This antique bronze trinket dish features a striking mountaineering-themed design, depicting a detailed boot adorned with a traditional alpine hat, ice axe, and edelweiss. The underside is marked “Clus – 1917.”
It would make a wonderful addition to any cabinet of curiosities, but could just as easily serve as a stylish ashtray or decorative catchall.
Despite being over a century old, the piece remains in good condition. Over time, it has developed a rich, natural patina that enhances both its charm and authenticity.
These objects may look like ordinary stones at first glance, but they are in fact fossilized ear bones (tympanic bullae) from early whale species. Over the course of millions of years, these dense bones mineralized into the remarkable specimens they are today.
Because of their distinctive shape, weight, and smooth texture, whale ear bones are among the most fascinating and recognizable marine fossils.
They would make exceptional additions to any fossil collection, natural history display, or cabinet of curiosities!
These early glacier cleats were used by mountaineers to gain traction on icy slopes, with the sharp spikes preventing slips as they were strapped beneath their boots. Hand-forged and made in France in the 1930s, they feature robust metal construction and once came with leather straps. The front is marked “Parachute Breveté SGDG”, referencing a French patent designation from that era.
This vintage pair would make a striking decorative piece — perfect for displaying on the wall of a cabin, lodge, or alpine-themed interior.
After nearly a century, the crampons remain in good condition. They have been carefully treated with antique wax to protect the surface and give them a subtle natural sheen. The original leather straps, however, are no longer present.
This vintage ice axe was produced in Chamonix in the 1950s by the renowned French mountaineer and equipment maker Claudius Simond, a respected figure in the Mont Blanc region. The blade still carries the original maker’s stamp – a clear mark of authenticity and heritage.
Once an essential tool for navigating icy alpine terrain, it now stands as a remarkable piece of mountaineering history. It would make a striking decorative element in any interior, or a unique highlight in a collection of vintage sporting gear or alpine memorabilia.
After nearly a century, the ice axe remains in worn but solid condition. Years of use have given it a rugged, oxidized patina that enhances its historical character. To preserve its surface, it has been treated with antique wax, adding both protection and a subtle sheen.
This unique piece of folk art depicts the head of a musk ox, crafted from the occiput – the part of the skull that connects to the spine – of a prehistoric cave bear. It originates from Ariège, a mountainous region in southern France known for its many caves where cave bear remains are frequently found. While the bone itself is prehistoric, the painted artwork was likely created sometime in the 20th century.
This striking object would make a perfect addition to any cabinet of curiosities or collection of folk art and fossils!
Measurements:
Width: 6.5 cm
Height: 3.5 cm
Depth: 5 cm
This unique ibex console was traditionally hand carved in the Black Forest region, renowned for its rich heritage in woodcraft. It is a fine example of the exceptional craftsmanship that made the area world famous, featuring intricate detailing and striking glass eyes that lend it a lifelike presence.
Its expressive character and authentic finish make it a perfect piece for displaying in a cabinet of curiosities, on your wall, or as part of any folk art collection.
After more than a century, the console shows only minor signs of age and wear. In my opinion, the natural patina it has developed over time only enhances its unique charm and authenticity. There is a small repair visible on the right corner.
Measurements:
Heigth: 18 cm
Width: 17 cm
Length: 13 cm
This French made hunting bag dates back to the 1930s and was traditionally used by hunters to carry small game and cartridges. It features multiple compartments, a netted section for transporting rabbits or birds, and an adjustable leather shoulder strap. The brown leather—with its subtle crocodile-style pattern, gives the bag a classic and rugged appearance.
It would also make a striking decorative piece, especially in a cabin, lodge, or hunting-themed interior.
After nearly a century, the bag is in used condition and shows signs of wear. Over the years, it has developed a beautiful patina that adds to its charm, though the leather has become fragile with age. The net originally used for carrying game is torn in several places. Due to its delicate condition, I would not recommend using the bag for practical purposes.
Measurements:
Width: 37 cm
Height: 30 cm
Depth: 7 cm
Vintage head mount of a goliath tigerfish – ‘Hydrocynus goliath’
This species looks as if it swam straight out of prehistory, yet it is a real predator that still inhabits the African Congo River today. With its huge razor-sharp teeth, streamlined body, and powerful dorsal fin, it is a true apex predator. The head is mounted on a naïvely shaped wooden plaque.
This trophy mount would make a striking addition to any taxidermy collection or cabinet of curiosities!
After many years, the head mount is in worn condition and shows signs of age. Over time, it has developed a beautiful patina that only adds to its character.
Measurements:
Height: 25 cm
Width: 16 cm
Depth: 14 cm
This charming 1934 oil painting depicts a black shaggy dog named “Dumbar”. The dog’s distinctive posture, combined with the earthy tones and the rough painterly technique, gives the piece its characteristic appeal. The portrait is painted on a wooden panel, signed by the artist in the lower right corner, and comes in its original classic wooden frame.
This antique painting would make the perfect decorative piece for any cabin, lodge, or cottage.
Even after nearly a century, the painting remains in good vintage condition, showing signs of age and wear. Over the years, it has developed a beautiful patina that adds even more character and charm.
This vintage sailor’s knife was crafted by Rich. A. Herder in Solingen, Germany, a city world renowned for its high quality blades. The knife features a folding steel blade and an oak handle with a characteristic anchor inlay, symbolizing its nautical heritage.
It’s the perfect pocket knife for everyday tasks or as a collectible piece for maritime enthusiasts.
After nearly a century, the knife remains in used condition, showing signs of age and wear consistent with its history. It has been carefully treated with antique wax to protect the surface and provide a subtle, natural sheen.
Length with blade folded in: 10 cm
Length with blade folded open: 18 cm
Vintage 60s display case with mounted leg bones of a pig
This anatomical specimen was used for educational purposes in a French high school for approximately 60 years. It was mounted and produced by a Paris based company specializing in laboratory installations and educational anatomical models.
This unusual piece would make a striking addition to any taxidermy collection, veterinary display, or cabinet of curiosities.
Even after more than half a century, the display case remains in good vintage condition, showing only minor signs of age and wear.
Vintage 70s display case with mounted leg bones of a pony
This anatomical specimen was used for educational purposes in a Dutch high school for nearly 50 years. It was mounted and produced in Warsaw by the Polish company Biofiz, which specialized in manufacturing biological models and anatomical teaching specimens.
This unusual piece would make a striking addition to any taxidermy collection, veterinary display, or cabinet of curiosities.
Even after more than half a century, the display case remains in good vintage condition, showing only minor signs of age and wear. The glass cover shows a tiny crack on top.
Measurements:
Height: 47,5 cm
Width: 23 cm
Depth: 13 cm
