$8,800 / set
Pair of Nuu-Chah-Nulth Model Totems
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
This matched pair of Nuu-chah-nulth model poles each feature thunderbirds, wolves, lightning snakes and eagles. The poles are nearly identical and vary only in minute details and color choices. The thunderbirds...
Cedar
$1,195
Speedboat Half Model
Located in Norwell, MA
Naval architect's builder half model of a double ended launch or speedboat. Built of several laminated lifts. Mounted to a painted backboard. Weight: 0.6 lbs. Overall Dimensions:...
Wood
$6,195Sale Price|25% Off
Micromosaic of Shepherd, Early 19th Century
Located in Paris, FR
Rectangular micromosaic plate featuring a shepherd, seated and resting with his dog at his feet. The shepherd is wearing a woolen cloak over his colorful clothes. He is holding a hat in his left hand and his staff in his right. A wicker basket at his feet is filled with a bouquet of flowers and a bunch of grapes. This pastoral theme is characteristic of the micromosaic production of Gioacchino...
Stone
Late Regency Childs Yew and Elm Windsor Armchair
Located in Essex, MA
Typical form with bow back and pierced baluster splat, turned legs and crinoline stretcher.
Elm, Yew
Wire Sculpture by Marcello Fantoni for Raymor
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A bronze wire sculpture of a prancing horse on a wooden base.
Metal
$8,250 / set
Pair of 1930s Tlingit Totems
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Tlingit culture is divided into two moieties, or groups: Eagles and Ravens. These groups, also called clans, are exogamous – which means they marry out to the other group – and are m...
Cedar
Rococo South German Miniature Marquetry and Parquetry Commode, Mid-18th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The three drawers lined with jacquard silk pattern.
Wood
Lugger Lifeboat Model by Twyman for the International Exhibition, London, 1862
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Lugger lifeboat model by Twyman for the International Exhibition, London 1862. The planked and pinned hull of this lifeboat has a lead keel, bilge keels, a wooden rudder with a yoke, gesso-coated canvas wales and a grab line. It is fitted internally with a forward compartment enclosing a stove and glazed deck lights, seats, covered hatches with copper strapping, a bilge pump with a handle, mast securing points, a metal anchor with a buoy and other details, together with a quantity of furled masts and rigging, a silk flag, and other accessories. The bow has ‘Sunbeam/Friend of all Nations’ and the stern has ‘Ramsgate’, painted in gold on a black ground. English, 1862. Provenance: H. Twyman (designer/modeller) thence by descent Exhibited: International Exhibition, London 1862, Vol. 2, object no. 2760 The 1862 International Exhibition in London hosted a fine array of exhibits from 28,000 exhibitors, and enjoyed a footfall of 6.1 million (about the same as that of the 1851 Great Exhibition...
Glass, Wood
Pair of marble and malachite obelisks, 18th century
Located in London, GB
Important pair of marble obelisks, malachite, white marble, old yellow marble, and gilded bronze decorations. They follow the taste of the Grand Tour, when miniatures of Roman remain...
Malachite, Marble, Bronze
$7,589 / set
Collection of Twenty Metal Dogs of Various Types
Located in London, GB
Collection of twenty metal dogs of various types Continental, circa 1900 Measures: Largest height 6cm, width 16cm, depth 7.5cm Smallest height 4cm, width 7cm, depth 2cm This ch...
Marble, Metal, Bronze
$4,829 / set
Collection of Seven Metal Dogs of Various Types
Located in London, GB
Collection of seven metal dogs of various types Continental, circa 1900 Measures: Largest: Height 17cm, width 27cm, depth 20cm Smallest: Height 6cm, width 13cm, depth 7cm This charming collection contains seven model dogs, each of a different material, from a different country, and of a different species. The collection includes a pair of silvered metal setters, a patinated metal pit bull, and a large gilt bronze spaniel seated on a marble podium.
Metal, Bronze
Spanish 19th Century Terra Cotta Corset Mold
Located in Brecht, BE
A unique find, this glazed terra cotta mold of a corset.
Terracotta
Superb Speedboat Half Model
Located in Norwell, MA
Sleek and beautiful varnished architect's half model of a double ended speedboat. This model is a piece of art. The vessel displays exceptional design. Hul...
Wood
$708 / item
Portal I made in Terracotta
Located in Kolkata, IN
The portal to unknown realms of the intangible. A gentle reminder of our soul cravings. Portal I is made in terracotta, creating that bond between the earth and the vast universe. Th...
Terracotta
Pair of 18th-century Roman-made obelisks in diaspor and portoro
Located in London, GB
This pair of obelisks is an elegant and fine example of decorative art. The pieces combine the use of fine materials such as jasper, portoro marble, and gilded bronze. This pair of o...
Marble, Bronze
19th Century English Oak Miniature Presentation Wheelbarrow
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century oak presentation wheelbarrow Commemorating the Great Western Railway Extension The presentation wheelbarrow carved from oak with finely carved ivy leaves and ...
Oak
18th Century Italian Minature Table Top Exotic Woods Chest
Located in Dallas, TX
An Italian miniature table top commode chest with exotic inlaid woods. Circa 1780-1800. Very fine French polish.
Wood
Novelty Sterling Silver 'Dog' Pepper Pot, London, 2000
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 2000, this charming, sterling silver pepper pot, is fashioned as a dog wearing a hat and collar. The pepper pot mea...
Sterling Silver
'Running' Mask Danh Tribe
Located in Dallas, TX
This wooden Gonveia mask is handmade in the Danh Tribe tradition.
Wood
Silver textile spinning machine
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver textile spinning machine. Metal: Silver. Origin: Dutch. Brand: Espada. Weight: 21.96 grams. Dimensions: 3.5cmx6.2cm. Content: 835/1000. Assay Mark: Yes, since 195...
Silver
$256Sale Price|65% Off
Silver iron w/ applications & reliefs, wooden handle & three-legged cut-out rest
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver iron with applications and reliefs, wooden handle and cut-out rest with three feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Italian. Brand: Arezzo. Weight: 74.62 grams. Dimensions...
Silver
Miniature silver cat lying in a basket
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Miniature silver cat lying in a basket. Metal: Silver. Origin: Italian. Brand: Arezzo. Weight: 12.13 grams. Dimensions: 3.8cmx1.7cm. Content: 9...
Silver
Nickel plated silver miniature cat with drumsticks
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Miniature cat in nickel-plated silver with drumsticks. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Absent. Weight: 49.78 grams. Dimensions: 3.8cmx5.5cm. Content: 925/1000....
Silver
Miniature owl in silver wrapped in hard stone
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Miniature owl in silver surrounding hard stone in a profusely defined body. Metal: Silver. Origin: Brazilian. Brand: SP 988. Weight: 66.52 grams. Dimensions: 3cmx6cm. Co...
Silver
Miniature silver kangaroo
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Miniature silver kangaroo. Metal: Silver. Origin: European. Brand: Absent. Weight: 59.30 grams. Dimensions: 7cmx4.8cm. Content: 925/1000. Assay Mark: Yes. Additional inf...
Silver
Miniature yoke of oxen in gilded silver with filigree mesh
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Miniature yoke of oxen in gilded silver with filigree mesh and enamels, pulling a wine barrel. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: Absent. Weight: 36.26 grams. Dime...
Silver
Miniature silver wagon pulled by oxen
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Miniature silver cart pulled by oxen. Metal: Silver. Origin: Dutch. Brand: Walking Lion. Weight: 59.22 grams. Dimensions: 8.1cmx3.6cm. Cont...
Silver
$191Sale Price|52% Off
Miniature silver banjo
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Miniature silver banjo. Metal: Silver. Origin: European. Mark: Absent. Weight: 19.48 grams. Dimensions: 11cmx2cm. Content: 925/1000. Assay Mark: Absent. Additional infor...
Silver
$420Sale Price|30% Off
Silver filigree caravel with three flags and Portuguese symbols
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver filigree caravel with three Portuguese flags and symbols. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: Absent. Weight: 78.64 grams. Dimensions: 15cmx13cm. Content: 83...
Silver
$350Sale Price|30% Off
Mexican hat in silver w/ application & corded friezes w/ raised floral motifs
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Mexican hat in silver with application and corded friezes with raised floral motifs. Metal: Silver. Origin: European. Brand: Unknown. Weight: 49.57 grams. Dimensions: 10...
Silver
$455Sale Price|30% Off
Silver filigree caravel with enameled sails and cut-out base
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver filigree caravel with enameled crosses on the sails and mast, resting on a cut-out base. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: Absent. Weight: 63.99 grams. Dim...
Silver
$420Sale Price|30% Off
Silver filigree caravel with crosses on sails and scalloped base
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver filigree caravel with crosses on the sails and masts, standing on a cut-out base. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: Absent. Weight: 50.91 grams. Dimensions...
Silver
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Ostrich - a Pair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Boho Chic with a Twist: Vintage Glazed Ceramic Ostriches - A Pair. Add a dash of eclectic charm to your space with these American-inspired treasures, embodying bohemian flair and art...
Ceramic
Vintage 20th Century Italian Multi Layer Wooden Horse Sculpture c.1980
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Vintage 20th Century Italian pine horse sculpture, created using the layered wood technique, where individual pieces are stacked to form the curves of the horse’s body. This piece or...
Pine
Ten Piece Set of 20th Century Rococo Style Continental 800 Silver Doll Furniture
Located in Middleburg, VA
Ten Piece Set of 20th Century Rococo Style Silver Doll Furniture Grouping of continental 800 silver doll furniture, each miniature exquisitely rendered ...
Silver
There’s a place in every room for antique and vintage models and miniatures to fit in as small pieces of decor with character. Given their diversity of design, they are well suited to fit any style of space. From boats and spaceships to animals and race cars, there is a model for every taste.
Among the earliest known uses of miniatures are models found in Egypt dating back to 3,000 B.C. They were placed in pyramids as part of religious ceremonies. Elsewhere in the ancient world, small-scale architectural models were used in burial rituals. Since then, people have made miniaturized models for a variety of purposes.
Around the turn of the last century, toy companies created sought-after miniatures like trains. In the 1930s, airplane model kits took off in popularity. Later, Pop artists helped turn these kid treasures into a higher art form, such as Andy Warhol’s 1983 Toy Paintings.
Many people now use miniatures to decorate. Miniatures and models can be a playful accent, especially in areas of leisure, like a living room, salon or bedroom. Some collect miniatures to show off a range of favorite passions, while others focus on one type of model to add sophistication to their home.
Models can depict animals, people or places — as they do for an interactive project called Gulliver’s Gate in New York — and can contribute to the curation of a space or express a personality. Connoisseurs can find folk art and historical miniatures from every era. They have been created in classic and modern designs ranging from kitsch collectibles to old-world oddities.
Explore the collection of models and miniatures on 1stDibs today to build your collection and bring whimsical joy to your home.