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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Machine Age Art Deco Doctors or Bathroom Floor Model Scale Weigh Master by Hanso
Located in New York, NY
Great Machine Age, American Art Deco floor scale, Weigh Master by Hanson. The scale is fully functional, it shows cosmetic wear to the paint finish, and th...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Keuffel & Esser Co. Military Transit Surveyor Telescope
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Keuffel & Effer Co. military transit surveyor. It consists of a compass and a telescope. Inside the center of the compass is hallmarked Keuffel & Esser. Also over the front...
Category
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique J.C Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass In Original Mahogany Box
Located in New York, NY
Brass and steel survey transit and compass in the original mahogany box. Made by J.C Ulmer Co. Good condition with appropriate wear from age. One availa...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Vintage Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
Located in Tampa, FL
A glam throwback to evenings at the theatre—these vintage opera glasses by TASCO are as chic as they are collectible. Likely dating to the 1970s, this pair features a luminous mother...
Category
1980s Japanese Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Botanical Model in Enlarged Section of a Moraceae Syconium, Italy, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Model in enlarged section of a Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a syconium). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the thirties. Measures ...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Set of Vintage Mortise Gauges, Four, Rosewood, Brass, Carpenter's Tools
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of vintage mortise gauges. 4 English, rosewood and brass carpenter's tools, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Fascinating midc...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Large Foxed Mercury Mirror Witches Hanging Ball Curio
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A larger than the normal witches mercury mirror ball, with a beautiful time worn oxidisation to the interior. Thick hand blown glass with a simple steel hanging hoop, turn off the ce...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Blown Glass
Binoculars Opera Glasses with Leather Case
Located in Miami, FL
Binoculars opera glasses with leather case.
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Decorative Blue Marianne Brandt Avantgarde Bauhaus Letter Scale, 1930s, Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
An iconic light-blue sheet metal postal letter scale from the1930s in blue, designed by Marianne Brandt, executed by Ruppel Werke, Ruppelwerk in Gotha, G...
Category
1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron, Sheet Metal
1950s Anatomical Teaching Model Of Normal Size Depicting A Hoolow Foot
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical teaching model of normal size depicting a hollow foot in section showing a strong accentuation of the plantar arch and how the foot rest is mainly on the forefoot and heel...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Large Early 20th Century King Edward vii W & T Avery Beam Scale
By W & T Avery
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Large antique wrought iron and brass beam weight balance scale by W and T Avery Ltd. of Soho foundry Birmingham, England. Lovely black transfer on a por...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
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
Antique Technical Drawing Set, German, Architect, Cartography, Wichmann
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique technical drawing set. A German, architect's or cartographer's instrument case by Wichmann, dating to the early 20th c...
Category
Early 20th Century German Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
Early 20th Century Pair of Mirror Witches Balls on Bronze Stands
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A matching pair of early 20th century mirrored witches balls, with pressed steel galleries and hanging hoops. They have later been associated to a pair of extremely well cast and he...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Italian Antique Botanical Model Early 1900s Plaster on Wooden Base
Located in Milan, IT
Botanical model made of painted plaster and mounted on black painted wooden boards of an orthotropic ovule made by prof. T. Ferraris for Vallardi publisher Milan Scientific material, complete with plate with the legend of the names of the various parts of the mushroom, early 1900s. Good condition. Measures: 20.5 x 15.7 cm, height 25.5 cm.
The origins of the publisher Vallardi date back to 1750 when founder Francesco Cesare (1736-1799) acquired a small craft in the heart of old Milan. In the early nineteenth century, the publishing house was noted for the production of works of art, geography and science, including a "Tour of Italy" which took twenty-two printings between 1819 and 1835. The complete works of various maps and directions for travel, including timetables and fares for transportation of the time, can be considered the first modern tourist guide. The firm "Vallardi" was born in 1843 and the company became industrial, with the opening of branches on national scale...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
English Brass Pivoting Magnifying Glass on Stand c.1915 - Signed
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome antique English magnifying glass on stand which pivots on a ball and socket fitting, moving around with ease.
Dating to c.1915, it remains in excellent condition having b...
Category
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Botanical Model in Enlarged Section of a Moraceae Syconium, Italy, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Model in enlarged section of the Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a sicon). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the 1930s. Measures cm 3...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Set of 2 Brass Furniture Leg Embellisher, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
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
1930s Italian Medical Sketch of a Campaing to Fight Tuberculosis
Located in Milan, IT
Sketch of a futurist poster, 1930s, ten cents to fight tuberculosis, for the national campaign to inform people about the prevention of this illness. Measures: cm 32 x 42, inches 12....
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Set of four imperial fuel standard measures by Gaskell & Chambers in case
Located in London, GB
A set of four copper and brass CHEKPUMP imperial fuel standard measures, by Gaskell & Chambers, dated 1931 made for the County Borough of Wallasey.
Three gallon, Two gallon, One gallon & Half gallon.
Marked: GASKELL & CHAMBERS Ltd. MAKERS. DALE END WORKS BIRMINGHAM
Serial number: 252.
In original fitted oak case, with rope handles, with brass escutcheon, dated 1930, with corresponding serial number and markers mark.
Gaskell and Chambers...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
Floor Standing Globe On A Turned Hardwood & Brass Stand Model No 16
By Cram's
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Crams Imperial World Globe
Floor Standing Globe On A Turned Hardwood & Brass Stand Model No 16
Manufactured by George F Cram Co. Indiana, U.S.A
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass 'Starboy' astronomical mounted refractor by Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co, dating to the early 20...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Kodak No. S Model E Folding Camera c.1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The body is wrapped in leather with red bellows. Chrome, brass and leather accents on the lens. The camera may or may not work but is sold as a decorative object.
Shown with ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Antique English Field Glasses / Binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo - With Compass
Located in Bath, GB
A superb and very handsome pair of the unusual and sought-after "Lynx" binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo, dating to c.1900. These English pocket sized Field glasses or binoculars are m...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Copper & brass fuel measures by Sutherland Astell
Located in London, GB
Two copper and brass metric "Checkpump" fuel measures by Sutherland Astell, circa 1950.
Made for the County Borough of Blackpool.
Marked: 10 and 20 litres, at 20°.
20L, Height: 23...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
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
Library Telescope from the collection of Thierry Despont
Located in New York, NY
This remarkable telescope came from the personal collection of Thierry Despont (1948 - 2023). While best known for his architectural practice—which played integral roles in the resto...
Category
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Salter's Family Scale England Early 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Salter's Family Scale, England, turn of the Century.
Back when normal household items were designed to be beautiful. This scale by Salter is a tr...
Category
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Maitland Smith Art Nouveau Style Large Standing Brass Nautilus Magnifying Glass
Located in Doylestown, PA
Maitland Smith Art Nouveau style large standing nautilus magnifying glass.
Lots of intricate details capture the beauty of this intriguing sea crea...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Folding Magnifying Glass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely shaped little folding / pocket magnifying glass which folds into a shaped brass case, marked "Made In England".
Dating to c.1920, remaining in excellent condition measuring...
Category
1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Wood and glass wall barometer station signed Lufft 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Table or wall-mounted wood and glass barometer station signed Lufft from the 1950s, made for the Italian market and consisting of aneroid barometer, thermometer and hygrometer.
Buono...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood
By Somso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood
An antique hand-painted anatomical wall model depicting the structure of the human skin with roots of the hair. T...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Compound Microscope with Box and Key by R. Winkel, Göttingen, Nr. 18507
Located in Austin, TX
A fine working German compound microscope, circa 1910, by R. Winkel, Gottingen, Germany, in a fitted box of mahogany with nickel hardware and key.
...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Nickel
Russian Electromechanical Wheel-Based Cipher Machine Fialka M 125
Located in Madrid, ES
M-125 Fialka-electromechanical wheel-based cipher machine
USSR rotor-based cipher machine
M-125, codename Fialka (Russian: ??????), was an el...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1950s Russian Military PAB-2M Periscope Artillery Aiming Circle Theodolite 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage circa 1950s Russian military periscope artillery aiming circle - PAB-2M/7A919. Includes instruction booklet and hardwood base for sculpture mount display.
Designed to determ...
Category
1950s Russian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Gruchon & Emons Paris 1918 magnetic compass for U.S Engineer Corps
Located in Milan, IT
Rare nautical survey magnetic compass, brass pocket, signed Gruchon & Emons Paris No. 81 1918, made for U.S Engineer Corps and in use by officers during World War I. This is a smal...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique The Standard Computing Scale Co Dry Goods General Store Countertop Scale
By Standard Computing Scale Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique The Standard Computing Scale Co. Porcelain Enamel Dry Goods General Store Scale with Beveled Glass Mirrors. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 30" H x 18" W x 20" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Italian Artist's Mannequin from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This elegant Italian artist's mannequin from approximately 1900 is a beautiful representation of craftsmanship from the 19th century. Crafted from solid fruitwood, it stands as a tes...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Scandinavian Modern Ericsson Mint Green COBRA Vintage Rotary Dial Phone 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Ericsson "COBRA" mint green vintage rotary phone 1950s. This phone was made in Ohio and is in very good condition with no issues. It does dial out but does not ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Mechanical lunarium instrument that mechanically illustrates the various phases of the moon
Located in Milan, IT
Mechanical lunarium instrument that mechanically illustrates the various phases of the Moon in the early 1900s. The first phase is called the new moon, the second phase is called the...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Wooden and Iron Cheese Press, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a double trestle base and a threaded press, the surface with a raised edge and a drain spout.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen, circa 1950
By Montblanc
Located in Barcelona, ES
Sheaffer fountain pen, circa 1950. Manufactured by Sheaffers In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials...
Category
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Rolling Rule English Brass Scientific Instrument, Navigation, circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage rolling rule. An English, brass scientific instrument to aid navigation, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Attractive period instrument
Displays a desirable aged patina
Solid brass shows mellow golden hues
Used to draw parallel lines on navigation charts
Replete with the Ministry of Defense arrow mark and 160100 patent number
Oak faced box...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Carl Zeiss cold war era 10 x 50 periscope binoculars
By Carl Zeiss
Located in London, GB
A cold war era Carl Zeiss Oberkochen 10 x 50 periscope binoculars, German, circa 1965.
Specifications: 10 times magnification, coated optics, objective diameter 50 mm, grey filter and drop down grid.
Original transport case. (included protective feet pads and rubber eye guards).
Dimensions of the case: 29 x 18 1/2 x 11 inches. (73 x 47 x 28 cm).
Mounted on an adjustable height tripod. Height of periscope in photographs: 77 inches.
This model of Zeiss periscope...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Vintage Dental Model of Mouth with Braces in Original Box by Columbia Dentoforms
Located in Montclair, 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
Accordion by Sabatino Nocentini & Figli Made in Florence, Italy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Italian custom made accordion by Sabatino Nocentini Castiglion & Figli.
Antique pearl white accordion, Italian accordion with profuse inlay decoration, gorgeous hand made wit...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Abalone, Wood, Shell
Pair WW1 Binoculars and Case, British Officer's Issue - A Tubeuf, Paris
Located in Bath, GB
The binoculars are clad in a lovely embossed leather remaining in excellent condition, now over 100 years old and a true antique. They have integral sun shades. When closed up they ...
Category
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Swedish Modern Ericsson "COBRA" Ivory Vintage Rotary Telephone Sweden 50s
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Ericsson "COBRA" ivory vintage rotary phone, Sweden 50s. This phone was made in Sweden and is in very good condition with no issues. It does dial out but does no...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Pair of Brass Field Binoculars by W. Watson &. Sons of London
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of wonderfully aged brass field binoculars with moveable brass eye shields, which help to give clearer views without additional light coming through the sides. This pair of bin...
Category
1910s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rare Early 8x10 Double Bellows Double Exposure Camera
Located in Peekskill, NY
When have you ever seen one of these? This is a first for me. This very unique camera came out of an important 2 generation New York Collection. This was a custom built double exposu...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Baume Mercier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch & Bracelet & Original Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique ladies wristwatch was made by the well known Baume et Mercier of Switzerland in approximately 1920 in their period style. The wa...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
Mid-20th Century Dow Jones Wall Street Journal Broad Tape Ticker Tape Machine
Located in Stamford, CT
This antique Dow Jones News Wire Broad Tape Ticker Tape machine from the 1930s-1940s. With its beautifully crafted design and historical significan...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Vintage Anatomical Model, Man and Woman, 80s 90s Curiosity
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional Human Anatomy Model from the 80s, 90s.
Male and Female Figures on a black stand.
The outer casting, such as the individual intestines a...
Category
20th Century Unknown Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Antique Steel and Brass Pruning Shears c1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Vintage steel parrot beak pruning shears with brass spring-loaded handle and lock.
CREATOR P.S. & W. Co. Pexto, Cleveland, OH.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920.
MATER...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Rare Antique Agfa Ansco Readyset Traveler Folding Camera c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique Readyset Traveler folding camera. The body of camera is covered in a luggage canvas with a a pop out view finder and it folds smoothly closed to 1.5 inches. This ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Ornate Antique Gilt & Floral Hand Painted Soda Fountain Cash Register C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote***
Ornate & Petite Antique Gilt & Floral Hand Painted Ice Cream or Soda Fountain Country Store Cas...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Nouveau 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.