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.
to
402
990
836
1,890
41
34
1,965
910
848
813
578
465
325
283
243
205
143
132
98
65
61
50
38
38
4
11
1,875
75
53
1,287
391
3
1
5
23
81
294
335
233
49
22
1,006
409
371
239
223
1,116
576
460
235
201
1,965
1,961
1,962
54
41
20
15
13
Style: Mid-Century Modern
1960s Decorative Silver Patterned Band Ring
By Taxco
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Silver Decorative Patterned Ring Band
unmarked
size 7 3/4
Preowned original vintage
Refer to images
Category
1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Earth Globe Paluzie Wood And Plaster, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Earth Globe Paluzie Wood And Plaster, circa 1940
By unknown manufacturer from France
In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Stunning Stylized Mid-Century Modern Electro Voice Stereo Speakers in Walnut
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning stylized Mid-Century Modern electro voice 3-way loud speakers in oiled walnut with aluminium trim, amazing original condition, cabinets possibly...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
1960s General Motors Gas Turbine Concept Model
Located in Ferndale, MI
General Motors gas turbine concept model, The Bison Series.
Possibly by Syd Mead or Tom Semple . The gas turbine Bison series of vehicles were built an...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
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
Sarajevo Winter Olympic Games 1984 Mascot Figure Candlestick Vintage Yugoslavia
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Original vintage sport Mascot Vučko. it is the Olympic mascot of the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. Nice addition to any collection. The metal figure wobbles a bit, this is probab...
Category
1980s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Large Mid-Century Modern Tv-Tower Collection of 8 pcs., 1970s / 1980s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Wonderful TV towers from the 1960s-1970s. Some made of steel, metal, aluminum, bronze. The little one golden ist made in plastic.
Various heights from 22cm to 47cm!
Have the normal...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
Mid-Century Vintage Leather Gymnastics Mat or Headboard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large natural leather gym mat with beautiful patina and wear, including staining, small cuts, scratching, tic tac toe game and names scratched into leather. Can be used as headboard ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Wood
Salvador Dali Rare Hand Signed Midcentury Book A Study Of His Art In Jewels 1959
Located in Studio City, CA
A quite scarce and coveted hardcover book in slipcase - "Dali: A Study of His Art-In-Jewels (The Collection of the Owen Cheatham Foundation)".
Bound into the book are color photographs of 28 jewels designed by Dali with comments and captions written by the artist himself. The book was published by The New York Graphics Society in 1959 - a quite collectible first edition/first printing (with no other printings noted) of the art book.
The book is boldly hand-signed and dated (in the year of publication - 1959) by Dali on the lower corner of the first blank page/ front free endpaper. As such, exceedingly rare (we only know of two other existing copies, and only one was also signed in the year the book was published).
A scarce signed edition. Would be a great addition to any collector of Dali's work or those who appreciate his fine art jewelry...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Acoustic or Electric Jazz Guitar, Silvertone, 1950s
By Silvertone
Located in Buffalo, NY
Great player... sounds amazing,, classic 1950s acoustic/ electric jazz guitar made by Silvertone,, Retains original Kent floating pick-up.Wonderful tone,,s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Brother Webster XL-747 Portable Typewriter Baby Blue with Metal Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Brother Webster XL-747 Portable Typewriter Baby Blue with Metal Case, Made in Japan. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: Case; 3" H x 12" W x 12" D.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Dunhill Carlton Ware Spider Web Table Lighter
Located in Northampton, GB
Alfred Dunhill Lighter Circa 1957
From our Accessories collection, we are delighted to offer this Dunhill ‘Carlton’ Spider Web Table Lighter. The Lighter Gold Plated lighter was produced in partnership with Carlton Ware with the ceramic body produced by Stoke on Trent potters Carlton (Carlton Ware). The body has been hand painted with a spider web design amongst blossoming flowers and two dragonflies. The Lighter is embossed to the front Dunhill and bears the registration number to the inside of the pivoting arm 737418. The base of the lighter is stamped Dunhill, Lighter. The Lighter dates to the middle of the 20th century circa 1957.
Carlton Ware was established in 1890 by James Frederick Wiltshaw, William Herbert Robinson and James Alcock Robinson trading under the name of Wiltshaw and Robinson. The trademark “Carlton Ware” was introduced in 1894, and the company’s factory was renamed the Carlton Works. The company changed its name multiple times and changed hands finally reaching the name ‘Carlton Ware Ltd’ in 1958. In 1966 the company was sold to Arthur Wood and Sons before coming under financial pressure in the late 1980s being forced into receivership in 1989 and production ending in 1992. In 1997 the Carlton Ware brand was resurrected by Francis Joseph of the Carlton Ware Design Centre, Roslyn Works, Stoke-on-Trent. It continues to manufacture novelty items aimed at the collectors’ market today.
Dunhill Lighters specifically the classic petrol lift arm table lighter was introduced by Dunhill in 1928 running until the introduction of gas in the 1960’s. This particular Carlton Wear example was first introduced in the Dunhill catalogue in 1957. The body was created in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent potters Carlton Ware. Carlton Ware produced three different examples to compliment the Dunhill body a fish underwater design, a chinoiserie pagoda design and the spider web as seen here.
Dunhill Alfred Dunhill was Born September 30th 1872. From 1890 Dunhill ran a company that sold motoring accessories through mail order under the name Dunhill’s Motorities. In 1902 he opened a shop on Conduit Street, Mayfair which sold clothing...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold Plate, Brass
Large Monumental Aluminum Munich TV Television Tower Scale Design Model, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Scaled model of the Munich television tower. Hand-spun in metal. A nice architectural sculpture for every living or mans room. Also nice to display at your desk like seen in pictures...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
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
1970 Brutalist Peace Ring Sterling Silver 4-sided design
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Brutalist Peace Ring Sterling Silver 4-sided design
Biker Rocker Vintage Peace Symbol
Stamp sterling (appears as Lucas Ster DES PDG 1970)
.88 x .88 x .5 w Size 8.25
Preowned o...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Italian Modern Wooden Botanic Model
Located in Roma, IT
A botanic didactical specimen in the manner of the famous German botanist Robert Brendel.
"In the late 19th century Robert Brendel and his son Reinhold produced beautiful and accur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Gold Ring with Cabochon Cut Agate Carnelian
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Mid century 14K yellow and white gold ring statement ring
Large cabochon carnelian stone
condition very good
Marked 14K Gold
Origin: Netherlands Hallmarked
Size 17.5
Very good condition
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
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
French Sculptural Bronze Bracelet 'La Manif" by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A gilt bronze bracelet by Line Vautrin (1913-1997), circa 1945-46. The design is known as "La Manif" or "La Manifestation", which features a chain of arm-linked figurines. Monogramme...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
1970s Navajo Southwestern Silver and Stone Decorative Cuff Bracelet Watch Band
By Navajo
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Navajo Silver and Stone Decorative Cuff Bracelet Watch Band
Measures: 2.38 tall x 3.38 width 1.75 depth
Preowned used vintage condition.
See all images.
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Silver
1960s Antonio Pineda Modernist Ring Amethyst Sterling Silver 7.75
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration Ring by Antonio Pineda Mexican Modernist.
Amethyst Sterling Silver Mexico circa 1960s
Beautiful clean modern lines.
1 H x .88 W x .75 D
Ring size 7.75
Please...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
Ettore Sottsass Pink Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, by BD Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shiva ceramic flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona.
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use preserving a b...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Original Vintage 1966 Austin Cox Chess Set
Located in North Miami, FL
Marked Austin Enterprises to the bottom of every piece, this wonderful vintage aluminum chess game set from 1966 comes in its original box.
The box can be hung on the wall (see im...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Ed Wiener Modernist Sterling Silver Cuff / Bracelet New York 1950's .925
By Ed Wiener
Located in Buffalo, NY
A cuff bracelet designed by Ed Wiener (1918-1991).
This rare sculptural modernist piece is one of Wiener's first creations as a jeweler-artist in New York city, circa 1950's. This b...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Braun Stereo Atelier 1-81 by Dieter Rams + Braun L2 Speaker Pair 1958 RARE
By Dieter Rams, Braun
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare stereo designed by Dieter Rams for Braun. The Braun Atelier 1-81 Stereo with am fm radio and record player paired with an exceedingly rare pair of...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Chrome
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
Gym Wall Bars Restored, 1930s
Located in Wien, AT
This wall bar from an old gym was completely restored, the wood shows a beautiful patina. Whether for a daily workout or as an object that also serves as a cl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Collection of Vintage 1970s Skateboards
Located in Highland, IN
This colorful collection of twelve vintage skateboards from the 1970s includes examples by GT, the Scamp, the Sizzler, the Free Former and a variety...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Wharton Esherick Music Stand
Located in New York, NY
Amazing architectural hand carved walnut music stand by Wharton Esherick. Monogrammed WE and dated 1962.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Le Corbusier Der Modulor 2 Book, 1955
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier Der Modulor book. Le Corbusier published Le Modulor in 1948, followed by Modulor 2 in 1955. These works were first published in English as The Modulor in 1954 and Modulo...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Barometer Weather Station Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Located in Wien, AT
Barometer weather station Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
Original condition
it is working.
Category
1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Stride Toward Freedom by Martin Luther King, Jr., First Edition, 1958
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
King Jr., Martin Luther, Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. New York: Harper & Brothers: 1958. First edition. Presented in the publisher's original boards and dust jacket. ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Art Deco Pan-Am DC3 Wooden Airplane Desk Model, Midcentury
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco / midcentury large DC3 desk aviation model.
Pan-Am wooden airplane model.
It was in an office of the company in South America.
Very good restored conditions. Slight age wear.
History
Pan American Airways began the first transatlantic passenger service on this day in 1939. Pan American World Airways, as it was to be known, commonly known as Pan Am, was the principal United States international air carrier from the late 1920s until its collapse on December 4, 1991. Founded in 1927 as a scheduled air mail and passenger service operating between Key West, Florida, and Havana, Cuba, the airline became a major company credited with many innovations that shaped the international airline industry, including the widespread use of jet aircraft, jumbo jets, and computerized reservation systems.
The history of Pan American Airways is inextricably linked to the expansive vision and singular effort of one man – Juan Trippe. An avid flying enthusiast and pilot, Trippe, only 28 years old when he founded the airline, lined up wealthy investors and powerful government officials from his personal acquaintances in the high-society of the 1920s. However, Pan Am’s first flight was an inauspicious start to its epic saga.
In 1927, facing a Post Office deadline for the commencement of mail carriage, Pan Am had no working equipment for its sole airmail contract between Key West and Havana. Fortunately for Pan Am, a pilot with his Fairchild seaplane arrived at Key West and was willing to carry the mail to Cuba for the start up operation. It is fitting that Pan Am’s first flight would be over water, since the airline would Pioneer overseas routes throughout its history.
Pan Am’s fortunes took a turn for the better in the fall of 1927. Through the heavy lobbying efforts of Juan Trippe, Pan Am was selected by the United States government to be its “chosen instrument” for overseas operations. Pan Am would enjoy a near monopoly on international routes. Added to Pan Am’s Cuba route were lines serving Mexico, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Most of these destinations were port cities, which could be reached only by landing on water. Therefore Pan Am made good use of its “flying boats,” the Sikorsky S-38 and S-40. Flights were eventually expanded to serve much of South America as well.
EnlargePan Am’s fleet of Clippers allowed the airline to conquer the Pacific in the mid-1930s. The flying boats would later be put to military use in WWII.
Just a few years later, Pan Am launched its effort to cross the world’s largest oceans. Survey flights across the Pacific were conducted with the Sikorsky S-42 in 1935, but passenger service required bigger and better aircraft. Accompanied by much fanfare, the Martin M-130 was introduced in 1936, followed by the Boeing 314...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1960s Industrial Medical Cabinet
Located in Norwalk, CT
This is a great medical cabinet from the 1960s, ready to keep all your goodies safe this is a great 1960s accent item that is sure to be a one of a kind addition to your decor!
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Italian Leather Matchstick Holder and Match Striker Box
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Italian leather and gold embossed matchstick holder box and match striker, circa mid-20th century, Italy. This Italian leather piece has gold embossed detail on top lid a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather
Original Exhibition Catalog – Setembre 1970 by Joan Miró, Sala Gaspar
By Joan Miró
Located in Barcelona, ES
Original Exhibition Catalog – Setembre 1970 by Joan Miró, Sala Gaspar
Artist: Joan Miró
Exhibition: Setembre 1970 – Sala Gaspar, Barcelona
Year: 1970
Language: Catalan
Dimension...
Category
1970s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
1960s Gumps Black Brocade Bag Jade Clasp Hong Kong
By Gumps
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Gump's San Francisco Black Clutch Bag Jade Clasp
floral silk brocade pattern
antiqued gold tone hardware
Stylish wristlet strap
Silk lining
interior pocket
approximately 6 h x...
Category
Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Metal
English mid-century modern vinyl record player case by His Master's Voice, 1950s
Located in MIlano, IT
English mid-century modern vinyl record player case by His Master's Voice, 1950s
Rectangular case vinyl record player. Structure in dark and light b...
Category
1950s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass
NORDMENDE "SPECTRA FUTURA", Radio; Raymond Loewy
Located in Neuss, NW
Very rare Radio NORDMENDE "SPECTRA FUTURA" with a pair of the original loudspeakers, designed by Raymond Loewy in the 1970s.
The individual components have been tested and cleaned b...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Vintage Regency Glazed Ceramic Parrot
Located in west palm beach, FL
Brighten up your decor with this stunning vintage glazed ceramic parrot. Handcrafted with exceptional detail, this vibrant piece showcases a spectrum of tropical colors, including pi...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
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
Le Corbusier Der Modulor 2 Book, 1955
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Le Corbusier Der Modulor book. Le Corbusier published Le Modulor in 1948, followed by Modulor 2 in 1955. These works were first published in English as The ...
Category
1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Rare Kelvin and Hughes Teak and Brass Navigational Nautical Binnacle Compass
Located in Nantucket, MA
A rare ship's binnacle brass compass in working order housed in a teak and brass case. It includes the kerosene side light to illuminate the compass at night. By Kelvin and Hughes,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Painted Beech Zebra Figurine by Kay Bojesen, Denmark, 1950s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Wooden toy zebra figurine. Material: Beech. Color: White and black.
Design: Kay Bojesen. Origin: Denmark. Period: Manufactured in the 1950s (Designed i...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Beech
Antonio Vitali Wood Toy Family Set for Creative Playthings
Located in San Mateo, CA
Carved wood toy family by Antonio Vitali, Swiss toy designer. Vitali designed this set for Creative Playthings in 1954. These were marketed under the na...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Alexander Calder and His Magical Mobiles Art Book, Lipman & Aspinwal, 1st Ed.
Located in Vienna, AT
A great art book about sculptor Alexander (Sandy) Calder by Gene Lipman, a long-time friend of Calder, and Margaret Aspinwall. 1st Edition from 1981.
7.5X10.25“, 96 pages, 95 illustrations, hardcover with dust jacket.
The book describes the life and career of the twentieth-century artist and includes illustrations of a variety of his works and a guide to his sculptures in museums and public spaces. It focuses on his representative mobile works and also features early wire works, commercial sculptures...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Mid Century Silver & Green Aluminum Christmas Tree, "Starlite" by Revlis
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen Mid Century Modern silver & green over 7' Aluminum christmas tree."STARLITE" by Revlis. Lush and full!. You will see 100 vintage s...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Crown Tiara Bandeau by Jacques Esterel unique piece signed, numbered 1/1, 1957
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Wonderful unique piece made by hand by one of the most relevant fashion designers of the mid-century, Jacques Esterel, showing inside the signature, name of the piece, numbering 1/1 and creation date 57, a sublime work worthy of belong to any of the best fashion and design museums in the world given its relevance as the only known piece of this type that has been handcrafted and signed by Jacque Esterel himself. This fantastic rigid brass band shows beautiful acid etchings of Roman horse chariots and linear ornaments with three closing positions for different sizes. This band was placed on the head as a decorative accessory or crown known as a tiara...
Category
1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Clairtone Project G2 Series T11 Console Stereo System & Garrard Turntable
By Clairtone
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
On offer is a rare completely original Clairtone G2 Series Home Stereo System from 1966 featuring two distinct exotic wooden boxes one that houses the tun...
Category
1960s Canadian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Unique and Large Crucifix with a Rare Size Hand Crafted Ceramic Corpus of Christ
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and artistic crucifix from the European Midcentury Modern era.
Over the centuries the life and teachings of Christ have inspired many an artist to create His image in just as many ways as there were artist. In more recent decades the way in which Christ on the cross has been portrayed has changed significantly from how He was portrayed in previous centuries. Just like Christ was portrayed very differently in the early 20th century as opposed to how He was seen and portrayed in, for example, the Baroque era. And this way will keep changing as evolve. Just like with the other Styles, this modernist version of Christ either speaks to you or it does not and the way in which different people will see and experience this Christ will be very different too. That ofcourse also is the job of every artist, to make you think about an artwork and make you feel something at the same time. Not only is this unique modernist sculpture different in design from most Christ sculptures you will have ever seen, it also is all hand-crafted in a very rare material. This ceramic work of religious art also comes with a mild glazing and the unique elongated design makes it even more modern and 'experimental'. Thanks to the perfect metal hook on the back, safely mounting this piece is much easier than one would expect. If you already have a place and space in mind for Him then maybe you should be this sculpture's next custodian.
Mind you, our fair price for this unique and very large, Midcentury crucifix...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Memphis Tool Kit Set by Koyo Sangyo, Japan, 1980s
By Koyo Sangyo
Located in Munich, DE
Rare tool kit designed by Koyo Sangyo, Japan, 1980s.
This complete set represents the 'Memphis' period and includes: a handsaws, a Hammer, two screwdrivers an...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
1930's Marx Marcrest Pressed Steel Pure Milk Dairy Toy Truck
Located in Van Nuys, CA
We have A white Marx Marcrest Pure Milk Dairy Truck modeled truck produced by Marx Toys, a prominent American toy company known for manufacturing a wide ra...
Category
1920s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Vintage GALA Hockey Gloves, made in CSSR, in the 1970's
Located in Praha, CZ
Boxing gloves GALA 804, made in former Czechoslovakia (CSSR), in the 1960's.
Made of plastic, leather and polyester.
Cleaned, shows signs of use.
Fully functional.
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Plastic, Polyester
Jesus on Cross Figurine by Hagenauer Made from Nutwood and Sooted Brass
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a Mid-Century Jesus fetish by Austrian Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien. The cross is made from beautiful, warm-toned nutwood and slightly varnished. The Jesus figurine is made ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Iron
Handmade Hollywood Regency Brass Palm Tree Sculpture
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
Inspired by the beaches of Malibu, this collection was born out of an iconic star piece: the Californian palm. In a shiny finish, this decorative lamp is made of polished brass; and ...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Mobo Toys Steel Riding Hobby Horse
By Mobo Toys
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage, 1940s, painted, pressed steel hobby horse manufactured by Mobo Toys, England with casters on feet and excellent patina.
Category
1940s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket Typewriter
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket portable beige plastic typewriter with white square plastic keys and original matching beige plastic carry case
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Araki's Complete Book Collection 1-20 + Satchin and Mabo
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book Complete Collection 1-20 plus special book Nobuyoshi Araki Book Satchin and His Brother Mabo / 1stn in 1997
The works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book collection complete 1-20 published in Japan in 1996 by Heibonsha Limited, Publisher.
21 books complete collection limited edition.
Embark on a visual journey through the prolific artistry of Nobuyoshi Araki with the "Works of Nobuyoshi Araki Book Complete Collection 1-20." This limited edition set, published in Japan in 1996 by Heibonsha Limited, Publisher, comprises 21 books that encapsulate the diverse facets of Araki's creative genius.
Nobuyoshi Araki, born on May 25, 1940, is a revered Japanese photographer...
Category
1990s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Mid-century Modern collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Line Vautrin, Dunhill, and Kay Bojesen. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $15 and tops out at $130,932 while the average work can sell for $755.