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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Style: Mid-Century Modern
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
Vintage Chinese "Go" or ""Weiqi" Board and Game
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice and well contructed vintage Chinese "Go" or ""Weiqi" board and game with play instructions, circa 1970s. The set is in very good condition and comes with a large wood boa...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Pierre Jeanneret / Le Corbusier "The Indian Adventure" Book About Chandigarh
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and collectable book about the Pierre Jeanneret & Le Corbusier's "The Indian Adventure" in Chandigarh, India. In good used condition. Published in 2010 in a limited numbers. Very sought after.
LE CORBUSIER, PIERRE JEANNERET. L'Aventure Indienne / The Indian Adventure. Design, Art, Architecture. By Éric Touchaleaume and Gérald Moreau, with the collaboration of Martial Vigo. Editions Éric Touchaleaume, Architecture design du XXe siècle, Galerie 54...
Category
2010s French Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Mid Century Modern Small Round Onyx Stone Ashtray
Located in Amityville, NY
Vintage mid century modern small round ashtray made from a beautifully layered and striated piece of onyx stone in shades of brown, tan and beige. An amazing piece of stone that show...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Onyx
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
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
Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by Louis Zwicki, c. 1960's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Serial No. 11494. 82 Keys.
Step back in time with this masterfully crafted Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by the renowned Louis Zwicki. From the heart of the 1960's, a period whe...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Teak
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
Post War & Contemporary Art Design, Barbara Jakobson Collection, 2005 Christie's
Located in Rochester, NY
Post - War & Contemporary Art and Design: From the Collection of Barbara Jakobson - May 12, 2005 Christie's New York auction catalog. Proceeds partially to benefit future acquisition...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage 1960s Souvenir Building Architectural Model Berlin Bear, Metal Statue
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A classic decorative Berlin bear statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. This item was bought as a souvenir in Berlin and was made in the mid-20th c...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
1964 Ray Simpson Original Teakwood Tool Rake Grate
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Vintage Rake Tool Brush in Teakwood Modern Aluminum Grate
Stamped Ray Simpson Original 1964
22.13 long x 3.88 w x 1.25
Preowned original vintage co...
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Cassettiera portacucito, italiana metà secolo, Filofort di Tre Cerchi ISC 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Cassettiera portacucito Filofort con struttura in legno chiaro, con maniglie in tinta noce.
Prodotta da Filofort di Tre Cerchi ISC. e cucirini Cartoni Coat nel 1940 ca.
Buone condizi...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Vintage Architectural Salvage Decorative Caved Wood Trim
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Ornate Wood Carved Trim Piece. For Decorative Purposes. This Piece has Wire for Hanging on the Back. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as ...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
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
Globe, globe SVH, scale 1 to 38500000
Located in EINDHOVEN, NL
This beautiful globe has some minor damage
at the height of the Galapagos Islands.
Height: 50 cm.
Width: 35 cm.
Depth (= Ø sphere): 33 cm.
Origin: The Netherlands, 1960s.
Material: ...
Category
1960s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
1970 Franco Bucci Laboratorio Pesaro Italian Ceramic Ashtray _ Set of 3
Located in Brescia, IT
Franco bucci
Laboratorio Pesaro
Italy, 1960
Set of 3 ceramic ashtrays
"LP" mark under the base
Perfette condizioni
h 6 cm / d 20 cm / w 20 cm
h 6 cm / d 10 cm / w 10 cm
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
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
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
Modernist red crucifix with Christ figure, wall decoration handmade
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist Crucifix made in Europe by Studio Pottery artist. Deep red brown glossy cross contrasting with the matt elongated floating Christ relief designed in a typically modernist f...
Category
1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Industrial Philips Speaker
By Philips
Located in Antwerp, BE
An Industrial Philips speaker.
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Fat Lava Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century wall cross embodies the distinctive European design ethos of the 1950s, masterfully handcrafted by a studio pottery artist. The piece features a "fat lava" glaze, a hallmark of the period, renowned for its thick, bubbly texture that creates a dramatic and tactile surface. This particular cross showcases a grey-white glaze overlying the robust terra cotta red of the clay body, presenting a striking visual contrast that is both rugged and delicate.
The form of the cross itself is slender and minimalist, a design choice reflective of the modernist movement's lean towards simplicity and functional beauty. This minimalist form is artfully juxtaposed with the maximalist texture of the fat lava glaze, offering a visual and tactile play between excess and restraint.
This texture, reminiscent of volcanic surfaces, gives the cross an almost otherworldly appearance, while the grey and white tones evoke a sense of tranquility and reverence suitable for a devotional object. The cross's slim profile, combined with the depth of the glaze's texture, allows it to stand out as a significant piece of both religious significance and artistic innovation.
As a representation of mid-century European studio pottery, this ceramic cross...
Category
1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Virgin Mary & Child Jesus Modernist Wall Decoration by European Pottery Studio
Located in Chicago, IL
Modernist Virgin Mary and Child Jesus. Large 19-Inches Studio Pottery wall decoration. Interesting display of matte and glazed areas. Masterful color textures compositions on audacio...
Category
1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
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
Vintage Reproduction 17th Century Map of Europe, American, Cartography, Blaeuw
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage reproduction map of Europe. An American, paper stock cartography print in frame after the work by Blaeuw, dating to the late 20t...
Category
Late 20th Century Central American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
1970 Ottaviani Design Italiano Argento Smalto Blu Portacenere
By Ottaviani
Located in Brescia, IT
Portacenere
Ottaviani
Italy, 1970
Argento con smalti blu e dettagli legno
Firma "Ottaviani" impressa nell'argento
Eccellente stato di conservazione
Category
1970s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Germanic Virgin Mary and Child Jesus Wall Decoration, Modernist Studio Pottery
Located in Chicago, IL
10-inch Virgin Mary and Child Jesus, draped in a hooded cape and a striped dress in terracotta and black. A serene Virgin Mary and a captivated Child Jesus, both with their head cove...
Category
1950s European Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
SS United States Sign Notice and Information for Passengers
Located in Hanover, MA
Hefty enameled solid aluminum framed passenger safety and information sign from Passenger Stateroom 139 on the Main deck of the SS United States.
Fo...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
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
Picasso's Variations On Velazquez Painting "The Maids of Honor" Abrams, 1st Ed.
Located in Rochester, NY
Picasso's Variations on Velazquez Painting "The Maids of Honor" And Other Recent Works - With a Personal Reflection by Jaime Sabartes - Harry N. Abrams Inc. Publishers, New York. Pub...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Decorative Sculpture of a Goddess Holding a Consolidated B-24 Liberator
Located in Milano, IT
Coming from the house of an Italian WW2 Veteran, the present object is a decorative desk sculpture representing a goddess, possibly Minerva, holding in her hand a faithful reproducti...
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Knoll Studio Collection - Binder - Catalogues - Price List - Year 2000
Located in Rochester, NY
Knoll three ring binder w/ Knoll collection catalogues and the Knoll Studio price list - 306 pages showing images, diagrams, dimensions, finishes, fabrics - for the year 2000 collect...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Cut Glass Ashtray, Diamond Shape, Clear Crystal, Mid Century Modern
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage diamond-shaped cut crystal ashtray, made in clear glass and possibly of French origin. Has two grooves to put down cigarettes if it's used as an ashtray.
Preserved in very go...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Crystal
A Rare Rosenthal Green Organic Shaped Three Tier Tobacco Jar With Pipe Rest
By Rosenthal
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Rare Mid Century Rosenthal Green Organic Shaped Three Tier Tobacco Jar With Ergonomically Shape Pipe Rest
Made in Germany
Rosenthal Studio Linie
Dimensions are a rough guide
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Collections of Butterflies and Insectin Taxidermy from the 60s
Located in Naples, IT
A group of real Brazilian butterflies presented in a beautiful antique wooden box from 1960. These specimens are extremely rare and have been selected from a vintage collection.
Category
1960s Brazilian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass, Wood
Brass and Bloodwood Pipe Holder by Dunhill w/ Silver Medico Pipe
By Dunhill
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Brass and bloodwood pipe holder by Dunhill with silver and wood pipe by Medico.
Measures: Holder: 4.5" x 4" x 4"
Pipe: 3.5" x 1.75" x 5.5".
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
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
Ben Siebel Iron Stand and Ashtray Catch All by Jenfred Ware 1950s
Located in San Diego, CA
Ben Seibel for Jenfred Ware brass bowl and iron stand. Originally designed as a smoking stand, but could be used to hold cards, candy or ??? 1950s.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Brass and Copper Airplane Jet Aviation Model, France 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a stunning large brass and copper airplane model made in France circa 1960. It features an impressive all-metal jet plane model on a thick, sol...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass, Copper
Cartier, Cartier Frames, C 1970, Gold Frames, Cartier Gold Eye Glasses, Vintage
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Gold frames by Cartier, C 1970. Made in France. Originally mens glasses, 5.5" from arm to arm. Sold with Cartier case.
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate
Louis Zwicki Danish Rosewood Pianette, c. 1960's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Presenting an exquisite Danish Mid-Century rosewood pianette by Louis Zwicki.
The pianette is a unique instrument because it possesses only 82 keys - six fewer than the 88 keys of a standard piano - giving it a compactness and economy of form which are uniquely suited to modern apartment living. Throughout its seven decades of operation - from 1899 to the 1970's - the firm of Louis Zwicki established itself as the preeminent maker of this unique instrument, still highly sought after by collectors today.
Louis Zwicki's dedication to precision and artistry is evident in every inch of this pianette, which dates from the 1960's. The luxurious rosewood veneer is masterfully shaped, showcasing the natural beauty and warmth of the wood grain. The sleek, minimalist design is a hallmark of Danish Mid-Century style - making this pianette a statement piece in any space.
Embrace the opportunity to own a piece of musical history with this Danish Mid-Century rosewood pianette by Louis Zwicki. Whether you are a seasoned pianist or an aficionado of Mid-Century design, this instrument promises not only a melodic journey but also a visual symphony of craftsmanship and style. Immerse yourself in the resonant tones and timeless elegance of a Louis Zwicki pianette...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Antique Cased Scholar's Microscope, English, Brass Scientific Instrument, C.1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased scholar's microscope. An English, brass scientific instrument, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
Fascinating cased microscope with distinctive a...
Category
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Van Teal Lucite Tic Tac Toe Set, Circa 1970
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Van Teal style lucite Tic Tac Toc set from the 1070´s.
Thick lucite set with curved edges. Perfect gaming and conversation piece for your coffee table or play room.
Sizewise...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Lucite
Vintage Heath Ceramics Ashtray, 1970s
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Vintage Heath Ceramics Ashtray, 1970s
Category
1970s North American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Choker/ Necklace by Christian Dior, 1961
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Absolutely collector's item from 1961, vintage necklace with original box and extremely rare hangtag by Christian Dior.
Brand: Christian Dior, France
Manufacturer: Henkel & Grosse*...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
PICASSO CERAMICS and works by Jean Cocteau - 1991 Bonhams, London
Located in Rochester, NY
PICASSO CERAMICS and works by Jean Cocteau - 1991 Auction Sale Catalog - Bonhams, London. Soft cover catalog. 35 pages w/ 78 color illustrated lots w/ description. Look at all pictur...
Category
1990s English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Reproduction Folio, Chinese Design, English, William Chambers, C.1969
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage reproduction folio, A Design of Chinese Buildings, Furniture etc. An unbound reprint of the 18th century original by Sir William...
Category
Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Vintage Folio, Civil Architecture, English, Sir William Chambers, Reproduction
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage folio A Treatise on the Decorative Part of Civil Architecture. An unbound reproduction of the 18th century original by Sir William Cham...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century, Brown. Waldorf Rocking Sheep
By Peter Kraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cute mid-century rocking sheep with real sheep coat, carved wood face and rocker. A vintage room accessory perfect for adding a little life a...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sheepskin, Wood
Vintage Mid-Century 1960's Designer Style Backgammon Set
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage 1960s backgammon set. Enveloped in a pleather with signature gucci style lines, this piece is reminiscent of Gucci with its designer lines and high end stance. The discreet,...
Category
1960s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic, Fabric
Gino Cenedese Ultra Rare Murano Glass Chess Set 1960s
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gino Cenedese Ultra Rare Murano Glass Chess Set, Venice, Italy, 1960s.
This is a highly rare Murano glass chess set by Gino Cenedese - one of the famo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Dunbar For Modern: Market Notes, January 8 to January 19, 1951
Located in New York, NY
Small format brochure published in January 1951 showcasing 39 Edward Wormley designs for Dunbar Furniture, presented at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. Highlights include the Sleepy Hollow chair...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Complete Set of Vintage Oversized Chess Pieces in Black and Cream Plastic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Uniquely large chess pieces in black and cream plastic, ca. 1970s USA.
Full and complete set with no board, though squares would need to be 4" minimum in order to accommodate the dia...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Felt, Plastic
1960s Mod Cigarette Table Lighter Teakwood BV Norway
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Decorative Table Cigarette Lighter Teakwood BV NORWAY
Stamped by maker
3 diameter x 4.5 tall
Unable to test, likely will need servicing and or fluid.
Unrestored vintage conditi...
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Teak
B&O Cona Passive Subwoofer (in MOMA) and Speakers
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Beovox Cona, designed in beautifully austere fashion by David Lewis and now permanently in the Moma collection, was the first B&O subwoofer loudspeaker. It was specifically inten...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Vintage 1950's USSR Tin Windup Donkey Clown Carriage Toy
Located in EINDHOVEN, NL
Vintage 1950's USSR Tin Windup Circus Donkey Carriage with clown.
The mechanism is intact but not working. Simple to restore.
Length approx: 18 cm
Width approx: 9.5 cm
Height approx...
Category
1950s Russian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sheet Metal, Tin
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 Modulor in 1954 and Modulo...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Attributed to Miquel Blay Plaster Bust Plaster Sculpture, circa 1930s
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Behold the captivating allure of this vintage plaster bust sculpture, attributed to the renowned sculptor Miquel Blay. Crafted with finesse in Olot, Spain, circa 1930, this masterpie...
Category
20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Vintage Nickel Telescope on Tripod
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Classic Telescope on Tripod. Nickel finish for a modern appeal. Adjustable tripod legs.
Curbside to NYC/Philly $350
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Nickel
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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