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Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.

Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.

The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.

Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.

Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.

Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Style: Neoclassical
Period: 1980s
Christopher Wool the Paris Review, 1989
By Christopher Wool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christopher Wool The Paris Review: 1989 The Paris Review book, with original cover design by Christopher Wool. Offset lithograph on double sided art periodical. The full book. ...
Category

1980s Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Adirondak 302 Ken Landreaux 1980 All Star Game Commemorative Bat
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Adirondak Pro Ring number 302, Ken Landreaux Big Stick Flame Treated wooden baseball bat with brass plaque “To Commemorate the 51st All Star Game Dodger Stadium Los Angeles, ...
Category

1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

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The 24K Gold Plated Cart by Christopher Kreiling
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The 'Gold Cart' is a fully articulated working shopping cart. It is made of steel and bronze then 24K gold plated. This is an addition of 100+ artist proof. ...
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American Realism A Pictorial Survey from the Early 18th Century to the 1970s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
American Realism, a pictorial survey from the early 18th century to the 1970s. Mathey, François Published by Portland House, 1987 Title: American Realism: A pictorial survey from....
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Richard Parkes Bonington on the Pleasure of Painting Pre-Publication Review Copy
By Patrick Noon
Located in valatie, NY
Richard Parkes Bonington 'On the Pleasure of Painting' by Patrick Noon. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1991. First edition hardcover with dust jacket. 315 pp. A large book on the ...
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All Glass Modern Backgammon Game Table by Impatia
Located in Milan, IT
The Tuttuno leather edition backgammon game table is designed to accommodate two players with a built-in backgammon playing surface. The minimalistic design gives off the unique impression that the table is floating. This Tuttuno table features a unique low-iron glass structure supported by an inner genuine leather top trim, finished off with a premium Alcantara playing surface which is laser printed with the backgammon board. This table is exclusively made 100% in Italy and sourced from the highest quality of materials. Accessories Included: 1 custom leather backgammon box + cheker set 2 dice shakers...
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2010s Italian Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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Vintage Tennis Racket, the True Bat
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
The True Bat Lawn Tennis Racket. A lawn tennis racket by unknown maker, 'The True Bat'. A nice ash laminated frame with concave wedge. The wedge with decal 'The True Bat' with an ima...
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Early 20th Century British Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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Vintage Tennis Racket, the True Bat
Vintage Tennis Racket, the True Bat
H 26.78 in W 9.06 in D 1.58 in
A. A. MILNE. Winnie The Pooh. SIGNED AND DATED BY CHRISTOPHER (ROBIN) MILNE !
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: MILNE, A. A. TITLE: Winnie The Pooh. PUBLISHER: London: Methuen & Co., Ltd, 1965. DESCRIPTION: SIGNED AND DATED BY CHRISTOPHER (ROBIN) MILNE. 1 vol., 7-7/16" x 5-1/4", ill...
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1960s British Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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Lindstrom's Gold Star Marble Game Board, Dated 1934
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mariner compass marble game board is in amazing condition and is all completely original. It has the original label on the reverse and was manufactured in Bridgeport, Conn. and ...
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1930s American Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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Vintage Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente Commemorative Medallion
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage baseball hall of famer Roberto Clemente commemorative brass medallion, circa 1973. The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Clemente medal was one ...
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Batman: the Official Book of the Movie by John Marriott Hardcover, 1989
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Batman: The Official Book of the Movie by John Marriott Hardcover. Collectible book, reprint hardcover edition, 1989. This book is absolutely must-have for every fan of Batman. Fantastic pictures and a lot of fun information to know. Could be a bit longer but works as it is as a piece of history. This may be the best Batman film out there. We have Michael Keaton...
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Vintage Huckley Barrel Carnival Game
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Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage carnival game made by the Saint Louis Carnival company. We also have the original paper game rules signs with these. Please note that not all crates are painted St. Louis Car...
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Vintage Huckley Barrel Carnival Game
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Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Wellington Cricket bat. A good willow cricket bat stamped 'TRADE MARK WELLINGTON' with the Wellington trade mark on the shoulders of the bat. The embossin...
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French Vintage Wooden Checkers Game
Located in Sofia, BG
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French Vintage Wooden Checkers Game
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Previously Available Items
Ronson Flint Action Petrol Lighter Stainless Steel Boxed Limited Edition
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A Limited Edition Ronson Nostalgia Flint Action Petrol Lighter Stainless Steel Boxed Lighter and Paperwork - Made in US
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1980's Brass Schatz Compensated Precision Barometer Made In West Germany
Located in San Carlos, CA
Beautiful precision barometer made in 1981 - in what was then West-Germany - by the renowned clock maker Schatz. This Schatz Compensated Precision Barometer, model "Royal Mariner", indicates both weather and temperature. The barometer is in overall very good condition. the surface is clean and all the words and numbers are clearly visible. The glass is scratch free and the brass casing is in good shape, but has some minor loss of shine. See pictures for details or reach out to us if you have any questions. Schatz Clock Company aka Jahresuhrenfabrik (Est. Mid 1850s) was founded by August Schatz and Anton Harder in the Black Forest region of Triburg, Germany. Over its history, the Schatz Clock Company produced cuckoo clocks, barometers as well as 400 day clocks...
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1984 Vintage Keenland Member Pin Enamel Badge Horse Racing Equestrian 1"
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1980s Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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Vintage Tiffany Parties Hardcover Decorating Book
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Christopher Wool the Paris Review, 1989
By Christopher Wool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christopher Wool The Paris Review: 1989 The Paris Review book, with original cover design by Christopher Wool. Offset lithograph on double sided art periodical. The full book. Measures approximately: 6 x 9 inches; soft cover. Minor rub & shelf wear; in otherwise good overall vintage condition. 1st edition, 1st printing 1989. Unsigned from an edition of unknown. Highly collectible. Related categories: Christipher Wool Black Book...
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1980s Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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Christopher Wool The Paris Review, 1989
By Christopher Wool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christopher Wool The Paris Review: 1989 The Paris Review, with original cover design by Christopher Wool. Offset lithograph on double sided art periodical. The full book. Measures approximately: 6 x 9 inches; soft cover. Minor rub & shelf wear; in otherwise good overall vintage condition. 1st edition, 1st printing 1989. Unsigned from an edition of unknown. Highly collectible. Related categories: Christipher Wool Black Book...
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1980s Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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Paper

Christopher Wool The Paris Review, 1989
By Christopher Wool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christopher Wool The Paris Review: 1989 The Paris Review, with original cover design by Christopher Wool. Offset lithograph on double sided art periodical. The full book. Measures approximately: 6 x 9 inches; soft cover. Minor rub & shelf wear; in otherwise good overall vintage condition. 1st edition, 1st printing 1989. Unsigned from an edition of unknown. Highly collectible. Related categories: Christipher Wool Black Book...
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1980s Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Christopher Wool The Paris Review, 1989
By Christopher Wool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christopher Wool The Paris Review: 1989 The Paris Review, with original cover design by Christopher Wool. Offset lithograph on double sided art periodical. The full book. Measures approximately: 6 x 9 inches; soft cover. Minor rub & shelf wear; in otherwise good overall vintage condition. 1st edition, 1st printing 1989. Unsigned from an edition of unknown. Highly collectible. Related categories: Christipher Wool Black Book...
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1980s Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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Christopher Wool The Whitney Biennial Exhibition 1989 'exhibition catalogue'
By Christopher Wool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Christopher wool illustrated Whitney Museum Biennial exhibition catalog, 1989: The 1989 Whitney Biennial, with original cover design by Christopher Wool. Contains full color illustrations of the work of 53 participants, including Jeff Koons, Donald Baechler, Ross Bleckner, Robert Gober, Mary Heilmann, Mike Kelley, Brice Marden and Charles Ray, among many others. Offset lithograph on double sided exhibition catalogue. Measures: 6.75 x 9.5 inches; soft cover; approximately 250 pages. Minor rub wear and fading; in otherwise very good overall vintage condition. 1st edition, 1st printing. Published by New York: Whitney Museum of American Art, 1989. Unsigned from an edition of unknown. Highly collectible. Related categories: Christipher Wool Black Book...
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1980s Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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1982 IGT Draw Poker Coin Operated Slot Machine on Base
Located in Dayton, OH
1982 Draw Poker slot machine. Features locking base. Accepts quarters.   Base - 24" x 20.5" x 26", Machine - 20" x 16.5" x 33.5"
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1980s Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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Framed Brass Nautical Maritime Oil on Canvas Painting of Ship at Sea Signed
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Large, oil on canvas nautical maritime painting of a ship at sea signed by artist Ambrose. This piece is a tall vertical portrait style in shape and is framed in a wooden frame with brass mounts at the corners and burl wood detail on the inside. Brass corners cover the joints at all four corners. To us, it is reminiscent of campaign style. Or British Colonial Style. The subject of the piece features a ship set out to sea at sail among rippling waves of whiteheads with ships in the distance. The ship shows a large mast with billowing white sails. The body of the ship is brown in color. The sky at back varies from light blue to cream and gray. The artist's signature at the bottom right is signed, “Ambrose”. At back, a metal hanging bracket is attached for easy installation. The feeling this piece gives off, is that the sea is turbulent and that the ship is at odds with the ocean. We could be wrong. We aren’t sailors. But. It sure is pretty. This rare piece is a great addition to any art collection. How we would style it: The nautical style in both art and fashion is a cult favorite for many interior designers or savvy collectors. We think this piece would be great in any room. Especially in a Pied-à-terre, seaside summer home, in an entryway or in a baby boy nursery...
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1980s American Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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The Englishman's Room Hard Cover Book
Located in Oakland Park, FL
The Englishman's Room hard cover rook Thirty-one Englishmen describe the room of their home that means the most to them, and each recounts how he decorated it Hardcover: 144 pages Publisher: Salem...
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1980s North American Vintage Neoclassical Collectibles and Curiosities

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Neoclassical collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical 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 Neoclassical 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 Choisy-le-Roi, Creil et Montereau, Theodore Roosevelt, and Assouline Publishing. 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 $49 and tops out at $1,200,000 while the average work can sell for $1,300.

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