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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: Early 1900s
Large Antique Kodak No. 3A Model C Folding Camera c.1900-1915 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A large Eastman Kodak No. 3A folding camera. The body is wrapped in leather with black metal, chrome and brass accents on the lens. The camera features a hand-held shutter but...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Antique "No. 1A Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The body of camera is leather wrapped with a leather handle and brass and chrome accents. It folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches. Sold for decorative purposes only. May or...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Antique Eastman Kodak "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" Camera c.1909
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" camera with leather wrapped body, brass and chrome accents. Autographic film window in back with iron stylus for writing notes dir...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Keuffel & Esser Co. Surveyor's Transit
Located in Savannah, GA
A 1912 Keuffel & Esser Co. railroad surveyor's transit. Includes outfitted mahogany case. All original with matching serials. Approximately 70 inches tall with a 24 inch leg sprea...
Category

1910s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

"Kodak Special Model A" Sealskin Folding Camera c.1915-1920 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The body of the Kodak Special, Model A incorporates several unusual design features. The most immediately obvious of these is the Bakelite panel on either side of the lens a...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Antique "No. 1A Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The body of camera is leather wrapped with a leather handle and brass and chrome accents. It folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches. Sold for decorative purposes only. May or...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome, Brass

Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Black and silver Art Deco design on both sides Show...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Chrome, Metal

Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907 This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cast Iron base the central upright columns are a...
Category

Early 1900s Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

WWI brass Carl Zeiss Jena "Fussartillerie" artillery compass
Located in London, GB
A WWI brass Carl Zeiss Jena "Fussartillerie" artillery compass. 3¾ inch dial marked with N W S points, the Carl Zeiss Jena logo, and B.R. 565 FUSSARTILLERIE. Compass ring marked ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Unusual Early American Quack Medicine Thompson-Plaster Electric Cabinet
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and most unusual Thompson-Plaster electrical cabinet, by Physician's Specialty Company, Leesburg, Virginia, United States. The historic turn of the late 19th / early 20th century quack medicine machine used a violent ray electrotherapy apparatus as a cure-all, claiming to cure numerous ailments, cancers, and more. Featuring the original oak framed glazed glass-covered marble top for use with 'medical' instruments, atop quartersawn oak chest fitted with three graduated drawers, opening to reveal various associated equipment and supplies, including blown glass evacuated tube implements of varying shapes and for different therapeutic uses. High-quality solid wood case, rising on castors. Signed, retaining the original manufacturer plaque. Museum quality. Provenance / Acquisition: Reportedly purchased by Dr. Slaughter, of Goldthwaite, Texas, May, 1903. Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, established 1983, Austin, Texas. Day 2 of 3, Important Estates catalog. 2021 Similar examples can be found in select museum collections and exhibitions, including Loudoun Museum, Leesburg, Virginia. Holmes Medical Museum, Foley, Alabama. Dimensions: (approx) 40.75" High, 26" Wide, 17.5" Deep Condition: Excellent original antique condition. Museum quality. Unknown if complete. Wear consistent with age and use. A scarce example of medical quackery...
Category

Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble

Large Kodak Folding No. 3A Camera with Mahogany Inlay c.1903 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A large Eastman Kodak No. 3A folding camera with red bellows and Mahogany inlay. The body is wrapped in leather with chrome and brass accents. The camera folds to 2 inches. Th...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure
Located in Burton, TX
Telescoping surveyors measuring staff made of wood with brass fittings. Marked 'Houghton-Butcher Mfg. Co. Ltd., London 1918 N0. 1.195'. Lovingly cared...
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Kodak Junior Six-20 Bimat Folding Camera c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Black and silver Art Deco design on both sides Show...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

"No. 1 Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927 with Case (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A rare model that offered many lens/shutter combinations. The body of camera is leather wrapped with a leather handle and chrome accents. It folds smoothly closed to 1.5 inc...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

A set of bronze imperial standard bell weights by De Grave & Co
Located in London, GB
A set of bronze imperial standard bell weights by De Grave & Co of London, circa 1900. 4 bell weights: 7, 4, 2 and 1 lbs. With a case of smaller ounce and dram disc weights. (8, 4,...
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Blown glass scientific instrument to evaluate the expansion of the liquids with the warmth. Italy circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Antique Iron Worker Hand Forged Vintage Tools Set of 9
Located in Chula Vista, CA
collection handmade Iron Blacksmithing Tools- Set of 9 Antique Iron Worker Tools forging metal circa early 1900s tool total 9 25 the longest x 3...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron, Metal

Antique Nickel Plated Bronze Table Top Fire Engine Bell
Located in New York, NY
This antique bronze tabletop fire engine bell with a wood base is a rare find. Its nickel-plated bronze construction exudes vintage charm, making it a...
Category

Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Nickel

Floor Standing Globe On A Turned Hardwood & Brass Stand Model No 16
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Crams Imperial World Globe Floor Standing Globe On A Turned Hardwood & Brass Stand Model No 16 Manufactured by George F Cram Co. Indiana, U.S.A Sizes are guesstimates
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Kodak Hawk-Eye No. 2A Folding Camera c.1926-1934 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A Hawk-Eye Shutter Model 2A folding camera, model B with a leather wrapped body, chrome and brass accents and extended push button shutter mechanism. Closes to 1.5 inches flat...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood An antique hand-painted anatomical wall model depicting the structure of the human skin with roots of the hair. T...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Vest Pocket Hawkeye Folding Camera c.1924-1935
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The Vest Pocket Hawkeye Model B folding camera with a leather wrapped body and chrome accents. Shown with life size hand. CREATOR Eastman Kodak Co. DATE OF MANUFACTU...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Large Kodak Folding No. 3A Camera with Mahogany Inlay c.1910 (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A large Eastman Kodak No. 3A folding camera with red bellows and Mahogany inlay. The body is wrapped in leather with chrome and brass accents. The camera folds to 2.5 inches. ...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

1920's Gladstone Bag
Located in Eindhoven, NL
1920's Gladstone Bag in perfect condition. The bag closings are in perfect shape and condition and everything works perfectly. The bag has some minor spots but for the age of the bag...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather

Blown glass scientific instrument, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Blown glass scientific instrument to evaluate the expansion of the liquids with the warmth. Italy circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Edwardian Camera on Tripod Stand
Located in Altrincham, GB
Edwardian Sanderson Ensign half plate camera, on hickory tripod stand, circa 1910 - 24" diam x 65"h set up - Sanderson Cameras Sanderson cameras, both field and 'Hand and Stand' for...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather, Hickory

Antique Art Deco Portable Underwood Champion Typewriter c.1936
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco portable Underwood Champion typewriter in high gloss black finish and chrome. Bakelite and nickel keys with black and white lettering. Original Underwood lettering...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Nickel, Chrome

Black Forest Style Carved Walnut Barometer, Germany, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest style carved walnut barometer, Germany, ca. 1920. An impressive carved walnut barometer with masterfully carved flowers and leaves. A small mirror on the top of the roun...
Category

1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Walnut

Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure
Located in Burton, TX
Telescoping surveyors measuring staff made of wood with brass fittings. Marked 'Houghton-Butcher Mfg. Co. Ltd., London 1918 No. 1.173'. Lovingly care...
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Fine Pair of Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses by Dolland, London
Located in Bath, GB
A splendid pair of Edwardian Opera / Theatre glasses professionally re-polished to gleam, making them as good as they would have looked over 100 years ag...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Table or Desk Top Brass Mounted 7" Double Convex Magnifying Glass
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Art Deco desk/table top adjustable magnifying glass. A 7" diameter double convex lens in an open topped brass frame suspended between two vertical posts rising from a stepped two-tie...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Panicula (panicle)
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Panicula (panicle) A great antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Pocket barometer by C Baker in original case
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This pocket barometer was made by the firm of C Baker of 244 High Holborn, London and is still in its original leather covered case. The model number is 7073, ...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Spica (simple ear)
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Spica (simple ear) A great antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Grain Grate
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Grain Grate A great antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 1900. H...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Collection of Friedrich Ziegler wax model human heart development forms
Located in London, GB
Collection of Friedrich Ziegler wax model human heart development forms A rare collection of 4 wax models of the human heart, showing its early development to full size. The hand-col...
Category

Early 1900s German Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber

Late 19th Century Scientific "Cyclo-Stormograph" by Short & Mason Tycos
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and appears to be completely intact. Short & Mason Tycos Cyclo-Stormograph under beveled glass & mahogany with a drawer which contains extra graph paper, tiny key and origin...
Category

Early 1900s English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Umbella (umbel)
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Umbella (umbel) A great antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 190...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Pocket barometer by J H Steward in original case
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This pocket barometer was made by the firm of by J H Steward and is still in its original leather covered case. The silvered dial with its blued pointer is surrounded by a rotating a...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Dr Forbes Specifications Bath Thermometer
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Dr Forbes Specifications Bath Thermometer A great piece, the thermometer has a beech Case so that it can be floated to show the numerical temperature and also the recommended from ...
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Beech

Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Grain
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Grain A great antique hand-painted model of the grain with removable germ. Made of papier ma...
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

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

1920s Whiting Sculptoscope Coin Op Stereo Card Viewer
Located in Peekskill, NY
Original whiting sculpt scope coin-operated stereo card viewer from the 1920s. Deposit a penny, pull trigger and look through the viewer to flip through st...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Superb Antique French Opera Glasses Signed Chevalier, Paris c.1900
By Chevalier Opticien Paris
Located in Bath, GB
A truly exquisite pair of Opera Glasses by the well renowned French maker, Chevalier of Paris, signed on both eye pieces. The glasses are made from polished brass and Abalone shell ...
Category

Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Bronze Magnifying Glass w/ Art Nouveau Nude, ca. 1910
Located in Petaluma, CA
This lovely high quality magnifying glass makes a perfect piece for the art nouveau lover, or anyone who wants to hold a beautiful object when trying to magnify something. Note the ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

1900s Decorative Wall Hanging „Multimeter“ Scientific Slide Rule Calculator
Located in Vienna, AT
A dekorative appr. 120-year-old, large, wall-mounted round „Multimeter“ analog slide rule calculator. Dated around 1900, made in Germany. It has a rotatable glass disc and offers multiple features like multiplication, division, interest-calculation and square root...
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Natural specimen: children verme, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
An example of natural specimen of Ascaris Lumbricoides. Children verme, preserved in formaldehyde and sealed on glass container. Italy circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Extra Large Antique Mounted Magic Lantern Condensing / Magnifying / Optical Lens
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful early 20th century magic lantern lens. It does not matter what the reason is why you like the look and feel or the history of these special lenses. Your fascination could ...
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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

Antique Cased Microscope, English, Scientific Instrument, Swift & Son, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased microscope. An English, black enamel scientific instrument by J. Swift & Son of London, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 191...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Austrian Bronze Mortar and Pestle, Original Patina, Pharmacy or Herbalist
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Offered is a beautiful antique solid brass mortar and pestle set. The mortar has a cylindrical shape with a flared mouth and two angular handles at the sides. The baton-shaped pestle...
Category

1920s Austrian Hollywood Regency Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Danish Early 20th Century Coffee Grinder by a. Jørgensen
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Danish early 20th century coffee grinder by A. Jørgensen. Here we present a fine piece of coffee making heritage by danish maker a. Jørgensen from cop...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Microscope in Original Box, circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Antique travel microscope in unrestored found condition. The brass should be polished and the glasses cleaned. All parts appear to be complete, no guarantee, see photos.
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Barograph and Barometer by Negretti & Zambra
Located in Cheshire, GB
Unusual oak-cased barograph and barometer by Negretti & Zambra, having five glazed removable lid. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed i...
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

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

Antique Brass Desk Top Lens Decorative Curio
Located in London, GB
A good quality, desk top lens. England, c1920s, Brass construction on a solid metal base for sturdiness/weighting. Adjustable to some extent. Ideal desk top or shelf decorative c...
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Set of Antique Draughtsman's Rules, English, Engineer's Instrument Set, C.1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of antique draughtsman's rules. An English, beech engineer's instrument set in a mahogany case, dating to the mid 20th century period, circa 1920. Charming set of me...
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Beech

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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