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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1960s
Teak and Brass Nautical Ship's Clinometer
Located in Nantucket, MA
A handsome brass and teak ship's clinometer with a black melamine type background. An brass embossed clipper ship at the top. Used to measure the degree of healing on a boat, or on l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern 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
American Brass Telegraph Mounted on Circular Mahogany Base Bendix NY, Circa 1930
By Bendix Corporation
Located in Charleston, SC
American brass ship's double engine order telegraph mounted on circular mahogany base. E. O. T. has been electrified and has a faint bell ring when changing positions. Bendix Corpor...
Category
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Wire
Anatomical model of a chiken, Germany 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
A life-size anatomical model of a chicken, with separable anatomical parts, for educational use. Made of painted plaster, wooden and metal base. Somso, Germany circa 1930.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
Machine Age bakelight Ribbonaire Fan Designed by W.O. Langille for Singer, 1931
By Singer Sewing Machine Co., W. O. Langille
Located in Buffalo, NY
Ribbonaire Bakelite Electric Fan designed by W.O. Langille in 1931 for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Aerodynamic Design that pivots front to back to angle the breeze. Unique des...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fabric, Bakelite
Paravia Magnetism and Electricity Cassette with Original Instruments, 1960su2028
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Magnets
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.
Perfect in an ...
Category
1940s Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
British Admiralty Mark III Clinometer
Located in Norwell, MA
Clinometer inspectors forty five degree mark III admiralty pattern instrument. Made by E.R. Watts & Son, London. No 23374. Fitted to a mahogany case with leather strap. 5" H x 13" W ...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century French Louis XV Carved Giltwood Wall Barometer
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique Louis XV barometer was crafted in Paris, France, circa 1960. Square in shape, the wall piece features the original hand painte...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Mid-Twentieth Century Aluminum Gyroscope Compass Scientific Tool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Manually manipulated blue and silver anodized aluminum gyroscope composed of two gimbal rings, a central rotor, spine axle, frame and base (ca. late 1940s/early 1950s, USA).
The rotor in this case is a cube representing azimuth - the angle between North, measured clockwise around the observer's horizon, and a celestial body (sun, moon). Hence, the presence of both "N" and "E" compass directions on the rotor.
The gimbals denote "elevation" and "roll."
Interesting piece which serves as both scientific tool and modernist decorative object...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Ship's Binnacle by Baker Lyman of New Orleans, Louisiana
Located in Norwell, MA
Ship's binnacle with maker's plate from Baker Lyman Company of New Orleans, Louisiana. Wonderfully restored binnacle with gimballed compass and interior lighting.
Overall dimensio...
Category
1930s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
A pharmacy mushroom model: Boletus Chrysenteron, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Boletus Chrysenteron mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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
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
Carl Auböck Magnifier, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck bowl, Austria 1960s. The measurements given apply to the magnifier. The cover measures 1-7-14cm.
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Horn, Leather, Glass
Kilgore Authentic Anatomical Preparation Human Skull
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Prepared by legendary medical supply company Kilgore International, this is an advanced anatomical reference human skull!
An exceptional authentic vint...
Category
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
Large Vintage Mongolian Wooden Math Abacus with Painted Wooden Balls
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Large Vintage Mongolian Wooden Math Abacus with Painted Wooden Balls. Item features Painted wooden balls in red, pink, gray, orange, blue, yellow, green and brown. Circa Mid 20th Cen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Export Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Set of Two Rustic Wooden Spools of Thread, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rustic wooden spools of thread, by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1930.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pre...
Category
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
$389 Sale Price / set
40% Off
W. Ottway & Co Ltd Brass Power 7 Telescope on Wooden Tripod Stand
Located in Milford, NH
A fine English brass power telescope on wooden tripod stand stamped “W. Ottway & Co. Ltd." marked 'Power 7 telescope,For HIGH ANGLE gun, No. 1600, 1941 Patt No. G350." Very good over...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
20th Century Soviet Cold War Anti Aircraft Binoculars c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An impressive set of highly polished Cold War-era anti-aircraft binoculars from the former USSR, crafted in the 20th Century. Accompanied by a sleek and adjustable metal tripod, thes...
Category
1950s Russian Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1950s Wall Unit Vornado Grey Electric Window Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Gray Electric Window Fan
18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d
Preowned unrestored vintage condition.
Tested and working.
Refer to all images please.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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 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
Mid-Century Modern British Ilford Selo Photography Film Store Display
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This store display was made for the English film manufacturer, Ilford to advertise their Selo film line during the 1960s in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The frame of the disp...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
XXL Loupe
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
XXL Loupe with a handle as a horn, circa 1960
This loupe magnifies wonderfully and is an eye-catcher on the coffee table!
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$442
1950s Vintage Vornado Gray Electric Window Wall Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Industrial Gray Electric Window Fan
18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d
Preowned unrestored vintage condition.
Missing circle with label in center
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Modern Table Rotary Phone SIEMENS AUSO SIP S62 Lino Saltini 1960s Italy
By Siemens
Located in Miami, FL
Rotary Table Telephone S62 designed by Lino Saltini in 1962 for Telecomunicazion Siemens AUSO. This example is from the 4th edition of the phone out of ten editions of the same model...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Huger West Germany Meteobar skeleton design years '60 rare real fine barometer
Located in Biella, IT
Huger West Germany meteobar design in years '60 rare and real fine skeleton barometer
the barometer is in brass and is perfect vintage and original, working condition
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, SOMSO, Germany circa 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made of plaster, glass and painted paper mache, metal hooks, holding on a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Paravia Optical Cassette Complete with Lenses and Teaching Apparatusu2028 -Italy- 1960s
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
French Shop Wrapping Paper Dispenser, Mid Century Retro Paper Roll Cutter
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
French Shop Wrapping Paper Dispenser, Mid Century Retro Paper Roll Cutter
An unusual and very useful item, it has a green tubular metal frame with broad spanned feet for stability, ...
Category
1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Lucite Hourglass Sand Timer Sculpture After Charles Hollis Jones 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury hourglass in bubble lucite with straight external lines. This fantastic item was produced in Italy during the 1970s in the manner of Charles Hollis Jones.
The 15-minute sand timer...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lucite
FER model logarithmic circular slide rule H 39 n. 1675 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
FER model logarithmic circular slide rule H 39 No. 1675 from the 1930s, Italian Patent No. 1680, housed in its original round-shaped wooden box like the instrument, complete with in...
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Anatomical Pull Down Chart 'Osteology, GH Michel Company
By G.H. Michel Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Anatomical Pull Down Chart 'OSTEOLOGY ,GH Michel Company,Black background,amazing color contrast.Beautifully screened printed,linen backed.S...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen, Paper
1960s Bathroom Scale by Hanson in Lemon Yellow Lime Green Dot Mid-Century Mod
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very hard to find Psychedelic Era bathroom scale in wonderful condition, for decor or gentle uses. In the manner of a Verner Panton or a Josef Albers de...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
$396 Sale Price
20% Off
A pharmacy mushroom model: Morchella Rotunda, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Morchella Rotunda mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A pharmacy mushroom model: Cortinarius Violaceus, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Cortinarius Violaceus mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Early 20th Century Teaching Aid Human Torso Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Teaching Aid Human Torso Model
Mounted onto a newer looking wooden plaque this early example of a plaster and natural human fibre model would likely have been use...
Category
1940s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone, Plaster
Paravia Cassette Mechanics Solids, Liquids and Gases, Complete - Italy - 1960s
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Magnets
Glass & brass luminous world map by Paul Oestergaard for Colombus Verlag - 1950s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Glass & brass luminous world map by Paul Oestergaard for Colombus Verlag - 1950s
World map - Mid-Century - Deco Object
Measures : Ø 37cm H: 41cm
Material : Brass - Glass
Wear consis...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Italian mid-century modern optometric board in wood and white plastic, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern optometric board in wood and white plastic, 1960s
Rectangular-based illuminated table optometric board with structure in wood. On the front there are two w...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Plastic
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
$1,954 Sale Price
20% Off
Large Set of 8 Vintage Lab Sieves, English, Brass, Stacking, Scientific, C.1965
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large set of 8 vintage laboratory sieves. An English, brass stacking scientific apparatus, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1965.
Fascinating set with superb period a...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A pharmacy mushroom model: Rhodocollybia Butyracea, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Rhodocollybia Butyracea mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
1940s English The Viking Scale & Weights by F. J. Thornton & Co. Ltd.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1940s The Viking scale & weights by F.J. Thornton & Co Ltd, Wolverhampton, UK. Cast iron black painted with gilt manufacturer's information & emblem. Brass weight & dry goods holders...
Category
1940s English Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Old Suspended Balance Scale in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative 1950s balance scale in Apothecary style. Its made from solid brass and comes with two brass weights and a leather suspension strop.
Measurements: H/L: 75 cm (suspended),...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Pulley Hook in Metal, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Metal Pulley Hook, by unknown manufacturer, circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Metal ...
Category
1940s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$181 Sale Price
69% Off
Paravia Applied Electricity Original Components Cassette - Italy - 1960s
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Magnets
Art Deco Styled Industrial General Electric Medical Sun Floor Lamp
By Canadian General Electric
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Art Deco Industrial floor sun lamp was made by General Electric of Canada is approximately 1940, most likely for the medical industry. The lamp is done with a heavy stepped meta...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Paravia Termology Cassette with Original Instruments - Italy - 1960s
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
An old ophtalmology device, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
An old Italian ophthalmological device with a table with backlit letters, to test eyesight. Sbisa, company founded in Florence in 1869. Case in wood and glass. The electrical system ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
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
A pharmacy mushroom model: Tricholoma Sulphureum, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Tricholoma Sulphureum mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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
Ceramic Thermometer by Mithé Espelte with Flower Motif
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Wall thermometer in ceramic by Mithé Espelt. Typical flower decor with the numeral indication of the temperature.
Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020)
Born in the...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
Vintage Silver Magnifying Glass with Antler Horn Handle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
We love seeing this sitting atop antique books on a coffee or side table as well as functional on a desk in an office. Fantastic patina on this vintage magnifying glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver Plate
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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Stanley Tool
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Torricelli Barometer
Antique Butcher Hook
Antique Cast Iron Weighing Scales
Antique Medical Box
Antique Medical Devices
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Antique Syringes
Antique Wooden Grinder
Avery Scales
German Sundial