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Collectibles and Curiosities For Sale
Very Large Ammonite Fossil
Located in New York, NY
Very large and impressive fossil of an ammonite mollusk measuring 12 by 12 1/2 by 4 inches and weighing over 20 lbs, dating from the Devonian period to the end of the Cretaceous period.
Category

15th Century and Earlier Unknown Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone

Carl Auböck Handcrafted Midcentury Brass Heart Figurine Key Ring Chain Holder
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming modernist heart keyring / keyholder / keychain, designed by Carl Auböck in the 1950s. Handmade of solid polished brass by Werkstätte Auböck ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

1970s Grundig Cube Box Design Speaker Set Futuristic Mid Century Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Original Grundig Cube Speaker Audiorama Design. Amazon design, cube shape mounted in tripod base. Original vintage unrestored. Speaker box 12 h x 8.5 d x 7.25 w Pr...
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Rare Ray Flores Black Leather Boxing Gloves c.1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Rare Ray Flores black leather boxing gloves with white leather thumbs. Original Ray Flores label and original drawer strings. Filled with horse hair. The leather is very soft ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Antique 1900 s Tiffany Co. Brass Lead Crystal Aneroid Barometer Thermometer
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic antique Tiffany & Company of New York brass aneroid barometer/thermometer dating from the early 1900's. The barometer and thermometer works as it should. Marked "Tiffany & ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Giant Natural Clam Shell Filled with Assorted Sea Life Specimens #3
Located in Bradenton, FL
This is a large, 22 inch, gorgeous Natural Giant Clam Shell specimen from the South Pacific seas showcasing deeply scalloped edges, exceptional details and a luminous, calcified surf...
Category

Mid-20th Century Southeast Asian Organic Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Shell

Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "La Roi, Paris" Ca. 1895
Located in Incline Village, NV
Absolutely exquisite pair of operable mother of pearl high quality luxury French Opera Glasses with fancy lorgnette style handle and metal mounts. Premium mother of pearl and only th...
Category

1890s French Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Antique Tabletop Press, English, Cast Iron, Rotary, Flower Pressing, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique tabletop press. An English, cast iron rotary flower pressing machine, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Relive t...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Antique Portrait of Giuseppe Verdi, an Italian Opera Composer, 1901
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Giuseppe Verdi'. Portrait of Giuseppe Verdi. Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi was an Italian opera composer. Artists and ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Dumfries House: A Chippendale Commission (Book)
Located in North Yorkshire, GB
These are the now very scarce set of two catalogues produced by Christie's for the sale of the contents of Dumfries House which contained a large collec...
Category

18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Vintage Pen Le Must de Cartier Vendome, 1980s
Located in Roma, IT
Le Must de Cartier Vendome fountain pen. Fluted gold-plated barrel and cap; pressing the top of the cap opens the clip to the desired width; relea...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

1940 s WW2 Carl Zeiss BLC Flak 12x60 Anti Aircraft Binoculars
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Carl Zeiss blc Flak 12 x 60 binoculars. A beautiful set of WW2 binoculars in excellent condition made in Germany during World War 2. These were designed to be used in conjunction wi...
Category

1940s German Industrial Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

19th Century Top Hat and Leather Hat Box
Located in Chicago, IL
This late 19th-century English leather top hat box, paired with an American-made beaver fur top hat, exudes timeless craftsmanship and style. The b...
Category

19th Century English Edwardian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Borzoi Dog Companion for French German Doll Jumeau Kestner, Antique German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A salon dog from Germany for your french fashion doll. Glass amber eyes with black pupils, black nose and wooden sticky legs. Lots of clean fluffy ...
Category

1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Fur, Wool, Glass, Wood

French 19th Century Marriage Dome on Stand
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
French 19th century handcrafted bridal, wedding, or marriage dome on stand. The uniquely 19th century (Victorian period) tradition of a “globe de Mariée” involved a glass cloche or d...
Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Antique 1743 Map – Travels of Jesus Christ Apostles by Seutter
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique 1743 Map – Travels of Jesus Christ & Apostles by Seutter This is an original antique map titled “Carte des Voyages de Notre Seigneur Jesus-Christ et des Actes des Apotres St...
Category

Mid-18th Century German Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Ship Model "Sovereign of the Seas " a 17th-century warship of the English Navy
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
The Sovereign of the Seas, an early British "First-Rate Ship of the Line" was launched in 1637 and was the most magnificent ship of her era. Designed in 1630s by Phineas Pett, she was the first ship to have three full gun decks, carrying a total of 102 guns, on the orders of King Charles I. No expense was spared in her construction. Renamed the Royal Sovereign when Charles II came to the throne in 1660, she fought in several battles during the second and third Dutch wars between 1666-1673. The nine years war against France broke out in 1689 and the Sovereign of the Seas (Royal Sovereign) was present at the Battles of Beachy Head...
Category

20th Century English Renaissance Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

12th Century Rare Romanesque Wood Sculpture of the Virgin Mary
Located in Vero Beach, FL
12th century extremely rare romanesque wood sculpture of the Virgin Mary. Magnificent wood hand carved sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding a book to her chest. It is an extremely rare survivor of the 12th century. The style is European, possibly French or English. This statue is a testimony to beautiful religious art from about 1150. A truly rare Romanesque sculpture...
Category

15th Century and Earlier English Medieval Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone

Victorian Cased Pheasant Taxidermy, Late 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
This late Victorian-era taxidermy diorama depicts a male ring-necked pheasant with beautiful, chestnut-brown plumage and long white tail feathers. Perched atop a rock with an alert p...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Other

Get Dressed! A Historical Guessing Game for Fashion Lovers
Located in New York, NY
An illustrated, interactive introduction to fashion history for children, revealing the fascinating connections between clothing and culture In this first book of fashion history fo...
Category

2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Region of Batavia by Van Schley, c.1750
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Carte des environs de Batavia - Kaart van de Buitenstreken van Batavia'. Map of the Batavia area (Jakarta) in Indonesia. With cartouche, scale and compass rose. P...
Category

18th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

A mid century modern glass table lighter, circa 1960
Located in View Park, CA
A mid century modern thick-cut glass table lighter, circa 1960. With original label to verso. Possibly Finnish mcm glass as it looks very much like the Iitalla line from that era.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Natural Coral on Custom Wood Base
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
Natural Coral set on a custom wood base.
Category

1940s Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Coral

Important Mobilier et Objets d’Art, Christie s Catalogue Juin 2003
Located in valatie, NY
Christie's Important Mobilier et Objets d’Art, Orfèvrerie, Ceramiques Européennes, Arts d’Asie, Juin 2003. Christie's Paris, 2003. 1st Ed softcover with results. This sale also inclu...
Category

Early 2000s French Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Inviting Interiors A Fresh Take on Beautiful Rooms
Located in New York, NY
Written by Melanie Turner The first book from Atlanta interior designer Melanie Turner, whose pretty work has a modern edge. Inspired by fashion and borrowing a palette from nature, Melanie Turner's interiors possess a timeless quality that celebrates architectural details and Classic design. In this fresh and serene first book, Turner shares her secrets for creating understated, sophisticated, and functional rooms. Balance, scale, light, and subtle coloration all factor into her designs, creating a timeless effect. The elegant spaces featured in the book maintain an emphasis on simplicity and understated glamour, featuring a blend of clean lines, found and Fine objects, and custom-designed, sculptural furniture. Divided by look, the book features multiple homes illustrating each style. "Calm" showcases cool, white interiors, accented by natural textures like wicker and bone. "Clarity" celebrates graphic, contrasting rooms filled with black and white. "Collected" revels in richer colors, accessorized with lush velvet, rich patterns, and metallic accents. "Color" celebrates the power of a palette-driven interior, from spring green, to pale pink, to midnight blue. "Cool" is driven by a funky 1970s vibe, with macramé chairs...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Pair of 19th Century Brass Scales
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of antique brass scales standing on a mahogany base. A brass centre column having a shaped arm to the left holding a removable brass bowl. Th...
Category

19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mickey Mouse Walt Disney Blue Portable Record Player GE Turntable (B)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage General Electric Blue White Mickey Mouse Walt Disney 1970's Portable Record Player Turntable in Carrying Case (B). Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 6" H x 13.5" W...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Plastic

1930s Italian Petit Point Evening Bag Mother of Pearl
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Italian Petit Point Evening Bag with Mother of Pearl and Gold Tone Hardware Fine needlepoint hand-stitched scenic tapestry embroidery stamped made in Italy gold car...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Vintage Handmade Miniature Metal Chair in the Art Deco Style
Located in Amityville, NY
Unique handmade vintage miniature metal chair. Art Deco inspired with a geometric skyscraper - like diamond and rectangle design on the back. The seat surface is flat and can hold a ...
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

70s Picasso Coffee Table or Library Book First Edition Paris France
Located in New York, NY
A collectable, first edition (English), 'Picasso', an art coffee table or library book, 1974, New York, New York and Paris, France. A great piece to add to a collection or to start o...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Foil

"The Second World War, " Chartwell Edition by Winston Churchill
Located in Austin, TX
The Second World War (Chartwell Edition-United States) by Winston Churchill from Houghton-Mifflin Company, Boston. A deluxe edition of Winston Churchill's six-volume memoir, The Sec...
Category

20th Century American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Gucci Burled Maple Table Games Chest with Glass Top
Located in Doylestown, PA
Rare vintage Gucci classic games chest crafted of burled maple with a glass top, made in Italy, mid to late 20th century. A handsome chest offering a tailored presentation of a fine ...
Category

20th Century Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Silvered Sea Shell Turitella
Located in New York, NY
Turitella fully silvered shell 5". Creel and Gow has been working with the same atelier in Rome, Italy for over 20 years to make our signature silvered shells. Our workshop has been ...
Category

2010s Italian Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mobili e Mobilieri Nella Sicilia del Settecento by Mario Giarrizzo, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Mobili e Mobilieri Nella Sicilia del Settecento by Mario Giarrizzo. Flaccovio, Palermo, 1992. 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. With numerous color and black and white photos. A gre...
Category

1990s Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique Jewelry Box Art Deco Period
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique Art Deco period jewelry box, styled by Jacques Kreisler, circa early-20th Century, New York, New York. Box is an aubergine ...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

Cartier High Jewelry Exhibition Coffee Table Book, 1997
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER 1900 - 1939 Paris, London, New York. This special hard-cover book was published in honor of the exhibition, 'Cartier 1900 - 1939', held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, from April 2, 1997, through August 3, 1997, and the British Museum, London, from October 3, 1997, through February 1, 1998. This exhibition was organized jointly by the two museums. Foreword by: Dr. Robert G. W. Anderson, Director, British Museum "The firm of Cartier is widely recognized as one the world's greatest designers and manufacturers of jewellery and objects d'art. This exhibition is timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the founding of the company in Paris in 1847." Preface: Judy Rudoe, Department of Medieval and Later Antiquities, British Museum "Previous exhibitions devoted to Cartier have encompassed the entire period of the firm's history, from 1847 to the present. The aim of this exhibition is to take a fresh look at a more closely defined period, from around 1900, when the firm's distinctive style becomes identifiable, to the end of the 1930s, which saw a dramatic change of style that led to a quite different aesthetic." A gorgeous exhibition book highlighting the first four decades of the 20th century when the renowned Paris-based firm known as Cartier expanded to London and New York. Specially taken photographs present a breathtaking array of necklaces, bracelets, brooches, rings, as well as cigarette cases, clocks, and objects d'art. 450+ illustrations, 350 in full color. A great piece to start a collection, add to one, display on a coffee table, library shelf, etc. Author: Judy Rudoe Publisher: Harry N. Abrams Inc., New York, NY, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Published: 1997 Language: English Printed and bound: Italy Binding: Hard Cover with cloth binding in red burgundy with silver embossing Dust-Jacket: High-gloss, four-color process. Designed by: Harry Green...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Wurlitzer Juke Box, Original Model Re-Edited in 2021 with Compact Disc Player
Located in Paris, FR
Wurlitzer juke box, genuine original 1948 model. From 2025 Re-Edition, Audio Equipment for 50 Lazers Discs (CD).
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Sharptail Grouse Taxidermy Ptarmigan Pheasant Bird Mount 14"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Sharptail Grouse game bird taxidermy mount on driftwood base. Dimensions: 17" x 6" x 10.5" (Width x Depth x Height)
Category

Late 20th Century American Country Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Abalone, Feathers

Antique Pocket Poco by the Rochester Optical Co. Folding Camera c.1903
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The original Pocket Poco was manufactured by the Rochester Optical Co. from approximately 1893 to 1905. Designed as a small compact camera, the camera took 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 (qu...
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Russian Imperial Style by Laura Cerwinske, Stated 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Russian Imperial Style by Laura Cerwinske. Published by Prentice Hall, NY, 1990. Stated 1st Ed hardcover with dust jacket. Sumptuously illustrated with over 100 stunning full-page co...
Category

1990s American Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Early Antique Engraved Silver Crucifix, Reliquary Cross Box Pendant 17th Century
Located in Bristol, GB
ANTIQUE SILVER CRUCIFIX/LATIN CROSS A striking and decorative piece made from continental silver with a central crucifix engraved with a fairly naive depiction of Christ. The centr...
Category

17th Century Spanish Renaissance Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Antique Silver Snakewood Watch Opera Cane Walking Stick 19th Century
Located in London, GB
This is a rare, beautiful and distinctive antique English Gentleman’s sterling silver gadget watch walking stick. The silver watch fashioned into the handle and bearing hallmarks for...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver, Brass

Antique 19th century pewter hourglass
Located in Bilzen, BE
A 19th century 4-column hourglass made entirely of pewter. Height 17.5 cm, base 10 x 10 cm.
Category

19th Century German Folk Art Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Pewter

Eight Antique Blacksmith s Hammers Made in Italy, 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
Eight antique blacksmith's hammers, Italy, 1930 Found in a bed base factory that belonged to my great-grandfather. The wooden handles need to be added.
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Iron

Christie s: May 23, 1994 Mere Hall, Knutsford Cheshire, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Christie's: May 23, 1994 Mere Hall, Knutsford Cheshire. Sold on behalf of the Executors of the late Mrs. Helen Langford-Brooke. Christie’s presents the two-day sale of A Palladian Villa by Michael S. Smith taking place 23-24 April. Encompassing over 450 lots, the sale will include contemporary art, English furniture, Old Master paintings, Chinese works of art...
Category

1990s Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Early 20th century English Enamel Equestrian Silver Flask
Located in Leesburg, VA
Early 20th century English Enamel Equestrian Silver Flask Unidentified Maker England; early 20th century Silver, enamel Approximate size: 6 (h) x 3 (w) x 1.25 (d) in. Crafted in E...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Annette Himstedt Doll Kima 1993/1994
Located in Delft, NL
Annette Himstedt doll "Kima" 1993/1994, Germany "Kima" a vinyl doll made by Annette Himstedt, produced during 1993/1994. Kima in a beautiful lace dres...
Category

20th Century German Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Fabric, Plastic

Gentlemanly 1930 s English Art Deco Silver Plated 3 Club Golf Ashtray
Located in Red Lion, PA
Gentlemanly 1930s English Art Deco Silver-Plated Golf Ashtray Elevate any desk, bar, or study with this striking 1930s English Art Deco silver-plated golf ashtray, a beautifully sc...
Category

1930s English Art Deco Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate

Fine Furniture A Timeline in Woods by Mallett Son Antiques, 1st Ed
Located in valatie, NY
Fine Furniture: A Timeline in Woods by Mallett & Son Antiques. Mallett & Sons Antiques, 2007. 1st Ed softcover. 144 pp. Illustrated with furniture, mirrors, and accessories all photo...
Category

Early 2000s English Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Signs and Symbols in Christian Art by George Ferguson
Located in valatie, NY
Signs and Symbols in Christian Art by George Ferguson. Published by Oxford University Press, USA, New York, 1955. 2nd Ed hardcover with dust jacket. This comprehensive book remains t...
Category

1990s Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Japanese Antique Meiji Period Vesta Case by Fujii Yoshitoyo
Located in Newark, England
DEPICTING A MYTHICAL HO-O PHOENIX From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese Vesta Case by Fujii Yoshitoyo. The Vesta Case extensively decorated with gol...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold Plate, Brass

Modern Lighting of the 50 s (Arnoldsche Reprint)
Located in New York, NY
Reprint of a 1953 international survey of modernist lighting, originally published in Germany by Alexander Koch. This edition published in 2012 by Arnoldsche Art Publishers. Faithful reprint of the original, with a new introduction by Bernd Dicke. Large 8vo (8.5” x 12”), pictorial boards, approximately 122 pages, fully illustrated with b/w photos plus several color images at the front. Introductory text in German and English; curatorial text in German, English, and French. A bible for sourcing and documenting early postwar lighting, based on the perspicacity of the editor(s). A roster of designers and manufacturers, gleaned fro the index at the rear, includes: Arredoluce, Arteluce, BAG Turgi, Peter Behrens, Alexey Brodovitch, Paul Bry, Franco Buzzi, Alexander Calder, Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Robert Gage, Lester Geis...
Category

2010s German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Annie Leibovitz At Work
Located in New York, NY
Annie Leibovitz, our most celebrated living photographer, explains how her pictures are made, in this updated edition of her classic text In this newly revised edition of her semina...
Category

2010s Chinese Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Fine Antique Russian Vermeil Silver Enamel Pendant Icon of Kazan Mother of God
By Erik Kollin
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite antique Russian vermeil silver and cloisonne enamel pendant icon depicting Our Lady of Kazan, Kazanskaya Bogomater. Assayer's mark for Iv...
Category

19th Century Russian Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Map of the World, Mercator Projection, by Wyld, 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'The World'. Original antique world map, on Mercator's projection. This map originates from 'An Atlas of the World, Compr...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Rare Set of Three Grape Christmas Ornament Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A rare Christmas ornament set of three. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size alw...
Category

1930s German Folk Art Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wire

Antique Map of Wisconsin – The Badger State with Railroads Counties, 1888
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Map of Wisconsin – The Badger State with Railroads & Counties, 1888 This antique engraved map of Wisconsin, published in 1888 by Rand, McNally & Co. in Chicago for their Imp...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

DODGSON - Carroll. Alice s Adventures in Wonderland. 1866 - FIRST LONDON EDITION
Located in Hillsborough, NJ
AUTHOR: DODGSON, Charles L. (Lewis Carroll). TITLE: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. PUBLISHER: London: Macmillan & Co., 1866. DESCRIPTION: FIRST LONDON EDITION. 1 vol., 7-11/16...
Category

1860s American Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather

Antique Engraving – Layout of the King of Persia’s Field Camp, 18th Century
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Engraving – Layout of the King of Persia’s Field Camp, 18th Century Fascinating 18th-century engraved plan depicting the arrangement of the royal encampment of the King of P...
Category

Mid-18th Century French Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Original Map of the East Indies Including Sumatra, Java, Borneo Malaysia, 1755
Located in Langweer, NL
TitlEast Indies map – Java, Sumatra, Borneo & Malay Peninsula, c.1755 Attractive 18th-century map of the East Indies centered on Borneo and the Malay world, showing Sumatra, Java, t...
Category

1750s Dutch Antique Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Paper

Antique and Vintage Collectibles and Curiosities for Sale

Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior. 

Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world. 

And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.

The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.

Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.  

Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.

Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.

Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.

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Ahoy! You’ve Never Seen a Collection of Sailor Art and Kitsch Quite Like This

French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.

Pamela Shamshiri Shares the Secrets behind Her First-Ever Book and Its Effortlessly Cool Interiors

The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.

Moroccan Artworks and Objects Take Center Stage in an Extraordinary Villa in Tangier

Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.

Montecito Has Drawn Royalty and Celebrities, and These Homes Are Proof of Its Allure

Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.

Whaam! Blam! Pow! — a New Book on Pop Art Packs a Punch

Publishing house Assouline and writer Julie Belcove have teamed up to trace the history of the genre, from Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Yayoi Kusama to Mickalene Thomas and Jeff Koons.

What Makes a Gem-Encrusted Chess Set Worth $4 Million?

The world’s most opulent chess set, weighing in at 513 carats, is literally fit for a king and queen.

Tauba Auerbach’s Geometric Pop-Up Book Is Mighty Rare, Thanks to a Hurricane

This sculptural art book has an epic backstory of its own.

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