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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: Late 20th Century
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
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, the Spiga, Italy 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanic didactical model of one type of inflorescence specimen, the Spiga, made out of hand painted colored plaster gems, wooden branches and pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
A botanic model of inflorescence, the Simple Umbrella, Italy 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Simple Umbrella, made with hand-painted p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, Flower Head, Italy, 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Simple Flower Head, made with hand-painte...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, the Corymb, Italy, 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Corymb, made with hand-painted plaster co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
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
Vintage Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage laboratory microscope. A German, enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the late 20th century, circa ...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
chinoiserie Decorated Circular Barometer, circa 1930s
By Acme Photo
Located in Dereham, GB
Chinoiserie decorated circular barometer, circa 1930s.
Black background with gold decoration,
Depicting, houses, temple, figures, trees & foliage,
Brass face,
Badge on back, re...
Category
1930s European Chinoiserie Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lacquer
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, the Raceme or Cluster, Italy, 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Raceme or cluster, made with hand-painted...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Large 1940s Vintage Industrial Apothecary Laboratory Teaching Scale Balance
Located in Lafayette, IN
Rare 1940's vintage large-scale teaching scale/balance. Scale stands a massive 50" tall and was originally used as an instructional scale in a Purdue University lab (hence the large ...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel, Iron
Kilgore Authentic Anatomical Preparation Human Skull
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Prepared by legendary medical supply company Kilgore International, this is an advanced anatomical reference human skull!
An exceptional authentic vint...
Category
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
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
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 Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test. Item features a Bausch & Lomb optical device. We are not exactly sure what is used for or wha...
Category
Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Fountain Pen with Papers & Boxes
By Montblanc
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This fountain pen was made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. This fountain pen is their 'Meisterstuck' model and has...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold, Stainless Steel
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
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
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
Rainbow SP019 Softphone, Design by Canetti Group for Canetti
By Canetti
Located in FERROL, ES
Rainbow SP019 Softphone, design by Canetti Group for Canetti.
Made of multicolored foam.
Has some wear to bottom buttons.
Measures: 22x7x3 cm.
Category
1990s Chinese Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Foam, Rubber
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
Vintage Dental Model of Mouth with Braces in Original Box by Columbia Dentoforms
Located in New York, NY
A vintage 1960/70s teaching dental model of a mouth with braces by noted company Columbia Dentoforms. Columbia Dentoforms has been making teaching models ...
Category
1960s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
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
Machine Age Ribbonaire Fan Designed by W.O. Langille for Singer, 1931
By W. O. Langille, Singer Sewing Machine Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ribbonaire Bakelite Electric Fan designed by W.O. Langille in 1931 for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Aerodynamic Design that pivots front to back to angle the breeze. Unique des...
Category
1930s American Machine Age Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fabric, Bakelite
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
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
British Royal Navy Ship’s Binnacle Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass ship’s compass on gimbal mounted into a brass binnacle housing. The nameplate reads pattern 0183, and serial number 14313-B. The compass car...
Category
1940s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Pair of Vintage Montblanc Meisterstruck & Starwalker Pens with Boxes & Papers
By Montblanc
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of vintage rollerball pens were made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. theiThe black cased pen from this grouping is their "Meisterstruck" model with a clear tip on the cap, and a gold band around the center of the barrel with "MONTBLANC" and "MEISTERSTRUCK" in block letters. The other pen of this group with the brushed metal case is their "Starwalker" model. Both pens come with thier original fitted boxes, and we have one outer box and some paperwork. Both of these Montblanc rollerball pens...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stainless Steel
1960's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Eye Eyeball Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1960's Vintage Scientific Biocraft Human 3D Eyeball Model by Denoyer-Geppert of Chicago, Illinois. Hand-painted with wonderful original patina!
Category
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber, Wood, Plastic
Gucci Rare Barometer and Clock Year 1960 Vintage Design
By Paolo Gucci
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
German Reflecting Telescope in Limited Edition from the Deutsches Museum in 1978
Located in Sofia, BG
Gregory brass spyglass - Deutsches Museum 1978/79 limited edition.
This reflecting foldable telescope is being published in a worldwide limited edition...
Category
Late 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rope Twist Carved Oak Nautical Barometer
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century barometer with porcelain face with merchants name A Black & Co., Nautical Optician, Glasgow. Carved rope twist case with brass bezel. Brass hanging tab. Nice ...
Category
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
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
Space Age Food Scale by Marco Zanuso for Terraillon
By Marco Zanuso
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this beautiful scale design by Marco Zanuso for Terraillon, circa 1970's, very light use and perfect working condition.
Category
Late 20th Century French Space Age Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
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
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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