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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1940s
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

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
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Didactic Resin Anatomical Model of an Enlarged Jaw, Germany, 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Didactic anatomical model of an enlarged jaw, mounted on a wooden board with hooks for hanging. In evidence the circulatory system, the roots of the teeth, and two caries. Made in ha...
Category

1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Resin, Wood

Carl Zeiss 12 x 60 German Observation Binoculars, Second World War
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is an exceptional 20th century WWII German 12x60 observation binocular, presented on an adjustable wooden tripod. The binoculars were manufactured by the company Carl Zeiss. Carl Zeiss is a German manufacturer of optical systems, founded in Jena, Germany in 1846 by optician Carl Zeiss. These binoculars were used for long-watch land and sky observation by German forces between 1939 and 1945. The binoculars were ruggedly constructed to withstand the rigors of field service. They were used for various tasks, including daylight observation of enemy troop movements, directing fire from artillery toward advancing enemy troops and armor, directing fire at enemy aircraft, and night observation. The angle of the binoculars allowed the observer to sustain watch for long periods of time. The angle also permitted a necessary versatility, as the watchman was able to perform both higher aerial observation and observation of enemy troops on the same visual plane as the watchman. The wartime code for this binocular, “blc”, is engraved on the side of the binocular. “blc” is the secret manufacturing code assigned to Zeiss by the German Army Ordnance Department. The use of the “blc” code instead of the company’s normal logo on the side was a precautionary one, to ensure the secrecy of factory production should the binocular fall into enemy hands. World War II binoculars are true military weapons, designed for defense and reconnaissance. They were never designed for civilian use, and were constructed without cost in mind, as the reliability of the optics far outweighed the monetary cost. The eyepieces can be adjusted for focus and the distance between your eyes with a turn of a knob, as can the shade settings for the lenses. This particular binocular also possesses sun filters. It was a known military tactic to fly in line with the sunlight and filters helped to cut the glare of the sun to increase plane and bomber tracking. This stunning antique...
Category

1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Collection of 12 Perspex Teaching Blocks & Lenses
By Griffin & George Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A collection of twelve Perspex teaching optical blocks and lenses. Various shapes, forms and blocks, convex and concave, a number are backed with a white film. Three have their...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Acrylic

Stunning Mid 20th Century Forge Made Weather Vane of a Hunter on His Horse
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning mid 20th century forge made galvanised metal weather vane, the ornament depicting a classic silhouette of a hunter on his horse, raised over lovely directionals with fine ...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Italian Midcentury Anatomical Educational Torso
Located in Weesp, NL
Educational midcentury Italian anatomical torso produced in the 1940s by Produzione Scientifica Paravia known for its accurate anatomy models. Measures: H. 67 x W. 34 x D. 26 cm. ...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Composition

Unusual Mesmerizing Hand Built Hypnotic Wheel, by Melvin Powers, 1951
By Marilyn Powers
Located in Buffalo, NY
Melvin Powers is considered the king of hypnosis in this country. His first self published book entitled hypnotism revealed is still in print and first published in 1949, He self pub...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Copper and Brass Fresh Air Diver's Pump with Wood Handle
Located in Norwell, MA
Diver's pump for shallow water use which feeds air to the diver's helmet. Highly polished and lacquered, with wood handled plunger. Handles have been sanded and varnished. Great divi...
Category

1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper

Vintage Brewer's Thermometer, Dairy, Scientific Instrument, Zeal of London, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage brewer's thermometer. An English, cased brew or dairy scientific instrument by GH Zeal of London, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1960. Fascinating sheathed thermometer Displays a desirable aged patina Wooden case with beveled CAP in dark caramel hues Long glass...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

1930s Italian Medical Sketch of a Campaing to Fight Tuberculosis
Located in Milan, IT
Sketch of a futurist poster, 1930s, ten cents to fight tuberculosis, for the national campaign to inform people about the prevention of this illness. Measures: cm 32 x 42, inches 12....
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Eames Office radio for Emerson
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A nice radio design by the Eames office. Model 578A. Mahogany veneer case with plastic face and dials.
Category

1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Analytical Beam Balance Scientific Scale in Glass Case
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Hand built analytical beam balance scientific scale. The scale is used to measure both solid and liquid masses (10/100g capacity). Highly sensitive silver cylinders dampen the harmon...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

1930s Italian antique Sketch of a Campaign to Fight Tuberculosis
Located in Milan, IT
Sketch of a futurist poster, 1930’s, campaign against tuberculosis with united strength 10 cents for poor sicks with tuberculosis, for the national campaign to inform people about th...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Botanical Model in Enlarged Section of a Moraceae Syconium, Italy, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Model in enlarged section of a Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a syconium). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the 1930s. Measures cm ...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Hand Turned Wood Mortar and Pestle 1950
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-Century Modern mortar and pestle hand turned from one piece of dense wood. It is in wonderful vintage condition. Please see photos, circa 1950-1960. Whether you need ...
Category

1950s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Shock Therapy McIntosh Polysine Generator Quck Medical Device
Located in Norwalk, CT
A very interesting piece having to do with the treatment of mental health in america. this machine dates to the 1940s or earlier, its missing and of the...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Botanical Model in Enlarged Section of a Moraceae Syconium, Italy, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Model in enlarged section of the Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a sicon). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the 1930s. Measures cm 3...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Botanical Model in Enlarged Section of a Moraceae Syconium, Italy, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Model in enlarged section of a Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a syconium). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the thirties. Measures ...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Germany 1950 Didactics Medical Anatomy Enlarged Model of a Human Trachea
By Deutsches Hygiene Museum Dresden
Located in Milan, IT
Didactic anatomical enlarged model of a trachea made in the 1950s, made of hand-colored cellon and mounted on a bakelite base. On a label on the base you read Deutsches Hygiene Museu...
Category

1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bakelite

Spanish MCM Instituto L. Torres Quevedo Educational Galvanometer
Located in Mexico City, MX
A 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern educational D'Arsonval galvanometer manufactured by the Leonardo Torres Quevedo Institute in Madrid. Model MA 54-04. The wood and glass structure s...
Category

1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Magnets

Spanish Vintage Wooden Shoe Last, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage wooden shoe last. By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and u...
Category

1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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

Botanical Ceramic Educational Blooming Hazelnut Intersection
By Osterloh Modell
Located in Weesp, NL
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern hand painted ceramic intersection of a blooming Hazelnut, Corylus Avellana. This rare sculptural piece is in great condition as can be seen in the images. Made in Leipzig, German Democratic Republic...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ceramic

Anatomical Eye Model by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Anatomical, composition, organ model of the eye by New York Scientific Co., Inc disassembles into six pieces deconstructing the eye and its nerves. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Composition

Set of Five 1950s Spanish Hand Carved Marble Kitchen Mortars
Located in Marbella, ES
Set of five 1950s rustic Spanish hand carved marble kitchen mortars in different sizes.
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble

Teak and Iron Ship's Nautical Clinometer, Midcentury, French
Located in Nantucket, MA
A ship's clinometer of teak and iron with original paint. Used to measure the degree of healing on a boat, or on larger boats to weigh the distribution of cargo to be sure the ballas...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

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

Antique Italian Nautical Graphometer with its Original Wooden Box Genoa, 1940s
By CAIM, Genova 1
Located in Milan, IT
Brass, copper and lead graphometer complete with the original wooden box signed CAIM Genova Via S. Sabina two of the 1940s. Measures of box 28 x 29 cm H 24. CAIM Genoa was company ac...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Mid-Century Modern Didactic Resin Anatomical Model Jaw
Located in Weesp, NL
Big 1960s anatomical jaw teaching model in perfect condition. This beautiful resin jaw can be taken apart as shown in the images. It was made in the 1960s by Rudiger Anatomie in Berl...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Resin

Rare Antique English Mammoth Map or Library Magnifying Glass, circa 1930
Located in Bath, GB
Wow, you need to hands to lift this mammoth magnifying glass, a great look for the library and a real talking point. The handle is made from cast brass and the frame for the glass...
Category

1930s English Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Anatomical Model of the Human Ear Painted Plaster by Somso 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Didactic model of the human ear, painted plaster, made in 1950s by Somso, a German company active since the second half of the nineteenth century, known as an excellence in the devel...
Category

1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Italy 1930s Ing Ferrero Double Strain Gauge Original Box Measuring Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Double strain gauge signed Brevetti F.lli Ingg. Ferrero Savona n.384583 mod E74 - S3, circa 1930, in its original box complete with accessories and magnifying glass. It is an instrument used to...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Resuscitation Male Dummy Training Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage resuscitation man's head. Open mouth connected to tubes that would raise chest for CPR training. Resuscitation dummies were invented in th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Steampunk Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rubber

Rummy Grapefruit Soda Advertising Tin Thermometer Sign
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage "Rummy Grapefruit Soda" advertising sign / thermometer, circa 1950s. The piece is in very good working condition with great color and graphics. A rare piece of soda memorabil...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern British Ilford Selo Photography Film Store Display
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This store display was made for the English film manufacturer, Ilford to advertise their Selo film line during the 1960s in the period Mid-Century Modern style. The frame of the disp...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Imperial Sand & Ballast Measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London
By De Grave Short, Fanner & Co.
Located in London, GB
A rare sand and ballast measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London, circa 1940. Measures one, three-quarters, and half cubic foot. Made for Monmouthshire County Council. P...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

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

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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