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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Color: Gray
Color: Blue
Early 20th Century Brass Electric Fan, by Frost & Co
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Early 20th century brass electric fan, by Frost & Co
A very stylish good looking piece, with aluminium blades and metal cage
This piece looks to be...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Refractor Polarimeter Physic Measuring Instrument Made by Steindorff & Co 1920s
Located in Milan, IT
Refractor polarimeter made of painted brass with cast iron tripod base by Steindorff & Co. Berlin D.R.P. Germany, 1920s. It is an antique instrument used to determine the concentrati...
Category
1920s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th C. German Stag Horn Thermometer and Barometer
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A remarkable German Folk Art Weather Station in the Black Forest Style. Elaborate and sinuous construction with stag horns of various sizes, boar tusk...
Category
19th Century German Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Antler, Horn
Collection of 12 Perspex Teaching Blocks & Lenses
By Griffin & George Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A collection of twelve Perspex teaching optical blocks and lenses.
Various shapes, forms and blocks, convex and concave, a number are backed with a white film.
Three have their...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Acrylic
Antique Commercial Balance Scale by H. L. Becker in Brussels
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique commercial balance scale by H. L. Becker in Brussels is the type of precision instrument for which the company was known during the early 20th century. Note the attention to ...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Carl Zeiss 12 x 60 German Observation Binoculars, Second World War
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an exceptional 20th century WWII German 12x60 observation binocular, presented on an adjustable wooden tripod. The binoculars were manufactured by the company Carl Zeiss. Carl Zeiss is a German manufacturer of optical systems, founded in Jena, Germany in 1846 by optician Carl Zeiss. These binoculars were used for long-watch land and sky observation by German forces between 1939 and 1945.
The binoculars were ruggedly constructed to withstand the rigors of field service. They were used for various tasks, including daylight observation of enemy troop movements, directing fire from artillery toward advancing enemy troops and armor, directing fire at enemy aircraft, and night observation. The angle of the binoculars allowed the observer to sustain watch for long periods of time. The angle also permitted a necessary versatility, as the watchman was able to perform both higher aerial observation and observation of enemy troops on the same visual plane as the watchman.
The wartime code for this binocular, “blc”, is engraved on the side of the binocular. “blc” is the secret manufacturing code assigned to Zeiss by the German Army Ordnance Department. The use of the “blc” code instead of the company’s normal logo on the side was a precautionary one, to ensure the secrecy of factory production should the binocular fall into enemy hands.
World War II binoculars are true military weapons, designed for defense and reconnaissance. They were never designed for civilian use, and were constructed without cost in mind, as the reliability of the optics far outweighed the monetary cost. The eyepieces can be adjusted for focus and the distance between your eyes with a turn of a knob, as can the shade settings for the lenses. This particular binocular also possesses sun filters. It was a known military tactic to fly in line with the sunlight and filters helped to cut the glare of the sun to increase plane and bomber tracking.
This stunning antique...
Category
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
18th Century French Barometer in Giltwood Frame
Located in Buchanan, MI
18th century French barometer in giltwood frame.
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood, Glass
National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition
National Geographic
This is a beautiful large library or hardcover coffee table book.
Title: National Geographic Atlas of th...
Category
Early 2000s Maltese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Micro-Barograph by Short & Mason of London
Located in London, GB
An open scale Micro-barograph by Short & Mason of London in enameled glass case.
Number: 551/41
Seven day clockwork drive by Horstmann Gear Co Ltd, of Bath. Serial number: 7027/59
With Meteorological Office “MO” logo.
Meteorological Office calibration certificate dated 27.6.96
Literature: Barometers - Aneroid and Barographs, Edwin Banfield, 1985. page 131 fig. 116.
Short and Mason...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Enameled Dayton Meat Scale Hobart Mfg Co Butcher Deli
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage white enameled Dayton Scale Division meat scale, made at the Hobart Manufacturing Company, style 970, 30lb capacity. Measure: 18".
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Antique Glass Apothecary Bottle with Hand-Painted & Gilded Label, Circa 1900
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique glass apothecary bottle with hand-painted & gilded label, Circa 1900. Beautiful mouthblown glass bottle.
"Ol. Myrist." or oil...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
1938 Pull Down Anatomy Chart, Denoyer-Geppert, Artist P.M. Lariviere
Located in Buffalo, NY
1938 pull down anatomy chart, Denoyer-Geppert. Artist P.M. Lariviere. KL3 circulatory system. Stunning image, screenprint on linen.
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen
Decorated Cast Iron Scale for Babies Antique Measuring Instrument 19th Century
Located in Milan, IT
Scales for babies made of cast iron with depictions of flowers. The scale is equipped with a double scale: on one side from 0 to 15kg, on the other side f...
Category
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Pair 17th Century Medical Anatomy Engravings by Francesco Valesio, 1627
Located in Rochester, NY
Two anatomical copper engravings by Francesco Valesio. From De humani corporis fabrica libri decem
Evangelista Deuchino, Venice: 1627. Laid paper.
Category
1620s European Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
20th Century Large Polished Intake Fan Blade, c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A stunning mid-20th century large aluminium Industrial intake fan blade, polished to an almost mirror finish. This would be an imposing addition to any" Man...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
U.S. Navy Steel and Brass Quadrant, First Half of the 20th Century
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique steel and brass quadrant, first half of the 20th century, made in London for the U.S. Navy, in very good condition with lenses, shades and scale. The essential mariner's navi...
Category
Early 20th Century English Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Framed Engraving By Matthaus Seutter Of Sphaerae Artificiales
Located in Essex, MA
Cartographer from Germany 1678-1757. Hand colored. Gilt wood frame. Estate of William Hodgins.
Category
Early 1700s German Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Germany 1950 Didactics Medical Anatomy Enlarged Model of a Human Trachea
By Deutsches Hygiene Museum Dresden
Located in Milan, IT
Didactic anatomical enlarged model of a trachea made in the 1950s, made of hand-colored cellon and mounted on a bakelite base. On a label on the base you read Deutsches Hygiene Museu...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Apothecary Balls in Cobalt Blue Cut Crystal
Located in Brussels, BE
Apothecary balls in cobalt blue cut crystal - ten available.
Category
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Vintage Allbrit Polar Planimeter, English, Scientific Instrument, Stanley, 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Allbrit polar planimeter. An English, adjustable scientific instrument by Stanley, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Comprehensive scientific instrumen...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Victorian Brass Clock and Barometer Set with Thermometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Late Victorian brass clock and barometer set with centrally mounted thermometer with enamel register plate.
The case stands on a raised plin...
Category
1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of Five 1950s Spanish Hand Carved Marble Kitchen Mortars
Located in Marbella, ES
Set of five 1950s rustic Spanish hand carved marble kitchen mortars in different sizes.
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble
Very Large Ophtalmotrope
Located in Peekskill, NY
What is an ophthalmotrope? An ophthalmotrope is an apparatus for demonstrating the movements of the eye and the action of the different muscles which produce them, consisting essentially of a model eyeball to which are attached strings and pulleys to duplicate the line force of the muscles.
We think this example is most likely French from the early 20th century. The base is marble with paw feet. It’s also quite large at well over 3 foot tall. This instrument is very complete. It also includes additional parts to set the mechanics up in a different way. In the pictures above the strings are attached to a keyboard. The alternative replaces the keyboard with string guide with a dozen hanging tubular weights. This is one of the largest and most decorative examples we have seen. I have only seen pictures of ophthalmotropes and never one this fine and complete. It’s as rare and impressive show piece.
This item was also used in the movie Knives Out,
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Glass Display Dome
Located in Norwalk, CT
A wonderful glass display dome great to keep sculpture or collections safe and look more interesting than just on a shelf.
Category
Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modern British Ilford Selo Photography Film Store Display
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This store display was made for the English film manufacturer, Ilford to advertise their Selo film line during the 1960s in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The frame of the disp...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Rare Antique English Mammoth Map or Library Magnifying Glass, circa 1930
Located in Bath, GB
Wow, you need to hands to lift this mammoth magnifying glass, a great look for the library and a real talking point.
The handle is made from cast brass and the frame for the glass...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Decorative Fancy Victorian Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy Victorian barometer, 19th century
Mahogany veneer with inlay. Historical condition. The barometer may need to be checked for accuracy. Ple...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Antique Late 18th Century Hand-Forged Cheese Cutter / Knife Museum Quality 1794
Located in Lisse, NL
Possibly the oldest cheese cutter in the world.
This hand forged 18th century cheese cutter with wooden handles is in excellent condition. Because of th...
Category
Late 18th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Mineral Specimen Collection
Located in London, GB
A rare set of antique mineral specimen jars.
Some remnants of labels.
Some solid rocks others are powders.
Sourced in Holland.
Dimensions:...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Botanical Plate Boehmeria tenacissima Bohemian Manufacture of the 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Colored lithograph applied on light cardboard depicting botanical study with various sections of Boehmeria tenacissima Roxb and of Corchorus capsularis L. Bohemian manufacture of the...
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
French Bronze Mortar, Early 17th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The mortar with fleurs de lys decoration.
Category
Early 17th Century French Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Antique Albertus Seba Pair 18th Century Hand-Colored Engravings Butterfly
Located in Washington, DC
Rare pair of original hand-colored prints from Sir Albertus Seba's cabinet of natural curiosities. Prints come from published volumes in Amste...
Category
Mid-18th Century Dutch Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Art Deco Copper-Plated Square Thermometer, French
Located in Oakland, CA
Very cool Art Deco Thermometer, ready to use, ever for the hottest days. This wonderful French piece in original copper finish is in great shape.
...
Category
20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
American Mahogany and Leather Dental Arm Chair, Circa 1840
Located in Hollywood, SC
American mahogany and leather dental arm chair with adjustable back and head support, terminating on turned bulbous legs. Mid 19th Century
Category
1840s American American Empire Antique Scientific Instruments
English Brass Telescope on Tripod Stand signed Dollond, London Circa 1890
Located in Hollywood, SC
English brass telescope on tripod stand with slipper feet. Telescope has the original carrying case with lens covers. Late 19th Century
Category
19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments
Lapis Lazuli Table Clock and Barometer
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
The body of this fine table clock and barometer is veneered in lapis lazuli and supported by a hinged arm to the reverse. The clock and barometer d...
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Belle Époque Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
Charpentier French Victorian Brass Scale
By P. Charpentier a Paris 1
Located in New York, NY
French Victorian brass scale with 2 round trays on square wooden base (signed CHARPENTIER with hallmark)
Category
19th Century French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Ball and Stick Molecular Model of Benzene
Located in Napa, CA
Vintage ball and stick molecular model depicting elemental structure of Benzene, circa 1950s.
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Rare Microscope "Neopan" by Carl Aubock 1963, Reichert Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare award-winning microscope, model Neopan, designed in 1963 by the Viennese architect and designer Carl Aubock. Executed by Reichert Austria. In good condition, fully workin...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Scientific Handblown Glass Vacuum Dome
Located in Norwalk, CT
A really neat way to display something amazing this is a really thick quality piece of handblown glass from the early 1900s.
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
1920s Dental Paperweight Sculpture Glass Slab Temperature Gauge Thermometer
By S.T. Dupont, Honeywell
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare item from the L.D. Caulk Co. of Milford Delaware. New old stock, New in box. A true Relic from yesteryears building technics. A beautiful desktop sculptural object. Temp rises w...
Category
1920s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Venetian Equipment Corps. Sterilizer Cup
Located in Norwalk, CT
A cup and metal holder by Venetian Equipment Corps. The cup reads "Sterilizer" and depicts a star in red.
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
1950s Molecular Structure from Prague, Czech
Located in New Rochelle, NY
This beautiful patinated metal 1950s molecular structure of "Chlorid Uhlicity" will display great on any table for presentation. It measures very n...
Category
1950s Czech Minimalist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Junction Tube
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural junction tube fashioned of laboratory-grade Pyrex glass.
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
1940s Chiropractor Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great 1940s chiropractor bench; chrome and green vinyl with a Lucite handle.
Category
1940s Unknown Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
Brass Italian Yacht Binnacle by M. Salimieri of Genoa, 19th Century
Located in Hollywood, SC
Brass Italian yacht binnacle with gimbaled compass and original side light oil burner. Signed M. Salimieri, Genoa. 19th Century
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Mid-Century Functional Tesla Phone 1978, Československo
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition
- Fully functional
- Tesla manufacturer.
Category
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
1950s Vintage Heat Therapy by Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp Cincinnati OH
By Sperti 1
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage 1950s
Vintage 1950s
1950s Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp for Heat Therapy and Sunshine Benefits Untested
Sometimes deemed a medical science...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Stunning White and Black Art Deco Porcelain Penny Scale by Navco
By NAV
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning white and black Art Deco porcelain penny scale by Navco. Amazing design, reminiscent of a womans cloaked silouette, retains original key...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Vintage, New and Antique Scientific Instruments
Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.
With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.
If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?
Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.
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