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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1970s
Decorative Blue Marianne Brandt Avantgarde Bauhaus Letter Scale, 1930s, Germany
Located in Vienna, AT
An iconic light-blue sheet metal postal letter scale from the1930s in blue, designed by Marianne Brandt, executed by Ruppel Werke, Ruppelwerk in Gotha, G...
Category
1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Sheet Metal, Metal, Iron
Pigeon Timer By German Maker In Oak Case
Located in Norwell, MA
Oak cased pigeon timer with clock face that is marked made in Germany. 7 jewel clock by Benzing. Keu is present. Varnished oak dove tailed box. Everyone...
Category
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Set of 2 Brass Furniture Leg Embellisher, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of two brass decorative embellishers imitating feline paws.
Designed by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use...
Category
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1920s Art Deco Antique Square Glass Ink Well
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1920s Art Deco antique square glass ink well
Unmarked.
Measures: 2.5 tall x 2.88 x 2.88
Preowned original unrestored vintage condition.
Refer to ima...
Category
Mid-20th Century Art Deco 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
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
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
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
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
Spanish, Bronze Balance Scale with Green Painted Wooden Stand
Located in Marbella, ES
Spanish bronze balance scale with green painted wooden stand.
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Spanish Antique Wood Meter, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique wood meter. By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1950.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Materials:
Woo...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
Large Painted Plexiglas Terrestrial Globe, France circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
Important relief earth globe representing the oceans and the continents.
The globe is made of painted plexiglas, fixed to the marble base by a brass axis. France around 1950.
Category
1950s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, 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
Vintage Traditional Yarn Ends, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rustic wooden spindles and yarn ends, by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1930.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and us...
Category
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Yarn, 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
Kelvin and Hughes Binnacle Compass with Oil Lights
Located in Nantucket, MA
A documented Kelvin and Hughes brass binnacle compass in working order. It sits in a teak case with brass oil lights on either side. The small doors on each side open and the oil lam...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical Model of the Human Ear by Somso, 1950s
By Somso
Located in Naples, IT
Didactic model of the human ear, materiale plastico, made in 1950s by Somso, a German company active since the second half of the nineteenth century, known as an excellence in the de...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
PVC
Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni Brionvega, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern radiophonograph RR126 and record player by Castiglioni Brionvega, 1960s
Radiophonograph RR126 and record player with rectangular base, in wood with dark brown profiles. There are two sound boxes...
Category
1960s Italian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Vintage Mid-Century Globe Meat Slicer C1940 Enameled Iron & Stainless
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and powerful, 1/4hp GM Delco motor. Globe deli meat slicer from the forties. Super quiet motor with a new cord and switch. In excellent vintage co...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Steel, Chrome, Iron, Stainless Steel
Large 1960's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Ear Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
Large 1960's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Ear Model. Manufactured by the Nystrom Co. of Chicago, Illinois. Large 17" scale and great patina!
Category
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber, Wood
Large Vintage Scientific Botanical Plant 3d Educational Leaf Cross-Section Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1940's leaf cross-section model by Denoyer-Geppert of Chicago, Illinois. Model stands 19" tall and features Hand-painted details with excellent original...
Category
1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
Vintage Handheld Tachometer, English Tool Speed Gauge, Smiths Instruments, Decor
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage handheld tachometer. An English, enamelled alloy and glass decorative tool speed gauge by Smiths Instruments, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
Untested, but in fine decorative condition for the collector of vintage gauges...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Large 1950s Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Eye Eyeball Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1950's Vintage scientific human 3d eyeball model. Hand-painted with wonderful original patina!
Category
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
Paravia Collection 100 Rocks, Educational Material, Italy 1950s
By Paravia
Located in Naples, IT
Collection 100 Rocks, Teaching Material, Italy 1950s
Geology teaching board "Minerals and Rocks" G.B. Paravia Scientific Collection - Turin
The ...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rock Crystal
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
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
Baume Mercier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch with Original Leather Band
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This ladies wristwatch was made by the well known Baume et Mercier of Switzerland in approximately 1970 in their period Mid-Century style. The watch and lugs are composed of eighteen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
Antique Pulley Hook in Metal, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
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
Huge Waterman Figural Fountain Pen Advertising Store Display Model
By Waterman
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This enormous figural fountain pen store display is unsigned, but presumed to have been made by the Waterman Co. of France in approximately 1965 and d...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Anatomical Model: the Skeletal Part of a Foot, Germany, 1970’s
By Somso
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model depicting the skeletal part of a foot, made by Somso, Sonenberg. Germany, circa 1970.
Category
1970s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1950s Anatomical Teaching Model Of Normal Size Depicting A Hoolow Foot
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical teaching model of normal size depicting a hollow foot in section showing a strong accentuation of the plantar arch and how the foot rest is mainly on the forefoot and heel...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
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
Set of Three 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
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
Vintage Trade Scale Wood and Metal, France, circa 1940
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the 1940's in France.
It was used to weigh food.
Oak
Shipping:
L50 P57 H28 18,1Kg.
Category
1940s French Napoleon III Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
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
Set of Two Antique Spanish Wooden Stamps, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of two antique wooden stamps, made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...
Category
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Minolta HI-MATIC 7 Film Camera with Leather Case
By Minolta
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Collectible vintage 1960s Minolta HI-MATIC 7 35mm film camera in hard leather case.
A technologically advanced vintage film camera.
With origi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
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
Miele Vintage Vacuum Cleaner, Type E10
Located in Budapest, HU
Torpedo shaped vacuum cleaner in good condition.
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Set of Three 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
Vintage Engine Model for Instructional Purpose
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage wooden instructional single cylinder engine model.
A wonderful four stroke single cylinder engine model made from wood showing how the combustion engine...
Category
1950s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Old Blue Scale Gwarancja Olsztyn, Europe, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A fantastic antique weighing scale with nicely aged blue paint. Made by Gwarancja Factory in Olsztyn, Poland in the late 20th century. It presents...
Category
1970s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
Vintage Plaster Anatomical Skull Model
Located in Houston, TX
Interesting vintage plaster anatomical skull model. This great plaster skull bust model is in very good condition and dates to the 1940s.
A real conver...
Category
1940s Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
1950s Anatomical Teaching Model of Normal Size Depicting Flat Foot "Pes Planus"
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical teaching model of normal size depicting flat foot "pes planus" the model highlights the alteration of the foot characterized by valgus and a reduced plantar vault.
The s...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
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
Large Vintage Scientific Plant 3D Educational Monocot Stem Cross-Section Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1940's Monocot stem cross-section model by Denoyer-Geppert of Chicago, Illinois. Model measures 20.5" long and features Hand-painted details with excellent original patina!
Category
1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
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
1930s Educational Model Papier Maché and Plaster Decipting a Baby Borning
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model, papier maché and plaster, decipting a baby borning. 1930s-1940s, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden. Very good condition. Measu...
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
1950s Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Level Iron & Wood
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Plumb Tool
Mid Century Modern Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Instrument Level
Collectible level made in Iron and Wood
5.25 x 1.5 diameter
Fair Condition in Or...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Mid-Century Modern Coral Pink Crosley Model T-60 AM Tube Table Radio
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Mid-Century Modern working tube radio was made by Crosley in Toronto Canada in approximately 1965 in the period stream-lined style. The radio is done with a molded coral pink pl...
Category
Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Copper Lifeboat Compass, American, C. 1970's
Located in Nantucket, MA
An American, copper, liquid compass from a ship's lifeboat. It has a snap-shut lid to protect it from the elements and the original brass bolts that held into place. The compass sits under a glass dome and is in perfect working order. The steel face...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Gimballed Brass Boat Compass by Dirigo
Located in Norwell, MA
Gimballed brass boat compass by "Dirigo" of Seattle, Washington. With fleur-de-lis pointing north. Fitted to a birch box with lid. Circa 1975.
Overall Dimensions: 5" H x 8" L x 8"...
Category
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Surveyor's Level, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Engineering, Circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage surveyor's level. An English, brass scientific instrument with enamelled finish, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Appe...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1930s Educational Model Depicting the Belly of the Woman Immediately After Birth
Located in Milan, IT
Educational model depicting the belly of the woman immediately after birth with a part of the placenta. 1930's, sold by the Hygiene Museum in Dresden...
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Estate American Surveyor's Transit Level in Original Fitted Oak Box, 1930s-1940s
Located in New Orleans, LA
Estate American surveyor's transit level in original fitted oak box and signed "BOSTROM- BRODY mf6, Atlanta GA.", circa 1930-1940s. Model #4, Serial #47....
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
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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