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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Victorian
Early 20th Century Set of Three Antique Apothecary Glass Bottles
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Early 20th century set of three antique apothecary glass bottles. By unknown manufacturer, Spain. In original condition, with minor wear cons...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Quality Antique Victorian Burr Walnut Carved Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique Victorian burr walnut carved banjo barometer having a quality burr walnut carved shaped case with a 10 inch silvered engraved dial, original hands, thermometer and a ...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Quality Antique Victorian Brass Scales
Located in Suffolk, GB
Quality antique Victorian brass scales having a quality set of brass scales with 2 circular brass pans standing on a brass tripod base Quaint examples in...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These bi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage Spanish Analog Telephone by Telefonica, circa 1980
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage Analog Telephone manufactured by Telefonica from Spain, circa 1980. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. M...
Category

1980s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

19th Century inlaid mahogany banjo barometer by L Casatelli of Liverpool
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century inlaid mahogany banjo barometer by L Casatelli of Liverpool, having an architectural top with a central brass finial, the shaped mahogany case having decorative shell in...
Category

1840s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen, circa 1950
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

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

1960s Smith Corona Skyriter Portable Typewriter with Vinyl Case
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Smith Corona Skyriter portable typewriter with the original tan vinyl case. Circa 1960s Despite its lean lines, lightness, and s...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Tabletop Press, English, Cast Iron, Rotary, Flower Pressing, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique tabletop press. An English, cast iron rotary flower pressing machine, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Relive t...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

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

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

Antique Bayliss & Co 19th Century English Brass Apothecary Counter Scale Balance
Located in Dayton, OH
"An antique 4 lb mercantile balance by Bayliss & Co of Birmingham, England. Features a twisted iron stand and brass balance with tray and scoop. Makers mark engraved along top arm The antique apothecary scale...
Category

Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Detailed Anatomical Ear Model Made in East Germany 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

19th Century Mahogany Banjo Barometer by P Nolfi of Taunton
Located in Martlesham, GB
19th century mahogany banjo barometer by P Nolfi of Taunton, having a swan neck pediment with a central brass finial above a shaped mahogany case decorated with boxwood stringing, th...
Category

1840s British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

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

19th Century London Knife Sharpener and Cleaner
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very nice 19th century knife sharpener and cleaner from London Kent. Very nice object where we can find a ceramic plate with probably the name of th...
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pine

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

19th Century Metal "Family Scale", circa 1899-1903
Located in San Francisco, CA
Antique 24 pounds "Family Scale" with original decals and dates listed on the front: "Mar.14 '99-Mar.28 '03". All metal. Scale works.
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Decorative Antique Victorian 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist Drill
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Victorian, circa 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist drill Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international. Dental treadle drill, English manufacture, 1890-1940 The foot pedal is pushed up and down to power this dental drill. It is also known as a ‘treadle drill’. The drill removed areas of tooth decay. These can become infected and painful if untreated. The treadle drill was invented in 1871 by American dentist James Beall Morrison (1829-1917). He also designed dental chairs. His drill was popular with dentists throughout Europe and America. It is an example of the first mechanically powered drill. These sped up dental treatments This one seems to be in fully working order from what I can see, it’s a real survivor but then that’s not surprising, things made in the Victorian era were made to last Dimensions Height:- 144cm Width:- 52.5cm Depth:- 38cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask Any questions please feel free to ask before you bid This item is available for collection from our Pulborough warehouses RH20 1DF. We can have it delivered nationwide to include Scotland Wales and Ireland. Please contact me via email or my contact information...
Category

1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Antique English Aneroid Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Seguin, TX
Antique circa 1900 aneroid barometer and thermometer. Made in England, carved oak case, banjo shaped with white porcelain dials, beveled glass cover, on barometer. Thermometer works...
Category

Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Walnut

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

Set of 19th Century Dental Hygiene Tools
Located in London, GB
A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools. A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools, encased in a faux leather red box with brass latch and lined with a worn green velour Material. Its original mirror is still in place with folding back velour cover. Size of inches: H 0.75” x W 2.75” x D 2.5 Completely solid in structure and form, with natural wear and patination across all surfaces due to age. In overall presentable condition considering its age and years of use. The tools are worn on the edges, god knows how many mouths its been in. The House of Antiques...
Category

Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

Molecular Structure Model on a Wood Base
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Academic style molecular structure model crafted with painted wood balls strung with metal rods and presented on a classic turned wood base.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

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

Charming Vintage Gentleman's Library Telescope
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage gentleman's library telescope Not sure exactly of it's age. Estimated Mid Victorian Period ( 1860-1880). Uncertain to maker and origin. ...
Category

Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

MId-Century Modern Sterling Silver-Mounted Honeywell Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern, sterling silver-mounted Honeywell barometer, Baldwin and Miller Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, Ca. 1950's. Barometer mechanism itself is made by the Honeywell Compan...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver

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

19th Century Antique Hardwood Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
This is a 19th century antique hardwood inlaid banjo barometer with a thermometer and a 10' silvered dial, brass bezel with convex glass. It is a very...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Hardwood

Antique 19th Century English Market Scales by JH PIPER of Wolverhampton
Located in Charlotte, NC
An antique 19th century Victorian period market scale by J.H. Piper & Co. of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, England, UK. Cast iron base, bowl rest, interio...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass, Iron

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

Victorian Stick Barometer, circa 1880
Located in Lincoln, GB
Victorian Stick Barometer circa 1880 Finely Carved and inlaid with satinwood decoration. Possible Scottish provenance.
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood

1960s George Nelson Ruler from the SAFETY NUMBERS Graphic Design + Clock Series
Located in Hyattsville, MD
USA, c.1960s. George Nelson & Associates Lucite Ruler from the SAFETY NUMBERS Graphic Design + Clock Series for Howard Miller. This rare example does have...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Lucite

John Cary Travel Celestial Globe in Box Marked Cary & Co London, No. 21540
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely John Cary Travel Celestial Globe in Box marked Cary & Co London, No. 21540 This globe I believe is classed as a 14 inch which is the...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern 1950s Dutch Wooden Scientific Molecule Atomic Sculpture Model
Located in Haarlem, NL
Very decorative large vintage 1950s lacquered wooden scale model of a molecule with atoms, probably once used in science class. This large molecular model consists of 32 atoms (woode...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Pine

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

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

Early 20th Century Set of Two Antique Glass Apothecary Bottles
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Early 20th century set of vintage rustic glass apothecary bottles. By unknown manufacturer, Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving ...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

West German Unisex Anatomical Model, circa 1950
Located in Faversham, GB
A complete West German unisex anatomical figure of a head and torso with removal organs. Hand painted and in excellent condition. German, circa 1950...
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic, Acrylic

Antique Victorian Kitchen 40 Pound Scale Cast Iron Balance w/ Ironstone Plate
By Young Son & Marlow
Located in Hyattsville, MD
No chips or cracks to the Stoneware tray. Heavy item about 60 lbs. Seems to be working, but you will need counterweights to use it, that will go on the metal tray. Ironstone stone...
Category

19th Century American High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Late 19th French Mahogany & Brass Balance Scale, c.1870
Located in San Francisco, CA
About A late 19th century balance scale. The body is Mahogany with two brass trays, brass and glass window and bronze inner mechanism. ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Bronze

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

Gucci Rare Barometer and Clock Year 1960 Vintage Design
Located in Biella, IT
Gucci rare barometer and clock year 1960 vintage design. Measure h 17 inches x L12" x deep 3".
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

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

RARE SUITE OF ORIGINAL NATURAL HiSTORY MUSEUM CASED IN PERSPEX SPECIMENS
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for this amazing suite of original natural history museum cased specimens A very rare find, these are old examples and some very interesting pieces, the list is as follows 1:- POM 17615 PINGUICULA 2:- POM 17600 VENUS FLYTRAP...
Category

20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

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

Antique Brass Scottish Surveyor's Compass in Fitted Wooden Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique surveyor's compass originates from Scotland and dates to approximately 1880 and made in the period Victorian style. The compass case is composed of solid brass with a me...
Category

Late 19th Century Scottish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Three-Dimensional Midcentury Anatomical Wall Plaster Sculpture, Germany, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Midcentury three-dimensional anatomical plaster painting, provenance Hygiene Museum Dresden with museum sticker label, Germany 1950s. Please note tha...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

1980s Chocolate Brown Touchtone Desk Phone
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage chocolate brown touchtone desk phone. Circa 1980s Features a bright chocolate brown body with contrasting gray buttons. The base has rubber feet ...
Category

1980s South Korean Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

19th Century Plaster Phrenology Bust by Vago of London, 1869
By Vago
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A tactile plaster cast phrenology head, primitively produced yet highly decorative and a obvious rare survivor. A inscribed label of the maker Vago alo...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Paper

19th Century English Victorian Brass Merchants Scale
Located in New York, NY
English Victorian brass merchants scale with square glass tray, round brass tray, and inset oval mirror.  
Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Paravia Collection 100 Rocks, Educational Material, Italy 1950s
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

Vintage Wood Geloso Television GT1014, 1950s, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
This GTV1014 was one of the first 21-inch b / w televisions produced by Geloso. It uses the intercarrier system as an audio-video medium frequency. The chassis is mounted inside th...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Plastic, Wood

Antique Victorian Quality Mahogany Banjo Barometer by James H Kelly of Glasgow
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Victorian quality mahogany banjo barometer by James H Kelly of Glasgow Having a quality mahogany shaped banjo barometer with scroll shaped carving ci...
Category

1880s Scottish Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Other

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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