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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1940s
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English Scientific Instrument, Stanley, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, mahogany and brass cased scientific instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Quality mathematical instrument of superb collector interest
Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order throughout
Brass and paper cylinders show appealing colour
Presented within a mahogany box, showing fine grain interest
Beautifully turned screw...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Vintage Mid-Century Globe Meat Slicer C1940 Enameled Iron & Stainless
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and powerful, 1/4hp GM Delco motor. Globe deli meat slicer from the forties. Super quiet motor with a new cord and switch. In excellent vintage co...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Steel, Chrome, Iron, Stainless Steel
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
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
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
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
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
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
Pigeon Timer By German Maker In Oak Case
Located in Norwell, MA
Oak cased pigeon timer with clock face that is marked made in Germany. 7 jewel clock by Benzing. Keu is present. Varnished oak dove tailed box. Everyone...
Category
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
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
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
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
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
1960's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Eye Eyeball Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1960's Vintage Scientific Biocraft Human 3D Eyeball Model by Denoyer-Geppert of Chicago, Illinois. Hand-painted with wonderful original patina!
Category
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber, Plastic, Wood
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
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
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
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
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
Wood and Brass Apothecary Scale, 1950s
Located in Felino, IT
Precision apothecary scale, 1940s-1950s. Wooden base with drawer, brass instruments. Original set of weights included. Functioning.
Category
1950s European Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
Italian Mid-Century White Metal Vertical Medical Scale by Salus, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century White metal Vertical medical scale by Salus, 1960s
Vertical medical scale in white painted metal. In the upper part it has a metal b...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
Three-Dimensional Anatomical Midcentury Wall Plaster Sculpture, Germany, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Midcentury three-dimensional anatomical plaster painting representing human respiratory system, provenance Hygiene Museum Dresden with museum sticker ...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, Flower Head, Italy, 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Simple Flower Head, made with hand-painte...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Large 1940s Vintage Industrial Apothecary Laboratory Teaching Scale Balance
Located in Lafayette, IN
Rare 1940's vintage large-scale teaching scale/balance. Scale stands a massive 50" tall and was originally used as an instructional scale in a Purdue University lab (hence the large ...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel, Iron
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
Large 1950s Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Eye Eyeball Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1950's Vintage scientific human 3d eyeball model. Hand-painted with wonderful original patina!
Category
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
Vintage Plaster Anatomical Skull Model
Located in Houston, TX
Interesting vintage plaster anatomical skull model. This great plaster skull bust model is in very good condition and dates to the 1940s.
A real conver...
Category
1940s Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, the Corymb, Italy, 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Corymb, made with hand-painted plaster co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
British Royal Navy Ship’s Binnacle Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass ship’s compass on gimbal mounted into a brass binnacle housing. The nameplate reads pattern 0183, and serial number 14313-B. The compass car...
Category
1940s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rope Twist Carved Oak Nautical Barometer
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century barometer with porcelain face with merchants name A Black & Co., Nautical Optician, Glasgow. Carved rope twist case with brass bezel. Brass hanging tab. Nice ...
Category
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, the Spiga, Italy 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanic didactical model of one type of inflorescence specimen, the Spiga, made out of hand painted colored plaster gems, wooden branches and pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, the Raceme or Cluster, Italy, 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Raceme or cluster, made with hand-painted...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
A botanic model of inflorescence, the Simple Umbrella, Italy 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Simple Umbrella, made with hand-painted p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
1950s Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic Tape Measure Peoples Republic of China
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic tape Measure Peoples Republic of China
Wonderful vintage tape measure has a cover made from dappled rich dar...
Category
1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1950s Swiss Chef Food Fruit Vegetable Chopper Switzerland
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Swiss chef food fruit vegetable chopper.
Made in Switzerland, Fruit-vegetable chopper.
Vintage, pre-owned. Patina present. Clear plastic has s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Era Bludworth Marine Port Pilot Loop Nautical Radio Direction Finder
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage nautical direction finder was made by Bludworth Marine Mfg. of the United States in approximately 1960 in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The case is composed of me...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Large Vintage Pantagraph, English, Brass, Scientific Mapping Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage pantagraph. An English, brass scientific mapping instrument, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Fascinating scale and mechanical interest
Displays a...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Era Assorted Medical Doctor's Field Examination Instrument Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage medical doctor's instrument set is unsigned, except for a few numbers on several of the pieces, but presumed to have originated from German...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stainless Steel
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
Sheet Metal, Metal, Iron
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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