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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 1910s
1950s Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Level Iron & Wood
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Plumb Tool Mid Century Modern Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Instrument Level Collectible level made in Iron and Wood 5.25 x 1.5 diameter Fair Condition in Or...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Sketch of two herons Korea 1970s Acrylic on paper for an Animals Encyclopedia
Located in Milan, IT
Acrylic colors on paper depicting two herons; it is a preparatory sketch commissioned for an animals encyclopedia for children, created and signed by a Kore...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Milan, IT
Optical microscope signed F.lli Koristka Milano n. 42870 produced between 1920/30, of chromed and black painted brass, three-magnification turret, consisting of a stand and a plate w...
Category

1920s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Fairbanks Scales Wrought Iron and Brass Scale with Weights
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage wrought iron and brass scale with weights is made in the United States by Fairbanks Scales, one of the nation's oldest industrial manufacturing...
Category

Early 20th Century North American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Wrought Iron

Heavy Wall Glass T Junction Tube for Pyrex, 1930s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural junction tube fashioned of laboratory-grade Pyrex glass.
Category

1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Mid-Century Georgian Style German Wall Barometer
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1960s decorative Georgian Style wall Barometer from West Germany. 28" tall.
Category

Mid-20th Century German Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Monumental floor standing brass Butcher scale
Located in Cheshire, GB
A large set of floor standing brass balance scales and graduated weights with bullhead terminal above the circular column, to the platform base with fourteen graduated compartments f...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Set of Two Rustic Wooden Spools of Thread, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rustic wooden spools of thread, by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pre...
Category

1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

NYC Subway Test Brake Handle
Located in New York, NY
Reclaimed subway test brake handle made of cast iron with a red enamel handle. These handles were used in the New York City subway system. Made by Hafco. Good condition with surface ...
Category

20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Enamel, Iron

Antique Malloch Side Casting Fishing Reel, Scottish Salmon Fishing Reel
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
A rare sized (2.5') Malloch of Perth side casting fishing reel of fine quality and in excellent condition. The reel is all brass, with optional check, exc...
Category

1910s Scottish Sporting Art Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Baume Mercier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch with Original Leather Band
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This ladies wristwatch was made by the well known Baume et Mercier of Switzerland in approximately 1970 in their period Mid-Century style. The watch and lugs are composed of eighteen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold

Eames Office radio for Emerson
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A nice radio design by the Eames office. Model 578A. Mahogany veneer case with plastic face and dials.
Category

1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Italian Illuminated Optometric Table, 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-Century Italian Illuminated Optometric Table, 1960s Complete and in good condition. Electrical system to be checked.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Large Set of 8 Vintage Lab Sieves, English, Brass, Stacking, Scientific, C.1965
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large set of 8 vintage laboratory sieves. An English, brass stacking scientific apparatus, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1965. Fascinating set with superb period a...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Salter's spring balance weighing scales
By George Salter & Co. Ltd
Located in London, GB
A Salter's improved spring balance by George Salter & Co. To weight: 100 lbs. George Salter & Co.: Established in 1760 by Richard and William Salter, spring makers, began making ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

1950s Swiss Chef Food Chopper Dicer Cutter Slicer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Swiss chef food fruit vegetable veggie chopper. Zylyss stamp Swiss made 9.5 h x 3 diameter Unrestored original vintage condition preowned Patin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

1900s French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 1900s French cast iron scale is a classic example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, blending industrial utility with sculptural appeal. Composed of heavy cast iron, the scale...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut C. Engel & Cie Verviers
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Verviers Belgium by C. Engel & Cie Opticiens Verviers High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in...
Category

1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Antique Set Four Cast Iron Wheels Phoenix Caster Co
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Metal Wheels Cast Iron Casters Phoenix Caster Co IN Wheel 2.75 h x 3.5 w x 3 d set of four Preowned unrestored vintage Refer to images for...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Iron

Zoological Lithograph Rodents 1912 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 19 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting rodents. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Good condition. Meas...
Category

1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Opera Glasses, Binoculars by G.Rodenstock
Located in Miami, FL
Opera glasses, binoculars by G. Rodenstock.
Category

Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bakelite

Antique Tricycle
Located in Napa, CA
Category

20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

England Early 1900 Brass Galvanometer Antique Physic Measuring Instrument
By Philip Harris Ltd.
Located in Milan, IT
Moving coil brass galvanometer with three-screw base, instrument signed Philip Harris Ltd Birmingham England n. 19402, made in the early 1900, a tool used as a detector of direct cur...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Three-Dimensional Anatomical Midcentury Wall Plaster Sculpture, Germany, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Midcentury three-dimensional anatomical plaster painting representing human respiratory system, provenance Hygiene Museum Dresden with museum sticker ...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Set of 2 Early 20th Century Metal Feet Heaters
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique metal feet heaters. Made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1900. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patin...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Bottle Capper Wine Corker Hand Press Cork
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Wine Bottle Cork Press Manual Rustic Farmhouse 22.5 h x 4 w x 10 d Preowned original vintage, refer to images listed.
Category

Early 20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of An Ear - Somso ca. 1960
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of An Ear - Somso ca. 1960 A folding model of an ear. Used as teaching material in German schools ca. 1960. Made of wood and plastic by Somso, Germany. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Rummy Grapefruit Soda Advertising Tin Thermometer Sign
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage "Rummy Grapefruit Soda" advertising sign / thermometer, circa 1950s. The piece is in very good working condition with great color and graphics. A rare piece of soda memorabil...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Set of 2 Early XX Century Metal Dragon Shaped Fireplace Holders
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique metal traditional Catalan fireplace holders with a dragon shape. Made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1900. In original condition, with minor wear consistent wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Triangular Vintage White Opaline Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope. This white opaline kaleidoscope has triangular form and has a rotating blue glass ball for amazing effects.
Category

20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Spirit Level, English, Rosewood, Craftsman's Instrument, circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage spirit level. An English, Rosewood and craftsman's instrument, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950. Period appeal with...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Grain
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Grain A great antique hand-painted model of the grain with removable germ. Made of papier ma...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Antique Rolling Parallel Rule, English, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique rolling parallel rule. An English, brass scientific instrument to aid navigation, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Attractive period instrument withi...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

20th Century English Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century English scale is a captivating piece of industrial design and functional history. Crafted from cast iron with a sturdy base and a brass beam, this scale embodies du...
Category

20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel, Iron

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Sketch of two gibbons Korea 1970s Acrylic on Paper for an Animals Encyclopedia
Located in Milan, IT
Acrylic colors on paper depicting two gibbons; it is a preparatory sketch commissioned for an animals encyclopedia for children, created and signed by a Korean artist in the 1970s. V...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming small figurine of a lady that functions as a tape measure. This vintage piece was commonly found on a sewing table and has both centimeters as well as inch measurements...
Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Early XX Century Metal Scythe Sharpener
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique metal scythe sharpener farming tool. Made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, . In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautifu...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Stunning Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage stunning large model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German scho...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Bronze and Marble Sculpture With Bust Desk Thermometer
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Art Nouveau bronzed bust of a woman sitting atop a black marble base. This desk sculpture also functions as a thermometer.
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Surveyor's Poles/Logging Measuring Stick c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
About Two remaining. The 168" and 144" have sold. Original surveyor's pole and one logging measuring stick. The other wider all wood yellow surveyor pole is fixed. The logging meas...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category

20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

1930s Italian antique Sketch of a Campaign to Fight Tuberculosis
Located in Milan, IT
Sketch of a futurist poster, 1930’s, campaign against tuberculosis with united strength 10 cents for poor sicks with tuberculosis, for the national campaign to inform people about th...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

French Modern Painted And Giltwood Sunburst Barometer
Located in Houston, TX
French Modern Painted and Giltwood Sunburst Barometer. This unusual French mid century modern star shaped barometer is executed in a beautiful shade of red with gilt wood accents. Th...
Category

1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Giltwood

Large Kodak Folding No. 3A Camera with Mahogany Inlay c.1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A large Eastman Kodak No. 3A folding camera with red bellows and Mahogany inlay. The body is wrapped in leather with chrome and brass accents. The camera folds to 2.5 inches. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Rare Yacht Binnacle with Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass gimballed boat compass fitted to a hinge front wood binnacle. Brasses include carry handle, side light, brass hooks, etc. Circa 1920. Overall Dimensions: 7"H x 7" L x ...
Category

1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Zoological Lithograph of Worm Organs 1925 Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 59 lithograph on cardboard made in 1925 depicting enlargements of worm organs. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. ...
Category

1920s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Set of 19th Century Dental Hygiene Tools
Located in London, GB
A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools. A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools, encased in a faux leather red box with brass latch and lined with a worn green velour Material. Its original mirror is still in place with folding back velour cover. Size of inches: H 0.75” x W 2.75” x D 2.5 Completely solid in structure and form, with natural wear and patination across all surfaces due to age. In overall presentable condition considering its age and years of use. The tools are worn on the edges, god knows how many mouths its been in. The House of Antiques...
Category

Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Wall-Mounted Large Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut Belgium
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Spa Belgium by Valentine Engel High quality mechanism with Jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade) Unusual de...
Category

1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

1950s Vintage Heat Therapy by Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp Cincinnati OH
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

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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