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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Small French 20th Century Terrestrial Globe on Turned Black Wooden Base
Located in Atlanta, GA
A small French terrestrial globe from the 20th century, with metal protractor and circular black wooden base. Created in France during the 20th century, this terrestrial globe is con...
Category
20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1986 Gray and Black Enorme Telephone by Ettore Sottsass for Enorme
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly postmodern telephone designed by the Memphis Milano master, Ettore Sottsass, and produced in 1986. The Enorme phone was produced in another color way but this is the much rarer gray and black version. The Enorme telephone was the result of a collaboration between Sottsass and David Kelley, founder of the design firm IDEO. Sottsass created the conceptual design, and Kelley and his team were responsible for the engineering and detail design. To produce the telephone, the two formed the Enorme Corporation with Jean Pigozzi. Examples of this phone design are found in the collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, RISD Museum, and the Los Angeles County Museum.
In good vintage condition with wear consistent with age and use. Works great! Molded manufacturer's mark on handset and base: "Designed by Ettore Sottsass Enorme...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
A botanic model of a fern Pteris serrulata, A. Dall’Eco, Italy 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model by A. Dall'Eco di Pteris serrulata N.66 (Ferns. Sporangium and Spore). The round boxwood base contains 4 elements, components of a model of fern Pteris serrula...
Category
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Boxwood
Antique 19th Century Scottish Mahogany with Satinwood Inlay Barometer.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique 19th Century Scottish Mahogany with Satinwood Inlay Barometer.
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany, Satinwood
Wall-Mounted Large Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut Belgium
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Deco Style Barometer with Mercury Thermometer Weather Station Antique Decorative Cherrywood Wall Barometer Austria 1920s
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any further q...
Category
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th Century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in Blue Glazed ceramic.
Category
17th Century Spanish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
A 19th Century, French Dairy Cheese Press
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A 19th Century, French Dairy Cheese Press
This is an attractive press from France it is designed to press a small round cheese, like a Camembert it is made in fruitwood and it is in...
Category
19th Century Country Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nutwood
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 Balance Shop Scales with Eagle Crest
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Brass balance shop scales with eagle crest
Decorative large brass balance shop scales
I super looking set, the slightly dished pans are hung on brass...
Category
Late 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Louis Philippe Wall Clock 8 Day Movement Tôle Enamel Bronze
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant octagonal wall clock with an eight day movement. The case of the clock is made out of painted metal. The dial is enameled and the clock ha...
Category
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Carved oak wall hanging Banjo barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved oak barometer, the shaped carved oak frame with rectangular thermometer encased by glass. Above the enamelled dial with brass bezel, flanked by crisp scrolling carved decorati...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
1940s Plaster Anatomical Heart Model on Wood Stand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Instructional, anatomical, plaster, heart model on 7" diameter wood base, circa 1940s.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
French Modern Painted And Giltwood Sunburst Barometer
Located in Houston, TX
French Modern Painted and Giltwood Sunburst Barometer.
This unusual French mid century modern star shaped barometer is executed in a beautiful shade of red with gilt
wood accents.
Th...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
American Victorian Stereoscope Photographs
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian-style collection of stereoscope photographs. (100 available)
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Antique Wood Flower Mold Two Hole
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Wood Flower Mold Two Hole
8.25 w x 3 d x 1.75
Original vintage condition unrestored
See all images provided.
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Recording Copper Rain Gauge by Casella & Co of London
By Casella
Located in London, GB
An 8" diameter recording copper rain gauge by C F Casella & Co of London.
With an internal 24 hour "Gluck" barometer recorder.
Height:63 cm.
Diameter: 28 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Antique Brass and Wood Set of Scales with Assorted Weights
Located in New Orleans, LA
19th Century Victorian Era Brass and Wood Set of Scales with Assorted Weights.
Category
19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - Somso ca. 1900
By Somso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - Somso ca. 1900
A folding model of an ear. It was used as teaching material in German schools ca. 1900. It is made of wood and paper mache by ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Gorgeous Edwardian Inlaid Barometer by George Odell
Located in Dublin, IE
A gorgeous quality Edwardian inlaid mahogany barometer by George Odell, with beautiful marquetry detail of fan and shell motifs.
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany, Glass
Opera Theatre Glasses, Binoculars with Leather Case
Located in Miami, FL
Good quality pair of opera glasses, binoculars with their original leather case.
In very good condition.
Glass clean and clear.
All mechanical settings work.
Optics has no sc...
Category
20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Bakelite
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic twentieth century boat compass by American maker Wilcox Crittenden of Middletown Connecticut. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Black Forest Barometer
Located in Stockbridge, GA
French 19th century black forest barometer.
Category
Late 19th Century French Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Carved Wooden G.Tart Liege Antique Belgium Barometer with Thermometer, 1910s
By Black Forest
Located in Verviers, BE
Carved wooden G Tart Liege antique Belgium Barometer with Thermometer, 1910s
Unusual antique carved wooden barometer in a lovely carved case, working order.
With best Wishes, Geert...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
French 19th Century Brass Fabric Scale on Wooden Base by the Maison Piat
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass fabric scale from the 19th century with wooden base, from the Maison Piat. Created in Paris during the 19th century, this fabric scale, made of brass, is mounted on a ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Bronze Sculptural Thermometer, Long Bodied Lady, Artist Signed and Dated 1911
Located in Petaluma, CA
It wasn't easy trying to title this bronze in one sentence. The first thing about it to my eye is the wonderful whimsy displayed. The fact that it's a thermometer just adds to the jo...
Category
1910s American Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Two Large Wood Sterling Handled Magnifiers
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Large Wood Sterling Handled Magnifiers
One is marked Hull
4.25" x 1" x 17.5
4" x 1" x 17
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Postmodern Funnytime 105 Kitchen Timer by Roberto Pezzetta for Wikidue
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A whimsical Italian postmodern multicolor kitchen timer designed by Roberto Pezzetta for WikiDue. Stacked green, red and yellow discs give it a fun Me...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Analytical Beam Balance Scientific Scale in Glass Case
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Hand built analytical beam balance scientific scale. The scale is used to measure both solid and liquid masses (10/100g capacity). Highly sensitive silver cylinders dampen the harmon...
Category
1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Set of Three Victorian Set Squares, C. 1880
Located in High Point, NC
This is a set of three antique shipwright's set squares. The squares are made from rosewood and have brass caps. They are right-angled tools, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
Shock Therapy McIntosh Polysine Generator Quck Medical Device
Located in Norwalk, CT
A very interesting piece having to do with the treatment of mental health in america. this machine dates to the 1940s or earlier, its missing and of the...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Huge Waterman Figural Fountain Pen Advertising Store Display Model
By Waterman
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This enormous figural fountain pen store display is unsigned, but presumed to have been made by the Waterman Co. of France in approximately 1965 and d...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Signed 19th Century Mahogany and Brass Telescope on Custom Oak Wall Mount
Located in San Francisco, CA
An English mahogany and brass single draw telescope made and signed by William Bruce, Kings Head Court Shoe Lane London, circa 1830. This handsom...
Category
1830s English Georgian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1950s Swiss Chef Food Chopper Dicer Cutter Slicer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Swiss chef food fruit vegetable veggie chopper.
Zylyss stamp
Swiss made
9.5 h x 3 diameter
Unrestored original vintage condition preowned
Patin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Two Large Magnifiers With 19th Century Gilded and Mother-of-Pearl Handles
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Large Magnifiers With 19th Century Gilded and Mother of Pearl Handles
Largest: 4"w x 2"d. x 12.75"h
smallest: 3.5" x 1.25"d x 10.25"h
Category
19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass
A 19th Century Mahogany Stick Barometer by Keen and Frodsham
Located in Pewsey, GB
A 19th Century Mahogany stick Barometer by Keen and Frodsham, South Castle Street, Liverpool .
"Keen and Frodsham" refers to a partnership between renowned clockmaker Henry Frodsha...
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Teaching Model Stages of the Appendix, Ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted anatomical model of the appendix in different stages. It is made of plaster and mounted on a wooden base. Manufactured most probably by SOMSO or PHYWE, G...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century Death Cap & Fly Agaric Model Fungi Natural History
Located in Lowestoft, GB
Very well modeled pair of Fungi's, circa 1920/30 in age, European in origins.
Mounted on turned ebonised bases, each with a moss covered ground. Modeled with a composite paper mach...
Category
1920s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
A Wunderkammer object: the mechanical paradox, France half 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
A Wunderkammer object: the mechanical paradox. It consists in a double cone, which is able to climb up along an inclined plane. The double cone rises when the slope of the inclined p...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ebony, Oak
Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
A rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicting human musculature and internal organs. ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
A set of English Floor Scales by G, H. James, Bath
Located in Southampton, GB
A set of English Floor Scales by G.H. James, Bath, manufactured and " restored ".
Works perfectly.
A great addition for a hotel to weigh luggage or a bathroom interior.
Original crea...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Teaching Model of the Adipose Spleen, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted anatomical model of the adipose spleen. Made of papier maché and plaster, mounted on a turned wooden base. Manufactured most probably by SOMSO or PHYWE, ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, 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
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Folding Boxwood & Brass Shoe Size Measure, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century folding cobbler's boxwood and brass shoe size measure, for the French market.
With folding heel rest and slinging toe marker, with brass hinge.
Paris point shoe...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Boxwood
A late19th-Century dental extractor, United States 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
An instrument for dental use. A late 19th early 20th century dental extractor. An iron forceps used in tooth extraction. White Maker, H.C. distributor Kern. American manufacturing. P...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Set of Three Copper Moonshine Funnels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3 funnels acquired from a moonshine still in Tennessee. Due to these being used in a still we assume they are safe for food products, and most certainl...
Category
Early 20th Century American Country Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
Rummy Grapefruit Soda Advertising Tin Thermometer Sign
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage "Rummy Grapefruit Soda" advertising sign / thermometer, circa 1950s. The piece is in very good working condition with great color and graphics. A rare piece of soda memorabil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Rococo Style Carved Walnut, 1910s
By A. de Lambert
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Belgium by A. de Lambert. High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade)
Unusual design...
Category
1910s Belgian Rococo Revival Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
1800s Cast Iron Farm Well Hand Pump with Handle Piston
Located in New York, NY
1800s farmhouse and Industrial style cast iron hand pump. Unknown working condition but great look. Sold as is. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category
19th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
French Louis XVI Style Gilded and Painted Wood Directoire Wall Barometer
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th century French Louis XVI style gilt and painted wood barometer. While not in working order, barometer has that wonderful old 'chippy' peeling patina. The carved wood frame and g...
Category
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Large French 19th Century Scale
Located in Round Top, TX
A delightful 19th century large French Balance - or scale in copper, iron and wood used in the silk industry for weighing silk cocoons. A perfect kitchen island accent piece.
Category
19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Iron
1880s Iron And Brass Balancing Scale
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1880s iron and brass balancing scale.
Category
1880s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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 Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
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 Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Large Painted Plexiglas Terrestrial Globe, France circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
Important relief earth globe representing the oceans and the continents.
The globe is made of painted plexiglas, fixed to the marble base by a brass axis. France around 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, Italy 1700.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Category
Early 18th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Microscope cloth counting glass by Casartelli
Located in London, GB
Microscope cloth counting glass by J. Casartelli & Son of Manchester. Circa 1910.
In original black leather case with satin and velvet lining.
Marked: J. CASARTELLI & SON SALFORD.6...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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.