Scientific Instruments
11
375
to
30
233
125
375
375
375
106
32
14
12
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
143
587
910
7
413
325
67
42
50
43
50
39
62
42
29
9
1
211
136
86
58
50
230
82
64
56
44
5
4
4
4
4
Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1910s
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
Vintage Spirit Level, English, Rosewood, Craftsman's Instrument, circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage spirit level. An English, Rosewood and craftsman's instrument, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Period appeal with...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Solid Brass Library Telescope by Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co
Located in Montreal, QC
Large Antique Solid Brass Library Telescope by Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co
Marked: '' 63 Farringdon Rd London EC. Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co''
Category
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
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
1910s Doctors' Medical Scale Mechanical Stand Up with Weights
Located in New York, NY
1910s antique Industrial stand up doctors' scale. Features height indicator and a movable weights with great old paint. Please note, this item is located in one of our NYC locations.
Category
1910s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
Mid-Century French Louis XV Carved Giltwood Wall Barometer
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique Louis XV barometer was crafted in Paris, France, circa 1960. Square in shape, the wall piece features the original hand painte...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
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
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
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
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
1960s Nautical Rangefinder Signed Kelvin Hughes Antique Marine Navigation Tool
Located in Milan, IT
Nautical rangefinder signed Made in Great Britan by Kelvin Hughes a divison of Smiths Industries Limited made in the 1960s, complete with original mahogany box. AP 498 Stuats Marine Distance Meter very good working condition. Box size cm 21 x 13 H 6. It is an ancient nautical instrument used to measure...
Category
1960s British Vintage 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
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, Handheld Bearing Compass, English, Oak, Maritime, Navigation, Sestrel
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage hand-held bearing compass. An English, oak, marine navigation aid with Sestrel dial, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
A fascinating maritime set
Displays a desirable aged patina
Oak handle and walnut deck box...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Large School Teaching Display Anthill of the Red Wood Ant
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large School Teaching Display Anthill of the Red Wood Ant
A vintage school teaching glass display of the anthill of the red wood ant. It shows the hill and inhabitants thereof, the ...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
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
Antique Terrestrial Globe Published in 1940s by Girard Barrère et Thomas, Paris
Located in Milan, IT
Terrestrial globe published in the 1940s by Girard Barrère et Thomas 17, Rue de Buci Paris. Turned wooden base, papier mâché sphere covered with paper printed by engraving on copper ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Vintage Taper Maker, English, Brass, Shipwright's Woodworking Tool, circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage taper maker. An English, brass shipwright's woodworking tool, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Midcentury crafting to...
Category
Mid-20th Century English 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
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
Vintage Human Body Educational Model / Anatomical Model, circa 1940s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Fantastic looking vintage anatomical model of a full human body on a black granite base. The height of the model with base (4 cm) is 82 cm.
Unfortunately, removable parts are missing.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Granite
Vintage Rolling Rule English Brass Scientific Instrument, Navigation, circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage rolling rule. An English, brass scientific instrument to aid navigation, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Attractive period instrument
Displays a desirable aged patina
Solid brass shows mellow golden hues
Used to draw parallel lines on navigation charts
Replete with the Ministry of Defense arrow mark and 160100 patent number
Oak faced box...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Art Deco Styled Industrial General Electric Medical Sun Floor Lamp
By Canadian General Electric
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Art Deco Industrial floor sun lamp was made by General Electric of Canada is approximately 1940, most likely for the medical industry. The lamp is done with a heavy stepped meta...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Midcentury Seeburg Styled Wall Mount Jukebox Diner or Soda Shop Tune Selector
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This early wall-mounted coin operated jukebox tune selector is completely unmarked, but being attributed to the Seeburg Corporation of the United States in circa 1955 in the period M...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Edwardian Oak Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra
Fine Edwardian oak cased barograph with hinged lid, bevelled glass panels and central chart drawer.
Seven vacuum ...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Telescope Tripod, English, Oak, Bronze, Support Stand, 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage telescope tripod. An English, oak and bronze support Stand, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1940.
Displays a desirable aged...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
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
Brain Antique Anatomical Plate by Lehrmittelverlag Hageman Düsseldorf 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical didactic plate of the 1930s on canvas paper depicting the brain, the spinal column and the sense organs, mounted on two black painted wooden sticks. Signed Lehrmittelverla...
Category
1930s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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
Vintage Prosthetic Foot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage authentic prosthetic foot. Interesting piece of medical history. Great vintage condition.
Category
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
German Anatomical Muscular Bust Model
Located in Brooklyn, NY
German, anatomical, plaster model of a cross-section of a bust, depicting the muscular and circulatory systems.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Medical Model by Denoyer Geppert
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Early 20th century wood and fiberglass medical model by Denoyer Geppert.
Category
1940s Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fiberglass, Wood
Set of Five Botanical Models of a Plant Embryo, London UK, 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A set of five botanical models depicting in numbered sequence the development of a vegetal embryo. Made out of hand painted plaster, the models are mounted on a wooden base. T. Gerra...
Category
1930s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Modernist Pius X Weathercock Rooster, Abstract Sculpture, The Netherlands, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Modernist; Sculpture; The Netherlands; Art; Statue; Abstract; Figurative; Globe; weathercock rooster;
Modernist weathercock rooster, a unique abstract sculpture sourced out of the remarkable Pius...
Category
1960s Dutch Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Ship's Binnacle by Baker Lyman of New Orleans, Louisiana
Located in Norwell, MA
Ship's binnacle with maker's plate from Baker Lyman Company of New Orleans, Louisiana. Wonderfully restored binnacle with gimballed compass and interior lighting.
Overall dimensio...
Category
1930s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Open Scale Barograph by C F Casella & Co of London
By Casella
Located in London, GB
An open scale barograph by C F Casella & Co of London, circa 1960.
7 day clockwork "Gluck" barometer recorder.
Measures: Width: 32 cm.
Depth:18 cm.
Height: 23.5 cm.
C. F. Casella and Co:
Established in 1810 as Tagliabue and Casella.
Incorporated as a limited liability company, C. F. Casella and Co, in 1910.
AS advertised in 1930: C. F. Casella and Co Ltd., of Regent House, Britannia Walk, London, N1 7ND - Makers of anemometers, anemographs, barometers, barographs, hygrometers, hygrographs, radiation instruments, rain gauges...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Allbrit Polar Planimeter, English, Scientific Instrument, Stanley, 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Allbrit polar planimeter. An English, adjustable scientific instrument by Stanley, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Comprehensive scientific instrumen...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Set of Vintage Mortise Gauges, Four, Rosewood, Brass, Carpenter's Tools
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of vintage mortise gauges. 4 English, rosewood and brass carpenter's tools, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Fascinating midc...
Category
Mid-20th Century European 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
London 1940s Aluminium and Brass Antique Parallels For Surveyor's Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Parallels with sights made of aluminum and brass signed R. Watts & Son London 1940 MK II, manufacturers of theodolites and other instruments, active in Lon...
Category
1940s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage Balance, English, Mahogany, Scientific Scales, Stanton Instruments, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage analytical balance. An English, mahogany cased set of scientific scales by Stanton Instruments of London, dating to the mid-20th c...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Brass, Bardou and Son Telescope Badged James W. Queen and Co.
By Bardou & Son
Located in Baltimore, MD
Table top, brass refracting telescope on folding cabriole leg base. Objective lens is 3 possibly 3.25" diameter with additional solar viewing eyepiece, and lens cap. The telescope fu...
Category
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid Century Enameled Dayton Meat Scale Hobart Mfg Co Butcher Deli
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage white enameled Dayton Scale Division meat scale, made at the Hobart Manufacturing Company, style 970, 30lb capacity. Measure: 18".
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Actinometer Antique Measuring Instrument made by Griffin & Tatlock London in 30s
By Griffin & Tatlock ltd
Located in Milan, IT
Herschel actinometer, 1930s, wood and brass, signed Griffin & Tatlock ltd London. It is an instrument invented in 1825 by John Herschel and used for the measurement of the solar heat...
Category
1930s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
1963s Italy Vallardi Box With 6 Wooden Geometric Solids Scientific Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Box containing 6 dismounplate geometric solids of oak wood, height 20 cm, in their original wooden box complete with illustrative leaflet for calculating surfaces and volumes. Made for educational purposes for schools by Antonio Vallardi publisher in 1963. Box cm 24 x 40 H 12 cm.
The origins of the publisher Vallardi date back to 1750 when founder Francesco Cesare (1736-1799) acquired a small craft in the heart of old Milan. In the early nineteenth century, the publishing house was noted for the production of works of art, geography and science, including a "Tour of Italy" which took twenty-two printings between 1819 and 1835. The complete works of various maps and directions for travel, including timetables and fares for transportation of the time, can be considered the first modern tourist guide. The firm "Vallardi" was born in 1843 and the company became industrial, with the opening of branches on national...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Mid-Century Expanding Spyglass Brass & Leather
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Mid-century spyglass brass & leather (similar to a telescope) expands from 7 1/8 to 17 1/4" - from a Palm Beach estate.
How you focus a spyglass - Pull out all sections all the way ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Classical Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Brass and Iron "KEKUATAN" Hanging Beam Scale
Located in London, GB
A brass and iron beam scale, marked with KEKUATAN 110 kg. along with various proof and numeral markings.
Indonesian, KEKUATAN meaning strength.
The m...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
1938 Pull Down Anatomy Chart, Denoyer-Geppert, Artist P.M. Lariviere
Located in Buffalo, NY
1938 pull down anatomy chart, Denoyer-Geppert. Artist P.M. Lariviere. KL3 circulatory system. Stunning image, screenprint on linen.
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Vintage Electronic Instruments
Surveyor Measure
Antique North Arrow
Antique Medical Models
George Cook
Antique Scientific Microscopes Microscope Scientific Instruments
Address Numbers
Wwii German Binoculars
Optician Sign
Stick Barometer
Folding Camera
Antique Stick Barometers
Vintage Glass Barometer
Vintage French Barometer
French Mercury Barometer
German Telescope
Antique Wooden Gears
Antique Wooden Gear