Curios

From museum-worthy rarities to naively made folk art: antique curiosities, relics and oddities for your own cabinet of curiosities.

Showing 25–36 of 150 resultsSorted by latest

Antique Early 1900s Wooden Bas Relief
€125.00
Antique early 1900s wood bas relief

This unique antique bas-relief was hand carved in France in the early 20th century and depicts an idyllic rustic hunting scene featuring a fox and two ducks. The naïve and charming carving style gives the scene a wonderfully folk art character, while the matching wooden frame completes its rustic appearance.

The combination of the hand carved details, hunting subject and naïve craftsmanship makes this a particularly charming decorative piece. It would be a wonderful addition to a cabinet of curiosities, country style interior, rustic home, or collection of antique folk art.

After more than a century, the relief remains in good antique condition while showing various authentic signs of age and use. Over the decades, the wood has developed a beautiful natural patina that only enhances its character and charm. The original varnish has also developed a distinctive network of age-related cracks across the surface, adding further depth and authenticity to its appearance.

Measurements:
Height: 32 cm
Width: 26.5 cm
Depth: 2.2 cm

Product code: #02187-26-C

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Vintage 70s Prosthetic Arm
€295.00
Vintage 70s prosthetic arm

This fascinating vintage prosthetic arm was made in France in 1975. The unusual mechanical design features a lower arm with several rotating points, a functional joint, and a claw-like terminal device that can be opened and closed. Its industrial appearance and mechanical construction make it a particularly striking example of mid-20th-century prosthetic technology.

Rather than simply being a medical device, this unusual piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the development of prosthetics and the ingenuity of mechanical design during the 1970s. Its distinctive appearance makes it an especially interesting display piece for collectors of medical history, vintage technology and curiosities.

An extraordinary oddity that would make a unique addition to a medical collection, cabinet of curiosities, or eclectic interior.

After almost half a century, the prosthesis remains in good vintage condition and shows only minor signs of age and use. The mechanical components retain their original appearance, with some subtle traces of wear that are consistent with its age and history.

Measurements:
Total length: 60 cm
Length upper arm: 34 cm
Length lower arm: 25.5 cm

Product code: #02178-26-C

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Antique 19th Century French Fleam Knife
€70.00
Antique 19th Century French Fleam Knife

This rare medical instrument was crafted in the late 1800s by the French maker Minel. A in l’Illebonne. Fleam knives were commonly used by vets, physicians and barbers for bloodletting, a now obsolete practice once believed to “relieve stress from the heart” and treat various ailments.

Today, it stands as a fascinating relic of medical history – a tangible reminder of how different healthcare once was. It would make a remarkable addition to any medical collection, museum display, or cabinet of curiosities.

After more than a century, this fleam remains in used condition. It shows light signs of wear consistent with age, and over the years it has developed a oxidized patina that enhances its character and authenticity.

Measurements:
Length: 11.5 / 21.5 cm

Product code: #02113-26-G

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Antique 1930s Folk Art Wooden Wall Panel
€125.00
Antique 1930s folk art wooden wall panel

This unique wooden wall panel is a beautiful example of French folk art from the 1930s. Hand carved with great attention to detail, it depicts a charming woodland scene populated by various native bird species. The naturalistic carving and rustic character reflect the craftsmanship and decorative traditions of the period.

The panel is presented in an elegant wooden frame, making it ready to display and an attractive addition to a vintage, country-style, or rustic interior. Rich in character and craftsmanship, this piece would look wonderful in a living room, study, hunting lodge, or as part of a collection of folk art and natural history-inspired décor. A decorative and characterful piece of French folk art with timeless appeal.

After almost a century, the panel remains in worn but stable condition, displaying age-related signs of use consistent with its history. Over the years, it has developed a beautiful patina that enhances its authenticity and charm. The piece has been treated against woodworm, carefully cleaned, and finished with antique wax to preserve and highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and condition report.

Measurements:
Width: 61 cm
Height: 37.5 cm

Product code: #02112-26-C

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Antique 19th Century Lacquer Stamp
€165.00
Antique 19th century wax stamp

This elegant antique wax seal stamp dates to the late 19th century and was crafted in France. Made of bronze, it features a finely detailed handle in the form of a griffin’s claw clutching a sphere, a striking motif typical of the decorative craftsmanship of the period.

The seal matrix is engraved with a monogram composed of the letters Z and A, suggesting that it was once used as a personal seal for correspondence and official documents.

Rich in character and historical charm, this piece would make a wonderful addition to a cabinet of curiosities, writing desk, or collection of antique seals and decorative objects. A charming and decorative example of 19th century French craftsmanship.

After more than a century, the stamp remains in good antique condition and displays expected signs of age and use. The bronze has acquired a beautiful oxidized patina over the years, enhancing its authenticity and appeal. The fine details of the griffin claw and engraved monogram remain clearly visible.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and condition report.

Measurements:
Length: 8.5 cm

Product code: #02122-26-C

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Antique Early 1900s Black Forest Photo Album
€175.00
Antique 19th century Black Forest photo album

This charming antique photo album was traditionally handcrafted in the renowned Black Forest region of Germany, an area celebrated for its exceptional woodcarving traditions. It features a beautifully hand-carved wooden cover combined with a leather binding, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Black Forest artisans became famous. The carved cover depicts two ibexes, rendered with remarkable detail and character. The expressive carving and naturalistic design are characteristic of traditional Black Forest work from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The album retains its original brass clasp, adding both functionality and authenticity to the piece.

Inside, several pages still contain original black and white photographs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past and adding to the album’s historical appeal. Whether preserved as a photographic keepsake or displayed as a decorative object, this piece serves as a tangible reminder of a bygone era.

A piece like this provides a striking way to present photographs and would make a wonderful addition to a collection of Black Forest antiques, folk art, photography memorabilia, or a cabinet of curiosities. Its craftsmanship, age, and character make it a true conversation piece.

After more than a century, the album remains in good antique condition. It displays expected signs of age and use, consistent with its history. The warm patina acquired over decades of handling and display only enhances its charm, authenticity, and decorative appeal.

Measurements:
Heigth: 15 cm
Width: 13 cm
Depth: 5.5 cm

Product code: #02111-26-C

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Antique Early 1900s Bronze Vide Poche
€85.00
Antique early 1900s French ashtray

This authentic French ashtray dates from the beginning of the 20th century and features a striking Art Nouveau design depicting an eagle. Elegant and well balanced in form, it is a fine example of the decorative arts of the period.

Originally intended as an ashtray, it now serves beautifully as a decorative object for a cabinet of curiosities or as a stylish catchall for small valuables such as keys, coins, or jewelry.

After more than a century, the piece remains in good antique condition. Over time, it has developed a beautiful oxidized patina that enhances its character, authenticity, and visual appeal while preserving the fine details of the design.

Measurements:
16 x 9.5 cm

Product code: #02115-26-C

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Antique 30s Meccano Toy Plane
€195.00
Vintage 30’s Meccano tin toy airplane

This rare antique toy plane was manufactured by Meccano in Liverpool, England, during the 1930s. A true collector’s item, it showcases the craftsmanship and design that made Meccano a household name in model construction and toys.

With its timeless charm, this airplane would make a perfect decorative piece – whether suspended from the ceiling in a boy’s room, displayed in a man cave, or added to a vintage toy collection.

Being nearly a century old, the plane remains in used condition and shows signs of wear. Over time, it has developed a beautiful patina, giving it a unique character that only adds to its appeal.

Measurements:
length: 37 cm
width: 47 cm
heigth: 12.5 cm

Product code: #02096-26-C

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Antique 19th Century Forged Branding Iron
€85.00
Antique 19th Century branding iron

This antique branding iron was hand forged in the 19th century and bears a distinctive farmer’s mark depicting a horseshoe topped with a cross, once used for branding cattle. While I certainly do not condone the original use of such devices today, it nevertheless remains a fascinating and authentic historical relic.

It would make a unique addition to any cabinet of curiosities, folk art collection, or display of rustic historical items.

After more than a century, the branding iron remains in good condition. Over the years, the metal has developed a subtle oxidized patina that beautifully enhances its rugged, rustic character. The piece has been treated with antique wax to protect the surface and give it a gentle sheen.

Length: 40 cm

Product code: #02095-26-C

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Antique Early 1900s Arab Lead Toy Figures
€150.00
Antique early 1900s German lead toy figures

These characteristic lead toy figures were produced by the renowned German manufacturer George Heyde in the early 20th century and are finely cold painted by hand. The set depicts three Arab men in traditional attire: one seated on a lion’s hide, another resting beside a dromedary, and a third standing figure holding a jug.

Rich in detail and full of character, these figures beautifully reflect the fascination with Orientalist themes that was popular in European decorative arts and toy production during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A highly decorative and collectible set, they would make wonderful additions to a cabinet of curiosities, antique toy collection, or early miniature display.

After more than a century, the figures remain in used antique condition and show clear signs of age and wear consistent with their history. Over time, they have developed a beautiful patina that enhances their charm and authenticity. The standing figure holding the jug has been repaired in two places: at the neck and at the waist. Despite these restorations, the set retains an attractive overall appearance and strong decorative value.

Product code: #02077-26-C

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Antique 1914 WWI Memorial Vide Poche
€95.00

Antique 1914 WWI Belgian Memorial Vide Poche

This antique brass vide poche, or trinket dish, was made in 1914 during the First World War in the Belgian town of Ypres, which stood at the very heart of the trench warfare on the Western Front. The dish depicts a Belgian lion facing a German eagle, symbolising the conflict between the two nations during the Great War.

A remarkable commemorative piece of wartime history, it would make a unique addition to any WWI, militaria, or historical collection.

After more than a century, the trinket dish remains in good condition, showing authentic signs of age and use. Over the years, the brass has developed a rich patina that only enhances its historical charm and character. The piece has been treated with antique wax to protect the surface and give it a subtle sheen.

Measurements:
Width: 16 cm
Depth: 10.5 cm
Height: 1.5 cm

Product code: #02093-26-C

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Antique 19th Century Forged Branding Iron
€85.00
Antique 19th Century branding iron

This antique branding iron was hand forged in the 19th century and bears a distinctive farmer’s mark depicting the letters J & R, once used for branding cattle. While I certainly do not condone the original use of such devices today, it nevertheless remains a fascinating and authentic historical relic.

It would make a unique addition to any cabinet of curiosities, folk art collection, or display of rustic historical items.

After more than a century, the branding iron remains in good condition. Over the years, the metal has developed a subtle oxidized patina that beautifully enhances its rugged, rustic character. The piece has been treated with antique wax to protect the surface and give it a gentle sheen.

Length: 43 cm

Product code: #02094-26-C

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