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
Italian Mid-Century Modern Wood and Silver Poker and Bridge Game Box
By Ottaviani
Located in Weesp, NL
The Italian Mid-Century Modern wood and 925 Silver poker & bridge Game Box by Ottaviani Italy is a stunning piece of craftsmanship that will elevate any ga...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Frank Lloyd Wright and the Art of Japan: The Architects Other Passion
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Frank Lloyd Wright and the Art of Japan: The Architects Other Passion by Julia Meech
Harry N. Abrams, 2001 - Architecture - 304 pages.
Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright was an ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Tin Toy Train Trolley Car Powell & Mason Sts. Municipal Railway 514
Located in Seattle, WA
Some scratches consistent with being a used vintage piece but still in working condition and a great collectible. This piece has nice patina and character. Vintage condition as pictu...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
'The Man with the Golden Arm' Original Movie Poster by Saul Bass, British, 1956
By Saul Bass
Located in Devon, GB
Based on a novel by Nelson Algren, Otto Preminger's controversial and groundbreaking 1955 drama "The Man with the Golden Arm" starred Frank Sinatra in an...
Category
1950s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Mahogany Leather Medicine Ball, 4kg, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This medicine ball comes from the stock of an old Czech gymnasium. Made in the 1930s. Patina consistent with age and use. Cleaned and treated with a special leather care. Weight: 4kg...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Omega Seamaster 120m Automatic Chronograph 1973 a.k.a. Big Blue
By Omega
Located in Weesp, NL
Discover the Omega Seamaster Automatic 120m Chronograph (Ref. 176.004) - a.k.a. as "Big Blue"
Step into the world of vintage luxury with this remarkable Omega Seamaster Automatic 1...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stainless Steel
James Bond 'Goldfinger' Original Vintage Film Poster, Swedish, 1965
By Gosta Aberg
Located in Devon, GB
Considered the quintessential and definitive Bond film, the third instalment in EON Productions' James Bond series set the template for many of the subsequent films, with its tongue ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen, Paper
Vintage California Green and Brown Ceramic Pottery Round Ashtray
By Edith Heath
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous vintage ashtray with a glowing splash in yellow, green and brown colors.
Classic Mid-Century Modern round ashtray in yellow green and brown glazed ceramic, the outside is painted brown but not glazed.
The ceramic tray is in good condition.
This could make an interesting retro trinket tray or small relish dish...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Georges Jouve Attributed Ceramic Pipe Ashtray Organic Dish Bowl French Modernism
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Brown high gloss freeform slip-cast dish set in a suede leather bottom. Mfg. by Longchamp, France. Design attributed to Georges Jouve, this in not documented. Some staining to suede ...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
$2,000 Sale Price
20% Off
The Beatles Australian Tour 1964 Official Souvenir booklet.
By Aztec Services
Located in Pymble, NSW
A rare Beatles tour souvenir program from their tour of Australia in 1964
In excellent condition, it had been wrapped in clear plastic by the original purchaser in 1964.
The plastic ...
Category
1960s Australian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Gabriella Crespi Silver Plate Sewing Egg Box, 1970s
Located in Naples, IT
Egg-shaped silverplate sewing box, signed Gabriella Crespi. Sewing kit with scissors, thimble and Silk Silk threads in assorted colors. Signature engraved inside.
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver Plate
Skyscraper Iron Spike Masonry Nail Tower Sculpture Vintage Mid-Century Table Art
By David Grossman
Located in Hyattsville, MD
David Grossman's cast iron spikes brazened into a skyscraper form on foundry stone base. The Spikes are Sculpture is 3 x 3 x 12 in and the entire sculpture is 6.13 x 5.38 x 13.25 in.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
$1,200 Sale Price
36% Off
The Wright Style Re-Creating the Spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright by Carla Lind Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Wright Style: Re-Creating the Spirit of Frank Lloyd Wright by Carla Lind Hardcover book.If you've ever wanted to step inside a house designed by frank Lloyd Wright or if you've e...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Teak and Brass Nautical Ship's Clinometer
Located in Nantucket, MA
A handsome brass and teak ship's clinometer with a black melamine type background. An brass embossed clipper ship at the top. Used to measure the degree of healing on a boat, or on l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Semiprecious Stone Art Pendant on Sterling Silver Chain
Located in Warrenton, OR
Semiprecious Stone Art Pendant on Sterling Silver Chain
Naturally-occuring landscape with trees / foliage appears in the pendant.
This is a beautiful pendant necklace. The chain conn...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Sterling Silver
Detailed Anatomical Ear Model Made in East Germany by Somso
By Somso
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the midcentury Organon Auditus Anatomical Model by Somso, a true masterpiece in the world of anatomical models! This amazing model, made in former East Germany, features ...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Czechoslovakia Blown Glass Glittery White Church Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Here is a quaint traditional style church made of glass blown into a mold and covered in shiny, aurora borealis glitter. It would make a fun, glittery white addition to your seasonal...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Blown Glass
$96 Sale Price
20% Off
Grotrian Steinweg Model 110 Upright Piano Mid Century Modern Walnut Fabric Panel
Located in Leeds, GB
Grotrian-Steinweg model 110 upright piano with a walnut case and fabric panels.
Cabinet typical of Mid-Century Modern style. Cabinet design focuses on simple, clean lines and curves.
The front panels are stepped in construction with rounded curved corners.
The golden, Jacquard fabric panels are in a design of diagonal intersecting lines, accentuate the sound box quality of the cabinet.
The simple tapered legs are sabre cut in walnut.
Square piano...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage 1950s Handmade Robot Ashtray Sculpture Metal Scrap Art Articulating
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Vintage One of a kind 1950s handmade metal Robot ashtray with articulating arms, pullout drawer and ash tray that comes out to be cleaned. On a hard plasti...
Category
1950s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Signed Heavy Brass Ashtray by Carl Auböck Vienna Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
The piece on offer is a unique example of mid-century craftsmanship. It was designed and produced by the renowned Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck. Aubock was visibly influenced by the German school of Bauhaus as he did part of his studies there. This influence is also noticeable in the presented item.
This archaic heavy ashtray...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Alexander Calder 1975 Lithographs "Derriere Le Miroir" Maeght Editeur
Located in Sharon, CT
Containing five original lithographs by Alexander Calder. This is edition no. 212 Janvier 1975 of the Derriere le Miroir. Published in Paris by Galerie Maeght. Without staples. Very ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, First Edition, First Printing, in Dust Jacket, 1957
By Ayn Rand
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Rand, Ayn. Atlas Shrugged. New York: Random House, 1957. First edition, first printing. Thick octavo. In the publisher’s original first issue dust jacket, green cloth boards, stamped...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Paper
Aluminum Jetboard by Sargent Fletcher Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jetboard motorized aluminum surfboard by Jetboard by Sergent Fletcher Co.,
USA, 1965-68. Painted aluminum with steel wall mounting brackets.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
$6,200 Sale Price
50% Off
Vintage Wooden German Music Box - Travel Trunk - Strauss: 'Les Roses Du Sud'
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A 1960s German Novelty piece in the shape of this handsome travel trunk music box. It is executed in light toned wood - probably pine and comes with paper labels from diffrent German...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Pine
Miniature Prototype "Sole" Table & Chairs Set by Piero Fornasetti
Located in New York, NY
Rare and spectacular set of Miniature Prototype Table and Chairs by Piero Fornasetti, Italy circa 1970's. The chairs are stamped 'Fornasetti Milano' ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Supermarine Spitfire Airplane Model, Desk Sculpture, U.K. 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Supermarine Spitfire Airplane Model, desk / counters / sculpture.
Made in United Kindom 1930´s. Perfect Gift for any pilot or aviation fan.
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British sin...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Wooden 13 Row Abacus.
Located in Seattle, WA
This Abacus has Black painted wood framing. The beads have been left unpainted, showcasing beautiful wood grain. The middle dividing wood piece is accented with white lining. Vintag...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
French Hand-Crafted and Painted Ceramic Trinket or Jewelry Box
Located in Miami, FL
A beautiful hand-crafted ceramic lidded trinket or jewelry box.
Mid-20th century, French.
Used as decorative item, this piece would enhance any shelf or tabletop.
Measures: 6 1/8...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
$495 Sale Price
23% Off
Mid Century Modern Red Vintage Toy Pedal Car for Children 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid century modern red vintage pedal car, which was made of partially black, red brown and ivory lacquered tube steel base.
An amazing pedal car with...
Category
1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Lodolite / Garden Quartz Crystal Pendant Necklace, red, orange, yellow, green
Located in Warrenton, OR
Lodolite / Garden Quartz Crystal Pendant Necklace, red, orange, yellow, green
This is a lovely polished quartz crystal pendant, clear with a garden style / lodolite quartz central in...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Quartz, Crystal, Rock Crystal
$160 Sale Price
20% Off
'The Italian Job' Original Vintage Japanese B2 Movie Poster, 1969
Located in Devon, GB
An action-packed Japanese B2 poster for the 1969 British crime caper "The Italian Job," starring Michael Caine as cockney criminal Charlie Croker, fresh out of prison and planning a heist in Italy. Consistently voted one of the greatest ever British movies, the quintessential sixties film has become a cult favourite and a Classic of the heist genre, while Caine's famous one-liner "You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!" has taken on a life of its own. Despite receiving a Golden Globe nomination for Best English-Language Foreign Film, "The Italian Job" was not a success in America at the time of its release. Caine blamed its failure on a misleading marketing Campaign, explaining to Empire magazine that the US poster "was a naked woman and me. And I said, 'This is for kids. There aren't any naked women in it! We're going to get a load of old guys coming in to see naked women and they're going to be pissed off, and mums aren't going to bring their children.' They said, 'We're not going to change the poster,' so I got on a plane and came home." While utilizing the same elements as the US poster in a more diminutive form, this superb Japanese poster places its focus on the real stars of the movie - the red, white and blue mini coopers...
Category
1960s Japanese 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
1960s Pierre Cardin Acrylic Coffee Table Lighter Signed
Located in San Gabriel, CA
Rare acrylic and brass table lighter with laminate backing by Pierre Cardin. Signed piece.
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
$492 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Vintage Child's Scooter
Located in San Francisco, CA
Steel child's size scooter. In excellent vintage condition, over painted in the original red color. Scooter appears to not have any makers marks, American, 1940s.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
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
Large 1950s Driftwood Table Lamp
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large 1950s driftwood table lamp.
Harp and finial can be sourced if needed.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Driftwood
$440 Sale Price
49% Off
Vintage tri-ang tin toy car, 1950s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare vintage toy locomotive from the english brand 'Tri-ang'.
The charm is in the wear and tear of this item, it makes this little truck very attract...
Category
1950s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Nautical water color print 1966 Currier & Ives Panam Airline Menu Cover
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
This 1966 nautical portrait is of the clipper ship "Sweepstakes". Originally intended as a menu cover for Pan Am Airlines, this piece has never been us...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
$800 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare French Small Gilt Bronze Box by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small gilt bronze pill box by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940-50s. The rather rare round box features a relief-cast spider on the lid. The interior ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Alexandre Noll Ebony Wood Cigar Ashtray Bowl / Dish Signed, France, circa 1950´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Lovely Alexandre Noll cigar ashtray / bowl / Dish. Carved in ebony wood.
Alexandre Noll hand carved Cigar Ashtray.
Mid-century.
France, c. 1950
Hand carved signature to underside 'A...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Ebony
$6,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Hand Painted Bull's Head Butcher's Shop Advertising Wall Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This 1960s era molded fiberglass and hand painted bull's head is unsigned, but believed to be a generic advertising wall decoration from a butcher shop. This head is hand painted in ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fiberglass
Sterling Silver Baby Rattler Teether
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely baby gift or wedding gift. A sterling silver teddy beat with a wonderful teething ring with a rattler inside the bear.
Could, of course, be practical or as a decorative piece.
A sophisticated addition to any baby room, as a small collection of sterling and books.
We have found the price...
Category
Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Czech Vintage Gymnastic Gym Ring Training Workout II., 1940s
Located in Wien, AT
These gymnastics rings from a Czech gym were completely cleaned and the wooden parts restored and is in excellent condition. It can be used for your daily tr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace with Sculptural Greyhound, Stamped
Located in Warrenton, OR
Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace with Sculptural Greyhound, Stamped. Vintage.
This is a unique pendant necklace perfect for the greyhound lover. The chain and the infinity are stampe...
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
$160 Sale Price
20% Off
1960s Office Plaque Naval Intelligence Processing System Support Activity Nipssa
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare and Obscure Naval Department Office Wall Plaque / Sign.
Plaque Only Dia 15 x Thk 5/8 in.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Resin, Walnut
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Elegant Early 1960s Christian Dior Blue & Clear Crystal Earrings
Located in London, England
An absolutely stunning early example of a pair of 1960s Christian Dior earrings with blue and clear crystals. The earrings are a classic example of Dior's elegant and sophisticated ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal, Metal
Ed Ruscha Make New History 2009
By Ed Ruscha
Located in CA, CA
Ed Ruscha multiple published on the occasion of the Gala of the 30th Anniversary of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. Printed in an edition of approximately 1000 copies ...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Ed Wiener 1954 New York Rare Modernist Sculptural Cuff Bracelet .925 Sterling
By Ed Wiener
Located in Buffalo, NY
This modernist sculptural piece is one of Wiener's first creations as a jeweler-artist, in New York City, circa 1954.This cuff bracelet is composed of two simple aerodynamic pieces w...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Life Magazine President Johnson, December 1964
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Vintage LIFE Magazine from December 1963. This piece is in a wonderful vintage condition consistent with age and use. We think this would be a great gift for the political junkie per...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
$200 Sale Price
20% Off
Skyscrapers Form & Function by David Bennett Hardcover 1st Edition 1995
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Skyscrapers: Form & Function (Marshall Edition) Hardcover – 1st Edition January 1, 1995. by David Bennett (Author), James R. Steinkamp (Photographer), Sir Norman Foster (Foreword).
A...
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Carved and Polished Rosewood Conch Shell
Located in Ferndale, MI
Solid piece of rosewood carved and finished smooth in the shape of a conch shell. Fine display as desk top sculpture or paperweight.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage MCM Domino Set in Wooden Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool MCM domino set in lidded wooden box, circa 1970's. The set is in very good condition, includes 28 dominoes and measures 2.75"W x 7.75"D x 2.25"H. #4528
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Wood
$200 / set
Plastic School Model Of Diamant, Czechoslovakia 1960s
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful and unique vintage science model of diamant. This is a school model originating in Czechoslovakia. Produced and used until now since 1960s. The...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
$267 Sale Price
50% Off
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
Set of Five Carl Auböck Brass Figurine Keyrings
Located in Glendale, CA
Set of four Carl Auböck brass figurine keyrings. Includes model #4500 'Pig', model #5607 'Donkey', model #5663 'Shell', model #5734 'Hand and model #7151 'Anchor'. Designed in the 1...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Rare Big Adjustable Gymnastic Leather Pommel Horse, 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
- completely good and original condition with minor damages
- Czechoslovakia, around 1950s
- adjustable height.
Category
1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
$3,232 Sale Price
20% Off
'Ulysses' Original Vintage Movie Poster by Wiktor Gorka, Polish, 1957
By Wiktor Gorka
Located in Devon, GB
A simplified adaptation of Homer's 'Odyssey,' the 1954 Italian fantasy-adventure film 'Ulysses' follows the warrior king on his wandering ten year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, where his loyal queen and son pray for his safe return. Kirk Douglas starred as the titular Greek hero, alongside producer Dino De Laurentiis' wife Silvana Mangano in a double role as both the faithful wife Penelope and mysterious sorceress Circe. Shot over seven months on a budget of $3 million, with almost a year in post-production, 'Ulysses' earned $124 million at the US box office alone and provided a template for Italian productions to come, igniting the sword-and-sandal craze for lavish Greco-Roman historical...
Category
1950s Polish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1950s Balloon Ashtray Dish Yellow Stoneware Pottery Tent Circus Carnival Italy
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Subtle Oval-shaped Ashtray with a Hot Air Balloon / Circus Carnival. No markings, just a small remnant of a paper label. No chips, and no cracks.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stoneware
$508 Sale Price
20% Off
Roger Capron - Glazed Ceramic Humidor
By Roger Capron
Located in Stratford, CT
Molded Ceramic Humidor with "Tabac" and Patterned Stamped Designs; Moss-colored Glazed Ceramic Finish with Original Natural Cork Stopper.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Inflatable Rubber Doll By Libuse Niklova, Czechoslovakia 1970s
Located in Zohor, SK
Rare and unique inflatable rubber doll designed by the queen of toys in Czechoslovakia - Libuse Niklova. Niklova was a leading toy designer in Czechoslovakia, working for Fatra compa...
Category
1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
$267 Sale Price
50% Off
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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