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 legendary 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.
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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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Cute Midcentury Rubber Italian Squeeking Toy, Ca. 1950s
Located in Schagen, NL
Cute Little Rubber Squeeking Toy, which we believe, features a Lamb. The Lamb features a rotable head which is quite uncommon. Lovely piece which remains in good condition, a working...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rubber
Early 19th c.Medical Teaching Device- Shadowboxed Wax Fetus Models c.1800-1850
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Two early 19th century British wax models of a fetuses with attached placenta. Used as a medical teaching device. Numbered and attached to a velvet background. In a sealed woo...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Velvet
Vintage Mid-Century Original 1970s Givenchy Precious Stone Choker Necklace
Located in San Diego, CA
Hubert de Givenchy established the House of Givenchy in 1952 in Paris. The young designer quickly gained attention for his elegant and sophisticated designs, characterized by a blend...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Gold Plate
Mid-20th Century Sterling Silver Matchbook Cover/Match Holder by Tiffany & Co.
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century american cased sterling silver flip matchbook cover/match holder by Tiffany & Co.
By: Tiffany & Co.
Material: metal, silver, silver plate, sterling silver
Technique...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
American Mid Century Atomic Age Walnut & Brass Wall Thermometer & Baromether
By Springfield Armory
Located in San Diego, CA
A classic wall Thermometer by Springfield circa 1950s, nice walnut case in great condition working.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Modern German record player, radio by Siemens , 1950s
By Siemens
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid Century Modern German record player, radio by Siemens , 1950s
The radio is in fully functional.
Dimensions:
43 D x 120 W x 111 H
It is in good vintage condition, however,...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Teak
40 inch vintage Pinokkio by Giocattoli Brevettati Galetti 1960's, Italy
Located in The Hague, NL
Offering a beautiful, large Pinocchio made of solid wood,
A great 100 cm high and al parts are movable.
He has only suffered a few injuries over the years and created beautiful pat...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
1980s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Original gorgeous playing cards box by Piero Fornasetti in walnut wood . It's in excellent condition and includes two packs of Dal Negro cards. The box is signed on the botto...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Aperture Photography Magazine Collection of 6 Early Issues 1950s
Located in Chicago, IL
Aperture Photography Magazine Collection of 6 Early Issues 1950s.
Not real familiar with rating condition of magazines and books. Please ask any questions. Appear to be in nice condition as a set with some minor wear.
APERTURE: Volume 5, Number 1
Published by Aperture, Rochester, New York, 1957
8vo., 42 pp, illustrations from photographs. Pictorial stiff wrappers. Fine. Includes an editorial and an essay, "Peeled Paint, Cameras and Happenstance" by Minor White; a continuation of "More Books for the Creative Photographer"; Part 3 of "The Education of Picture Minded Photographers"; Beaumont Newhall on "Teaching the History of Photography"; and a portfolio "Ellis Island" by Shirley Burden with his, and Lewis Hine's images. Covers illustrated by Walter Snyder and Ansel Adams.
Aperture Vol. 4 No. 1.
Rochester, NY: Aperture, 1956. First edition. Softcover.
An early issue of this long running photography magazine. Features a selection from "Creative Photography - 1956 with text by Van Deren Coke. Includes images by Charles Sheeler, Arnold Newman, Reva Brooks...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Baier German 1947 Army Truck Lighter Cigarette Holder And Ashtray In Aluminum
Located in Miami, FL
Army Truck Lighter, Cigarette case & ashtray by Walter Baier Company.
Beautiful large sized aluminum lighter by the Baier Company, in the shape of a...
Category
1940s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Donna Chambers 14k Yellow Gold Mother Pearl Goddess Pendant Brooch Cadillac
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Contemporary Pin/Pendant. 14K Gold & Antique Mother-of-Pearl, Chinese Gambling Chip Pin, and Combination Enhancer. Hand-carved tiger-eye face, h...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
Le Corbusier Der Modulor Book, 1956
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
Lovely Italian Midcentury Rubber Toy, Lamb, Ca. 1950s
Located in Schagen, NL
Absolutely Lovely, this little Lamb Squeeker Toy, manufactured in Italy. The piece shows some signs of age and use, for instance some paint loss to the nose and an unfortunately not ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rubber
Large Set of 8 Vintage Lab Sieves, English, Brass, Stacking, Scientific, C.1965
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large set of 8 vintage laboratory sieves. An English, brass stacking scientific apparatus, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1965.
Fascinating set with superb period a...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1960s Vintage Italian Vincenza 18-Karat Brushed Gold Bamboo Bangle Bracelet
Located in Haarlem, NL
Vintage Classic 18-karat gold faux-bamboo Italian, Vincenza made bracelet.
Consists of nine gold etched and brushed finish bamboo segments which, when closed, form a solid heavy (33g...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
1950s Coppola e Toppo Sculpted Crystal Collar Necklace Smokey Red Surrealism
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Statement Collar Necklace, with an intricate design of Smokey Crystal Beads with Shades of Deep Blood Red & Bright Red Crystal Beads Woven into a Sculpted Design. Coppola e Toppo Sig...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
Memoirs: Year of Decisions and Years of Trial and Hope, Signed by Harry Truman
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Truman, Harry. Memoirs by Harry S. Truman: Year of Decisions [and] Years of Trial and Hope. New York: Doubleday & Company, 1955-1956. Special Kansas City Limited Edition. Two Volumes...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Asprey & Co. London Guilloche Wafer Petrol Lighter In Solid .925 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Wafer petrol pocket lighter designed by Asprey & Company.
Beautiful wafer lighter, created in London England by the luxury house of Asprey & Company Limited, back in the 1963. Crafted during the post-war period with a rectangular shape in solid .925/.999 sterling silver The lighted is embellished with an amazing engine turned guilloche decorations and is fully dismountable for servicing. Fitted on top with push semi automatic button. Excellent craftmanship depicting an odd and geometric shape, It is in perfect condition with no dents or previous restorations.
Weight: 43.50 Grams, (27.88 Dwt).
Measurements: 56 mm by 39 mm by 6.5 mm (2.20 x 1.53 x 0.26 Inches).
Hallmarks All parts are stamped with British crown marks, the lion head mark for the city of London, the maker's mark A&Co. Ltd. associated to Asprey, the mark for the assay of the .925 silver, the letter H for the years 1963-1964 and signed, "ASPREY LONDON MADE IN ENGLAND Y7 A&CO LTD H REGD No. 856727".
Asprey
The company was established in England in Mitcham, Surrey, in 1781. Founded as a silk printing business by William Asprey, it soon became a luxury emporium. In 1841, William Asprey's elder son Charles went into partnership with a stationer located on London's Bond Street. In 1847, the family broke with this partner and moved into 167 New Bond Street, the premises Asprey occupies today. From its central London location, Asprey advertised 'articles of exclusive design and high quality, whether for personal adornment or personal accompaniment and to endow with richness and beauty the table and homes of people of refinement and discernment.' An early specialty was dressing cases. Asprey crafted traditional cases and designs, mostly in leather, suitable for the new style of travel ushered in by railways. As the business grew, the company acquired manufacturing facilities and hired silversmith, goldsmith, jewelers and watchmakers. In the 1920's, commissions poured in from around the world, from American millionaire J. P. Morgan to potentates such as the Maharaja of Patiala, who commissioned a huge teak travelling trunk for each of his wives, in which each trunk was fitted with solid silver washing and bathing utensils with waterspouts of ornate tiger head and lined with blue velvet. Asprey cigarette...
Category
1960s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Nickel Silver Cigar, Cigarette or 420 Cutter in the form of a Repoussé Duck
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nickel Silver Cigar, Cigarette or 420 Cutter in the form of a Repoussé Duck
A wonderfully decorative piece, also in great working condition to cut 420 or Cigars. A compliment to
...
Category
20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate
Vintage Gymnasium Bench, English, Pine, Suede, Window Seat, Dining Room, C.1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage gymnasium bench. An English, pine and suede window seat, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
Versatile bench graced with character, quality and nostalgic...
Category
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Suede, Pine
VINTAGE 1970's CHURCHILL AIREDALE GALLERY JUKEBOX HIDDEN IN CHEST OF DRAWERS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this rather unique 1970’s Airedale Jukebox with Churchill selection panel and pair of speakers
Please note ...
Category
1970s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Hardwood
Rare Mid-Century Modernist Sterling Silver Petal Earrings By Art Smith
By Art Smith
Located in Brooklyn, US
Exceptional and rare sterling silver petal earrings designed by Greenwich Village modernist jeweler Art Smith in the 1950's. Smith is considered a master jewelers during the modernis...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Picasso à L'oeuvre – Photographs by Edward Quinn 1965 Book
By Roland Penrose, Edward Quinn 1
Located in London, GB
Picasso à L'oeuvre – Photographs by Edward Quinn 1965
Published by Manesse-Verlag, 1965.
An intimate photographic biography by Edward Quinn with text written by Roland Penrose.
Wonderful photographs capturing Picasso working and relaxing, from his finished pieces to his home and studio - including intimate interior and still life shots...
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
20th Century European Foosball / Football Table c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
This mid-20th-century foosball table, with its captivating two-tone color scheme of black legs and a hardwood body, embodies an era when it was a centerpiece in Italy's bustling Mart...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Advertising Mirror "Airliner" San Telmo Cigar Co Bay City Michigan
Located in Weiningen, CH
Midcentury advertising mirror "Airliner" San Telmo Cigar Co. Bay City Michigan on a chain
Some wear on the edges.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mirror
Vintage 20th Century Dutch Fixed Gear Bicycle, Amsterdam c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An impeccably restored Dutch fixed gear bicycle from 20th-century Amsterdam. Crafted in the 1950s, it boasts polished metal mudguards, a chain guard, and vintage-style handlebars. It...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Chrome
The Martian Chronicles, Signed by Ray Bradbury, Limited Edition #1195/2000
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Bradbury, Ray. The Martian Chronicles. Avon: The Limited Editions Club, 1974. Signed by Ray Bradbury and Joseph Mugnaini. Limited Edition #1,195/2,000. Quarto, original silk-screened...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Paper
Vintage Hand Drum Wooden Base
Located in Seattle, WA
Possibly Rawhide as the Stretched Fabric on Top of Drum. Five Direction Handles. Intricate Knotting at the Bottom to Secure the Top Fabric.Possibly Native American Origin. Vintage Co...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Red ceramic wall cross handmade in Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic cross is a quintessential representation of mid-century modern design, realized by a skilled European studio pottery artist. The cross features a simplistic yet profound...
Category
1980s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Danish Design Midcentury Rosewood Pianette by Louis Zwicki, 1950s
Located in Elshout, NL
Danish design
A rare Danish midcentury pianette made of gorgeous rosewood with damper. It is called pianette due to the 82 keys rather than the standard 88 of a full size piano. This...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rosewood
EVANS 1952 For Loyal Automatic Table Lighter In the Shape Of Large Leather Boot
Located in Miami, FL
Automatic table lighter designed by Evans.
Stunning automatic lighter, created in America by the Evans Company, back in the 1952. This very handsome piece has been crafted in the shape of a boot, most probably as a promotional item by the Loyal Boots Company. It is made in genuine cordovan leather and chromed steel. These full automatic Evans lighters...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Le Corbusier Der Modulor Book, 1956
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
Metal
Danish Design Midcentury Pianette by Louis Zwicki in Mahogany, 1950s
Located in Elshout, NL
Danish design
A rare Danish midcentury pianette made of mahogany. It is called pianette due to the 82 keys rather than the standard 88 of a full size piano. This pianette is made by ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-Century Functional Tesla AS20 Phone 1979, Československo
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition
- Fully functional
- Tesla manufacturer
- Scratched, see photo-
Category
1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Silver Jorma Laine Turun Hopea 1973 Necklace Pendant
By Jorma Laine
Located in Buffalo, NY
Jorma Laine (1930-2002) was a Finnish jewelry designer, whose work in bronze and silver (more seldom gold) is easily recognizable. He developed a style of his own, very modernistic a...
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Philco 40-180 Console Floor Radio
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Philco 40-180 Console Floor Radio
The radio does go on.
Circa: 1940
Dimensions:
H: 40"
W: 27.5"
D: 13"
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Vintage Large Metal Wall Mounted Sailboat Sculpture
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Large Sailboat sculpture for wall Mount in mixed metal. A sailboat with a gray metal hull and iron sails and rigging. With projecting loops on the back for hanging.
L. 33", H. 44"
...
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
1950s Wall Unit Vornado Grey Electric Window Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Gray Electric Window Fan
18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d
Preowned unrestored vintage condition.
Tested and working.
Refer to all images please.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage Mah-jong Set, Chinese, Cased Gaming Set, Bamboo, Mid 20th Century, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Mah-jong set. A Chinese, walnut cased gaming set, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
Appealing walnut and bamboo set with accessories
Displays a desirable...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
Antique Chinese Abacus in Mahogany with Brass Accents
Located in San Diego, CA
Original antique solid mahogany , with patinated brass accents in great condition.
Category
20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1980s Gorgeous Piero Fornasetti Backgammon in Excellent condition. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Piero Fornasetti backgammon for Dal Negro in walnut wood , the set is in excellent condition and includes four dices, the doubling cube, two dice shaker, all 30 checke...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Wall Cross - Black, White, Red - Handmade Studio Pottery, Europe
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century wall crucifix is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. The elongated cross, maintaining consistent proportions, is hand-painted in semi-glossy black. The Christ f...
Category
1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Italian Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Owl Money Bank
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Money Bank of an Owl in Italian Silver Plate.
This charming money bank comes in two parts that is easily opened. This bank is very functiona...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate
Modernist Greek Virgin Mary and Child Jesus Ceramic Wall Decoration
Located in Chicago, IL
This 16-Inch ceramic wall decoration, crafted by a European Modernist Studio Pottery artist, showcases a Mediterranean color palette: terracotta, turquoise blue, and olive green shad...
Category
1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Modernist Cobalt Blue and Gold Wall Cross - European Studio Pottery Masterpiece
Located in Chicago, IL
This modernist Studio Pottery wall cross, meticulously crafted by a European artist, features a cobalt blue crucifix enriched with subtle gold accents cross, bearing an exceptional m...
Category
1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
1950s German Newspaper Advertising Tin Clips Midcentury Graphic Design Set
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Small collection of light duty metal clips, from German newspapers. Silkscreen on thin metal. All working.
Kölnische Zeitung (Cologne Gazette)
Frankfurter Rundschau
Rheinische P...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Astro, Great War
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial spotter's refractor in leather case, dating to the Great War period, circa 1915.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky
An attractive telescope with quality leather protective case
Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order
Rich tan coloured leather dresses the primary barrel and sun shade
Of 3 draw type, opening with a reassured action to each tube
Clear, bright objective lens with a diameter of 48mm (2")
Quality, matching leather dust cup present for the objective and eyepiece
The eyepiece finished with concentric ring turning
Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass Captains Stand...
Category
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Carl Auböck Pipe Holder, Austria 1950s. Solid brass, leather strapping
Located in Köln, NW
Mid Century Pipe Holder by Carl Auböck, Vienna. 1950s.
The pipe holder was made in the Carl Auböck workshops from solid brass and leather.
Outstanding quality.
Fine decorative collec...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique laboratory microscope. A German, brass and enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the early 20th cen...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Room Outside: A New Approach to Garden Design - John Brookes - 1st Ed, T&H, 1969
Located in London, GB
First Edition Hardback in Dust Jacket, published by Thames & Hudson, London, 1969. Text in English.
Extensively illustrated and explained with black and white photographs, diagrams ...
Category
1960s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1950s Vintage Vornado Gray Electric Window Wall Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Industrial Gray Electric Window Fan
18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d
Preowned unrestored vintage condition.
Missing circle with label in center
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Gymnastic Leather and Oak Pommel Horse Bench
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Large mid-century modern gymnastic pommel horse or bench vault. The bench features an oak frame covered with rich patinated cognac leather. The leather has a lovely aged patina with ...
Category
20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Ward Bennett Designs for Brickel Associates (2 Volumes)
Located in New York, NY
Two catalogs presenting Ward Bennett’s product designs for Brickel Associates, published circa 1977. Bennett (1917-2003) was an influential and acclaimed artist, sculptor, interior d...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Paper
IMCO 6500 Table Petrol Lighter 1950 By Julius Franz Meister Green Chromed Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Candle Triplex 6500 table lighter designed by IMCO.
This is a brilliantly engineered, unusual and quite ingenious semi-automatic table petrol lighter designed by Julius Franz Meister in Austria, back in the 1950. This model was made by the IMCO company and was named Candle triplex 6500. Has been crafted in solid chromed steel, with aluminum parts and embellished with green lacquer. This lighter is in unused grade, never fired and in superb mint condition with the original box from the stated period. About the mechanic, there is a button on the inserted lighter - pressure solution for stone-flint change. The lighter has a sliding flame regulator or windshield, a space in the base-socket for reserve stones-flints and a special filling tank that you can either pull out for filling or you can pull out the bottom for filling. Stunning modernist design.
Model: Triplex Candle Table lighter 6500.
Materials: Chromed Steel, aluminum and green lacquer.
Weight: All together 66.30 Grams.
Measurements: 63.5 mm by 63.5 mm by 207 mm (2.50 x 2.50 x 8.15 Inches).
Rarity: Rare in mint, never fired condition and with the original box.
Marks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed as follow; "IMCO MADE IN AUSTRIA 6500".
IMCO
IMCO was a very important Austrian manufacturer of cigarette lighters. Established in 1907 by Julius Franz Meister, who was formerly a manufacturer of brass buttons for the Austro-Hungarian Army. The first IMCO lighters...
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
Sculptural ashtray/catchall in the style of Matégot and Georges Jouve
Located in East Hampton, NY
This French ashtray stand with brass body and metal base, has an original black ceramic bowl with a few flea bite chips.
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage John Players Navy Cut Cigarette Advertising Shipping Crate or Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Made in the mid-1860s, this wooden and silk screened shipping crate was made for the iconic Player's Navy Cut cigarettes. The crate appears to have been shipp...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1970s Ottaviani Design Italiano Argento Smalto Scatola Carte Da Gioco
By Ottaviani
Located in Brescia, IT
Scatola Carte da Gioco
Ottaviani
Italy, 1970
Argento sbalzato con smalti nero e rosso
Scatola in legno
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Pair Davy Jones Pirate Treasure Chest Bookends With Skull And Cross Bones Hats
Located in South Burlington, VT
Antique pair hand cast pirate treasure chest sculptural book ends, circa 1930
Skull and crossbones hats.
Designer: Hubley
Dark original patin...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
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.
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