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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 1910s
Danish Art Deco Desk Armillary - Sundial in Brass & Onyx Marble, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish armillary sphere - sundial raised upon two architecturally shaped blocks of red/maroon onyx marble. It has a small bronze plaque saying in Danish 'Do as I, count only the l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
Hamilton 17-Jewel Full Hunter Pocket Watch, c.1925 – Gold-Filled Case
Located in Worcester, GB
Hamilton 17-Jewel Full Hunter Pocket Watch, c.1925 – Gold-Filled Case
A beautifully preserved early 20th-century full hunter pocket watch by the Hamilton Watch Company, Lancaster, Pe...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold Plate
Vintage Illuminated Magnifying Glass Eagle Hong Kong
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Eagle Magnifying Glass Hong Kong
2.75 h x 4.5 diameter x 9.5 long
reading magnifying glass with light by EAGLE
stamped by maker
Preowned vintage condition
Refer to images
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mills Novelty Art Deco Green Porcelain Penny Scale
Located in Ferndale, MI
Art Deco period penny scale by Mills Novelty co. Period green porcelain pedestal with cream colored foot hold.
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
$700 Sale Price
41% Off
1940's WW2 Binoculars.
By Nikon
Located in Aspen, CO
Nikon marine binoculars mounted on a wooden period tripod, these exceptional binoculars display entirely Original optics in a distinctly Japanese straight-body instrument with 15mm x magnification with 80 mm objective naval lens that have been originally restored in a time-consuming process to reveal a crystal clear Image.A one of a kind pair of Nikon binoculars...
Category
1940s Japanese Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Silver
$15,000
Set of Six Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Models by Somso Germany 1950s
By Somso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage models of botanical scientific specimen depicts mushrooms native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showpie...
Category
20th Century German Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Composition
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
Kinora Monochrome Motion Picture Viewer
Located in London, GB
A rare model of a Kinora monochrome motion picture viewer on folding base. Light oak lens holder and base, with the circular Kinora badge, circa 1905.
...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak, Paper
1900s French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This early 1900s French Metal Scale is an evocative piece of history that marries function with rustic charm. Featuring a robust metal frame with an aged, weathered patina, the scale...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Egg Timer, English, Brass, Glass, 3 Minute Sand Countdown, Mid-Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage egg timer. An English, brass and glass 3 minute sand countdown, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
Charming vintage timer set w...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Scarce Early 20th Century French Richard Jules Mahogany Cased Barograph
By Jules Richard
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and interesting French mahogany-cased barograph by Richard Jules. circa 1900
Exquisitely handcrafted in Paris, France, in the early 20th century, this fine weather forecasting scientific instrument is a barometer that records the barometric pressure over time in graphical form, as well as make a continuous recording of atmospheric pressure.
Housed in a high-quality protective wooden case, having hinged lid with original glazed glass panel sides, barograph with centigrade thermometer scale, fitted with eight aneroid capsules stacked in series, cylindrical drum element with graph for data recording and analysis.
Signed, retaining the maker's marks to top and interior. The metal plaque affixed to top reads: "Barometre Enregistreur
Ancene Mon Richard Frères...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Floor Standing Telescope by Piet G. Meesters
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This beautiful floor standing telescope, 60mm f/15 NEDOPTIFA, dates from the 1930s and was made by Piet G. Meesters.
One of the most famous Dutch amateur astronomers of the last cent...
Category
1930s Dutch Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Brass Lorgnettes 'Long-Handled Opera Glasses' Mid-Century Italian Design 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
A splendid pair of 'lorgnettes' (long-handled opera, or theatre, glasses). Lorgnettes, eye glasses held in place by long handles rather than resting on the bridge of one's nose, were...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$459 Sale Price
20% Off
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Vintage Beam Compass, German, Cartography, Architect Drawing Instrument, Riefler
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage beam compass. A German, silver nickel cartographer's or architect's drawing instrument by Riefler, dating to the late 20th cent...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
Antique Teaching Aid Median Incision of the Human Head, Ca. 1920
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted and hand lettered anatomical model. A median incision of the head for class. It is made of wood, papier maché and plaster, manufactured by SOMSO or PHYWE...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Fine Pair Golden Guilloche Enamel and Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses, c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
Pretty as a picture and in outstanding condition, this lovely pair of early twentieth century opera glasses come complete with their original case (wear commensurate with age).
Th...
Category
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Vintage Blue Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Blue Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Induction electrification demonstrator instrument, Italy 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Induction electrification demonstrator instrument. By putting two electrically neutral spheres in contact with each other, when a charged wand is approached, it is possible to notice...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Blown Glass
Rare Microscope "Neopan" by Carl Aubock 1963, Reichert Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare award-winning microscope, model Neopan, designed in 1963 by the Viennese architect and designer Carl Aubock. Executed by Reichert Austria. In good condition, fully workin...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Sunshine Recorder by Casella of London
Located in London, GB
A Campbell–Stokes sunshine recorder, attributed to Casella & Co, circa 1910.
Mounted on a later wooden display plinth.
Marked with serial number...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Kinetoscope Projector Thomas Edison, Dated About 1904, USA
By Edison
Located in Madrid, ES
Kinetoscope projector Thomas Edison, dated about 1904,
is a museum piece.
Film Projector Thomas Edison, USA, in excellent condition.
Mounted on a ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Trolley Fare Counter with Bronze Handle c.1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique steel fare register trolley counter with original manufacturers label inside. Double window with "Cash", "Tickets" and rolling numbers. Solid bronze handle on the bott...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Keuffel & Esser Co Survey Transit Tripod Stand with Case Stick and Accessories
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Keuffel & Esser Co Survey Transit on Tripod Stand with Original Oak Wood Case and Accessories Pictured including Telescoping Surveying Stick. Circa Early 20th Century. Measur...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Modernist Barometer, French, circa 1930's
Located in London, Fitzrovia
Modernist Barometer, French, circa 1930's, well designed, working order.
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
1930s Germany Botanical Model of the Lamium Purpureum Flower
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model of the Lamium purpureum L. (false purple nettle) flower made of painted papier mâché with a Bakelite base from the 1930s, German ma...
Category
1930s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Parchment Paper
A Copernican armillary sphere, Paravia, Milan, Italy 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A Copernican armillary sphere made of iron, paper, brass and wood, with the Sun inside, and the Earth on the outside, made of wood and covered with paper. Pedestal made of turned and...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
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
$1,135
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
Antique Thermometer by Taylor
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Antique Thermometer Taylor
stamped by maker
6.5 h x 1.75 w x .75 d
Original vintage
Refer to images provided
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Russian Leather Band Barber Razor Strop
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Vintage Barber Leather Band Razor Sharpening Strop Russian
Stamped Phillips Detroit Michigan
24 long x 2.5 w x .38
Preowned original v...
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
Antique Scientific Didactic Model of the Yew Seed, Germany made in the Twenties
Located in Milan, IT
Taxus baccata, enlarged and removable didactic model of the yew seed, tree very used as hedge, belonging to the order of the conifers. German manufacture of the twenties made of papi...
Category
1920s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Vintage Double Concave Magnifying Glass with Louis Vuitton Upholstered
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique magnifying glass marked B-L Z S. It is marked B-L Z S on the frame oppositethe handle. In 1908, the Bausch & Lomb company, already a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Surgical instrument: a scalpel, late 19th century, United States 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A surgical instrument from the late 19th early 20th century. An iron scalpel. With brass handle. Tiemann & Co, American manufacturing. New York, United States circa 1900.
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Set of (14) Vintage Anatomy Charts by American Map Co. - sold individually
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of (14) Vintage Anatomy Charts
American Map Co. - Circa 1950.
14 Total Charts - Sold Individually -( 14 available )
( discounted to buy as a set )
29" x 37" unfolded
9.5" x 12...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Anatomical model: an external and inner ear, Dresden, Germany 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting an external and internal ear, made of painted papier-mâché and plaster, all placed on a base of fruit wood painted black. Mad...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Fruitwood, Parchment Paper
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
W. Ottway & Co Ltd Brass Power 7 Telescope on Wooden Tripod Stand
By W. Ottway & Co. LTD.
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
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell, Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Antique Rolling Ruler, English Cartographer’s Instrument, Architect, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fine antique cased rolling ruler. An English brass cartographer's or architect's instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. A superb example of precision engin...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Anatomical Model, Man and Woman, 80s 90s Curiosity
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional Human Anatomy Model from the 80s, 90s.
Male and Female Figures on a black stand.
The outer casting, such as the individual intestines a...
Category
20th Century Unknown Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Curiosité Cabinet Collection of Shell Circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
1970's Vintage Framed Abacus - Pair
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1970’s Vintage Framed Abacus – Pair.
Sourced from a collector in the Czech republic this is a pair of large scale abacus used as a class teaching model. In excellent condition.
Wor...
Category
1970s Czech Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Birch
$89 / set
Three-Dimensional Midcentury Italian Wall Plaster Didactic Anatomical, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury three-dimensional didactic anatomical panel in plaster with Antonio Vallardi Milano label, Italy 1950s
Please note that the item is original of the period and t...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
$411 Sale Price
20% Off
RARE SUITE OF ORIGINAL NATURAL HiSTORY MUSEUM CASED IN PERSPEX SPECIMENS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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
$1,205 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique Bausch & Lomb Optical Medical Scientific Lab Microscope 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Bausch & Lomb optical microscope from the Levitt Ferguson Co Laboratory Supplies in Baltimore MD. Cased in quartersawn oak with dovetailed joinery. Pat. Circa 1908. B&L 34...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$187 Sale Price
25% Off
Pair of Early 20th century French Brass Opera Glasses, 1900s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very beautiful French opera glasses in Mop and brass dating from the beginning of the 20th century.
Central wheel to approach or move away the view.
Flammarion brand stamp on the to...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
20th Century French Iron, Walnut Spotlight, Cinema Floor Spot Lamp by Clémançon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey-black, vintage Mid-Century Modern French spotlight made of handcrafted lacquered iron, designed and produced by Clémançon in good condition. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
Pair of molecular atomic structure models. Leybold, Germany, 1940.
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of molecular atomic structure models for chemical didactic use. The spheres are made of painted wood and represent atoms and a molecule. The bases are in turned and ebonized fru...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Fruitwood
Antique Brass Plumber's Blowtorch c.1900, Made in England
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique brass Heathware No: 66 English plumber's blowtorch with a Bakelite handle. Original sticker.
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR Heathware Pr...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century English Postal Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This finely crafted Early 20th Century English postal scale is a striking example of the functional yet elegant design typical of the period. The scale is mounted on a polished woode...
Category
Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Scientific Model of the Non-Poisonous Snake of Natricidae Family 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Model of the European non-poisonous snake belonging to the Natricidae family. German manufacture of hand-painted rubber and plastic dated to the 1950s, from the Hygiene Museum in Dre...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
1970s Ariante Electric Fan by Marco Zanuso for Vortice Elettrosociali
By Vortice Elettrosociali, Marco Zanuso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An icon of 1970s radical and early postmodern Italian design, the Ariante fan takes the normally boring square box fan to new design heights. With 45 degree diagonal slats on a brig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Telescope with Tripod, Metal, Decorative Object
Located in Madrid, ES
Telescope with tripod. gold metallic antique finish
Decorative use, not functional.
Gilt metal telescope decorated with a dark band standing on...
Category
20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Other
Ancient Planet Model, Tellurium, FR. J. Berg, Stockholm, circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Ancient planet model so-called tellurium
Stockholm
Metal, wood, paper
around 1900
Dimensions: H x W x D: 46 x 56 x 20 cm
Description:
Display model with sun, earth and moon on hea...
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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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