Models and Miniatures
20th Century Models and Miniatures
Early 20th Century English Sporting Art Models and Miniatures
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Models and Miniatures
Wood
Early 20th Century English Models and Miniatures
Gold Leaf
20th Century American Models and Miniatures
Leather
Mid-19th Century English Antique Models and Miniatures
Leather
Early 20th Century English Other Models and Miniatures
Mahogany, Maple
Late 19th Century Antique Models and Miniatures
Brass
1860s English Sporting Art Antique Models and Miniatures
Linen, Wood
20th Century French Models and Miniatures
Wood, Paper
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Models and Miniatures
Plaster
20th Century North American American Craftsman Models and Miniatures
Wood
1720s Antique Models and Miniatures
Paper
1940s British Vintage Models and Miniatures
Oak
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Models and Miniatures
Bone
Late 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Models and Miniatures
Carrara Marble
Late 20th Century European Models and Miniatures
Metal
1970s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Gold
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Gold
Mid-18th Century Italian Regency Antique Models and Miniatures
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Models and Miniatures
Gold
20th Century Models and Miniatures
Wood
Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Models and Miniatures
Porcelain
1930s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Models and Miniatures
Porcelain
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.