Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Biedermeier Style
The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.
Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.
There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.
“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.
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Style: Biedermeier
Continental Metal and Silver Filigree Sword with Scabbard
Located in Queens, NY
Continental (19th Century) metal sword with silver filigree handle wrapped in black rope with a small dolphin detail.
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
1850 Austrian Enamel Coin Purse
Located in Vienna, AT
For sale is a unique little Biedermeier coin purse. Its case is made of brass covered in royal blue enamel. The lid displays an oval gold colored frame filled with white enamel with ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Set Of Late 19th Century Biedermeier Brass Goblets/ Cups/ Vases, AT ca. 1860
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Elaborately handcrafted, intricately decorated set of two late Biedermeier brass goblets/ mugs from the so-called "second period" aorund 1860 in Austria. This artfully made antique B...
Category
Mid-19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Antique Early 19th Century Silver Wine Hydrometer in Original Turned Wood Case
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Antique cased silver hydrometer, likely English and dating to the early 19th century. This finely crafted instrument was designed to determine the density of liquids with precision, ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Biedermeier Music Stand, Johann Georg Hiltl (1771–1845), Munich, circa 1825
Located in Greding, DE
Walnut with transfer-printed decoration.
The image depicts a lithograph by Franz Xaver Nachtmann (1799–1846) showing the royal carriages arriving at Tegernsee Palace, formerly a mona...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
Rare Biedermeier Bathing Doll, Porcelain, c. 1820, Germany
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exquisite Biedermeier porcelain bathing doll, dating back to around 1820, is a fascinating piece of early toy history. During the 19th century, these dolls were used as floating...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Harp C1920 Rudolph Wurlitzer Gilt W Birdeye Maple
Inlay Starke Model
By Wurlitzer
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and in excellent antique condition with minimal wear. This Harp by the Rudolph Wurlitzer co. was well taken care of by its previous owners. C1920 with 45 strings and 7 peda...
Category
1920s American Vintage Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gesso, Birdseye Maple, Maple, Giltwood
Mint C. and Large Antique Display Box w. Beveled Glass Top
Silver Spoons
Located in Lisse, NL
Fine quality and condition, 1860s box with perfect working silver lock and key.
This handcrafted spoon box is another one of our recent great finds. It comes with beautifully shaped...
Category
Mid-19th Century Dutch Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Miniature of a Gentleman of the Biedermeier Period, Brass Frame, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Rectangular miniature painting of a gentleman in Biedermeier clothes, with brown curly hair in front of a grey background. Brass frame.
Category
19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
$807 Sale Price
20% Off
Rare Biedermeier Bathing Doll, Porcelain, c. 1820, Germany
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exquisite Biedermeier porcelain bathing doll, dating back to around 1820, is a fascinating piece of early toy history. During the 19th century, these dolls were used as floating...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Continental Austrian Bronze Lion Head Sword with Scabbard
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Austrian-style (19th Century) bronze sword with lion head and pearl handle with double eagle head coat of arms.
Condition: Good; Minor losses
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Antique Meerschaum Smoking Pipe with Silver Figural Standing Lion Top
Mounts
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique meerschaum smoking pipe bowl is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Germany or Austria in approximately 1900 in the period Biedermeier style. The body of the pip...
Category
Early 20th Century German Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Early 19th Century Reverse Glass Painting of Saint Anne
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exquisite reverse glass painting from the early 19th century features Saint Anne, a revered figure in Christian tradition, known as the mother of the Virgin Mary and patron sain...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Glass
Biedermeier Hardcover Oversized Book by Angus Wilkie 1987
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Biedermeier Hardcover Oversized Book by Angus Wilkie 1st edition 1987.
Biedermeier, the style prized by the avant-garde of central Europe in the 19th century and in America today.
An...
Category
1980s American Vintage Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Continental Porcelain Virgin Mary Plaque
Located in Queens, NY
Continental (probably Austrian) porcelain oval plaque with painted image of the Virgin Mary wearing a blue cape
Category
20th Century Austrian Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Continental Bronze Dore Ceremonial Dog Pommel Sword with Scabbard
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Austrian-style (19th Century) bronze dore ceremonial hunting sword with dog's head pommel and bone handle and a leather scabbard.
Significant damage to scabbard, patina ...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bone
Antique Historical Judaica Freemasonry Memorial Plaque Vienna-Paris 1861-1886
Located in Doha, QA
This is an absolutely rare and one of a kind custom made Plaque represents the History of Jewish People and their acceptance in society and freemasonry through out the world. The Plaque had been hand crafted and designed by August Klein- Purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Court of the Emperor Franz Josef of Austria.
The Revolution of 1848 in the Austrian Empire seen by many Jewish intellectuals as a welcome opportunity to agitate for the emancipation of their community. Generally the social evolution of the Jewish community, the growing number of Jews who wanted to become Masons,their cultural integration, and the progress of the process that would soon lead to their legal emancipation all worked in favor of this change in attitude.
In Austria it all started in 1742, only 25 years after the founding of the Grand Lodge of London and Winchester, the Lodge "Aux Trois Canons” was consecrated in Vienna by a Lodge from Breslau. It was, however, closed only six months later by order of “Empress” Maria Theresa I. Her husband Franz Stephan von Lothringen, (later the German Emperor Franz I...
Category
19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Silver, Bronze, Enamel
Mid-19th Century Iron Safe with Faux Wood Front and Working Lock
Located in Darmstadt, DE
Rare small iron safe from the mid-19th century, made entirely of thick sheet iron with a front decorated in a wood-grain laminate, probably printed or paper-based. The piece combines the look of fine furniture with the security of an early strongbox and was likely used as a domestic or office safe...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Iron
historical Christ cross made of silver, around 1850, hallmarked Naples Italy
Located in Wien, AT
Exceptional silver cross with a figure of Christ, made in Naples, Italy, around 1850.
The cross shape is typically Catholic, crafted like a piece of wood, masterfully hollowed out. ...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Switzerland Mahogany Ebonized Hinged Music Box with Three Cylinders, C. 1880
Located in Charleston, SC
Rare Switzerland mahogany & ebonized hinged music box with the original crank, three interior paper labels, and cylinders. Music box is stamped by maker and is In working condition, ...
Category
1880s Swiss Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Antique Biedermeier Styled Smoking Pipe Head or Bowl with a Hand-Painted Female
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique and hand-painted smoking pipe head is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Austria in approximately 1880 in the period Biedermeier style. This tall pipe bowl has ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Rare Biedermeier Bathing Doll, Porcelain, c. 1820, Germany
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exquisite Biedermeier porcelain bathing doll, dating back to around 1820, is a fascinating piece of early toy history. During the 19th century, these dolls were used as floating...
Category
1820s German Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century Amber and Silver Necklace from Bückeburg
Located in Hamburg, DE
This exquisite amber necklace from the Bückeburger Land is a stunning example of mid-19th-century traditional craftsmanship, intricately tied to the region's cultural heritage. Origi...
Category
1870s Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
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Antique 19th Century Indian Kutch Solid Silver Cigar Case c.1880
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Antique 19th Century Indian Kutch hand-crafted solid silver cigar case. Of rectangular form with rounded edges, finely chased throughout with scrolling leaves and floral patterns on ...
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Gold Filigree Silver Prayer Book
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Girl in beautiful Dress, Antique German Dollhouse Doll Toy 1900s
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Silver filigree and enamel butterfly brooch, Chinese circa 1930
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This very fine example of Chinese silver filigree artwork has been beautifully hand-made with intricate detail in the form of a large four-winged butterfly with curly antennae.
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Borzoi Dog Companion for French German Doll Jumeau Kestner, Antique German
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$460
H 6.25 in W 7.75 in D 2 in
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H 3.25 in W 2.5 in D 0.25 in
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H 1.78 in W 3.75 in D 3.75 in
Previously Available Items
Set of Three 19th-Century Alpine Patience Bottles with Crucifixion Scene
Located in Hamburg, DE
This rare set of three “Patience Bottles” (Geduldsflaschen), crafted in the Alpine regions in the late 19th century, showcases the remarkable skill and devotion of folk artisans from...
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1870s German Antique Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
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H 9.06 in W 3.94 in D 2.76 in
Large 1920
s Globe on Wood Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Vintage Globe on Wood Base, circa 1920's
Decorate an office or a desk with this beautifully preserved antique globe. Crafted in Europe, circ...
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1920s European Vintage Biedermeier Collectibles and Curiosities
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Swedish Miniature Birch Secretary Writing Desk, 19th Century
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Swedish 19th Century Biedermeier 3-drawer chest and writing desk with drop down top and a series of small drawers inside. Original antique wooden handles...
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19th Century Savings Box Biedermeier Period German Silver 13 Lot
Located in Epfach, DE
Beautiful small piggy bank from the Biedermeier period in silver 13 lot.
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Biedermeier by Angus Wilkie, Pub. 1987
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Biedermeier by Angus Wilkie published in 1987 by Abbeville Press. The dust cover is illustrated in full color with a portrait of the author on the inside rear of the dust jacket. The...
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19th Century Antique Wooden Sledge from Germany
Located in Hamburg, DE
This rare antique sledge still has the original painting from the 19th century. From the outside it is painted in a beautiful rust red and has a golden ...
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Late 19th Century French Book Stand Rack Made of Rosewood
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful antique book stand. The stand is adjustable in 9 positions. The base is made of oak and veneered with rosewood. The sides have beautiful i...
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Swedish Silver Thimble Ring Dated 1846
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A silver thimble ring from Sweden. Dated 1846, and marked Q4 which is the year 1846 in the silver stamping system. The silver maker was called "Axel Gabri...
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Wood Liquor Decanter Travel Bar Box with Gold Rimmed Glasses Biedermeier
Located in DE
Beautiful dark wood box with two gold rimmed liquor glasses and two decanters with red pearls.
This lovely Travel Bar was made circa 1820 Biedermeier i...
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H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Impressive Walking Stick / Strolling Stick 835 Silver
Located in Berlin, DE
Impressive walking stick / strolling stick 835 silver, pearwood
Solid pearwood with 835 crescent moon and silver mount crown, circa 19th century. Th...
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19th Century Biedermeier Adjustable Wooden Duet Sheet Music Stand AAA+ Condition
Located in Lisse, NL
Antique and stunning stand for sheet music or books.
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H 50 in W 16 in D 16 in
Polyphone Gloriosa Model Christmas Tree Stand Musical Player with Records
Located in Lisse, NL
Highly collectible Kalliope record player / Christmas tree stand with 19 metal discs.
This museum quality and condition music player and Christmas tree stand into one could be the ideal gift for yourself or for a friend. If you love the most wonderful time of the year and you have a passion for antique music playing devices then maybe you should be the next custodian of this striking Gloriosa model with its original, cast iron tree holder and crank. This best-condition-that-we-have-ever-seen player, which again looks so much better in real life than in our photos, comes with as much as 19 antique metal...
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H 11.8 in W 17.3 in D 13.8 in
Biedermeier collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Biedermeier collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, 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, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Biedermeier collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 $609 and tops out at $95,000 while the average work can sell for $1,544.
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