A striking "FA66" sideboard conceived by 20th century Swedish furniture designer Kofed Larsein is to auction in New Zealand on July 4.

“Mid-century modern” describes a design era that began in the mid-1940s and endured until about 1965

The rose wood-veneered piece, which epitomises mid-century modern design, carries a $9,327 presale estimate.

A comparable Kofed Larsen sideboard made $1,900 in June 2011, yet recent auction results suggest that prices pertaining to mid-century Scandinavian design are on the rise.

In May 2013, Wright's Scandinavian design auction totalled $1.6m. The stand out lot, a set of six PS Heggen-designed waste paper baskets, sold with a 650% increase, for $37,500.

The zebra’s head has a $4,661 estimate

As well as an array of Antipodean studio pottery, a rare taxidermy zebra head is also to star at the Art + Object's Modern Design auction (July 4).

Estimated at $4,661, the mounted zebra head is a rare and provocative piece, featuring unusually distinct pigmentation.

In July 2012, an antique zebra head mount made $1,600.

Despite being likely to divide opinion, unusual collectibles have never been more fashionable.

Here at Paul Fraser Collectibles, we have several items in stock that are sure to provoke great interest and discussion, including this museum-grade collection of Albert Pierrepoint's personal effects, complete with casts of his face and hands, memorialising the British hangman's every pore and wrinkle.

For more information as to the investment potential of weird and wonderful collectibles, see our free guide to investing in unique items.

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