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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
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
French Wooden Scale, Late 19th-Early 20th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a large weighing surface and a smaller side for weights.
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
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
Vintage Electric Company Meter Lamp
Located in Hanover, MA
This is a wonderful piece of suburban folk art and mid-century Americana. It is a vintage 'bench made' table lamp incorporating an actual working electric company meter. When the l...
Category
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Greta Garbo Limited Edition Mont Blanc Ballpoint Pen with Pearl
By Montblanc
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Greta Garbo Limited Edition Mont Blanc Ballpoint Rollerball pen with pearl.
Montblanc honors Greta Garbo in the form of another mystical writing i...
Category
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Resin
Antique English Brass and Enamel Binoculars in Original Case, Circa 1920-1930.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English brass & enamel binoculars in original case, circa 1920-1930.
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Enamel
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
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
Old Compass reproduction 1944 London, brown Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Old Compass reproduction 1944 London, brown Color
Category
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Lufft Sunburst Golden Brass Wall Weather Station, Barometer & Thermometer, 1950s
By Lufft
Located in Vienna, AT
A round mid-century Sunburst / Starburst wall-mounted weather station from the 1950s, crafted by Lufft Germany, a renowned maker of precision instruments. This high-quality and premi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold, Brass
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
1950s Olympic Tape Measure Peoples Republic of China
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic Tape Measure
made Peoples Republic of China
Cover made from dappled rich dark tricle bake-lite
includes gilt brass fittings and cloth tape.
5.25 dia...
Category
1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Ship's Bulkhead Barometer, English, Maritime Instrument, Edwardian, 1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique ship's bulkhead barometer. An English, brass and oak maritime weather instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Large Brass Hourglass
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century large brass hourglass with white sand
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Carl Zeiss binocular Design Collection 8x56B T*P* Black Forest
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Delft, NL
Carl Zeiss binocular Design Collection 8x56B T*P* Black Forest, Germany
Zeiss 8x56B T*P* Black Forest Edition binocular, model number 525661
Made of shock-absorbing, non-slip and ru...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
French Pendulum Clock & Aneroid Barometer, circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Clock and aneroid barometer in walnut made circa 1960.
The aneroid barometer (or holosteric barometer) was developed by the Frenchman Lucien Vidie who filed a patent for it in 1844 ...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
Victorian Lightening Rod
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Victorian lightning rod made of a wrought iron tripod base and a slender copper rod pole with original glass ball, circa 1920s. The piece is in good vintage condition wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
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
Art Deco Kodak Vigilante Junior Six-20 Folding Camera c.1940-1948
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An Art Deco Kodak Vigilante Junior Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Folds neatly to 1.5 i...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
20th Century Japanese Pair Of Naval Bridge "Big Eye" Binoculars By Nikon c.1940
By Nikon
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare 20th Century set of Japanese naval bridge “big eye“ binoculars by Nikon manufactured during WWII by Tokyo Kogaku Kikai (Tokyo Optical Company). They have been expertly cleaned...
Category
20th Century Japanese Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Pair Of Vintage Cased Opera Glasses, French, Brass, Binocular, Mid 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage cased opera glasses. A French, brass and Mother of Pearl Galilean binocular, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump. Item featured weighs approx 180 lbs, remarkable red color, original lab...
Category
Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Magnifying Glass in Patinated Brass and Mother of Pearl Early 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Magnifying Glass in Patinated Brass and Mother of Pearl, Europe, Early 20th Century.
This is a beautiful and very well made magnifying glass in patinated brass and mother of pearl. ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
A Large Magnifying Glass With Bamboo Handle
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A beautiful and heavy, bamboo handle, brass magnifying glass. Ca' 1950's.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English wall barometer with a square shape made of oak from the 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Square-shaped English aneroid wall barometer made of oak wood from the 1940s. Good working condition.
Measures cm19x5x19 - inches 7.5x1.9x7.5.
The last photo is the gift box.
This i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Vintage Silver Magnifying Glass with Antler Horn Handle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
We love seeing this sitting atop antique books on a coffee or side table as well as functional on a desk in an office. Fantastic patina on this vintage magnifying glass.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver Plate
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early 20th century boat compass by American Maker. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its origina...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1950s Gas Station Object Gulf Oil Tin Bug Spray Can Advertising Graphics Prop
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Gulf Oil Corporation Spray Can
USA, c.1957
Spray can with red, white, green, and blue text on white label and insect graphics. Round blue removable cap. No leaks, No holes.
Dia 3 x H...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Walter Bosse Cow Figurine Table Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming sculptural Austrian midcentury desk thermometer, displaying a cow with a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Camera / Enlarger Circa 1910s
Located in Newfoundland, PA
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
Early 20th century Swedish metal telephone by Rikstelefon
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century Swedish metal telephone by rikstelefon circa 1900.
Quite possibly early than dated, here we have a sheet metal rikstelefon telephone set. Rikstelefon was the nat...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
"Kodak Special Model A" Sealskin Folding Camera c.1915-1920
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
Large Vintage Pantagraph, English, Brass, Scientific Mapping Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage pantagraph. An English, brass scientific mapping instrument, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Fascinating scale and mechanical interest
Displays a...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of Two Mushrooms Scientific Models Europe , Germany 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage set of two different types of mushrooms, show Models which are native to middle Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools. Colorful...
Category
1960s German Folk Art Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Set of Four Vintage Weights, circa 1920
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of four vintage weights: 5, 2, 1 and a half kilograms. By unknown manufacturer, circa 1920. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with ...
Category
1920s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Compensated brass barometric altimeter signed Stanley London from the early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Brass compensated barometric altimeter signed Stanley London No. 1581 from the early 1900s.
Diameter 7.6 x 3 cm - inches 3x1.2.
An altimeter is an instrument for measuring the heig...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Genuine Old Apothecary Medical Bottles Jars Set Brown Amber Glass
Located in Poperinge, BE
Beautiful set of 9 authentic apothecary bottles or jars, in brown amber blown glass with thick glass stoppers, circa 1960s-70s.
This set is very characterful and is full of nice old...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Oak cased barograph and barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Oak-cased barograph and barometer retailed by Harrods London, having five bevelled glass panelled removable lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day move...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Antique Malloch Side Casting Fishing Reel, Scottish Salmon Fishing Reel
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
A rare sized (2.5') Malloch of Perth side casting fishing reel of fine quality and in excellent condition. The reel is all brass, with optional check, exc...
Category
1910s Scottish Sporting Art Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pair of Early 20th century French brass Opera Glass, 1900s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful pair of mop and brass opera glasses dating from the beginning of the 20th century.
Central wheel to move the view away or closer (turns with difficulty).
For lovers of coll...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Nice Acupuncture Model Statue Sculpture, Composition on Wood Stand Vintage 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative Acupuncture Model. Some wear with a nice patina. Made of composition, metal and a wooden stand. It is painted in different colors and co...
Category
1960s German Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Composition, Metal
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
Antique German Barometer with Hand-Carved Oak Leaves and Acorns, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
German Black Forest style barometer with fine hand-carved oak branches, leaves, and acorns.
Dimensions: height 30 cm / 11.81 in; width 24 cm / 9.44 in; depth 5 cm / 1.96 in.
In good ...
Category
1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Set of Vintage Draughtsman's Rules, English, Engineer's Instruments, circa 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of vintage draughtsman's rules. An English, beech engineer's instrument set in a mahogany case, dating to the mid 20th century period, circa 1930.
Useful set of measuring...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Phantom Dental Training Simulator on Custom Steel Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A phantom dental training simulator used in dental school with removable rubber shroud. Mounted on a custom steel stand. The aluminum jaws have a magnetic quick disconnect sys...
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Vintage Military Terrestrial Telescope, Canadian, Officer Of The Watch, CKC, WW2
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage military terrestrial telescope. A Canadian, chromed brass naval Officer of the Watch refractor by the Canadian Kodak Company, dating to the WWII period, circa 1940...
Category
Early 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large, Good Condition and Stylish Antique English Victorian Oak Wall Barometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning design and top quality executed antique barometer.
This late 19th-early 20th century, English manufactured wall barometer has everything that makes an antique worthwhile. F...
Category
Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Atomic structure for educational use of carbonic acid Czechoslovakia 1950s.
Located in Milan, IT
Struttura atomica ad uso didattico dell'acido carbonico (H2CO3) in metallo, sfere in bachelite verniciate rosso e nero. Czechoslovakian manufacture of the 1950s.
Good condition sign...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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 Cased Monocular, French, Field Viewing Scope, Optical Interest, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage cased monocular. A French, enamelled brass and leather viewing scope, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930.
Delightful field monocular, with 8 x 30 magnificat...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of Two Antique Spanish Wooden Stamps, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
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
Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
The rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicts the human musculature and inter...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
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
Male anatomical model in painted stuccoed fiber. First half of the 20th century.
Located in Leuven , BE
Male anatomical model in painted stuccoed fiber. First half of the 20th century. Beautiful patina. Height: 30 cm.
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Parchment Paper
Rare Pierre Cardin Pop Art Futuristic Ambiance Phone
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Rare and highly collectable Pop Art futuristic Ambiance phone.
Category
1980s Taiwanese Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
German Medical or Tanning Lamp, Wood and Bakelite, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
German medical or tanning lamp.
Transport handle and external thermometer.
Three settings of the lamps. Eight porcelain lamp holders and four light bulbs. Current 220 volt
Woo...
Category
1940s German Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Porcelain, Bakelite, Wood
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.