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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Period: 20th Century
Anatomical Model: the Skeletal Part of a Foot, Germany, 1970’s
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model depicting the skeletal part of a foot, made by Somso, Sonenberg. Germany, circa 1970.
Category

1970s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Old Ophtalmology Device, Italy, 1950
Located in Milan, IT
An old Italian ophthalmological device with a table with backlit letters, to test eyesight. Sbisa, company founded in Florence in 1869. Case in wood and glass. The electrical system ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

2 Equal Spacing Dividers, 1 by Theodore Alteneder & Sons of Philadelphia
Located in London, GB
Two 11 point equal spacing dividers: One made in stainless steel by Theodore Alteneder & Sons of Philadelphia. With a later one made in steel marked MADE IN WEST GERMANY.
Category

Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Early 20th Century Set of Three Antique Glass Bottles and Containers
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Early 20th century set of three antique apothecary glass bottles. By unknown manufacturer, Spain. In original condition, with minor wear c...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Personal Weight, Luxa/Vista Semily, 1980's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in czechoslovakia. Made of Metal,Plastic. Fully Functional. Good original condition.
Category

1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Miele Vintage Vacuum Cleaner, Type E10
Located in Budapest, HU
Torpedo shaped vacuum cleaner in good condition.
Category

1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Three 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

Set of Two Antique Spanish Wooden Stamps, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of two antique wooden stamps, made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...
Category

1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Curiosity Cabinet Collection of Shells, 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

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Vintage Wood Geloso Television GT1014, 1950s, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
This GTV1014 was one of the first 21-inch b / w televisions produced by Geloso. It uses the intercarrier system as an audio-video medium frequency. The chassis is mounted inside th...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Plastic, Wood

Whimshurst Machine by Voltana
Located in London, GB
Whimshurst machine by Voltana, Germany, circa 1920. With retailers label: Gustave van Begin of Brussels - instruments scientifique Gustave van Begin Bruxelles.
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Engine Model for Instructional Purpose
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage wooden instructional single cylinder engine model. A wonderful four stroke single cylinder engine model made from wood showing how the combustion engine...
Category

1950s British Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

WWw11, Tiny Leather Attaché Case First Aid Medical Equipment
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
WW11, tiny leather attaché case first aid medical equipment This is a superb piece and is in excellent condition almost unused, the case is mad...
Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather

Curiosité Cabinet 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

Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Old Blue Scale Gwarancja Olsztyn, Europe, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A fantastic antique weighing scale with nicely aged blue paint. Made by Gwarancja Factory in Olsztyn, Poland in the late 20th century. It presents...
Category

1970s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Iron

Hardwood Ruler for Hudson Engineering NJ by Geiger Bros Newark US, Ca 1920
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a wooden desk ruler promoting the Hudson Engineering Co. who were based in Hoboken, New Jersey, US and produced by Geiger Brothers of Newark New Jersey, in the early 20th cen...
Category

Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Globemaster Brass & Bronzed Metal Floor Globe by Replogle 20th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
A globemaster floor globe by Replogle offers globe on brass and bronzed metal base having swivel carriage on column with circular foot, 20th c...
Category

20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Personal Weight
Located in Praha, CZ
Original condition, functional.
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Belle Époque Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Expandable Surveyor's Poles/Logging Measuring Stick c.1940-Price Per Piece
Located in San Francisco, CA
Contact for more shipping options: S16 Home San Francisco. Price is per piece: Original surveyor's poles and one logging measuring stick. The large metal and wood white surveyor's ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Set of Oak Doctors Scales
Located in Cheshire, GB
Set of doctors scales for C.F Thakray Chemists. The solid oak seat with shaped back alongside cast balance scale. standing on square sports with pull out ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

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

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Brass Spyglass Collapsible Telescope with Leather Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful retracting Spyglass or telescope with leather handle. The piece actually works very well, but is just as nice as a decorative piece. Beautifully crafted and with just the...
Category

Early 20th Century European Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 Brass Furniture Leg Embellisher, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of two brass decorative embellishers imitating feline paws. Designed by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use...
Category

1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Wrought Iron Armillary
Located in New York, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern wrought iron armillary globe with a center sun surrounded by 9 movable planetary rings on a platform base.  
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Vintage Trade Scale Wood and Metal, France, circa 1940
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the 1940's in France. It was used to weigh food. Oak Shipping: L50 P57 H28 18,1Kg.
Category

1940s French Napoleon III Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Fine Vintage Deyrolle Paris Anatomical Model of Human Lungs in Display Case
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely vintage French anatomical medical teaching aid of a lung with a plaque reading Anatomie Humaine, Poumons & Coeur made by Deyrolle Paris. A very good looking and well made piece, hand made in France, there are two descriptive plaques, they read as below, this piece was made by Deyrolle Paris, they are a taxidermy store that has been in the same location since 1831, the brass mount is signed Deyrolle Paris Plaque 1 ANATOMIE HUMAINE POUMONS & COEUR Les Fils D’Emile Deyrolle 46 Rue Du Bac Paris Plaque 2...
Category

20th Century French Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Plastic

Telescope with Adjustable Wooden Legs and Patinated Brass Hardware
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Telescopes are a terrific decorative addition to any den, library or study. A compliment to any Ralph Lauren, rustic or studious environment, ours has all wooden adjustable legs with...
Category

20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Edwardian Quality Mahogany Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality mahogany inlaid banjo barometer having a quality mahogany inlaid shaped case with an 8 inch silvered engraved dial with original hands, brass bezel and a th...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Large 1950s Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Eye Eyeball Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1950's Vintage scientific human 3d eyeball model. Hand-painted with wonderful original patina!
Category

1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rubber

1950s Anatomical Teaching Model of Normal Size Depicting Flat Foot "Pes Planus"
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical teaching model of normal size depicting flat foot "pes planus" the model highlights the alteration of the foot characterized by valgus and a reduced plantar vault. The s...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Early 20th Century French Black Board, Chalkboard
Located in Atlanta, GA
A terrific early 20th century black board - chalkboard from France. Wonderfully constructed from slate and wood. One writing surface is smooth and the othe...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Slate

Antique Dazey Commercial Industrial Churn or Mixer with Toleware Decoration USA
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique commercial churn or mixer was made by the Dazey Manufacturing Company of St. Louis in approximately 1920 in a period Art Deco style. The frame and gear mechanism of the ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

1900s Brass Bakelite Magnetic Topographer Compass Surveyor Measurement Instrumen
Located in Milan, IT
Magnetic topographer compass from the early 1900s, brass and bakelite base; instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate on a horizontal plane, marking with its tip th...
Category

Early 1900s European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Cast Metal Figural & Mechanical Robed Woman Dinner or Service Bell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique dinner or service counter bell is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from England and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Edwardian style. The bell features a cast metal robed female holding up and two piece plated bell. The bell functions by turning the knob at the top which spins back and forth. This sculptural bell stands...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate, Steel

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

Antique Pocket Field Microscope, English, Brass, Instrument, Edwardian, C.1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique scientist's field microscope. An English, brass, pocket instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Appealing brass ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Solid Brass Library Telescope by Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co
Located in Montreal, QC
Large Antique Solid Brass Library Telescope by Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co Marked: '' 63 Farringdon Rd London EC. Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co''
Category

1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Anatomical Model of the Lungs and Heart, Germany 1920
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for class, depicting human lungs and heart, made out of painted plaster, mounted on a black wooden base. By Louis M. Meusel, Germany circa 1920.
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a lovely cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in th...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

Antique Ship's Bulkhead Barometer, English, Maritime Instrument, Edwardian, 1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique ship's bulkhead barometer. An English, brass and oak maritime weather instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. ...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brushed Aluminum Industrial Hourglass on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern industrial brushed aluminum hourglass - in the style of Bauhaus industrial - German, Berlin. An interesting contrast of blown glass and heavy industrial material gives this...
Category

20th Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum

Set of Three 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

Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Human Anatomy
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human organs like lung, heart, head and eye. By ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Paper

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

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

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

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Mid-Century Modern Coral Pink Crosley Model T-60 AM Tube Table Radio
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Mid-Century Modern working tube radio was made by Crosley in Toronto Canada in approximately 1965 in the period stream-lined style. The radio is done with a molded coral pink pl...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Brass Ashcroft Ships Revolution Counter
Located in Norwell, MA
Ships Revolution Counter by Ashcroft Mfg. Co New York. 8 inch face inscribed New York Ship building Co. Camden, N.J. USA. Nickel plated over brass with n...
Category

1920s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells, 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

Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

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 French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

Carl Auböck Magnifier, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck bowl, Austria 1960s. The measurements given apply to the magnifier. The cover measures 1-7-14cm.
Category

1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Horn, Leather, Glass

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

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

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

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

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

Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Art Nouveau Waterman 'Ideal' 14 Karat Gold Fountain Pen, circa 1910
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
An early 1900s Waterman 'Ideal' fountain pen in 14 karat gold pierced and engraved filigree design, with a lever filling system. Missing its original bladder but otherwise intact. No...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold

1930s Educational Model Papier Maché and Plaster Decipting a Baby Borning
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model, papier maché and plaster, decipting a baby borning. 1930s-1940s, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden. Very good condition. Measu...
Category

1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

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

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Shell

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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