Models and Miniatures
1950s Italian Vintage Models and Miniatures
Other
Early 20th Century Industrial Models and Miniatures
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Models and Miniatures
Lucite
1960s American Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Metal
1980s Hong Kong Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Plastic
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Metal
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Models and Miniatures
Plastic
Early 20th Century French Industrial Models and Miniatures
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Modern Models and Miniatures
Metal
Mid-20th Century Belgian Models and Miniatures
Paper
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Models and Miniatures
Metal
Mid-20th Century Models and Miniatures
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century English Models and Miniatures
Paper
2010s Australian Scandinavian Modern Models and Miniatures
Sheepskin
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Glass
Late 19th Century American Industrial Antique Models and Miniatures
Wood
Early 2000s Unknown Modern Models and Miniatures
Ceramic, Wood
1980s German Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Plastic
20th Century European Models and Miniatures
Coral
1950s Czech Vintage Models and Miniatures
Metal
1950s French Other Vintage Models and Miniatures
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Steel
1950s Italian Vintage Models and Miniatures
Aluminum
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Plastic
21st Century and Contemporary Models and Miniatures
Mid-20th Century British Industrial Models and Miniatures
Steel
Antique and Vintage Models and Miniatures
There’s a place in every room for antique and vintage models and miniatures to fit in as small pieces of decor with character. Given their diversity of design, they are well suited to fit any style of space. From boats and spaceships to animals and race cars, there is a model for every taste.
Among the earliest known uses of miniatures are models found in Egypt dating back to 3,000 B.C. They were placed in pyramids as part of religious ceremonies. Elsewhere in the ancient world, small-scale architectural models were used in burial rituals. Since then, people have made miniaturized models for a variety of purposes.
Around the turn of the last century, toy companies created sought-after miniatures like trains. In the 1930s, airplane model kits took off in popularity. Later, Pop artists helped turn these kid treasures into a higher art form, such as Andy Warhol’s 1983 Toy Paintings.
Many people now use miniatures to decorate. Miniatures and models can be a playful accent, especially in areas of leisure, like a living room, salon or bedroom. Some collect miniatures to show off a range of favorite passions, while others focus on one type of model to add sophistication to their home.
Models can depict animals, people or places — as they do for an interactive project called Gulliver’s Gate in New York — and can contribute to the curation of a space or express a personality. Connoisseurs can find folk art and historical miniatures from every era. They have been created in classic and modern designs ranging from kitsch collectibles to old-world oddities.
Explore the collection of models and miniatures on 1stDibs today to build your collection and bring whimsical joy to your home.