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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1940s
Vintage Military Compass, American, Navigation Aid, Keuffel & Esser, 5600X Model
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage military compass. An American, aluminium and glass navigation aid by Keuffel & Esser, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
Fascinating example of the 5600...
Category
1930s American Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Tellurium mechanical/electrical model of the solar system Phiwe Italian 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Tellurium, i.e., mechanical/electrical model representative of the solar system, made of metal with green and gray hammered paint, lithographed tin globe, plastic Moon, and metal bas...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Anatomical model: a human skull model life size, Stuttgard, Germany 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
Human skull anatomical model life size 1:1 Model with cranial sutures detachable 2 parts plus three cervical vertebrae for medical educational aid. The skull and vertebrae are made o...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Swingline XI Electro-Pointer
Located in Sharon, CT
Important Machine Age Streamlined Electric Pencil Sharpener Designed by Edward G. Hoffmann.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Machine Age Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
1960’s plaster anatomical model of dogs brain, Phywe Germany
Located in Hoogeveen, NL
Rare old anatomical plaster model of the dog's brain. Beautiful details on a plastic/bakelite base. Worn (small cracks, base repare) but still in good condition as shown in the image...
Category
1960s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite, Plaster
Antique French 1930 Art Deco Astrolabe chrome desk decoration kinetic sculpture
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Very decorative & most rare this antique Art Deco Astrolabe from the 1930s
Made from polished chrome, with 5 turning rings and a large center sphere.
This would make a stunning decorative piece on any desk or office space
Amazing for collectors of scientific antiques
The Astrolabe remains in great antique condition with only a minor patina on the metal
Turns smoothly and looks great!
This antique Astrolabe...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
Mills Novelty Art Deco Green Porcelain Penny Scale
Located in Ferndale, MI
Art Deco period penny scale by Mills Novelty co. Period green porcelain pedestal with cream colored foot hold.
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Set of Cast Iron and Glass Rings c.1940 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A set of three cast iron rings with smaller rings on top. Convex glass on both sides in each piece.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1960.
MATERIALS AN...
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Vintage Pan Am Pan American World Airways Advertising Wall Barometer, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
A round and large mid-century wall-mounted barometer / weather station from the airline PAA Pan American World Airways. Dated around the 1960s. A high-quality product, made in Western Germany...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Large Vintage Mongolian Wooden Math Abacus with Painted Wooden Balls
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Vintage Mongolian Wooden Math Abacus with Painted Wooden Balls. Item features Painted wooden balls in red, pink, gray, orange, blue, yellow, green and brown. Circa Mid 20th Cen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Mid Century Revere S-16 16mm Sound Movie Projector w Case 22"
By Revere
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Revere 16 sound projector with case. Working.
Dimensions:
22"x 15.5" x 7.5"
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Volta's electrophore, demonstrator of the flow of electrons Italy 1960.
Located in Milan, IT
Volta's electrophore, demonstrator of the flow of electrons from inert materials to conducting materials. Taking the instrument composed of a disc of conductive metal and a handle of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Board, Chalkboard
Located in Udenhout, NL
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Board, Chalkboard, in a good state.
Category
1940s Belgian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Slate
Pair Of Vintage Cased Opera Glasses, French, Brass, Binocular, Mid 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage cased opera glasses. A French, brass and Mother of Pearl Galilean binocular, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Louis Xvi Style Carved Wood Paint and Parcel Gilt Barometer
Located in Nashville, TN
A pretty and highly decorative barometer of banjo form, marked ‘Palladio’ and Italy . Hand carved with leaves , ropes , fruit and flutes .
The case probably having distressed fini...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XVI Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Pair Of Large Antique Italian Globes
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair Of Large Antique Italian Globes
Large pair of terrestrial and celestial globes from Italy 1940s. The globes are in good conditio...
Category
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
1960s Smith Corona Skyriter Portable Typewriter with Vinyl Case
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Smith Corona Skyriter portable typewriter with the original tan vinyl case. Circa 1960s
Despite its lean lines, lightness, and s...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Revere S-16 16mm Sound Movie Projector w Case 22"
By Revere
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Revere 16 sound projector with case. Working.
Dimensions:
22"x 15.5" x 7.5"
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of An Ear - Somso ca. 1960
By Somso
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
Antique Vintage Scale Weight, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique scale weight made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pre...
Category
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Drawing Instrument Set, German, Draughtsman's Tools, Schcenner, C.1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage drawing instrument set. A German, nickel draughtsman's tool case by Schcenner, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1930.
Fine German instrument set in fold-out carry case
Displaying a desirable aged patina throughout
Silver nickel presents a lightly tarnished appearance, commensurate with age
Presented within a textured carry case with four fold design
8 pieces offering the essential tools for the travelling draughtsman
Comprises a pair of compass, two bow compass and ruling pen...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
US Navy Mark 74 Aiming Telescope
Located in Norwell, MA
1943 United States Navy Telescope. Used primarily as part of the Mark 16 Aiming System on 50 caliber anti-aircraft gun mounts. Fitted with three sun filters...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large 1960's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Ear Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
Large 1960's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Ear Model. Manufactured by the Nystrom Co. of Chicago, Illinois. Large 17" scale and great patina!
Category
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber, Wood
Mid Century Collection of Leica Ernst Leitz Camera Lenses Summaron Hektor
By Ernst Leitz Wetzlar, Leica 1
Located in Atlanta, GA
A collection of mid 20th century Leica / Ernst Leitz lenses. There is a Summaron, a Hektor and a Range Finder. Also, cases and lens caps. All of these have been previously used. What makes Leica so good you may be asking. Well here's a quote that's sums up the appeal, "Shooting with a Leica is like a long tender kiss, like firing an automatic pistol, like an hour on the analyst’s couch...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century English Inlaid Burlwood Barometer / Thermometer
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-Century English Inlaid Burlwood Barometer / Thermometer.
Clean vintage condition. Measures 8.5" in width, 33" in height and 2.25" in depth.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Nikon's Photomic FTn 35mm SLR Camera Fitted with Nikkor-H 50mm Prime Lens F2.0
By Nikon
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Nikon's Photomic FTn 35mm SLR Camera Fitted with Nikkor-H 50mm Prime Lens F2.0 With Brown Ever Ready case
Great build quality, heavy weight camera made in Japan.
In good working co...
Category
1960s Japanese Machine Age Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
1960s Industrial Medical Cabinet
Located in Norwalk, CT
This is a great medical cabinet from the 1960s, ready to keep all your goodies safe this is a great 1960s accent item that is sure to be a one of a kind addition to your decor!
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1960s Olivetti Underwood 21 Portable Typewriter With Original Travel Case
By Olivetti
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Olivetti Underwood 21 Portable Typewriter With Original Case Circa 1960s
Features a QUERTY keyboard, a teal and light blue metal body with a dark gray pla...
Category
1960s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Draughtsman's Set, German, Drawing Instruments, Tools, Richter Pracision
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage draughtsman's set. A German, nickel silver drawing instrument set by E.O. Richter Präcision, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1930.
Five piece instrument set ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
Mid-Century Modern Industrial Explosion Proof Phone by Crouse-Hinds C1955
By Crouse-Hinds
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare and unusual industrial explosion proof telephone by Crouse-Hinds from the 50s. Cast aluminum with a bakelite style phone. No dial. Supposed to be from a blasting site. Untested....
Category
1950s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
1970s Wooden Foldable School Abacus, Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
Mid century wooden colorful abacus that was used in schools in the 1970s. Can be folded as shown in the pictures. Good original condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Vintage Motorola Model 68L11 '1948' "Tape Measure" Radio
By Motorola
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This item is an exceptional unrestored vintage Motorola Model 68L11 (1948) tape measure radio in very nice condition. Complete except for dry cell battery. This unit is untested and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
1950s Mid-Century Modern Olympia Sm-3 Portable Typewriter with Case
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Olympia SM3 portable typewriter with the original metal case. Circa 1950s.
Features a Qwerty keyboard, a grayish green color body with chrome trims and the original metal case with a galvanized-like finish and the original lock key.
Olympia SMs were once considered the Mercedes Benz of typewriters. The Hermes 3000...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Medical Device Wooden Case for Bleeding Needle and Loop Kit with Tin Can
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Medical Device Wooden Case for Bleeding Needle and Loop Kit with Tin Can. 0Original paperwork, solid wood case, 2 swing doors, tin metal...
Category
1930s Jacobean Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Tin
Art Deco Rock-Ola "Loboy" Porcelain Enamel Coin-Op Penny Scale
By Rock-Ola
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beginning in the Late 19th Century, the penny scale offered a means for passersby to quickly check their weight without going to the trouble of seeing a doctor; simultaneously - and perhaps more notably - they provided an irresistible opportunity for businesses to advertise and earn extra revenue. Penny scales quickly became a platform for creativity in advertising and design, as machines competed to attract the attention of customers on the street.
This scale - the "LoBoy" model - was produced by the jukebox manufacturing company Rock-Ola in the 1930s and features a Classic skyscraper-inspired Art Deco Silhouette in black and white porcelain enamel. The mirrored glass display features instructions ("Stand Still - Keep Clear") as well as a reference chart which provides 'healthy' weights for men and women by height. The scale itself has been modified to function without needing to deposit a coin. This piece would make a super unique and functional addition to any retro bathroom!
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Vintage Erskine 200 Sterilized Barber Shop Shaving Brush
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage ERSKINE 200 Sterilized Barber Shop SHAVING BRUSH Nylon Bristles
Rubber Stamped Sterile 200
4.5 tall x 1.38 diameter
Preowned original vintage...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nylon, Rubber
1960s Tesla Speaker Ars450, Czechoslovakia
By Tesla
Located in Zohor, SK
Unique and original item. A speaker used in villages as a part of a local radio in Czechoslovakia. this piece in marked as Tesla ARS 450, 25W. We were no...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1960s Hanging Brass Temperature Thermometer Gauge
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Brass Temperature Gauge
1960s Modern Decorative Brass Hanging Temperature Thermometer Gauge
Solid Brass and Cork
10 tall 3.5 tall with handle x 1.13 in diameter
Preowned original...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Italian Modern Wooden Botanic Model
Located in Roma, IT
A botanic didactical specimen in the manner of the famous German botanist Robert Brendel.
"In the late 19th century Robert Brendel and his son Reinhold produced beautiful and accur...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
French Pendulum Clock & Aneroid Barometer, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Clock and aneroid barometer in walnut made circa 1960.
The aneroid barometer (or holosteric barometer) was developed by the Frenchman Lucien Vidie who filed a patent for it in 1844 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Ships Compass by John Hand of Philadelphia
Located in Norwell, MA
Wing bridge compass from a United States Navy vessel. The gray military paint has been stripped and the entire binnacle and compass have been meticulously polished and lacquered. The...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Three-Dimensional Midcentury Italian Wall Plaster Didactic Anatomical, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury three-dimensional didactic anatomical panel in plaster with Antonio Vallardi Milano label, Italy 1950s
Please note that the item is original of the period and t...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Polished Oak Barograph and Barometer by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Edwardian polished oak cased barograph with bevelled glass panels.
Brass base plate stamped ‘Regent, Jewelled movement supporting the ten vacuum chambers linking the ink pen pointer ...
Category
1930s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Thermometer by Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern-Period, sterling silver thermometer in working condition, Tiffany and Company, New York, circa 1950s. Works are made by...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Sterling Silver
1950s Dutch Industrial Scientific Convex Lens Brass Stand Cast Iron Tripod Base
Located in Haarlem, NL
Scientific school or laboratory convex shaped lens on a brass stand with cast iron tripod base.
The heavy convex glass lens is 7 1/2 cm (2.95") th...
Category
1950s Dutch Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Stereo Speakers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Inspired by the iconic Dynaco A25 loudspeakers, our twenty-fives offer modern performance with classic proportions. A ten-inch woofer and 1.5 inch textile dome tweeter are sourced fr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Anemometer 1950 Coal Mining Vintage Science Equipment in Brass and Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Mechanical desk anemometer in brass.
Very interesting scientific coal mining anemometer, made up back in the 1950's with brass and blackened steel parts...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
Austrian Vintage Barometer in Heart Shape by Wippel & co
Located in Vienna, AT
rare austrian vintage barometer in heart shape by Wippel & co, rosewood, good original condition
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Dental Model of Mouth with Braces in Original Box by Columbia Dentoforms
Located in New York, NY
A vintage 1960/70s teaching dental model of a mouth with braces by noted company Columbia Dentoforms. Columbia Dentoforms has been making teaching models ...
Category
1960s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
Marine Compass in Box by Star Compass of Boston
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass boat compass fitted to a dovetailed wood box with rich varnished finish. Compass card is marked Star Pathfinder, Milton Mass. The entir...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Big Mid-Century Modern Atomic Molecular Wood Sculpture, 1950s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Large wooden sculpture that represents an atom, a super decorative object full of history since this type of piece was used in the old science classes, suffering great wear and tear ...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Salter Family Scales No 50 a Well Loved and Used Family Scales
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Antique Salter Family Scales No 50
A well loved and used Family Scales, made by Salter, the cast iron body is in Dark green with Gold highlights, it has...
Category
1940s Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Teak and Brass Nautical Ship's Clinometer
Located in Nantucket, MA
A handsome brass and teak ship's clinometer with a black melamine type background. An brass embossed clipper ship at the top. Used to measure the degree of healing on a boat, or on l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Brass Telescope on Walnut Tripod Stand
Located in North York, ON
Vintage brass telescope on walnut tripod stand. Sold as is for decorative purposes. Country of origin and manufacturer unknown. Estimated age c...
Category
1950s Unknown Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Kilgore Authentic Anatomical Preparation Human Skull
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Prepared by legendary medical supply company Kilgore International, this is an advanced anatomical reference human skull!
An exceptional authentic vint...
Category
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
Italian Mid-Century Medical Laboratory Bed Brown Leather and White Metal, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Medical laboratory bed brown leather and white metal, 1940s
Medical laboratory bed with cream white painted metal structure. The backrest, footrest and seat are ...
Category
1940s Italian 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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