authentic models
Authentic Models is a Dutch designer and wholesaler of handcrafted furniture, lighting, and decorative objects inspired by historic exploration, serving luxury hotels, restaurants, specialty retailers, and affluent consumers through a global authorized reseller network and direct e-commerce.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersGroningen, Netherlands
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What authentic models does
Authentic Models is a Dutch designer, manufacturer and distributor of handcrafted furniture, lighting, and decorative objects headquartered in Groningen, Netherlands, with a showroom in Almere and a US subsidiary (Authentic Models Americas, Inc.). The company's product portfolio is organized into eight thematic collections — Furniture, Lighting, Elements of the Skies, Crossing the Seas, Wheels in Motion, Exploring the Frontier, Determine Your Course, and Everyday Life — spanning aviation replicas, nautical objects, globes, compasses, timepieces, bars, desks, chairs, and lifestyle accessories. Each piece is designed around a historical or exploration narrative, with the brand positioning "Designs With A Story." A 3D Augmented Reality viewing feature, launched in 2022 using model-viewer technology, allows customers to visualize select furniture pieces (Art Deco Liquor Cabinet, Captain's Desk, Stateroom Bar, Polo Club Bar, Explorer Desk Trunk, and others) in their space prior to purchase.
The company operates a dual-channel distribution model combining direct e-commerce through authenticmodels.com with a global authorized reseller network subject to strict online retailer guidelines that prohibit unauthorized marketplace sales and enforce pricing and territorial integrity. Distribution is reinforced by trade show participation (Maison & Objet, High Point Market, HOMI Milan), a multi-platform social presence (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, TikTok), and a store finder tool. Pricing spans from sub-€50 accessories to premium pieces such as the Half Mile Ray Searchlight at €6,655, with most furniture and lighting items priced between €200 and €1,500.
Target customer segments are luxury hotels and resorts (primary), restaurants and bars, specialty retail stores, and individual affluent consumers. Documented enterprise references include Gleneagles Hotel (Scotland), Hotel de la Tour Maubourg (Paris), Hotel Nautilus (Miami), and Hotel Casa da Praca (Porto). The company is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds, parent company, or external investors, and operates under multiple registered trademarks and sub-brands including Authentic Shipmodels, Hollands Glorie, Compass Rose Collection, and Designimport.
authentic models firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- authentic models
- Legal name
- Authentic Models B.V.
- Website
- https://authenticmodels.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Authentic Models is a Dutch designer and wholesaler of handcrafted furniture, lighting, and decorative objects inspired by historic exploration, serving luxury hotels, restaurants, specialty retailers, and affluent consumers through a global authorized reseller network and direct e-commerce.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
authentic models industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Luxury Home Decor & Furniture
- NAICS
- Home Furnishings Retailers (44912), Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912), Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers (459)
- SIC
- Retail-Home Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment Stores (5700), Retail-Hobby, Toy & Game Shops (5945), Retail-Furniture Stores (5712)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Event Signage, Props & Custom Installations (HSACAOAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Scale Model Kits (Aircraft, Armor, Ships, Cars) (CRALAKAA), Event Tablescapes & Centerpiece Styling (HSACAOAF), 3D-Printed Miniatures & STL Files (Digital/Physical) (CRALAKAJ)
Keywords
Where authentic models is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Groningen
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
authentic models business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Product Sales: Authentic Models generates revenue through the sale of handcrafted furniture and decorative objects. The company sells directly to consumers through their e-commerce website and indirectly through a network of authorized resellers and distributors worldwide. Products include furniture, lighting, model aircraft, nautical items, globes, compasses, and home décor accessories.
- Wholesale/Reseller Distribution: The company sells products at wholesale pricing to authorized resellers who then sell to end consumers. Resellers must comply with strict guidelines including pricing restrictions and territorial limitations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Entry-level accessories and instruments |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Mid-range furniture and lighting |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Premium and collector items |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
authentic models product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Authentic Models designs, manufactures, and supplies handcrafted furniture, lighting, and decorative objects inspired by historic eras of exploration, aviation, and maritime adventure. The portfolio spans furniture (bars, desks, chairs, tables, cabinets), lighting, navigation instruments, model aircraft and ships, globes, and lifestyle accessories, organized into themed collections such as Elements of the Skies, Crossing the Seas, Wheels in Motion, Exploring the Frontier, Determine Your Course, and Everyday Life. Products are sold through a direct e-commerce site and a global authorized reseller network, with select items offering 3D augmented reality visualization.
Product overview
Authentic Models is a Dutch furniture and decorative objects company creating handcrafted products inspired by historical eras and exploration themes. The company offers a unified product portfolio organized into distinct collections: Furniture (bars, desks, chairs, tables, cabinets), Lighting (table lamps, standing lamps, hanging lamps), Elements of the Skies (balloons, plane models, propellers, mobiles), Crossing the Seas (oars, runabouts, sailing ships), Wheels in Motion (wooden and aluminium cars), Exploring the Frontier (globes, armillaries), Determine Your Course (compasses, telescopes, magnifiers, timepieces), and Everyday Life (decor, games, hospitality items). The company operates on a direct-to-reseller model with an Augmented Reality (AR) 3D viewing feature launched in 2022, allowing customers to visualize select furniture pieces in their space. Notable product lines include the Stateroom Bar series, Polo Club Bar, Captain's Desk, various aviation models (Sopwith Camel, Corsair), and navigational instruments (astrolabe, compasses, hourglasses). The products blend historical character with contemporary design, targeting hospitality venues, retail stores, and residential interiors.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Furniture Collection Handcrafted furniture line including bars and bar cabinets (e.g., Polo Club Bar, Stateroom Bar, Grand Club Bar Trunk), bookcases and cabinets (e.g., Stateroom Drawers, Porthole Cabinet), desks (e.g., Captain's Desk, Toledo Desk, Explorer Desk Trunk), chairs and stools (e.g., Classic Low Barstool, Martini Chair), and tables. Designed for both residential interiors and luxury hospitality settings, combining historical authenticity with modern functionality.
- Lighting Collection Lighting line featuring table lamps, standing lamps, and hanging lamps (e.g., Charleston Lamp, Hollywood Cinema Light) in polished aluminium and other period-appropriate materials, combining historical design with contemporary functionality.
- Elements of the Skies Collection Aviation-inspired collection featuring hot air balloons (including velvet and LED illuminated varieties), mobiles, plane models (Sopwith Camel), desktop aircraft models, and propellers. Celebrates the history of human flight from early balloon ascents through World War I combat aviation.
- Crossing the Seas Collection Nautical collection featuring oars, runabouts, and sailing ship and steamer replicas (e.g., Côtre dark green sailing yacht inspired by Pen Duick), celebrating maritime exploration and leisure on water.
- Wheels in Motion Collection Automotive-inspired collection featuring wooden and aluminium model cars, celebrating 1930s racing engineering and the spirit of competition.
- Exploring the Frontier Collection Geographic exploration collection featuring historically-accurate globe designs from Mercator, Vaugondy, Hondius, and Weber Costello, plus armillary spheres and globe bases.
- Determine Your Course Collection Navigation instruments collection featuring magnifiers, telescopes, compasses (including pocket compass with chain), gift boxes, and timepieces (brass hourglass, bell jar clock) used historically for ocean navigation and exploration.
- Everyday Life Collection Lifestyle collection featuring classic decor, keychains, balance toys, games (chess pieces, tic-tac-toe), hospitality items (cocktail shakers, bar utensil sets), writing sets, and accessories boxes. Also includes breakfast tray and other everyday objects that combine historical character with modern flair.
- Hotel & Hospitality Styling Services Project collaboration and styling services for luxury hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and commercial spaces. Authentic Models supplies coordinated furniture and decor packages tailored to hospitality environments, with reference projects at properties including Gleneagles Hotel (Scotland), Hotel de la Tour Maubourg (Paris), Hotel Nautilus (Miami), and Hotel Casa da Praca (Porto).
Companies that use authentic models
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
authentic models technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
authentic models partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- Gleneagles Hotel (Scotland)flagshipLuxury hotel collaboration featuring Authentic Models pieces in guest areas. Products used include Bombay Box (Honey) and Venetian Tic-Tac-Toe game. This represents a flagship reference project demonstrating product use in premium hospitality settings.
- Hotel de la Tour Maubourg (Paris)coreParis luxury hotel featuring Mayan High Barstools and Game Tables in bar and lounge areas. Demonstrates Authentic Models' presence in major European hospitality markets.
- Hotel Nautilus (Miami)coreMiami boutique hotel styled with Stateroom Bar and Polo Club Bar pieces for distinctive bar service areas. Shows international market reach and luxury hospitality positioning.
- Hotel Casa da Praca (Porto)corePortuguese boutique hotel featuring Canoe Bookshelf and Sopwith Camel aircraft model. Demonstrates product versatility across different design aesthetics and European markets.
Scale indicators1 record
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
authentic models competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Ballard Designs: Catalog and online retailer of classic-inspired home furnishings and décor; comparable traditional/historical aesthetic, premium price points, and direct-to-consumer plus designer trade model.
- Restoration Hardware (RH): Luxury home furnishings brand serving affluent consumers and hospitality clients; comparable aspirational positioning, premium price points, and lifestyle storytelling approach, though at vastly larger scale and broader catalog.
- Frontgate: Premium home furnishings and outdoor retailer; comparable catalog breadth across furniture and home décor serving affluent consumers with curated, design-forward products.
- Arhaus: Premium home furnishings retailer emphasizing handcrafted, artisan products with strong storytelling; comparable customer demographic and curated catalog approach but with a much larger physical retail footprint.
- Horchow: Luxury home furnishings retailer (under Neiman Marcus Group) carrying premium furniture and décor; comparable luxury positioning, curated product mix, and designer/affluent consumer target market.
- Anthropologie: Eclectic, historically-inspired home décor and furniture retailer; comparable aesthetic blending vintage/exploration themes with modern functionality, though serving a broader mass-premium customer base.
Emerging players
- Jonathan Adler: Designer brand offering premium home décor, lighting, and furniture with a distinctive narrative-driven aesthetic; comparable storytelling-led brand positioning at the luxury end of the home décor market.
Direct peers
- Arteriors: Designer and manufacturer of premium lighting, furniture, and decorative accessories; comparable product breadth (especially in lighting and decorative objects) and luxury interior design clientele overlap.
- Uttermost: Designer and manufacturer of home accents, lighting, and decorative furniture; closely comparable lighting line, decorative objects portfolio, and trade show distribution model to interior designers and retailers.
- Old Modern Handicrafts: Manufacturer of handcrafted historical model ships and aircraft, directly comparable to Authentic Models' Elements of the Skies, Crossing the Seas, and Wheels in Motion collections with similar historical-narrative positioning and premium pricing.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
authentic models social profiles
Digital presenceauthentic models financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
authentic models leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
authentic models funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
authentic models M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about authentic models
What does authentic models do?
Authentic Models designs, manufactures, and supplies handcrafted furniture, lighting, and decorative objects inspired by historic eras of exploration, aviation, and maritime adventure. The portfolio spans furniture (bars, desks, chairs, tables, cabinets), lighting, navigation instruments, model aircraft and ships, globes, and lifestyle accessories, organized into themed collections such as Elements of the Skies, Crossing the Seas, Wheels in Motion, Exploring the Frontier, Determine Your Course, and Everyday Life. Products are sold through a direct e-commerce site and a global authorized reseller network, with select items offering 3D augmented reality visualization.
Is authentic models a public or private company?
authentic models is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was authentic models founded?
authentic models was founded in -1.
Where is authentic models based?
authentic models is headquartered in Groningen, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does authentic models make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are wholesale/Reseller Distribution.
Who are authentic models's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Ballard Designs, Restoration Hardware (RH), Frontgate, Arhaus, Horchow and Anthropologie. Jonathan Adler is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Arteriors, Uttermost and Old Modern Handicrafts.
Does authentic models have an API?
No public API is recorded for authentic models.
What industry is authentic models in?
authentic models's product category is Luxury Home Decor & Furniture. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSACAOAG, Event Signage, Props & Custom Installations, with a secondary code of CRALAKAA, Scale Model Kits (Aircraft, Armor, Ships, Cars). Its NAICS code is 44912 and its SIC code is 5700.