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.
11
86
to
4
50
34
86
86
86
86
36
20
17
12
3
3
1
1
1
7
15
1,734
73
62
1,139
374
1
4
23
86
281
284
233
46
30
57
22
16
14
9
54
28
23
21
8
14
3
2
2
2
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Period: 1940s
Charles and Ray Eames Molded Plywood Leg Splint for Evans in Original Wrapper
Located in Chicago, IL
These leg splints were designed by Charles and Ray Eames and produced for the United States Navy by the Evans Products Company, molded plywood division. They're still in their origin...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plywood
Vintage 1948 the Haunting of Toby Jugg Early Sci Fi Horror Book
Located in Seguin, TX
The Haunting of Toby Jugg by Dennis Wheatley. Published by Hutchinson & Co. (Publishers) Ltd., London., 1948. Black cloth hardcover binding, illustrated dust jacket, edge wear, tea...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Petite Red Stone Decorated Silvering, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Decorative and special vintage silvering with 12 red/orange stones on a decorated silver base. From circa 1940s.
Silverstamped: 925. Measures: Inner diameter is 16 mm. Size of stone front...
Category
1940s Scandinavian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Silver
Off White Ceramic Sauceboat, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ceramic Sauceboat, Circa 1940.
by IT manufacturer, Spain.
Stamped to the underside
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina....
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
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 Craftsmanship: Set of Four Solid Wood Shoe Lasts, c. 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Era: circa 1940
Material: Solid Wood
Original Condition Vintage Charm Timeless Craftsmanship
Discover the allure of authentic craftsmanship with this set of four solid wo...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
1940s Art Deco French Oversized set of two Bakelite Butterscotch Caramel Dice
Located in Haarlem, NL
Very pretty set of two large and heavy oversized jumbo bakelite dice in luscious dark butterscotch and delicious caramel swirl colour.
Art Deco at its best in design and colour, these are must have for a collector and they are not easy to find in this colour.
So far they belonged to my own extensive dice collection...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bakelite
French Bronze À La Gloire des Phoques Brooch Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bespoken bronze brooch by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1946 named "À La Gloire des Phoques" (The glory of the seals). This bronze brooch features a se...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Bespoken Large French Bronze "Chatelain" Link Brooch Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large bespoken bronze brooch by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940. Called "chatelaine", this bronze brooch features articulated chain links with hangi...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
The Charles London 1947 Pocket Petrol Lighter Guilloche Plated Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
The Charles petrol lighter designed by Meyer Maximilian Levene
An exceptional and rare silver-plated 'The Charles' petrol pocket lighter stamped 'The Charles Lighter', made in London England, back in the 1947. It was rafted with slim rectangular form, decorated with engine-turned casing, double entry hinged lids with innovative internal mechanical features, including a revolving flint tube to provide even wear to the flint, and a rear barrel containing spare flint chambers so that semi-automatic loading of the spare flint can be undertaken. The Charles Lighter has an extremely complicated mechanism. The flint rotates while grinded by the friction wheel. Also interesting is the revolving magazine for spare flints. A fine example of complete over-engineering. This was made only for a very short period and was patented by Meyer Maximilian Levene in 1949.
Weight: 70.50 Grams, (45.19 Dwt).
Measurements: 48 mm by 43 mm by 12 mm (1.89 x 1.69 x 0.77 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed in full, "THE CHARLES LIGHTER MADE IN ENGLAND BRITISH & DOMINION & FOREIGN PAT GRANTED.".
Literature: Stuart Schneider and Ira Pilossof, The Handbook of Vintage Cigarette Lighters...
Category
1940s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
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
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
Antique Philco 40-180 Console Floor Radio
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Philco 40-180 Console Floor Radio
The radio does go on.
Circa: 1940
Dimensions:
H: 40"
W: 27.5"
D: 13"
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Piggy Bank by Eva Jancke Björk, Bo Fajans, 1940s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A charming piggy bank designed by Eva Jancke Björk for Bo Fajans. While the piggy banks from Bo Fajans may share similar shapes, each one boasts a distinct hand-painted face and atti...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
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 Baier in the shape of a jeep with a ...
Category
1940s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Enamel
Vintage Remington Rand Typewriter, 1947
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a vintage Remington Rand typewriter from 1947. The typewriter is the portable De Luxe Model 5, issued in a sleek carrying case. Still functional, this classic design features a black crinkle finish, and a QWERTY keyboard. Included in the set of metal rimmed black keys are fun features like a shift key, shift lock key, self-starter key, marginal release, and a back space key.
A touch regulator is also included in this De Luxe model. The touch regulator is an adjustment mechanism that permits the keyboard tension to be set at any one of five positions, as indicated by the number in the center of the touch regulator slot. This enables the operator to easily set the key action to suit light, medium, or heavy touch, ensuring maximum typing comfort and speed.
The first commercially successful typewriter was designed by Christopher Sholes and Carlos Glidden and manufactured by gunmakers E. Remington and Sons in 1868. In 1886, E. Remington and Sons sold the entirety of their typewriter interests to Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict. Wyckoff, Seamans & Benedict manufactured their typewriters under the Remington Standard Typewriter Company name beginning in 1892. The company became the Remington Typewriter Company in 1902, before merging with the Rand Kardex Company in 1927 to become Remington Rand. Remington Rand continued to sell typewriters until around 1955, when it was acquired by the Sperry Corporation.
Among the early famous typewriter users was Mark Twain. Twain said in a letter to Remington, “Please do not use my name in any way. Please do not even divulge the fact that I own a machine. … I don’t like to write letters, and so I don’t want people to know I own this curiosity-breeding little joker,” talking about his 1875 Remington model. Twain was the first author ever to have a manuscript typed. Other famous users include Agatha Christie, Rudyard Kipling, who made good use of the Remington Noiseless...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Johan Rippen Grand Piano in Off-White Cast Aluminum
By Rippen Pianos
Located in Waalwijk, NL
J.J. Rippen for Rippen Pianofabriek N.V, grand piano, cast aluminum, wood, brass, The Netherlands, design 1946, production 1950s.
This model is a renowned grand piano conceived by ...
Category
1940s Dutch Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Alexandre Noll Exotic Wood Cigar Ashtray Bowl / Dish Signed, France, circa 1950
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Lovely Alexandre Noll cigar ashtray / bowl / Dish. Carved in exotic wood.
Alexandre Noll hand carved Cigar Ashtray.
Mid-century.
France, c. 1950
Hand carved signature to undersi...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Mid-20th Century Papier Mache German Toy
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century Papier Mache German Toy
Every now and again an item comes along that is very special, this is one of those items. Of museum quality this m...
Category
1940s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Alfred Dunhill 1949 Standard Aquarium Lift Arm Petrol Lighter In Perspex Lucite
Located in Miami, FL
Standard Aquarium desk lighter designed by Dunhill.
Very rare standard size Aquarium desk petrol lighter, designed by Dunhill back in the 1949. This mechanical lift arm lighter has been designed in England after the world war II. Has been individually crafted as a one of a kind piece by recycling the perspex lucite from the destroyed war airplanes. Composed by four carved pieces and polished steel parts. This example is virtually in mint condition and barely used, showing absolutely no traces of any wear.
Weight: 460 Grams, (168.34 Dwt).
Measures: 101 mm by 78 mm by 51 mm ( 3.98 x 3.11 x 2.0 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with the maker's mark and signed, "DUNHILL LIGHTER MADE ENGLAND".
Alfred Dunhill inherited his father’s London saddlery in 1893. Following the increase in motor car ownership, Alfred developed the business to include motoring accessories, which he called ‘Dunhill’s Motorities’. This included goggles, timepieces, picnic sets, and leather coats, and it wasn’t long before the brand became associated with men’s general motoring attire. They opened two shops in Mayfair and had a catalogue of over 1300 items. Between the 1904 and 1905, Dunhill introduced their ‘Windshield Pipe’, to help drivers combat the effect of wind and travel on their ability to smoke. This marked both the end of the ‘motorities’ focus and their entry into the world of smoking ephemera, and they shortly opened their first tobacconist in 1907 on Duke Street. The proximity to several esteemed Private Members Clubs around the Mayfair, St James’ area ensured that the venture was a success. (From Nicholas Wells With Thanks).
Literature: Blei-Bottoni Ref-418 Pp-220-225 for similar examples of the technique Illustrated.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation green pouch...
Category
1940s English Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Enamel, Steel
Wurlitzer Jukebox from 1943 Multi Selector Phonograph from the United States
By Wurlitzer
Located in Ulm, DE
Original Wurlitzer Jukebox
Multi Selector Phonograph
USA 1943, professional restored
Dimensions:
Width: 85 cm
Height: 153 cm
Depth: 65 cm.
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
French Silvered Bronze Box Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A silvered bronze Poudrier "Le loup et le renard" (The wolf and the fox). by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940s. The square box features a relief cast of two s...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
The Inhabitants, Wright Morris, 1st Edition, Scribner's, 1946
Located in London, GB
First Edition, published by Charles Scribner's Sons, New York & London, 1946.
"The Inhabitants" is a stunning collection of photographs by the acclaimed artist and writer Wright Mor...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Hand Carved Wood and Leather Chess Set
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Intricately hand-carved wooden chess with leather game board. King piece measures 4.25" high.
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Wood
Vintage Table Top Apothecary Scale in Walnut & Brass, c. 1940's
Located in Deland, FL
A great design piece to round out your space. Vintage, unique and a rare find. Make it yours today!
Category
1940s Unknown Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Oak
Gramar of Chinese Lattice by Daniel Sheets Dye, Harvard-Yenching Institute
By Michael Dye
Located in San Francisco, CA
This book was sold at auction by the Monterey Public Library as part of
a large collection of books, formerly owned by the famous Architect
Robert Stanton...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Set of Two Vintage Compass, 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of Two vintage Compass, 1940
Made in Barcelona, Spain.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautif...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Italian Mid-Century Medical Laboratory Bed Brown Leather and White Metal, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Medical laboratory bed brown leather and white metal, 1940s
Medical laboratory bed with cream white painted metal structure. The backrest, footrest and seat are ...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Traditional Paper Lantern, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional textile and metal lantern.
By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1940.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful ...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Cartier Paris 18 Ct Gold 'Golf' Tie Clip, Circa 1940s
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier, Paris
An 18 carat gold tie clip in the form of a stylized 'Wedge' golf club, with twisted rope-style grip. Hand engraved 'Cartier Paris' to the reverse and twice struck w...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold
1940s Vintage Modern Ambriz Floral Link Bracelet Sterling Silver Taxco Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1940s vintage Modern Floral link bracelet sterling silver made in Taxco, Mexico
maker stamped Mexico
Sterling silver large link bracelet a...
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, First Edition, 1943
By Ayn Rand
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Rand, Ayn. The Fountainhead. New York: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1943. First edition printing. Octavo. Rebound in modern half red Moroccan leather an...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Leather, Paper
Vintage Virginia Metal Crafters 1948 Brass Butterfly Bush Leaf Dish
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful brass butterfly bush leaf dish by Virginia Metal Crafters. It is one of a series of botanical leaf sculptures designed by artist Oskar Hansen....
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Carnival Party Box with Original Objects, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique vintage party box with all the original objects.
Manufacturer by El Ingenio, Barcelona. Spain, circa 1940.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and ...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Bauhaus Book Holders in Grey Lacquered Metal
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Bauhaus metal book holders, manufactured in Germany, circa 1940.
In great original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preservin...
Category
1940s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Antique Carnival Party Box with Original Objects, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique vintage party box with all the original objects.
Manufacturer by El Ingenio, Barcelona, Spain, circa 1940.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid-19th Century Wood Montserrat Virgin Statue, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Spanish wood Montserrat virgin statue made of painted.
Made in Barcelona, Spain.
The Classic religious figure is beautifully ornate and has wonderful details throughout her rob...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster
Traditional Folding Metal Lantern, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional textile and metal lantern.
By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1940.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful ...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Hand Machined Willys Jeep Table Lighter and Holder, Occupied Germany by Baier
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original polished aluminum and rubber late 1940s "Baier Willys Jeep & Trailer Table Lighter & Ashtray made by the Walter Baier Company, in U.S. occupied G...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Antique Pulley Hook in Metal, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Metal Pulley Hook, by unknown manufacturer, circa 1940.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Materials:
Metal
...
Category
1940s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Gilt Bronze Fleur Box by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large cast bronze powder box (poudrier) by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1945-1950. The box called "Fleur" (Flower) features a round form with stylized...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Large Gilt Bronze Feuille Box by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large cast bronze powder box (poudrier) by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1945-1950. The box called "Feuille" (Leaf) features an irregular leaf form wit...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Reliance Post War Lift Arm Chrome Pocket Benzine Lighter
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Post war lift arm chrome pocket benzine lighter by Reliance
Text on bottom of lighter: "Reliance Made in occupied Japan".
Category
1940s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
French Art Bronze Brooch St Eloi by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare bronze brooch St Eloi by Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin ((French, 1913–1997) circa 1946. Brilliantly designed in the shape of horseshoe with the saint spreading his arms ho...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Rare Hand Machined Willys Jeep Ges-Gesch Table Lighter, West Germany by by Baier
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Original polished aluminum and rubber late 1940s "Baier Willys Jeep & Trailer Table Lighter & Ashtray made by the Walter Baier Company, in U.S. occupied G...
Category
1940s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Mexican Modern Sterling Silver Brooch William Spratling
Located in Atlanta, GA
A modernistic sterling silver brooch by William Spratling from the first period 1940-1944. Made in his studio in Taxco, Mexico. The brooch features an abstract woven motif within a b...
Category
1940s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Traditional Jewish Chandelier, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique traditional Jewish chandelier.
By unknown manufacturer, circa 1940.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Traditional Paper Lantern, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Traditional paper lantern.
By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1940.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and...
Category
1940s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bamboo, Paper
Aluminum Mannequin Torso Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Made out of a material far more interesting than your standard dress form, this oddly unique, mannequin torso is both playful and sleek. A true stateme...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Viking Arrow Bronze Broosch by Kalevala Koru, Finland 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Special vintage and Viking inspired bronze brooch desigend as an arrow by Kalevala Koru, Finland 1940s. Inspired by archaeological finds from the Viking age...
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Bronze Brooch by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A lovely brooch in gilt cast bronze made by French Parisian art jeweler Line Vautrin (1913-1997) circa 1940s. The brooch belongs to a collection called "The moon and the starts in th...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
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
1940's-50s Playground / Carnival Elephant Slide, Garden Ornament, Sculpture
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage 1940's-1950's Elephant themed playground slide. Garden ornament, sculpture. Children's outdoor slide retaining painted elephant to both sides,...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel
Kenneth Patchen Artist Book with Original Painting
Located in New York, NY
Panels for the Walls of Heaven, a square octavo volume of poems, abstract illustrations (based on paintings by the author) and outre typography, by experimental poet and artist Kenneth Patchen, published by Bern Porter...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
French Art Bronze Bracelet by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare cuff bracelet in gilded and silvered bronze by Parisian art jewller Line Vautrin (1913-1997). The playful piece is called "Le gendarme et le voleur"...
Category
1940s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Viking Inspired Bronze Broosch by Kalevala Koru, Finland 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Special vintage and Viking inspired oval bronze brooch by Kalevala Koru, Finland 1940s. Great natural patina with lovely relieffs and decor.
Stamped on ...
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Aldo Tura Goat Skin, Brass and Wood Italian Pipe Shaped Tobacco Box, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury tobacco box in goatskin, brass and wood with the shape of a pipe. This fantastic item was designed by Aldo Tura in Cusano Milanino Italy for Macabo during the 1940...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1940s Copper+Brass Ships Starboard Lantern Wartime Merchant Vintage Cabin Light
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare to be presented in unmolested and unpolished condition. No electric light source, would need this to be added.
A large C.P.G. & Sons STARBOARD copper and brass ships lantern ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Copper
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Christmas Toys
Stuffed Toys
Religious Chest
Crucified Christ
Stuffed Toy
Virgin Relief
Jewish Star Of David
Judaica Menorah
Large Antique Toys
Vintage Construction Toy
Vintage Construction Toys
Antique Toy Paper
Antique Cat Collectibles
Retro Mid Century Fonts
Antique Christmas Tree
Gothic Angels
Christmas Tree Antique
Mechanical Banks Vintage