magnifying glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate
RS Barcelona 'Ella' Special Edition Pink Futbolin: Female Players
By RS Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
"RS Barcelona 'Ella' Special Edition Pink Futbolin: Female Players"
Manufacturer: RS Barcelona, Spain
Special edition: Pink lacquered finish
Players: All female
Year...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Walter Bosse Cow Figurine Table Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming sculptural Austrian midcentury desk thermometer, displaying a cow with a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1950s Gas Station Object Gulf Oil Tin Bug Spray Can Advertising Graphics Prop
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Gulf Oil Corporation Spray Can
USA, c.1957
Spray can with red, white, green, and blue text on white label and insect graphics. Round blue removable cap. No leaks, No holes.
Dia 3 x H...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
1950 Aldo Tura Italian Design MidCentury GoatSkin Brown Ashtray
By Aldo Tura
Located in Brescia, IT
Ashtray
Aldo Tura
Italy, 1950
Brown Goatskin and metal details
Excellent Condiction
Size: 21 cm
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
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
Ashtray Stand in the Manner of Carl Auböck in Brass, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Nice light patina. A second ashtray in the same design is also on offer here on the platform.
Very nice proportions.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass
Radio TSF Radialva Super-As 55, 1950s, Bakelite
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original made of dark brown bakelite with brown knobs. Behind the glass station shell is a red and black painted metal plate that has been blackened behind the transmitter division. ...
Category
1950s Belgian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bakelite
Pop Art Exhibition Catalogue 1964 Stockholm Museum of Modern Art
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Unique catalogue of an exhibition in the Moderna Museet in Stockholm in 1964.
Amazing cover with the iconic artwork of Roy Lichtenstein.
106 works of: Jim Dine, Roy Lichtenstein, Ro...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage 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
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
Checkers Game "The Solitaire" in Wood by Artek, Italy, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Rome, IT
Checkers game "The Solitaire" in wood by Artek. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
It comes with its original box and instruction paper. The original label is still attached on the botto...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
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
Marcel Duchamp & André Breton Le Surréalisme en 1947 Iconic First Edition
By André Breton
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rare first edition of Le Surréalisme en 1947, a seminal work curated by André Breton and featuring the iconic cover design Prière de Toucher by Marcel Duchamp. Published in Paris by ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Pair of Miguel Garcia Martinez Modernist Taxco Mexico Sterling Cuff Links
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Miguel Garcia designed modernist cuff links from Taxco Mexico . One Marked " Miguel Mexico " the second marked "925 Sterling " .
Miguel Garcia Martinez was a well known de...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Herman Siersbøl Ring in 14 Carat Gold w. Purple Stone
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Midcentury ladies ring size 17/57 on ring measurer. Its made from solid 14 carat yellow gold and is set with a faceted dark amethyst with both blue and purple tonalities. Designed an...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Amethyst, Gold
Art Deco Spitfire Wooden & Aluminum Airplane Desk Model, Asprey, ca 1940's
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco / Cubist Spitfire wooden & aluminum airplane desk model. Asprey London- ca 1940´s. RAF Supermarine spitfire aluminum airplane desk model, mounted over a display stand.
Airpl...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
'20000 Leagues Under The Sea' Original Vintage British Quad Movie Poster, 1955
Located in Devon, GB
A rare British quad poster for the first UK release of Walt Disney's 1954 live-action sci-fi adventure '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea', based on the 1870 novel by Jules Verne. From th...
Category
1950s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen, Paper
Large Controlled Bubble Glass Match Striker Holder by Thomas Webb Crystal
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Superb large Thomas Webb English controlled bubble glass match striker. Acid etched relief marked "Webb England" with a company mark used from ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
Modernist Brutalist Silver Belt Buckle Style Spratling
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Brutalist Belt Buckle Sterling Silver
Modernist style of William Spratling and Antoñio Pineda Mexico
stamped 925
1.75 W x 1.25 H x 0.44 thick
Scu...
Category
Mid-20th Century 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
Donald Duck driving his yellow DD1 cabriolet
By Walt Disney
Located in Valladolid, ES
Extremely Rare and amazing Walt Disney Donald Duck in Yellow Car Polyresin Figurine Statue
The famous and very funny image of a very angry Donald Duck in his yellow convertible.
This...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Resin
Model of Danish Corner Chair in the Manner of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
Apprentice cabinet makers would make models of furniture as a part of their training. A lovely addition for a collector of miniature chairs and a generally appealing decorative acces...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1950s, Miriam Haskell Mineral Jewel Parure Set Vintage Designer Costume Jewlery
By Miriam Haskell
Located in Hyattsville, MD
All pieces are signed Miriam Haskell. No broken or cracked pieces. Some patina noticed on the brass hardware.
Necklace L: 16.5 in.
Nine strands of orange, pink, russet & lime dia...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Art Glass
'Tintin et les Oranges Bleues' Original Vintage French Movie Poster, 1964
By Hergé
Located in Devon, GB
A delightful French Moyenne poster illustrated by Belgian cartoonist Hergé for the second live-action feature film to be based on his beloved comic book series 'The Adventures of Tin...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen, Paper
MRT Peruvian Sterling Silver Wide Panel Story Bracelet
Located in Chula Vista, CA
MRT Peru Peruvian Sterling Silver Wide Panel Story Bracelet
stamped MRT Peru 925
7.38 x 1.75
preowned vintage condition
Refer to images
Category
Mid-20th Century Peruvian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Francesco Collura Designed Master Canasta Poker or Gaming Chip Dispense
Located in Ferndale, MI
Poker chip , gaming chip dispenser . Master Canasta co. , New York , Patent Appl'd For , Designed by Francesco Collura cast into the body on the underside . Individual pods hold sele...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
1970s AD Design Modern Cuff Bracelet Jens Andersen & Erik Dunning Denmark
By Georg Jensen
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Jens Andersen and Erik Dunning for AD Design
silver plated modern bangle cuff bracelet
AD Design Made in Denmark
2.25 tall x 2.75 w x 1 d
Preowned...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate
Fontana Arte 1950s Modernist Glass Pen Holder or Stand and Ashtray Desk Set
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Beautiful vintage Mid-Century Modern desk set featuring an adjustable pen holder or stand with a tray and an ashtray attributed to Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Made in Italy, circa ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Tin toys big car, small motorcycle 20th century
Located in Palermo, IT
Pair of decorative and collectors' toys.
Metal and tin processing handmade 1970.
Vintage unique decorations. For true amateurs.
Car dimensions: Height : 17 Width : 20 cm Dep...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Sheet Metal
Mid-century Novelty "Marine Ship & Supply" Cruise ship Enameled Lighter
By Sarome
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century Sarome 'Cruiser' lighter, shaped like a Cruise ship, features a chrome body enameled red and crème accents and "Marine Ship & Supply" lettering. It includes a thumb strik...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Art Deco Pan-Am DC3 Wooden Airplane Desk Model, Midcentury
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco / midcentury large DC3 desk aviation model.
Pan-Am wooden airplane model.
It was in an office of the company in South America.
Very good restored conditions. Slight age wear.
History
Pan American Airways began the first transatlantic passenger service on this day in 1939. Pan American World Airways, as it was to be known, commonly known as Pan Am, was the principal United States international air carrier from the late 1920s until its collapse on December 4, 1991. Founded in 1927 as a scheduled air mail and passenger service operating between Key West, Florida, and Havana, Cuba, the airline became a major company credited with many innovations that shaped the international airline industry, including the widespread use of jet aircraft, jumbo jets, and computerized reservation systems.
The history of Pan American Airways is inextricably linked to the expansive vision and singular effort of one man – Juan Trippe. An avid flying enthusiast and pilot, Trippe, only 28 years old when he founded the airline, lined up wealthy investors and powerful government officials from his personal acquaintances in the high-society of the 1920s. However, Pan Am’s first flight was an inauspicious start to its epic saga.
In 1927, facing a Post Office deadline for the commencement of mail carriage, Pan Am had no working equipment for its sole airmail contract between Key West and Havana. Fortunately for Pan Am, a pilot with his Fairchild seaplane arrived at Key West and was willing to carry the mail to Cuba for the start up operation. It is fitting that Pan Am’s first flight would be over water, since the airline would Pioneer overseas routes throughout its history.
Pan Am’s fortunes took a turn for the better in the fall of 1927. Through the heavy lobbying efforts of Juan Trippe, Pan Am was selected by the United States government to be its “chosen instrument” for overseas operations. Pan Am would enjoy a near monopoly on international routes. Added to Pan Am’s Cuba route were lines serving Mexico, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Most of these destinations were port cities, which could be reached only by landing on water. Therefore Pan Am made good use of its “flying boats,” the Sikorsky S-38 and S-40. Flights were eventually expanded to serve much of South America as well.
EnlargePan Am’s fleet of Clippers allowed the airline to conquer the Pacific in the mid-1930s. The flying boats would later be put to military use in WWII.
Just a few years later, Pan Am launched its effort to cross the world’s largest oceans. Survey flights across the Pacific were conducted with the Sikorsky S-42 in 1935, but passenger service required bigger and better aircraft. Accompanied by much fanfare, the Martin M-130 was introduced in 1936, followed by the Boeing 314...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1960s Los Ballesteros Collar Necklace Green Stone Sterling Silver Taxco
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Necklace
Modernist Talleres Los Ballesteros choker collar necklace in green stone and sterling silver 1960s Mexico Taxco
Inspired by William Spratling and Mayan design
Measures: 15 L...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Sterling Silver
Niels Erik From Modernist Small Silver Pendant with Amber, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small rare and early 1970s pendant by the Danish silversmith N. E. From. This florally inspired pendant has a polished insert of Danish 'red' am...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Spectacular French Mid-Century Clipper Ship Wall Light, circa 1950
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Spectacular iron wall light, France, circa 1950. Square three-masters clipper. Ambient and decorative wall light. Measures: height : 28"(71cm), width : 16.9"(43cm), depth : 7.2"(18.2...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Pair of Wooden Javelins from Karhu, 1950s
Located in Vienna, Austria
A pair of wooden javelins from the 1950s, from Karhu, Finnland.
Made from oak with a grip out of rope.
The company Karhu has a rich history in track and field...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage American Airlines Dc-3 Old Chrome Desk Model Airplane
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Vintage American Airlines Dc-3 old Chrome desk model airplane.
Introduced in 1936, the Douglas DC-3 was the first airliner able to undertake ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Adorable and Therapeutic Musical Clown Automaton Figure Toy
Located in Miami, FL
A fine quality therapeutic musical automaton clown toy in wonderful vintage condition.
Features porcelain head, hands and feet.
Made in France during the ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Rare Hi-Lo Collapsible Modernist Bicycle by Cleveland Company MDT
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Hi-Lo Collapsible modernist streamline bicycle by Cleveland Company,, M D T,, Amazing design and condition, bike comes apart for easy compact transport and storage, Retains all ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Midcentury ashtray designed by Gabriella Crespi, Italy
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Ashtray designed by Gabriella Crespi
Shell and brass ashtray by Gabriella Crespi.
Recorded by Archivio Gabriella Crespi, Milan.
Signed.
Italy 1970s
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Rare Table Lamp Natural Specimens Shellfish Shells & Resin, Original Midcentury
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
It is very rare, nothing usual. Midcentury resin table lamp with shells seafood inside. Crab and Shellfish, natural sand crab preserved in a b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Shell, Resin
Sept 1953 Reed and Follis Arts & Architecture Modernism Magazine
By John Follis
Located in Chula Vista, CA
September 1953 Reed and Follis Arts & Architecture Modernism Magazine
John Follis James Reed
9.75 W x 12.75 H
Original vintage condition preowned
Refer to images please
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Richard Neutra: Building with Nature, Hard Cover with Dust Jacket, 1971
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Richard Neutra: Building with Nature
Hard Cover with Dust Jacket, 1971
Published in the USA by Universe Books
"in very good vintage conditions"
"Richard Neutra (1892-1970) was an ...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Original Exhibition Catalog – Pinturas by Pablo Picasso, Sala Gaspar, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – Pinturas by Pablo Picasso, Sala Gaspar, 1960
Artist: Pablo Picasso
Exhibition: Pinturas – Sala Gaspar, Barcelo...
Category
1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Gucci Italian Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Gold Cigarette or 420 Lighter
By Gucci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Gucci Italy signed Cigarette, Cigar or 420 Lighter. A Waffle pattern sterling that is print resistant... with a solid 18k Gold Strike. The perfect compliment to any bar, ...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Sterling Silver
Kartell 1968 Catalog: Lampade e Arredamento
Located in New York, NY
November 1968 catalog for the iconic Italian design company Kartell, divided into two sections: Lamps and Furnishings. Square 8vo with printed plasticized wrappers, 55 pages, lavishl...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Paravia Collection 100 Rocks, Educational Material, Italy 1950s
By Paravia
Located in Naples, IT
Collection 100 Rocks, Teaching Material, Italy 1950s
Geology teaching board "Minerals and Rocks" G.B. Paravia Scientific Collection - Turin
The ...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rock Crystal
Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Heart Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist heart keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Brutalist Tortured Metal Wall Art Textured Gold
By Paul Evans
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Brutalist Tortured Metal Wall Art
Perforated textured gold
26 h x 26 wood art 24 .38 x 24.24
Preowned original vintage condition
Refer to images
LA delivery
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Large Vintage Ship Propeller Display, English Bronze, Oak, Maritime, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage ship propeller display. An English, bronze and oak decorative four-blade maritime mount, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Of great proportion and superb decorative appeal
Displaying a desirable aged patina and in good order
Polished bronze blades present wonderful golden tonality
Propeller blades ringing...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
3vols Antique Reference Books, English Furniture of the 18th Century, Cescinsky
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3 volume set of reference books - English Furniture of the Eighteenth Century, by Herbert Cescinsky. Published circa 1920.
Fascinating guide to the craft and aes...
Category
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
The Bed and Bath Book, Terence Conran. 1st Edition Hardbound, 1978
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Bed and Bath Book, by Terence Conran, Hardbound with Jacket, First Edition – 1978.
Suggests trend-setting yet functional designs for bedrooms and bathrooms to suit every area of...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Military Terrestrial Telescope, Canadian, Officer Of The Watch, CKC, WW2
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage military terrestrial telescope. A Canadian, chromed brass naval Officer of the Watch refractor by the Canadian Kodak Company, dating to the WWII period, circa 1940...
Category
Early 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Traditional Spanish Brass Trumpet, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Traditional Spanish brass trumpet.
Manufactured in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1960.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiu...
Category
1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Collection of Three Paris Eiffel Tower French Souvenir Building Metal, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A 1960s or older collection of three souvenir building architectural models. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. A beautiful nice desktop item or just a...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
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.