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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1910s
Antique Camera / Enlarger Circa 1910s
Located in Wallkill, NY
Early Wooden Antique Camera / Enlarger Circa 1910s
Please look at the photos, this has not been touched in decades. It is just the way you would like to find it, untouched. True anti...
Category
1910s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
Beautiful Antique Brass Scale
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Immerse yourself in the elegance and charm of yesteryear with this exquisite antique brass scale, a true testament to craftsmanship and beauty. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
Naudet & Co. 1915-1916 Paris World War I French Aviation Altimeter Militaire
Located in Miami, FL
World War I French aviation altimeter made by Naudet & Co.
Antique French aviation altimeter designed specifically for aviation, and dating to th...
Category
1910s French Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
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
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
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
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble, brass, and glass.
Good state. Working order.
Diameter cm 17 - inches 6.7, thickness cm 5- inches 1.9...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble
1916s Pocket Magnetic Compass for the Raf Officers Antique Surveyor Measurement
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for the RAF officers, signed F. Darton & Co London V n. 77824 1916 made of brass chrome in the shape of a pocket watch. The compass has a snap-on cover with release button inside the ring.
Twelve-winds compass card. Very good condition fully functional.
Diameter 4.5 cm - 1.77 inches, thickness 1.5 cm - 0.59 inches.
Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London; our gift box is free.
The first hints in Europe on the use of instruments using...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Original vintage scale from the 20th Century 'Designed by Berkel in Belgium'
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
Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen, circa 1950
By Montblanc
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
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
Carved Wooden C.Engel & Cie Antique Belgium Barometer with Thermometer, 1910s
By Black Forest
Located in Verviers, BE
Carved wooden C.Engel & Cie antique Belgium Barometer with Thermometer, 1910s
Unusual antique carved wooden barometer in a lovely carved case, working order.
With best Wishes, ...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
Botanic Model of a Red Grape Flower, Paravia, Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a red Grape flower, Vitis Vinifera, Anipelidee. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia, Milan,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Set of 5 Vintage Traditional Snow Measuring Poles, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of five vintage snow measuring poles, by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1930.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age an...
Category
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by American Maker. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its or...
Category
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Botanic Model of a Carnation Flower, Paravia Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a Carnation flower, Dianthus Silvaticus, Cariofillacee. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Stich Leather Hanging Barometer Westen, Germany, 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice round hanging Barometer, surrounded with stitch Brown Leather.
Made in Western Germany in the 1960s. Good working condition.
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its original hardwood bo...
Category
1950s North American Vintage 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
Rope Barometer. French Work by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very unusual barometer is made of rope. This is a French work by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet. circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rope
Shop Window Lamp Sign for an Optometrist, USA1950
Located in Milan, IT
Globe-shaped light a shop window sign for optometrist in celluloid, with painted eye, and brass base support. The electrical system has been reprogrammed.
United States of America, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Detailed Anatomical Ear Model Made in East Germany by Somso
By Somso
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the midcentury Organon Auditus Anatomical Model by Somso, a true masterpiece in the world of anatomical models! This amazing model, made in former East Germany, features ...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Early 20th Century Anatomical Plaster Medical Torso Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century anatomical plaster medical torso figure
This early 20th century life size anatomical medical torso would have originally been used as...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Dirigo of Seattle Washington. The entire gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrumen...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Midcentury French Anatomical Medical Teaching Display, circa 1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
A midcentury French anatomical medical teaching device of the human body. The organs and muscles are numbered and the skull has Roman numerals. One glass eye. The piece has re...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Wood
1930s Wrist Military Compass in the Shape of a Watch Antique Surveyor Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Wrist military compass in the shape of a watch in brass, bakelite and leather strap.
English manufacture from the 1930s used by English army officers...
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Rustic Wooden Spool of Thread, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rustic wooden spool of thread, by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1930.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pres...
Category
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Botanic Model of Wallflower, Paravia Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a flower of orange Wallflower, Cheirantus Cheiris, Cruciferous. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed....
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Dirigo of Seattle Washington. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fi...
Category
1930s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
20th Century Made in Japan Brass Opera Binocular, 1950s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice opera binocular from the 50s in its original fabric pouch and box.
Made of brass. Removable handle using a small key.
Adjustment of the view thanks to a wheel at the fron...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Estate American Surveyor's Transit Level in Original Fitted Oak Box, 1930s-1940s
Located in New Orleans, LA
Estate American surveyor's transit level in original fitted oak box and signed "BOSTROM- BRODY mf6, Atlanta GA.", circa 1930-1940s. Model #4, Serial #47....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Star Compass of Boston. The gimballed yacht compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This Classic marine instrument is fi...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
20th Century French Iron, Walnut Spotlight, Cinema Floor Spot Lamp by Clémançon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey-black, vintage Mid-Century Modern French spotlight made of handcrafted lacquered iron, designed and produced by Clémançon in good condition. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron, Brass
Botanic Model of Solarum Tuberosum Flower, Paravia, Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanic didactical model, depicting a Solarum Tuberosum flower, pale pink color, made out of papier machè, plaster and wood, hand painted. Extremely detailed. Paravia, Milan, Italy...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Wilcox Crittenden of Middletown Connecticut. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine i...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Modernist Atomic 1950s Television by Olympic, Tambour Doors "rocket tuner"
By Olympus
Located in Buffalo, NY
Super Rare! Modernist Atomic 1950s Television by Olympic, Tambour doors "new rocket tuner" Probably one of the best designed T.V'S I...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Plastic, Wood, Mahogany
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early 20th century boat compass by American Maker. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its origina...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Star Compass of Boston. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted t...
Category
1940s North American 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
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Wilcox Crittenden of Middletown Connecticut. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This Classic marine i...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Scientific Electrostatic Van de Graaff Electrostatic Generator Apparatus
Located in Lafayette, IN
Vintage Van de Graaff electrostatic generator apparatus by the Sargent Welch Scientific Instrument Company. This appears to be a manual version with our the ...
Category
1960s American Machine Age Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Fine Pair Golden Guilloche Enamel and Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses, c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
Pretty as a picture and in outstanding condition, this lovely pair of early twentieth century opera glasses come complete with their original case (wear commensurate with age).
Th...
Category
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Enamel
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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