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Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Austrian

In Vienna’s Neubau district, a beautiful Biedermeier townhouse has been home to the Werkstätte Carl Auböck for more than 100 years. Inside the workshop, where production continues to this day, countless objects line the shelves, walls, tabletops and desktops.

The Viennese artist and designer Carl Auböck II was one of the quirkiest and most delightful and collectible of modern designers. A rather odd duck in the world of decorative arts, he was a peculiar talent whose specialties included smaller desk accessories and tabletop pieces such as corkscrews, paperweights, letter openers, bookends and bottle stoppers. He rendered these pieces in a combination of metal — most often brass — and such elemental materials as leather, knobby wood and animal horn, creating forms that could be almost Surrealist, from hands and feet to keys, birds and amoebae.

As a boy, Auböck was precocious and artistic. He studied drawing and at the same time trained in the workshop of his father, Karl Heinrich Auböck, a popular maker of traditional bronze figurines and collectibles. In 1919, Carl II went to Germany to study at the Bauhaus, where he was a pupil of the progressive artist and theorist Johannes Itten. While the Bauhaus is most associated with the rigidly ordered, functionalist architecture of its directors Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the school was in reality a liberal, spirited place — a crucible for imaginative, playful and avant-garde art and design. It was this spirit that imbued Carl II’s work from the time he left in 1921.

In 1922 or ’23, Carl Auböck II returned to Vienna to help care for his ailing father, and he took over the business. He created the Werkstätte Carl Auböck and a legacy that earned his objects cult status among collectors. The business was passed on to his descendants, who run the atelier that is still in operation today. Today, objects designed by Carl II make up 90 percent of Werkstätte Carl Auböck’s production, joined by the creations of architect and designer Carl IV, his grandson.

Vintage Auböck designs have a special character, a patina that only emphasizes how much the pieces have been loved and used. Carl Aubock II’s small furniture items — leather- or caned-sling magazine racks; free-edge wooden side tables with tubular bronze legs; wicker serving trolleys with turned beechwood wheels — are elegant and purposeful. His bijoux desktop objects, library tools, ashtrays and barware pieces evince a kind of mirthful practicality. They seem to ask: “If you need a corkscrew, or a paperweight, or a candlestick, why not make it fun as well as functional?” And indeed, why not?

Find a collection of vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck mirrors, seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Carl Auböck Model #4056 Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck brass #4056 brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese candleholder is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte C...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4339 Paperweight "Stone", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4339 Paperweight "Stone", Austria 2022. There might be slight variations regarding the measurements.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Stone

Carl Auböck #4609 Ashtray, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4609 Ashtray, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4082 Ashtray, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4082 ashtray, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #7211 Letter Opener "Turned", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #7211 letter opener "Turned", Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4482 Ashtray Square, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4482 Ashtray square, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Magazine Rack, Leather Nickel, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
A gorgeous and large magazine or newspaper tray made of nickeled brass and moos or dark green leather designed by Carl Auböck in midcentury in 1950s. V...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Nickel, Brass

Carl Aubock Oversized MidCentury Paper Clip Brass Paperweight, Austria, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A vintage original old giant XXL brass paper clip from the 1950s, to be used as a paperweight. Designed and executed by Carl Aubock, Austria. In good...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Paperweight in Leather and Stone, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight in leather and stone, Austria, 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Stone

Carl Auböck Optimist Pessimist Handcrafted Brass Sculpture
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful brass figure called "optimist / pessimist", model #4059, designed by Carl Auböck back in 1957. A very charming object, which can be positioned in two ways, as an optimist or pessimist. Please see the video. Handmade of solid patinated brass by Werkstätte Auböck...
Category

20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3715 "Scoop" Floor Lamp in White or Red, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3715 "Scoop" Floor Lamp in patinated brass, manila and chintz. The diameter given applies to the shade, available in white or red.
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Bell, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck bell, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4069 Sculpture "Standing", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4069 Sculpture "Standing", Austria.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Austrian Midcentury Brass and Wicker Bookends by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This rare brass and wicker book ends have been designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck in the 1950s in Vienna Austria, Mod. no. 3530. the polished brass remains in beautiful condit...
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4982 Hook in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #4982 hook in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and minimalist Viennese hook is executed in softly brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Nickel

Carl Auböck Brass & Black Leather Magazine Rack, Stand, No. 4488, 1950s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Huge timeless Austrian Mid-Century Modern newspaper/magazine stand no. 4488 designed by Carl Auböck II from early 1950s and manufactured by Auböck Werkstätte in Vienna. This magazi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Paperweight #4992-3 Safety Pin, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck paperweight #4992-3 in the shape of a safety pin, Austria.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4903-1 Wall Hook, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4903-1 Wall Hook, Austria 2022.  
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Knife, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Knife made of steel and horn, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Steel

Carl Auböck #4057 Sculpture "Athlete", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4057 sculpture "Athlete", Austria
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #5072-2 Paperweight "Chain", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
#5072-2 Paperweight in the shape of a chain by Carl Auböck. Made of nickel plated steel. Austria. New.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Magazine Stand in Patinated Leather and Brass by Illums Bolighus, 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Lejre, DK
Magazine stand in brass and leather designed and made by Illums Bolighus in the 1950s. Great condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Cactus Holder, Vienna, Around 1950s by Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Wien, AT
Cactus holder Vienna around 1950s by Auböck. Original condition.
Category

1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3788 "Glove" Vase, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3788 "Glove" vase, Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #5971-1 Corkstopper "Modern Key", Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #5971-1 Corkstopper "Modern Key", Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3687 Corkscrew "Key", Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3687 corkscrew "Key", Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Carl Auböck #4103 Candleholder, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4103 candleholder, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #8040-2 Knob in Nickel
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #8040-2 knob in nickel. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese knob is executed in brushed nickel by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Its mi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Nickel

Austrian Midcentury Steel and Leather Fish Bottle Opener by Carl Auböck
By Bestecke Solingen, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming fish shaped stainless steel and cognac brown leather bottle opener has been designed by Carl Auböck, Modell Nr. 4687. Produved by Solingen Germany...
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Carl Auböck #3600-1 Ashtray "Crown", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3600-1 ashtray "Crown", Austria 2022. Also available in patinated brass.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Ashtray #4206-A, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Ashtray #4206-A, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare Carl Auböck #3470 Brass Candleholder
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Rare Carl Auböck #3600 brass candleholder. Designed in the 1940s, this incredibly clean and refined Viennese candleholder is executed in polished and darkly patinated brass by Werkst...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3789 "Moon" Vase, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3789 "Moon" vase, Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4273-1 Paperweight "Foot", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4273-1 Paperweight "Foot", Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4994-1 Wall Hook, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4994-1 Wall Hook, Austria 2022.  
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl Auböck Model #3530 'Flatiron' Brass and Cane Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Carl Auböck model #3530 'Flatiron' brass and cane bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in polished brass and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Large Carl Auböck Model #4101 'Melies' Patinated Brass Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of large Carl Aubock Model #4101 'Melies' patinated brass bookends. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural pair of bookends are executed in patinated and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Bookends
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of bookends designed by Carl Auböck.
Category

1950s European Scandinavian Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck 2 / 40 Midcentury Brass Plated Coat Hangers, No.5714, 1960s, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
2 of 40 Beautiful Mid-Century Modern cloth hangers designed and manufactured by Carl Auböck in 1960s. They are made of brass-plated solid steel. Of almost continuous organic shape wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Lighter, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5261 Polished Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5261 brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in polished brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. Produced by...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4058 Sculpture "Walking", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4058 sculpture "Walking", Austria.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3979 Ashtray "Organic", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3979 ashtray "Organic", Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3600-2 Ashtray "Crown", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3600-2 ashtray "Crown", Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #3975 Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #3975 brass vase. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural Viennese vase is executed in polished and darkly pa...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4279 Round Cup, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4279 round cup, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4206-C Ashtray, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4206-C ashtray, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4220-1 Corkstopper Hand "Wrist", Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4220-1 corkstopper hand "Wrist", Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #5275 Paperweight "Zumbusch Hand", Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #5275-2 Paperweight "Zumbusch Hand", Austria 2022. Also available in 8cm height for 315,00 € (#5275-1).
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #5655 'Seahorse' Brass Figurine Keyring
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck model #5655 'Seahorse' brass figurine keyring. Designed in the 1950s, this incredibly refined and sculptural object is hand fabricated in polished brass. Price is per i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4263 Table Lamp "Nun", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4263 table lamp "Nun", Austria.
Category

2010s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Aubock Set of Smoking Accessories
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass and Wicker Wrapped pipe stand (Or Paperweight) with two brass spoon rests.
Category

1940s Austrian Modern Vintage Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3853 Vase "Double Noose", Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3853 vase "Double Noose", Austria, 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass, Wire

Carl Auböck #4271 Wall Sculpture "Napoleon", Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #4271 wall sculpture "Napoleon", Austria.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #3904-2 Ashtray, Austria, 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck #3904-2 ashtray, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck #4059 Optimist Pessimist Sculpture, Austria
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck sculpture #4059 "Optimist Pessimist" in patinated brass, Austria. New.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Pair of #3470 Candlesticks, Austria 2022
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck pair of #3470 candlesticks, Austria 2022.
Category

2010s Austrian Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Carl Auböck Model #4994 Patinated Brass Hook
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck Model #4994 patinated brass hook. Designed in the 1950s, this versatile and Minimalist Viennese hook is executed in patinated brass by Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Austria. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Werkstätte Carl Auböck Furniture

Materials

Brass

Werkstätte Carl Auböck furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Werkstätte Carl Auböck furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Werkstätte Carl Auböck furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 599 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 369 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Werkstätte Carl Auböck were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Walter Bosse, Karl Hagenauer, and Franz Hagenauer. Prices for Werkstätte Carl Auböck furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $145 and can go as high as $27,073, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $823.

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