Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
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
Charlotte Perriand Mid-Century Modern Wood Architectural Piece, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Discover a rare piece of Mid-Century Modern design with this Charlotte Perriand architectural piece, originally designed for Les Arcs France in 1960. Made of high-quality wood, this piece has been carefully preserved in its original condition, with only minor wear consistent with its age and use, which adds to its unique character.
Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999) was a French architect and designer who studied at the École de l'Union centrale des Arts décoratifs from 1920-1925. She collaborated with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret until 1937, designing innovative tubular steel furnishings and system furniture. In 1937, she and Pierre Jeanneret designed a mountain chalet made of sheet aluminium, which they showcased at the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne. She went on to become a design consultant to the Japanese Board...
Category
1960s Spanish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Super King 3-Wheel Roller Skates
Located in Peekskill, NY
This pair of rare midcentury English 3 wheel street skates were produced for only a short time by Davies Steel specialities. They date to the 1960s. This designs advantage is the low centre of gravity, 3 wheel balance...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
DOG MINIATURE 1970 Italian Figure Of A Dog In Solid Textured .925 Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
Figurine of a dog in solid sterling.
This is a beautiful and very well made figurine of a standing dog created in Firenze Italy, back in 1970. The little decorative lovely dog has b...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
$398 Sale Price
20% Off
1960s Rich Yellow Raymor Memphis Ceramic Ashtray in Style of Ettore Sottsass
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful Postmodern rich deep hued yolk yellow deep dish cigar dish/ashtray. Small flea bite to bottom rim, almost invisible when in use. Retain original label, artist unknown. Smal...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
$318 Sale Price
60% Off
Mercury Seven Signed Collage Shepard, Glenn, Carpenter, Cooper, Slayton, Schirra
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
The Mercury Seven, composed of Alan Shepard, Gus Grissom, John Glenn, Deke Slayton, Scott Carpenter, Wally Schirra, and Gordon Cooper, was a group of seven fearless astronauts select...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Illuminating Vintage Plastic Globe, Czechoslovakia 1960s
Located in Zohor, SK
A charming vintage illuminated globe produced in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s. This decorative piece not only serves as a geographical reference but also transforms into a soft ambien...
Category
1960s Slovak Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
I Promessi Sposi by Alessandro Manzoni, Treccani Edition of 1973
Located in Puglia, Puglia
I Promessi Sposi by Alessandro Manzoni - Treccani edition of 1973.
Superb two-volume edition bound in leather, embossed copper cover, work by the s...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Copper
Vintage Hawaiian Shirt, Surf Board and Local Tropical Floral Design, Men
s Large
Located in Incline Village, NV
Made of soft, smooth, rayon and with an authentic sewn in on three sides "Diamond Head Sportswear" label, this vintage Hawaiian shirt is from t...
Category
1970s Hawaiian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric
Brass Tray Holder by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid brass tray holder made in the 1970's and in excellent condition.
The piece is shows well and can be polished if needed.
This is part of the Ball line produced for Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Detmer Woolens Advertising Store Display or Salesman
s Sample Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This promotional advertising store display box was made for the Detmer Woolens Company of the United States in circa 1945. This box was either sent to various clothing retailers or t...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
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 Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Tin
$1,356 Sale Price
20% Off
Rustic Taxidermy White Tail Deer Buck Antlers Horns Dark Wall-Mounted Plaque 70s
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern white tail deer buck antlers, horns on a dark brown wooden wall-mounted plaque.
Great Taxidermy Plaque Mount, wall sculpture for h...
Category
1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Antler, Leather, Wood
Vintage Anatomical Pull Down Chart
Osteology, GH Michel Company
By G.H. Michel Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Anatomical Pull Down Chart 'OSTEOLOGY ,GH Michel Company,Black background,amazing color contrast.Beautifully screened printed,linen backed.S...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Linen, Paper
Midcentury Antique Bisque Porcelain Doll
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury Antique Bisque Porcelain Doll.
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Porcelain
Ettore Sottsass Pink Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, by BD Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shiva ceramic flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona.
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use preserving a b...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
$708 Sale Price / item
30% Off
Stride Toward Freedom by Martin Luther King, Jr., First Edition, 1958
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
King Jr., Martin Luther, Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. New York: Harper & Brothers: 1958. First edition. Presented in the publisher's original boards and dust jacket. ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Antique Set Four Cast Iron Wheels Phoenix Caster Co
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Metal Wheels Cast Iron Casters Phoenix Caster Co IN
Wheel 2.75 h x 3.5 w x 3 d
set of four
Preowned unrestored vintage
Refer to images for...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Iron
1960 Double-Deck Precision Analytical Balance by Galileo Sartorius in Glass Case
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Germany hand-built analytical beam balance scientific scale by Galileo Sartorius. The scale is used to measure both solid and liquid masses (10/100g capacity). Highly sensitive silver cylinders dampen the harmonic motion of the beam balance.
Galileo Sartorius refers to a collaboration between the Italian company Galileo and the German company Sartorius, specifically in the production of high-precision analytical balances...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Iron
Vintage Wooden Mechanical Marble Run Toy
Located in Seattle, WA
Handcrafted from wood, this vintage mechanical marble run toy showcases clever engineering and precise joinery. The design features a crank mechanism which lifts a metal ball bearing...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Vintage California Green and Brown Ceramic Pottery Round Ashtray
By Edith Heath
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Gorgeous vintage ashtray with a glowing splash in yellow, green and brown colors.
Classic Mid-Century Modern round ashtray in yellow green and brown glazed ceramic, the outside is painted brown but not glazed.
The ceramic tray is in good condition.
This could make an interesting retro trinket tray or small relish dish...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
The Figure Game "The Original Game of Chess" Set in Bronze by Gary Sahl Rare
Located in San Diego, CA
One of a kind! The Figure Game (Siang Ki in Chinese), "The Original Game of Chess as Played in Antiquity" set in bronze by Gary Sahl for the Riggs Gall...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
$7,000 Sale Price
53% Off
Italian 1950s Wicker Half Bust Mannequin
Located in Milan, IT
Italian 1950s wicker half bust mannequin.
Category
1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wicker
Raymor Style Vintage Bronze Black Gold Glazed Ceramic Asymmetric Ashtray Italy
By Raymor
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage glazed black, bronze and gold Ceramic ashtray, vide poche, catchall attributed to Raymor Pottery, Italy.
Handcrafted Pottery Ashtray and a highly decorative asymmetric desig...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Choker Necklace by Christian Dior 1960
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Rare Collector’s Piece – Vintage Christian Dior Necklace with Faceted Glass Crystals, Glass Beads, and Dior Pearls
An absolute collector’s item: a vintage Christian Dior necklace fe...
Category
1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
$1,067 / set
Pair of Miguel Garcia Martinez Modernist Taxco Mexico Sterling Cuff Links
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Miguel Garcia designed modernist cuff links from Taxco Mexico . One Marked " Miguel Mexico " the second marked "925 Sterling " .
Miguel Garcia Martinez was a well known de...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Barley
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Barley
A rare antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 1900. Highly ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Vintage 1998 Philip Treacy Bespoke Unused Pheasant Feather Fascinator Hat
Located in London, England
A stunning bespoke and never worn Philip Treacy fascinator in its original blue box. Original receipt available. The hat is secured onto the head via two metal clips and an elastic...
Category
1990s British Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Mid 20th century vintage BP memorabilia oil dispenser
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Large piece of British motoring history circa 1950.
Was in everyday use when we purchased. Rectangular tall container with removable lid and fully functioning perfect pour shut off...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Advertising Cabinet Leukoplast Beiersdorf, 1950s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Wonderful and rare Mid-Century Modern Vintage cabinet.
Striking German design from the 1950s.
Beech frame with original milk glass with decora...
Category
1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
$714 Sale Price
20% Off
Mid-Century Steel Crucifix
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM steel crucifix with Jesus on the cross, circa 1970s. Nice weight and detail. #4008
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
1970s Orange Plastic Apple Box, Czechoslovakia
Located in Zohor, SK
Playful yet functional, this charming vintage apple-shaped box was produced in the 1970s by Združená výroba Michalovce in former Czechoslovakia. Crafted from vibrant orange plastic, the piece captures the optimistic design language of the era, blending pop art influence with everyday utility.
The box retains its original maker’s stamp on the underside and remains in excellent vintage condition with no damage. Whether used as a quirky desk accessory, a retro ice cube holder...
Category
1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plastic
Early Gilt Bronze Necklace by Line Vautrin
By Line Vautrin
Located in Atlanta, GA
A gilt bronze necklace with chain and a square plaque on the subject of "Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden" with apple tree in the center, designed and made by Line Vautrin in her e...
Category
1930s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Grain
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Grain
A great antique hand-painted model of the grain with removable germ. Made of papier ma...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
MCM Minimalist Walnut Marriage Cross
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM minimalist walnut marriage cross, circa 1960s. The piece measures 12" high x 4" wide and is in very good vintage condition. Great description of what the piece represents on the...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Remote Control Model Airplane
Located in Queens, NY
American (1950s) hand made model airplane with working engine and remote control.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Ceramic Vase of Christ by Losson Belgium
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare glazed ceramic vase decorated with suffering Jesus Christ. signed Losson, circa 1930s. Losson was one of the potteries in the Belgian town of Bouffioulx where Guerin and Biron w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Fendi Umbrella with Gold Logo
By Fendi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful black and gold umbrella by Fendi - signed Fendi Perfumes. In wonderful condition, design works well unisex - full sized with case - sleek han...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Fabric, Resin, Wood
Golf is My Game, Signed by Bobby Jones, Second Edition, 1960
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Jones, Robert (Bobby) Tyre, Jr., Golf Is My Game. New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1960. Second edition, inscribed and signed by Bobby Jones on first free endpaper. Presented in ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Modern Murano Seguso Styled Amethyst Art Glass Cigar Ashtray
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Mid-Century Modern unique art glass cigar ashtray is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in Murano Italy in circa 1965 in the style of Angelo Seguso. The body of the ashtra...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Art Glass
1950s Hargo Creations (HAR) Cobra Snake Parure Necklace Earrings Bracelet Brooch
Located in Hyattsville, MD
1959 Hargo Creations (HAR) Cobra Snake Parure completed with necklace, earrings, bracelet and brooch. This coveted gilt green enamel jeweled cobra snake design is from the HAR Fantasy Collection of 1959. The bracelet, earrings and brooch are each signed HAR, the necklaces from this collection are not signed. This set is intricate, elaborate, and highly crafted. The color is light teal green enamel is accented with glass and aurora borealis rhinestones.
Necklace 16" long and the cobra centerpiece is 4-1/4" wide 2-1/2" at its longest point. The cobra necklace has the gold tone braided chain connecting both sides of the cobra in the front with a slide in clasp that closes securely and tight.
Earrings 1-1/2" x 1-1/4". Clips are strong and tight, very sturdy.
Bracelet has a spring back at its tail. It measures 1-1/2" high at the head and will fit a wrist of 6-1/2-7-1/2.
Brooch is 2-3/4" long and has a turning clasp that is secure.
HAR Jewelry History (1955 - 1967)
Known for excellent enameling and fantastic figural jewelry, including beautifully detailed Oriental figures with imitation ivory faces, exotic genies, cobras, dragons, and blackamoors. Some of the designs include large misshapen crystal cluster stones with an iridescent glow for which HAR is known. Selected pieces of HAR jewelry were featured in the famous 1990’s “Jewels of Fantasy...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
$3,600 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Rare Mid-Century Modern Austrian Brass Matchbox Holder by Walter Bosse c. 1954
By Walter Bosse
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
A rare 1950s brass matchbox holder by Austrian born designer Walter Bosse, circa 1954.
Perfect for the gentleman or lady smoker and could also be used ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Vintage Wood Survey Measuring Large Stick by Lenner
Located in San Diego, CA
Hard to find a rare vintage wood measuring stick by Lenner.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
$460 Sale Price
20% Off
Industrial Philips Speaker
By Philips
Located in Antwerp, BE
An Industrial Philips speaker.
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Ettore Sottsass Pink Ceramic Shiva Flower Vase, by BD Barcelona
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Shiva ceramic flower vase designed by Ettore Sottsass, circa 1973, edited by BD in Barcelona.
In good original condition with minor wear consistent with age and use preserving a b...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
$708 Sale Price / item
30% Off
1950s Vintage Heat Therapy by Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp Cincinnati OH
By Sperti 1
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage 1950s
Vintage 1950s
1950s Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp for Heat Therapy and Sunshine Benefits Untested
Sometimes deemed a medical science...
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal
Large Naval Pulley Table Lamp with Flintlock Pistol, Barometer
Horn
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large early 20th Century naval pulley converted into a table lamp with gentleman’s flintlock pistol, bullets, barometer and powder horn.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Metal, Brass
Sigfredo Pineda Sigi Mid Century Sterling Brooch Pendent
By Sigi Pineda
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A well crafted sterling silver brooch pendent with amoeba shaped design having 8 silver balls of varying sizes to the front. The back round has been oxidized by the artist and the ed...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
1960s, Biomorphic Sea Form Brass Table Dish
By Ben Seibel
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful Animorphic table dish or ashtray, solid brass, hand crafted and polished. Signed.
Category
1960s Indian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
$396 Sale Price
20% Off
Vintage "Miro
s Posters" Art Book Catalogued by Gloria Picazo
By Joan Miró
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage "Miro's Posters" art book catalogued by Gloria Picazo, circa 1980.
The book is in good vintage condition and measures 9.75"W x 11.5"H. #3274
The book is 269 pages with 1...
Category
Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paper
$220 Sale Price
20% Off
Brass and Bloodwood Pipe Holder by Dunhill w/ Silver Medico Pipe
By Dunhill
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Brass and bloodwood pipe holder by Dunhill with silver and wood pipe by Medico.
Measures: Holder: 4.5" x 4" x 4"
Pipe: 3.5" x 1.75" x 5.5".
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass
Aluminum Nuremberg TV Television Tower Scale Design Model, 1980s, German
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Scaled model of the Nuremberg television tower also called Nuremberg Egg (because of the Design). Hand-spun in aluminum. A nice architectural sculpture for every living or man’s room...
Category
1980s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Aluminum
Antique Groton Inn Crest Restaurantware Plate – Early 20th Century Hotelware
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A rare antique porcelain plate bearing the crest of the historic Groton Inn, one of America’s oldest inns, dating back to the 17th century. A fine example of early 20th-century hotelware, this piece showcases the durable yet elegant craftsmanship typical of institutional porcelain used in prestigious establishments.
Design Features:
• Crested Emblem: The plate prominently features the Groton Inn’s crest, with intricate detailing and subtle accents in red and gold, reflecting the inn’s storied history.
• Classic Style: Simple green and gold border lines encircle the rim, adding understated elegance.
• Material: High-quality glazed porcelain with a sturdy, utilitarian design typical of early hospitality tableware. It is very sturdy and feels almost like ironstone.
• The bottom is marked with the maker in green and reads, "Mitchell Woodbury Co., Mayer China, Boston".
Historical Significance:
The Groton Inn, originally established in 1678 in Groton, Massachusetts, was a landmark of American history and culture...
Category
Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Paint
Pair of Vintage Brass and Copper Trench Art Bookends
Located in San Jose, CA
Pair of mid century trench art bookends in copper circa 1950's. Features a rustic hammered texture and bullet casing in patinated brass. The perfect accessory to organize your books or library and pairs well with industrial modern and Scandinavian decor.
Category
1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Brass, Copper
$225 Sale Price / set
35% Off
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Grain Grate
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Grain Grate
A great antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 1900. H...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Lil Abner Dogpatch Band Tin Litho Windup Unique Art Co.
By Unique Art Manufacturing Co.
Located in Highland, IN
This terrific wind-up toy is called "The Dog Patch 4" and features Lil' Abner and the gang playing music and dancing. Made in the mid-1940s by the Unique Art Manufacturing Company In...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Skodje Skern The Oldest Game in the World
By Skodje
Located in New York, NY
Wenge wood game board by Skodje Skern, Denmark, circa 1960.
Game board made from a solid piece of wood, designed for playing "Kahala," one of the earliest known games.
Signed ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Wood
Ceramic Italian Pipe or 420 holder with Illustrated pipes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderfully decorative piece - designed to hold pipes, but works well as a stand alone.
Hand painted in Italy, it is reminiscent of Fornasetti - whimsically painted pipes in bri...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic, Leather, Paint
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of An Ear - Somso ca. 1960
By Somso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of An Ear - Somso ca. 1960
A folding model of an ear. Used as teaching material in German schools ca. 1960. Made of wood and plastic by Somso, Germany.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
925 Sterling Silver B-25 Mitchell Aircraft Brooch w/ Moving Propeller Props
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Vintage B-25 Mitchell bomber brooch with moving propeller props made from 925 sterling silver. The back of the pin-locking clasp and is signed "sterling".
Measurements: 0.75" Tall X...
Category
1940s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Standard Bench Made Dies Steel Stamps Wood Box
By Standard Steel Company
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Standard Bench Made Dies Size 5/32
Steel Stamps Wood Box
Name inscribed on box.
3.5 x 3.5 x 3.75 h
Preowned unrestored original vintage co...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Steel
Mid-century Modern collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Line Vautrin, Dunhill, and Kay Bojesen. 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 $15 and tops out at $130,932 while the average work can sell for $755.
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