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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: Late 20th Century
Sears Tower Constellation Portable Typewriter W/Metal Case. Circa 1960s.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Sears Tower Constellation Portable Typewriter W/Metal Case. Circa 1960s.
Manufactured for SEARS is the equivalent of a Smith-Corona Classic 12.
Features a stylish mid century...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Cased Monocular, French, Field Viewing Scope, Optical Interest, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage cased monocular. A French, enamelled brass and leather viewing scope, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930.
Delightful field monocular, with 8 x 30 magnificat...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage 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 Salter Family Scales No 50 a Well Loved and Used Family Scales
Located in Godshill, 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
German Reflecting Telescope in Limited Edition from the Deutsches Museum in 1978
Located in Sofia, BG
Gregory brass spyglass - Deutsches Museum 1978/79 limited edition.
This reflecting foldable telescope is being published in a worldwide limited edition...
Category
Late 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Antique Thermometer by Taylor
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Antique Thermometer Taylor
stamped by maker
6.5 h x 1.75 w x .75 d
Original vintage
Refer to images provided
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Lufft Sunburst Golden Brass Wall Weather Station, Barometer & Thermometer, 1950s
By Lufft
Located in Vienna, AT
A round mid-century Sunburst / Starburst wall-mounted weather station from the 1950s, crafted by Lufft Germany, a renowned maker of precision instruments. This high-quality and premi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold, Brass
Large School Teaching Display Anthill of the Red Wood Ant
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large School Teaching Display Anthill of the Red Wood Ant
A vintage school teaching glass display of the anthill of the red wood ant. It shows the hill and inhabitants thereof, the ...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Set of Two Mushrooms Scientific Models Europe , Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage set of two different types of mushrooms, show Models which are native to middle Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools. Colorful...
Category
1960s German Folk Art Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
20th Century Japanese Pair Of Naval Bridge "Big Eye" Binoculars By Nikon c.1940
By Nikon
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare set of Japanese naval bridge “big eye“ binoculars by Nikon manufactured during WWII by Tokyo Kogaku Kikai (Tokyo Optical Company). They have been expertly cleaned and hand pol...
Category
1940s Japanese Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Floor Standing Telescope by Piet G. Meesters
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This beautiful floor standing telescope, 60mm f/15 NEDOPTIFA, dates from the 1930s and was made by Piet G. Meesters.
One of the most famous Dutch amateur astronomers of the last cent...
Category
1930s Dutch Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Sea Fish Saltvandsfisk Rollable Poster Print Wall Chart, Denmark 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage wall chart shows different types of sea fish, which are native to middle Europe. This kind of wall charts are used as teaching material in German schools or diving ...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Original Vintage Scale from the 20th Century 'Designed by Berkel'
By Berkel 2
Located in Udenhout, NL
Original personal scale from 1946 designed by Berkel in Belgium.
(Made in Brussels.)
Very nice Industrial decorative object.
Category
1940s Belgian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Enamel
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
Mid-Century Modern Universal Model CE-616 Turquoise AM Band Portable Radio & Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This radio was made by Universal of Canada and dates to approximately 1965 and done in the period Mid-Century Modern style. This radio is a six transistor AM band portable radio done with a turquoise plastic molded...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
A Copernican armillary sphere, Paravia, Milan, Italy 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A Copernican armillary sphere made of iron, paper, brass and wood, with the Sun inside, and the Earth on the outside, made of wood and covered with paper. Pedestal made of turned and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
Vintage Illuminated Magnifying Glass Eagle Hong Kong
By Eagle Tool and Metal Mfg.
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Eagle Magnifying Glass Hong Kong
2.75 h x 4.5 diameter x 9.5 long
reading magnifying glass with light by EAGLE
stamped by maker
Preowned vintage condition
Refer to images
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Set of Two Antique Spanish Wooden Stamps, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
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
Vintage Allbrit Polar Planimeter, English, Scientific Instrument, Stanley, 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Allbrit polar planimeter. An English, adjustable scientific instrument by Stanley, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Comprehensive scientific instrument set
Displays a desirable aged patina
Presented in a carry case with a rich blue velour lining
Ideal for measuring on maps or drawings
Rotating measurement scales in good order
Replete with small magnifying loupe...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Nice Acupuncture Model Statue Sculpture, Composition on Wood Stand Vintage 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative Acupuncture Model. Some wear with a nice patina. Made of composition, metal and a wooden stand. It is painted in different colors and co...
Category
1960s German Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Composition, Metal
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
Large Vintage Scientific Botanical Plant 3d Educational Leaf Cross-Section Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1940's leaf cross-section model by Denoyer-Geppert of Chicago, Illinois. Model stands 19" tall and features Hand-painted details with excellent original...
Category
1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
Vintage, Handheld Bearing Compass, English, Oak, Maritime, Navigation, Sestrel
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage hand-held bearing compass. An English, oak, marine navigation aid with Sestrel dial, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
A fascinating maritime set
Displays a desirable aged patina
Oak handle and walnut deck box...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
19th C. John Byrne Brass Telescope with tripod
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
19th C. John Byrne brass telescope with tripod. Marked John Byrne New York 1882. 3.5 inch refracting telescope with 43.5 inch main tube. A wonderful piece of history, Optics are not ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Contina AG Mauren Curta I Mechanical Calculator
Located in Mexico City, MX
An important CURTA Type I mechanical calculator by Contina Ltd. Mauren. Made in Liechtenstein, manufactured in september 1968. Serial number 72161. Black body with 8 digits for data ...
Category
1960s Liechtenstein Mid-Century Modern Vintage 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
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
1930s Educational Model Depicting the Belly of the Woman Immediately After Birth
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model depicting the belly of the woman immediately after birth with a part of the placenta. 1930's, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden...
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Vintage Reichert Austria Microscope 241 653 in Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Reichert Austria Microscope Number 241 653 in Wooden Box with Accessories as Pictured. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: Box: 14.5" H x 9" W x 10.5" D.
Category
Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
German Medical or Tanning Lamp, Wood and Bakelite, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
German medical or tanning lamp.
Transport handle and external thermometer.
Three settings of the lamps. Eight porcelain lamp holders and four light bulbs. Current 220 volt
Woo...
Category
1940s German Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Porcelain, Bakelite, Wood
Antique Scientific Model of the Non-Poisonous Snake of Natricidae Family 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Model of the European non-poisonous snake belonging to the Natricidae family. German manufacture of hand-painted rubber and plastic dated to the 1950s, from the Hygiene Museum in Dre...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
Mid-20th Century European Museum Mushroom Specimen
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century European Museum Mushroom Specimen
Encased in a glass cube this mid-20th Century papier mache, hand painted large teaching aid mushroom specimen stands 16.5 inches ...
Category
1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Paper
Phantom Dental Training Simulator on Custom Steel Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A phantom dental training simulator used in dental school with removable rubber shroud. Mounted on a custom steel stand. The aluminum jaws have a magnetic quick disconnect sys...
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
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
Paravia Collection 100 Rocks, Educational Material, Italy 1950s
By Paravia
Located in Naples, IT
Collection 100 Rocks, Teaching Material, Italy 1950s
Geology teaching board "Minerals and Rocks" G.B. Paravia Scientific Collection - Turin
The ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rock Crystal
Botanic Modelof a Primrose Flower, Paravia, Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a flower of Primrose, Acaulis, Primulaceae. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia, Milan, Ita...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Desk Tabletop Rotary Restored Telephone By Monogram Black with Trim
By Monogram
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic Monogram Art Deco desk tabletop telephone with metal accents in excellent antique condition with minimal wear. Restored with new cords. See all pics
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Rare Antique English Mammoth Map or Library Magnifying Glass, circa 1930
Located in Bath, GB
Wow, you need to hands to lift this mammoth magnifying glass, a great look for the library and a real talking point.
The handle is made from cast brass and the frame for the glass...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1950 Film 16mm Camera, SOM Berthiot, France
Located in Miami, FL
Société d'Optique et de Mécanique Berthiot (SOM Berthiot) was a French manufacturer of optics and photographic lenses. They produced C and D mount motion picture lenses for professio...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
1930s Germany Botanical Model of the Lamium Purpureum Flower
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model of the Lamium purpureum L. (false purple nettle) flower made of painted papier mâché with a Bakelite base from the 1930s, German ma...
Category
1930s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Parchment Paper
Mid-century Classroom Anatomical Teaching Respiratory Model c.1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original classroom anatomical educational model which splits in half to show the various organs and veins linked to the respiratory system...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Wood
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
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
Vintage Egg Timer, English, Brass, Glass, 3 Minute Sand Countdown, Mid-Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage egg timer. An English, brass and glass 3 minute sand countdown, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
Charming vintage timer set w...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Brass Lorgnettes 'Long-Handled Opera Glasses' Mid-Century Italian Design 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
A splendid pair of 'lorgnettes' (long-handled opera, or theatre, glasses). Lorgnettes, eye glasses held in place by long handles rather than resting on the bridge of one's nose, were...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Aircraft Design Wind Tunnel Scale Model of a Late 1960s GAC-100 Airliner
Located in London, GB
A 1/10 scale wind tunnel model of a GAC-100 Commuter airliner.
Wingspan: 7ft (214 cm)
The model is constructed out of laminated mahogany, and is built to the highest standards,...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Teaching Aid Median Incision of the Human Head, Ca. 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted and hand lettered anatomical model. A median incision of the head for class. It is made of wood, papier maché and plaster, manufactured by SOMSO or PHYWE...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
chinoiserie Decorated Circular Barometer, circa 1930s
By Acme Photo
Located in Dereham, GB
Chinoiserie decorated circular barometer, circa 1930s.
Black background with gold decoration,
Depicting, houses, temple, figures, trees & foliage,
Brass face,
Badge on back, re...
Category
1930s European Chinoiserie Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lacquer
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
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
Atomic Physicist A.G. Shenstone Princeton Gyroscope
Located in Savannah, GA
A machined gyroscope presented to Allen G. Shenstone (1893-1980) physicist and chair of the department of Princeton from 1949-1960. Presented by friends in the department.
7 inches...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Set of (14) Vintage Anatomy Charts by American Map Co. - sold individually
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of (14) Vintage Anatomy Charts
American Map Co. - Circa 1950.
14 Total Charts - Sold Individually -( 14 available )
( discounted to buy as a set )
29" x 37" unfolded
9.5" x 12...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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
Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Bakelite, Brass, Mathematical Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, Bakelite and brass cased mathematical instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Beautifully pre...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
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.