Aviation Objects
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Aviation Objects For Sale
Antique Wood Banks Maxwell Airplane Propeller w Brass Tips
Located in New York, NY
Banks Maxwell Propeller Company was a renowned American propeller manufacturer. Founded in the early 20th century, it played a significant role in aviation history, providing propellers for various aircraft models. This antique wooden Banks...
Category
20th Century American Industrial Aviation Objects
Materials
Steel
Concord, British Airways Aeroplane Model
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Rare Vintage 1:36 6' British Airways Concorde Aeroplane Model
A very fine and rare vintage fibreglass and resin composite 1:36 scale model of ...
Category
1990s British Aviation Objects
Materials
Resin, Fiberglass
Mid Century Swiss Air DC-8 Chrome Plated Ashtray
By Buhler
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing a Collector's Dream: Rare 1960s Swiss Air Chrome-Plated Ashtray with a DC8 Airplane Model!
Are you ready to own a piece of aviation history that's not just functional bu...
Category
1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Swiss Air Boeing 747 Chrome Plated Ashtray
By Buhler
Located in Weesp, NL
Presenting the Ultimate Collectible: Rare Mid-Century Modern Swiss Air Ashtray with a Boeing 747 Model!
Imagine owning a piece of aviation history an...
Category
1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Concorde Model Supersonic Aircraft
Located in Paris, FR
Model supersonic concorde aircraft
with structure and base in polished aluminum.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Supermarine Spitfire Airplane Model, Desk Sculpture, U.K. 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Supermarine Spitfire Airplane Model, desk / counters / sculpture.
Made in United Kindom 1930´s. Perfect Gift for any pilot or aviation fan.
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British ...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Art Deco Dewoitine Wooden Counters Desk Model Airplane 1930s French
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco Dewoitine Wooden Counters Desk Model Airplane 1930s French.
The Dewoitine was a Art Deco 1930s French eight-passenger airliner built by Dewoitine.
The Airplane was an all-metal cantilever low-wing monoplane. The pilot and co-pilot were seated side by side in a cabin located forward of the wing leading edge. A radio operator station was located behind the pilots, and it had a passenger cabin for eight passengers. The landing gear had trouser-type fairings on the main gear legs.
The aircraft first flew on 11 July 1933 powered by three Hispano-Suiza 9V radial engines...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Aviation Objects
Materials
Marble, Brass
Art Deco French Caudron, Renault Desk Airplane Model, Late 1930´s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
French Caudron - Renault Desk Airplane Model. Late 1930´s.
Made of Lacquered Wood and Polished Aluminium
The C.710 were a series of light fighter aircraft developed by Caudron-Re...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
21st Century Leather Poseidon Round Bathroom Set Made in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
It’s easy to understand why they are called best seller.
This is our Poseidon round bathroom set entirely covered in soft and waterproof genuine leather. Our Rialto tray, together with a round soap dispenser, a toothbrush holder, a cotton pad holder and a small box for rings to create a complete set. Five accessories with simple and minimal design perfect for contemporary and traditional bathroom suites.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Chrome
Midcentury Spitfire Fighter Aircraft Model
Located in Weesp, NL
Beautiful metal fighter airplane model of the legendary Spifire which was produced from 1938-1948.
The Spitfire was designed as a short-range, high-performance interceptor aircraft ...
Category
1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Metal
Prototype Design for an Aircraft Propeller Hub
Located in London, GB
A laminate mahogany prototype design for an aircraft propeller hub, circa 1935.
Measures: Height: 31.5 cm - 12 inches.
Diameter: 23 cm - 9 inc...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aviation Objects
Materials
Mahogany
Pan Am Boeing 707 Model Aircraft, circa 1958
Located in London, GB
An exceptional large scale vintage fiberglass and resin composite promotional model of a Boeing 707 in Pan Am’s iconic livery on original steel and cast iro...
Category
1950s American Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Steel, Iron
Large French Chrome Desktop Model of Douglas DC3
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Large French chrome desktop model of Douglas DC3
A super piece and a great desk ornament for the desk that has everything else
This model was displayed b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Midcentury MiG-17 High Subsonic Fighter Airplane Model
Located in Weesp, NL
Rare midcentury chrome-plated brass MiG-17 fighter jet airplane model. The MiG-17 was first build in the USSR in 1952.
Though the MiG-17 still strongly resembles its forebear, it had an entirely new thinner and more highly swept wing and tailplane for speeds approaching Mach 1...
Category
1950s Russian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Brass
Folk Art Wooden Hand Carved and Painted WW2 Lancaster Bomber Model Airplane
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This handcrafted Folk Art model of a Lancaster Bomber is signed on the base, but the artist could not be identified so is posted as Unknown. This wooden airplane model...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Folk Art Aviation Objects
Materials
Softwood
Concorde Supersonic Model
Located in Paris, FR
Model Concorde supersonic with light wooden body and
all covered with riveted aluminium foil. On polished stainless
steel base with item's descri...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Art Deco Era "Exhibit's Contact" Military Aircraft Pinball Machine Back Glass
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage back glass was made by Exhibits of the United States and titled "Contacts" in 1939 in the period Art Deco style. This back glass depicts bi-planes flying around an aircr...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Aviation Objects
Materials
Glass
Model of an Early Communications Satellite
Located in London, GB
A cased model of an early British Hawker Siddeley Dynamics satellite concept, relating to the ELDO Europa rocket, circa 1966.
The model is accompanied by a Royal Aircraft Establis...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Aviation Objects
Materials
Plastic
Art Deco Pan-Am DC3 Wooden Airplane Desk Model, Midcentury
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Art Deco / midcentury large DC3 desk aviation model.
Pan-Am wooden airplane model.
It was in an office of the company in South America.
Very good restored conditions. Slight age wear.
History
Pan American Airways began the first transatlantic passenger service on this day in 1939. Pan American World Airways, as it was to be known, commonly known as Pan Am, was the principal United States international air carrier from the late 1920s until its collapse on December 4, 1991. Founded in 1927 as a scheduled air mail and passenger service operating between Key West, Florida, and Havana, Cuba, the airline became a major company credited with many innovations that shaped the international airline industry, including the widespread use of jet aircraft, jumbo jets, and computerized reservation systems.
The history of Pan American Airways is inextricably linked to the expansive vision and singular effort of one man – Juan Trippe. An avid flying enthusiast and pilot, Trippe, only 28 years old when he founded the airline, lined up wealthy investors and powerful government officials from his personal acquaintances in the high-society of the 1920s. However, Pan Am’s first flight was an inauspicious start to its epic saga.
In 1927, facing a Post Office deadline for the commencement of mail carriage, Pan Am had no working equipment for its sole airmail contract between Key West and Havana. Fortunately for Pan Am, a pilot with his Fairchild seaplane arrived at Key West and was willing to carry the mail to Cuba for the start up operation. It is fitting that Pan Am’s first flight would be over water, since the airline would Pioneer overseas routes throughout its history.
Pan Am’s fortunes took a turn for the better in the fall of 1927. Through the heavy lobbying efforts of Juan Trippe, Pan Am was selected by the United States government to be its “chosen instrument” for overseas operations. Pan Am would enjoy a near monopoly on international routes. Added to Pan Am’s Cuba route were lines serving Mexico, Central America, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Most of these destinations were port cities, which could be reached only by landing on water. Therefore Pan Am made good use of its “flying boats,” the Sikorsky S-38 and S-40. Flights were eventually expanded to serve much of South America as well.
EnlargePan Am’s fleet of Clippers allowed the airline to conquer the Pacific in the mid-1930s. The flying boats would later be put to military use in WWII.
Just a few years later, Pan Am launched its effort to cross the world’s largest oceans. Survey flights across the Pacific were conducted with the Sikorsky S-42 in 1935, but passenger service required bigger and better aircraft. Accompanied by much fanfare, the Martin M-130 was introduced in 1936, followed by the Boeing 314...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Wood
"Northrop P61-B Black Widows" by Jack Fellows, Original Oil Painting on Masonite
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original oil painting on Masonite (panel) titled Northrop P61-B Black Widows. The artist, Jack Fellows, signed the painting along the bott...
Category
Early 2000s American Aviation Objects
Materials
Paint
Switzerland Aircraft Bar Trolley
Located in Paris, FR
Trolley Switzerland aircraft bar, unique design, Swiss
white cross. Trolley on wheels with lock option included.
Available with full red front door or wit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Aviation Objects
Materials
Stainless Steel
Antique Original Midcentury Metal Airplane Propellor with Nosecone
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A wonderful original midcentury metal airplane propellor with nosecone. This piece was the prized possession of a retired Vietnam Air force officer ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
"Stars & Bars, A Tribute to the American Fighter Ace, " Signed by Thirteen Aces
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Olynyk, Frank. Stars & Bars: A Tribute to the American Fighter Ace 1920-1973. London: Grub Street, 1995. Deluxe Limited edition signed by author and 13 Fighter Aces. Original dust ja...
Category
1950s American Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Paper
Air Force B-2 Bomber Desk Model
Located in San Diego, CA
Air Force B-2 Bomber desk model, circa 1989. A very cool piece made of high quality plastic measuring 11" wide on a walnut base. The bomber is marked "Northr...
Category
Late 20th Century American Aviation Objects
Materials
Plastic, Walnut
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Bush Plane Model on Custom Mount
Located in Chicago, IL
A wonderful and charming early 20th century American bush plane model constructed with painted canvas stretched over a wooden skeleton, and mounted on a custom steel mount.
Category
1940s American Folk Art Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Canvas, Wood
Spitfire Model on Stand in Aluminium Silver Polished
Located in Paris, FR
Desk model Spitfire all in solid aluminium in
highly polished silver finish.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary English Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum, Silver
DC-3 Dakota Aircraft Reduced Model Scale, Model 1936
Located in Paris, FR
DC-3, Dakota aircraft reduced model scale model.
Handcrafted in aluminium foil,
with engraved metal rivets, 1936.
.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Ford Aircraft Model Trimotor in Aluminium
Located in Paris, FR
Trimotor aircraft model Ford handcrafted in aluminum.
Manufactured between 1926 and 1933 by Ford's own
factory. Wingspan: 102cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Handcrafted Thick Sheet Metal Folk Art Chopper / Army Helicopter Model Pendant
Located in Lisse, NL
Ultimate man cave decoration that could also be turned into a light fixture.
This perfect size and all-handcrafted model helicopter was made on one of Holland's airbases. It is a on...
Category
20th Century Dutch Aviation Objects
Materials
Sheet Metal
Old Charles Model Aeroplane Transparent Spad Plane Type
Located in Paris, FR
Model Old Charles aeroplane transparent spad plane type,
Small-scale model of Guynemers plane, handmade with wood,
cotton sheet and aluminium leaf.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Spitfire Aircraft AP456 Reduced Model
Located in Paris, FR
Spitfire aircraft model AP456 reduced model.
Handcrafted in aluminum foil
with engraved metal rivets, replica from 1936.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Chrome Rivet Aircraft Bar Trolley
Located in Paris, FR
Aircraft bar trolley chrome rivet, unique design riveted
chrome integral. Trolley on wheels. With 1 drawer in anodized
aluminium and with 3 shel...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Aviation Objects
Materials
Stainless Steel
Lindbergh His Story in Pictures by Francis Miller, Signed Limited Copy 70 of 250
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Miller, Francis Trevelyan (Charles A Lindbergh). Lindbergh: His Story in Pictures. New York and London: G.P. Putnam's Sons (Knickerbocker Press), 1929. Collector's Edition. Octavo, o...
Category
1920s Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Paper
Black Rivet Aircraft Bar Trolley
Located in Paris, FR
Aircraft bar trolley black rivet, unique design riveted
black integral. Trolley on wheels.
Aircraft bar trolley Black Rivet, price: 8200,00€
With ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Aviation Objects
Materials
Stainless Steel
Triple Helix Blade of a Beechcraft 200 Aircraft
Located in Paris, FR
Triple helix of a Beechcraft 200 aircraft, blade plane Beechcraft 200
Category
Late 20th Century French Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Pair Vintage World War ii Bomber Plane Balloon Tires Prop Accent Sculptures Red
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Strewn some midcentury red and black throughout your interior, they are holding air, great props!
Measures: D 27 x D 7 inches.
Category
1940s German Industrial Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
1960s Large Hanging Light from an Aircraft Hanger with Rose-Gold Colored Cap
Located in London, GB
A large-scale 1960s prismatic glass hanging light formerly used to light aircraft hangers. This ribbed glass shade/reflector can be hang by the copper-...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aviation Objects
21st Century Olimpia Round Bathroom Set Handmade in Italy in Artic Leather
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
Olimpia, in all its beauty.
Our small tray, together with a soap dispenser and a toothbrush holder. A complete set with all the bathroom essentials presented here in a round shape...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Brass
Vickers Viscount 800 Model, Made for KLM, circa 1957
Located in London, GB
An 1950s aluminium model of a Vickers Viscount 800.
This model was produced for the Dutch airline KLM.
The type 800 was an improved variant of the Viscount with an extended fusela...
Category
Mid-20th Century Great Britain (UK) Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
"In Through The Back Door" by William S. Phillips, WWII Themed Lithograph, 1981
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented, is an exciting 1981 color lithograph by William “Billy” Phillips. Titled Through the Back Door, the lithograph depicts an American P-47 Thunderbolt pursuing a Luftwaffe bomber on the famous D-Day of WWII. Also referred to as a “Jug,” the P-47 was the largest and heaviest fighter aircraft powered by only one reciprocating engine. It was armed with four machine guns on each wing making it lethal for ground attacks. The busy scene focuses on the diving P-47 with “Miss Behave” painted on the side, but is full of action throughout the work. Providing a sense of movement, the background is blurred with multiple airplanes both in flight and on the ground. Fire and smoke billow from the field putting the viewer in the middle of the dramatic scene.
The artist, William “Billy” Phillips is a renowned aviation and landscape artist. He is well-recognized and has received many awards for his artwork. Early in his career, Phillips was commissioned by the Royal Jordinian Air Force as an artist and later served as the U.S. Combat Artist. The U.S. awarded Phillips the Navy’s Meritorious Public Service Award and the Air Force Sergeants Association’s Americanism Medal. The celebrated artist additionally won the Art History Award twice and is one of the few individuals to be exhibited in a solo show at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. William Phillip...
Category
1980s American Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Paper
Army Air Forces Poster, "See the Job Through" by Baskerville, WWII Poster, 1945
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This 1945 color poster features an American pilot and a ground crew Staff Sergeant shaking hands and the words “Seeing the Job Through! Enlist in the Regular Army Air...
Category
1940s American Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Paper
Art Deco Wood Propeller Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco wood propeller with barometer.
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Metal
Pair of Vintage Copper Decorative Plates, Italy, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage decorative copper plates is a pair of decorative handcrafted objects realized in Italy in the 1930s to celebrate aviation and parachuting.
It is in line with the futurist celebration of speed, movement and dynamism.
Very good conditions.
Dimensions: Big Eagle plate...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Copper
Two-Seat Aircraft Collector's Item Forain Art Exceptional Piece
Located in Paris, FR
Two seats aircraft Forain Art Collector's item,
metal and painted wood. Year 1930.
Exceptional and unique piece.
Available now.
Category
1930s French Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Wood
Constellation Lockheed L1049 Aircraft Model
Located in Paris, FR
Aircraft model constellation Lockheed L1049,
reduced model, lightweight wooden frame,
handcrafted in aluminum foil, with engraved
metal rivets. Measures: Base height: 26cm.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum, Foil
Aeronautical III Gauge Clock
By Aviation Technology Group
Located in Aspen, CO
During the Great War, from 1914-18, a new kind of art flourished. Hand crafted creations from gifted soldiers and army personnel became known as trench art. They used whatever material was at hand…bullet shells, wood, and fabric, during an era when planes were built from fabric on a frame. Popular fabrications included lighters and clocks made in all shapes and sizes. Our Industrial Style Aviator Clock...
Category
20th Century English Other Aviation Objects
Materials
Metal
Pencil Drawing Depicting a Brandenburg C I WWI Aircraft by Riccardo Cavigioli
Located in Milan, IT
Pencil drawing by Riccardo Cavigioli in the early 1920s depicting a two-seat biplane airplane for reconnaissance Brandenburg C I of 1916, built by Ufag in Budapest. Measure with fram...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Paper
Art Deco Propeller Plane in Carved Wood and Metal
Located in Tilburg, NL
Art Deco Propeller Plane in Carved Wood and Metal
Sometimes you find a piece that is just right…. This Art Deco propeller plane is a wonderful example of a fun and easthetic object....
Category
Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Aviation Objects
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Advertising Mirror "Airliner" San Telmo Cigar Co Bay City Michigan
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Midcentury advertising mirror "Airliner" San Telmo Cigar Co. Bay City Michigan on a chain
Some wear on the edges.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Mirror
21st Century Poseidon Square Bathroom Set Waterproof Leather Handmade in Italy
By Pinetti
Located in Bagnatica, Lombardia
It’s easy to understand why they are called best seller.
This is Poseidon, our square bathroom set entirely covered in soft and waterproof genuine leather. Our Rialto tray, together with a square soap dispenser, a toothbrush holder, and a cotton pad holder with simple and minimal design perfect for contemporary and traditional bathroom suites.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Chrome
Vintage WW2 Era Genco "Four Aces" Military Pilot Pinball Machine Back Glass
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage back glass was made by Genco of the United States for their 'Four Aces" military inspired pinball arcade game. The back glass is presumably silk screened in multiple col...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Aviation Objects
Materials
Glass
Pair of Carl Zeiss Binoculars, 12 X 60
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
WWII Carl Zeiss 12 x 60 Binoculars.
A pair of rare Second World War Carl Zeiss 12 x 60 German ex military binocular director telescope for a 4 m rangefinder. These observation binoculars are mounted onto a new aluminium cradle and gimbal so the whole apparatus can rotate on the vintage adjustable wooden Zeiss tripod. The binoculars are marked 'blc, Beob-F. 12 X 60, fÜr, Em 4m R40, Nr.93, No.239032. They are manufactured by Carl Zeiss with blc being the secret manufacturing code assigned to Zeiss by the German Army Ordnance Department. Adjustment of the interocular distance is by a lever under the left-hand ocular that causes rotation of a circular plate, in which it is eccentrically mounted. It has additional shade settings for the lenses by turning the knob on the left, Farbgläser, bright, medium and dark, the eyepieces can be focused individually. When these WW2 binoculars were in operation connectors for the desiccating apparatus could be fitted on the sides 'Trocken - luft' (dry air).
The optics give outstanding visual clarity. The rubber brow rest (eye rest) can be folded sideways or upwards. Sunshades are fitted that can be flipped into place. This is a fine pair of binoculars with a highly polished finish, giving it a sculptural look. The last image showing is a pair of WW2 photographs...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Aviation Objects
Materials
Metal
Vintage Original Aviation Pencil Drawing Depicting a Brandenburg CI WWI Aircraft
Located in Milan, IT
Pencil drawing representing a two-seat biplane for reconnaissance Brandenburg C I produced in Austria by Phonix in 1917, equipped with a Hiero 200 hp engine and armed with twin machi...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Paper
Boeing Engine part CFM56 Side Table
Located in Paris, FR
Side table Boeing Engine part CFM56 made
with CFM56 engine part in titanium nickel and
aluminium alloy. From Boeing 737 and Airbus A320,
with polished a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum, Nickel
Streamlined Moderne / Mid Century Aviation Desk Paperweight
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Streamlined Moderne / Mid Century Aviation Desk Paperweight.
Fantastic gift for any Airplane Fan.
Silvered Brass Futuristic Airship, mounted over a green marble base.
Very Good cond...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Streamlined Moderne Aviation Objects
Materials
Brass
1970s Lacquered Resin Airplane Model of the House Executive Display Models
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Lacquered Resin Airplane Model of the House Executive Display Models
Category
Late 20th Century English Aviation Objects
Materials
Resin
BOAC Bristol Britannia Model Airliner, circa 1957
Located in London, GB
A wonderful cast aluminium painted model of a Bristol Britannia airplane in BOAC livery, mounted on original stand with wooden base. By Walker's Westway Aircraft Models, circa 1957.
...
Category
1950s British Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Aluminum
Small mahogany wood pocket compass in use WW1 aviation officers
Located in Milan, IT
Piccola bussola da tasca in legno di mogano e ottone in use by British aviation officers during World War I complete with eight-wind rose with goniometric circle and compass needle ...
Category
1910s Vintage Aviation Objects
Materials
Wood
Antique, New and Vintage Aviation Objects
Indulge in the thrill of flight without leaving your home. Find a collection of antique, new and vintage aviation objects on 1stDibs that will unquestionably elevate your interior design.
Whether you’re drawn to scale models of airplanes or detailed technical drawings that depict 20th-century aircraft engineering in general, vintage aviation collectibles are bound to stir conversation and add character to any shelf space or barren wall in your home. As decorative flourishes or sculptural statement-making additions to your home office, living room or elsewhere — from desktop trinkets to authentic fighter-plane propellers positioned as conspicuous wall art that demands attention — aviation objects pay homage to a long history of innovation as well as to the childlike excitement and sense of wonder that persists every time we board a plane.
We’ve trained our eyes on the sky, dreaming of flight, for centuries. While history shows that pioneering aviator duo the Wright brothers wouldn’t leave the ground for a sustained flight in a powered aircraft until the early 1900s, inventors, venturesome industrial designers and artists all over the world were ready for one much sooner.
During the 16th century, Renaissance painter Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook drawings of birds as well as human mechanical flight and famed blueprints for a “flying machine” captured imaginations and inspired future artists. Modern-day aviation fans might take to framing technical drawings and sketches of aircraft for a salon-style hang as a tribute to the history of air travel in their home. The breathtaking mid-century artwork of Italian aviation advertising draftsman Riccardo Cavigioli also makes for rich vintage aviation wall decor, telling stories of human ingenuity in watercolor paintings and pencil sketches.
On 1stDibs, find vintage aviation collectibles made from wood and metal in all shapes and sizes to meet any furniture style and decor plan that you may already have in place.