Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
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 celebrated 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.
Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. 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.
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Style: Mid-Century Modern
James Bond
Goldfinger
Original Vintage Film Poster, Swedish, 1967
By Gosta Aberg
Located in Devon, GB
Considered the quintessential and definitive Bond film, the third instalment in EON Productions' James Bond series set the template for many of the subsequent films, with its tongue in cheek humour, extensive use of gadgets and technology and multiple foreign locations. The first Bond blockbuster, 1964s 'Goldfinger' was also the first Bond film to utilise a standalone pre-credits sequence, the first to employ a pop star to sing the theme song and the first to win an Academy Award. The plot saw 007 uncover a plot to contaminate the United States gold reserve at Fort Knox while investigating the smuggling activities of powerful gold magnate Auric Goldfinger. This stunning poster designed by prolific Swedish...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Linen, Paper
An Ideal Husband
Original Vintage Movie Poster by Wiktor Gorka, Polish, 1956
By Wiktor Gorka
Located in Devon, GB
Although Western films were shown during the Soviet era in the Communist Bloc, American publicity materials were banned, allowing the state-commissioned artists to operate with total creative freedom from the demands of the big Hollywood studios...
Category
1950s Polish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper, Linen
Italian Mid-Century Floor Electric White Metal and Plastic Popcorn Machine, 1960
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century floor electric white metal and plastic popcorn machine, 1960s
Floor standing electric popcorn machine with square base in cream wh...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Italian mid-century modern yellow white and black metal telephone sign, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern yellow white black telephone metal sign, 1960s
Double-sided sign in yellow, black and white enamelled metal. The elongated rectangular part has the writing...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Lawrence of Arabia
Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1963
Located in Devon, GB
Based on Lawrence's autobiography 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom,' David Lean's sweeping historical epic 'Lawrence of Arabia' followed the Arabian adventures of idealistic British army...
Category
1960s Australian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper, Linen
Ulysses
Original Vintage Movie Poster by Wiktor Gorka, Polish, 1957
By Wiktor Gorka
Located in Devon, GB
A simplified adaptation of Homer's 'Odyssey,' the 1954 Italian fantasy-adventure film 'Ulysses' follows the warrior king on his wandering ten year journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, where his loyal queen and son pray for his safe return. Kirk Douglas starred as the titular Greek hero, alongside producer Dino De Laurentiis' wife Silvana Mangano in a double role as both the faithful wife Penelope and mysterious sorceress Circe. Shot over seven months on a budget of $3 million, with almost a year in post-production, 'Ulysses' earned $124 million at the US box office alone and provided a template for Italian productions to come, igniting the sword-and-sandal craze for lavish Greco-Roman historical...
Category
1950s Polish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
The Great Escape
Original Vintage US One Sheet Movie Poster, 1963
Located in Devon, GB
Best known for his action packed James Bond posters, American artist Frank McCarthy's dynamic design for John Sturges' spectacular 1963 wartime adventure 'The Great Escape' features king of cool Steve McQueen front and centre, leading co-stars James Garner, Richard Attenborough and their fellow prisoners of war in their legendary escape from a German cap during World War II. McQueen cemented his superstardom as the daredevil Captain Hilts, whose irreverence towards Nazi authority repeatedly lands him in solitary confinement, earning him the nickname 'The Cooler King,' before gunning his motorcycle over a barbed wire fence...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper, Linen
1980 Basquiat magazine article (Basquiat Glenn O
Brien)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Graffiti 80: The State of the Outlaw Art by Glenn Obrien
June 1980 edition edition of High Times featuring in important early profile of Bassuiat aka SAMO by writer & key early supp...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
$120 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique glass Christmas ornament, Czechoslovakia, 1950s.
Located in Praha, CZ
Beautiful hand-painted and blown glass Christmas tree ornament
Will make a striking addition to your holiday decor or a collector's item for Christmas lovers
Original condition with...
Category
1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Glass
Hitchcock
The Birds
Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1963
Located in Devon, GB
A stunning stone lithography Australian daybill poster for Alfred Hitchcock's psychological masterpiece 'The Birds,' starring Tippi Hendren in her debut role. Based on Daphne du Maur...
Category
1960s Australian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper, Linen
Vintage opera glasses - 20thc
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage opera glasses - 20thc
Binoculars - object of curiosity
Measures : 10x5,5cm H:3,5cm
Wear consistent with age and use
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Le Mepris
Original Vintage French Movie Poster by Georges Allard, 1963
Located in Devon, GB
At the height of her fame, Brigitte Bardot is every inch the devastating screen siren on Georges Allard's sumptuous and sought after poster for the country of origin release of Jean-Luc Godard's masterful New Wave drama 'Le Mépris...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Large Weird, Creepy, Perfectly Patinated Plastic Clown Head
Located in Kansas City, MO
It's strange and freaky, but so cool. Vintage Ronald McDonald plastic clown head sculpture. By the way, it is hollow inside and can be put over ones head an...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Alexander Girard for Herman Miller Neck Ties. NOS. Silk. Vintage 1960s, Signed
Located in Kansas City, MO
Super rare neckties designed by Alexander Girard for Herman Miller, 1960s. We don't think these were ever in mass production. All th...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Silk
Casablanca
Original Vintage Movie Poster, Japanese, 1946
Located in Devon, GB
An exceedingly rare and attractive poster for the first Postwar release of 'Casablanca' in Japan, printed only for use in the three theatres where the film premiered on 13th June 194...
Category
1940s Japanese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
1950s Atomic Energy Commission Building Office Logo Wall Plaque AEC Oppenheimer
Located in Hyattsville, MD
The AEC seal is one of those great totems of the atomic age. A largely symmetrical and stylized representation of an atom (the highly toxic beryllium), it is strikingly more straightforward than the seals of its successor organizations. The design and design philosophy is very characteristic of the Mid-Century Era. This large rare plaque was only used in official locations of the Atomic Energy Department.
The AEC officially came into existence and took over from the Manhattan Project...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Aluminum
$2,800 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage WW2 Era Genco "Four Aces" Military Pilot Pinball Machine Back Glass
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage back glass was made by Genco of the United States for their 'Four Aces" military inspired pinball arcade game. The back glass is presumably silk screened in multiple col...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Glass
20000 Leagues Under The Sea
Original Vintage British Quad Movie Poster, 1955
Located in Devon, GB
A rare British quad poster for the first UK release of Walt Disney's 1954 live-action sci-fi adventure '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea', based on the 1870 novel by Jules Verne. From th...
Category
1950s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Linen, Paper
Moto Guzzi Nuovo Falcone Military 500cc 1972
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian motorcycle order to made for the Yugoslavian Special Force Tito . Made only 500 pieces.
70 of them was used for the President Tito military ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
$5,000 Sale Price
44% Off
Pink Floyd Original Vintage UK Concert Poster, Queen
s Hall, Leeds, 1967
Located in Devon, GB
A striking day-glo silkscreen concert poster for the All Night Garden Party headlined by Pink Floyd at Queen's Hall in Leeds on Friday 17th November 1967. Pink Floyd appeared at this...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
James Bond
Goldfinger
Original Vintage Film Poster, Swedish, 1965
By Gosta Aberg
Located in Devon, GB
Considered the quintessential and definitive Bond film, the third instalment in EON Productions' James Bond series set the template for many of the subsequent films, with its tongue ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Linen, Paper
Rare Menier Chocolatier Salesman Sample Sweets Suitcase
Located in London, GB
Rare Menier Chocolatier Salesman Sample Sweets Suitcase
Dimensions in inches: H 8.5” x W 12.5” x D 4.5”
Age: Mid-20th century
Origin: France (Paris)
Condition: Aged
Overview
A one-...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Glass
Large Handmade Czech Highly Decorative Abacus, 1950s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
A big and eye catching decorative piece for every room, this 1950s handmade abacus is beautifully patinated and made in colors that will keep you looking. Easy on the eyes, hard to f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
The Birds
Original Vintage Movie Poster by Boris Grinsson, French, 1963
Located in Devon, GB
A spooky French moyenne poster by prolific French poster artist Boris Grinsson for the original release of Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 psychological masterpiece 'The Birds,' starring blonde beauty Tippi Hendren in her debut role. Based on Daphne du Maurier...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper, Linen
Mid-Century Embossed Dekalb Hybrid Corn Advertising Farm or Mercantile Sign
By St. Thomas Metal Signs
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage sign was made by the St. Thomas Metal Sign Company of St. Thomas Ontario Canada and dates to approximately 1958 and done in the period Mid=Century Modern style. The sign...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
New York
World
s Fair
Bamboo Lamp with Parasol Shade by Christopher Tennant
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The World’s Fair Collection is a family of fixtures handmade from sustainably sourced materials and upcycled antique paper parasols given to visitors at ...
Category
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Cement, Brass
Vintage "Men of Modern Mathematics" by Charles and Ray Eames, 1966
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage "Men of Modern Mathematics" by Charles and Ray Eames, 1966
offset lithograph in colors
open: 48 h × 73.5 w
folded: 24 h × 14.75 w
"poster comes with its original envelope...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the Personal collection of Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Ro...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
1940s Tin Sign Philip Morris Cigarettes Smoking Mid-Century Garage Decor Tobacco
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Over two foot wide 'Tin Tacker' Sign. A brightly colored embossed metal "Call For Philip Morris" cigarette advertising sign with a great graphics of a period bell hop...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Tin
$1,356 Sale Price
20% Off
Not of This Earth
Original Us One Sheet Movie Poster by Albert Kallis, 1957
By Albert Kallis
Located in Devon, GB
A Classic US one sheet poster for the 1957 B-movie thriller 'Not Of This Earth,' one of the earliest sci-fi movies made by prolific low-budget producer/director Roger Corman in what ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper, Linen
$2,505 Sale Price
30% Off
To Kill a Mockingbird
Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1964
Located in Devon, GB
A scarce original stone lithograph poster for the first Australian release of the 1962 American film adaptation of Harper Lee's 1960 Pulitzer Prize winning ...
Category
1960s Australian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Linen, Paper
Batman
Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1966
Located in Devon, GB
"For the first time on the motion picture screen in color!" Printed in stunning stone lithography, this fabulously kitsch and colourful Australian Daybill...
Category
1960s Australian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper, Linen
Please, Not Now!
Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1963
Located in Devon, GB
A sultry Brigitte Bardot sizzles on this striking stone lithography poster for the French screwball rom-com 'La Bride sur le cou,' released in Australia and the UK as 'Please, Not Now!' and in the US as 'Only For Love'. Bardot starred as the saucy young model who enlists a handsome doctor in a zany plan to make her boyfriend jealous when he goes off with an American heiress. Directed by Bardot''s former husband Roger Vadim...
Category
1960s Australian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Linen, Paper
Audrey Hepburn, Vintage Photograph by Vincent Rossell, Paris, 1962
Located in Devon, GB
From the personal collection of Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn on the set of 'Paris When it Sizzles,' Paris, 1962 by Vincent Rossell
Vintage gelatin silver print
Photographer's ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Red
Silver Mercury Blown Glass Church Christmas Tree Ornaments Lot of 3
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
What a cute lot of three traditional style church shaped hand blown Christmas tree ornaments that would make a fabulous addition to any seasonal decor. The churches are silver mercur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Blown Glass
$116 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Ceramic Pot, by Scheurich, West Germany, 1930
s
Located in Praha, CZ
Vintage ceramic pot, by Scheurich, in West Germany, in the 1930's.
Made of ceramic.
Repolished, cleaned, with near to no signs of use.
In original condition.
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Ceramic
The Man with the Golden Arm
Original Movie Poster by Saul Bass, British, 1956
By Saul Bass
Located in Devon, GB
Based on a novel by Nelson Algren, Otto Preminger's controversial and groundbreaking 1955 drama "The Man with the Golden Arm" starred Frank Sinatra in an...
Category
1950s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Vintage Skiing Boots by Botas, Czechoslovakia, 1980
s
Located in Praha, CZ
Well-preserved skiing boots by Botas, size EU42/US8, made in Czechoslovakia, in the 1980's.
Made of leather, plastic and metal.
Revived, cleaned, shows signs of wear and age.
Fully f...
Category
1980s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Leather, Plastic, Polyester
An American in Paris
Original Vintage Australian Daybill Movie Poster, 1951
Located in Devon, GB
Printed in stunning stone lithography, this scarce Australian Daybill poster joyfully declared the original Australian release of MGM's 'An American in Paris' as "the gayest, the most gorgeous, the greatest musical ever." Inspired by a 1928 orchestral composition by George Gershwin, the classic 1951 musical starred Gene Kelly as an American ex-GI who remains in Paris after the war to become an artist and falls for a gamine Parisienne played by a nineteen year old Leslie Caron, who Kelly had spotted performing with the Ballets des Champs-Élysées two years previously. Following the devastation and trauma of the Second World War, producer Arthur Freed...
Category
1950s Australian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Linen, Paper
Mon Oncle
Original Vintage Movie Poster by Olle Olsson Hagalund, Swedish, 1959
Located in Devon, GB
A rare poster for the first Swedish release of the 1958 Classic French slapstick comedy "Mon Oncle", written, directed, produced by and starring Jacques Tati as the eccentric hero Monsieur Hulot, struggling to fit into an increasingly modern and mechanised France. Tati's satire of Postwar consumer society was popular even in the US, winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Olle Olsson...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
James Dean
East of Eden
Original Vintage Movie Poster, Romanian, 1968
Located in Devon, GB
A dark and moody photomontage teases the love triangle at the centre of the drama on this rare poster for the first Romanian release of Elia Kazan's 1955 adaptation of John Steinbeck...
Category
1960s Romanian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Linen, Paper
1960s Office Plaque Naval Intelligence Processing System Support Activity Nipssa
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare and Obscure Naval Department Office Wall Plaque / Sign.
Plaque Only Dia 15 x Thk 5/8 in.
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Resin, Walnut
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Wooden Hand Painted Cross.
Located in Seattle, WA
Cross with Beautiful Aging and Petina to the Paint and Wood. Floral and Angel Motifs. Pink and Green Toned Color,with Gold Tones at the Tip of the Cross. Possibly of Mexican Origin. ...
Category
1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Munich Olympic Souvenir Spoon, Stuttgart TV Tower Souvenir Pen, Germany 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
1970s German Souvenir Set – Munich Olympic TV Tower Spoon & Stuttgart TV Tower Pen
A charming pair of mid-20th-century German souvenirs dating to the 1970s, evocative of the era’s fa...
Category
1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Original Tourism Posters Promoting Mexico 68 Olympic Games Bursting with Colors
By Lance Wyman
Located in Mexico, DF
Striking original large posters printed for promoting tourism to Mexico´s 68 Olympic Games. Each poster is dedicated to a specific Mexican craft or tradition, such as "Fireworks", "Piñatas", "Ceramic doves", Textiles and flowers. The poster illustrations were commissioned to different artists, with very varied styles. The first version printed (before the graphic identity program was completed) had simply the word "MEXICO" with a Roman font, the later version portrays at the top or bottom of each -as a unifying element- the games´ logo that integrated very successfully "Mexico 68...
Category
1960s Mexican Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
$2,800 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Italian mid-century Filofort sewing chest of drawers by Tre Cerchi ISC, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Filofort sewing chest of drawers by Tre Cerchi ISC, 1940s
Filofort sewing chest of drawers with light wood structure, with walnut colored handles.
Produced by Fil...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Wood
Italian Murano Green Glass Wrapped Candy Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This Italian Murano glass wrapped candy ornament will make a great addition to your decor whether you use it on a tree or someplace else for the holidays or just add to your everyda...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Murano Glass
$128 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage Duncan Miller Parking Meter
By Duncan Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Standing parking meter made by Duncan Miller of Chicago. Featuring three coin slots, 'time expired' and 'violation' flags, and set on a metal pedestal base. Please confirm item picku...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Metal
Audrey Hepburn
Two for the Road
Original Vintage Movie Poster, Finnish, 1967
Located in Devon, GB
In a radical image update, 'Two For The Road' presented a new-look, more liberated Audrey Hepburn, dressed in the height of sixties mod fashion. The offbea...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper, Linen
John Belushi Autographed Animal House Record Album
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A copy of the crazy and iconic 1978 National Lampoon's Animal House movie soundtrack LP signed in black marker by its main star John Belushi to the front cover. Depicting the stars a...
Category
1980s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Plastic, Paper
Period Go-Go Boots Vintage Mod 1960
s Shoes
Located in Fulton, CA
A vintage pair of Mod Go-Go boots. circa. 1960's. White base color with red and blue rectangles. Notice fade (discoloration) to white portion of shoes at lower portion. Label with si...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Rubber
West Germany Hand Blown Elephant Christmas Tree Ornament Decoration
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is an unusual ornament, not expected to find and elephant ornament but he is festively dressed for the occasion. He does have some finish imperfections as I have tried to show i...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Blown Glass
$128 Sale Price
20% Off
Memoirs Year of Decisions and Years of Trial and Hope, Signed and Inscribed
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Truman, Harry. Memoirs by Harry S. Truman. New York: Doubleday
Company, 1955-56. Both volumes signed and inscribed. Two-volume set. Octavos. Stated first editions. In later or ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Two Lobster Plates in Clear Glass, Sweden, Mid-20th Century
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Two beautiful Lobster plates made of Glass. A nice addition to your Table. Found at an estate sale in Stockholm, Sweden.
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Ceramic, Majolica
Vintage Waterskis Owned by World Champion Dick Pope Jr. — Rare Sporting Icon
Located in Dronten, NL
A remarkable piece of American waterskiing history. This vintage pair of waterskis belonged to Dick Pope Jr., legendary world champion athlete and son of Cypress Gardens founder Dick...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Aluminum
Snow Cover Cottage/House Blown Glass Christmas Tree Ornament Decoration Lot of 3
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
This is an adorable set of three blown glass cottage or house Christmas tree ornaments with fun snow made of shiny glitter on the rooftops and ground and a decorated tree in front of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Blown Glass
$108 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Box with Historical Photos of JFK Kennedy, Roosevelt, Adenauer German Press
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a collection of historical press photographs in an original box. They show several American presidents. Many are by John F kennedy, one by Roosevelt, one with Grover Clevelan...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
Knoll International Catalogs
By Knoll
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing a captivating collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a must-have for design enthusiasts and collectors alike. This carefully curated assortment showcases the iconic furniture designs and timeless style that have made Knoll a revered name in the industry.
Each catalog in this collection offers a glimpse into the rich history of Knoll, featuring a range of beautifully photographed interiors, furniture arrangements, and detailed product descriptions. Immerse yourself in the mid-century modern aesthetic, as these catalogs transport you to an era of sleek lines, organic forms, and innovative design concepts.
Discover the vision of legendary designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Harry Bertoia, whose iconic creations are showcased within these pages. Explore the iconic Barcelona Chair, the elegant Tulip Table, or the sculptural Diamond Chair, among many other timeless masterpieces that have defined Knoll's legacy.
As you peruse these vintage catalogs, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that Knoll is renowned for. The catalogs offer insights into the design philosophies behind each piece, providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the ideas that shaped these iconic designs.
This collection is not only a valuable resource for design professionals and enthusiasts but also a visual delight for anyone passionate about mid-century modern aesthetics. The catalogs serve as a source of inspiration for interior designers, architects, and collectors seeking to create spaces that exude elegance, sophistication, and enduring style.
Each catalog has been meticulously preserved, showcasing the original graphics, typography, and design elements that capture the essence of the era. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage design, this collection of vintage Knoll catalogs is a rare treasure that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of design history.
Don't miss the opportunity to own this remarkable collection of vintage Knoll catalogs, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the most influential design companies in the world. Immerse yourself in the golden age of modern design and be inspired by the timeless creations that continue to shape the aesthetic landscape even today.
A wonderful collection of twelve Knoll International...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Paper
$1,800 / set
Czechoslovakia Blown Glass Glittery White Church Christmas Tree Ornament
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
Here is a quaint traditional style church made of glass blown into a mold and covered in shiny, aurora borealis glitter. It would make a fun, glittery white addition to your seasonal...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Blown Glass
$96 Sale Price
20% Off
Maison Kuiper
Pair of Fur Hats, 1950s
Located in Tilburg, NL
'Maison Kuiper' pair of 2 fur beret style hats, The Netherlands, 1950s.
This is a rare pair of beret style hats in fur made by 'Maison Kuiper' a very ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia
Materials
Fur
$1,290 / set
Mid-century Modern historical memorabilia for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern historical memorabilia 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 historical memorabilia created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, wall decorations, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern historical memorabilia 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 historical memorabilia, popular names associated with this style include Vincent Rossell, Lance Wyman, Gosta Aberg, and Albert Kallis. 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 historical memorabilia differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $70 and tops out at $58,950 while the average work can sell for $1,399.
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