Scientific Instruments
to
34
179
108
299
110
25
11
3
1
1
1
1
1
133
600
834
9
387
299
59
28
44
36
39
32
55
38
21
10
166
100
60
49
41
178
67
55
52
40
299
299
299
6
4
3
3
3
Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1960s
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
Original Vintage Scale from the 20th Century 'Designed by Berkel'
By Berkel 2
Located in Udenhout, NL
Original personal scale from 1946 designed by Berkel in Belgium.
(Made in Brussels.)
Very nice Industrial decorative object.
Category
1940s Belgian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Antique Ophthalmoscope Gowllands ‘May ophthalmoscope improved’. England, 1940.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique Gowllands Ophthalmoscope "May's Improved Ophthalmoscope". Wooden box covered with paper. The top is stamped in gold 'MAY'S OPHTHALMOSCOPE'. Inside the box is divided into com...
Category
Mid-20th Century English 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
US Navy Mark 74 Aiming Telescope
Located in Norwell, MA
1943 United States Navy Telescope. Used primarily as part of the Mark 16 Aiming System on 50 caliber anti-aircraft gun mounts. Fitted with three sun filters...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Antique Set Four Cast Iron Wheels Phoenix Caster Co
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Metal Wheels Cast Iron Casters Phoenix Caster Co IN
Wheel 2.75 h x 3.5 w x 3 d
set of four
Preowned unrestored vintage
Refer to images for...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
1964 Ray Simpson Original Teakwood Tool Rake Grate
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Vintage Rake Tool Brush in Teakwood Modern Aluminum Grate
Stamped Ray Simpson Original 1964
22.13 long x 3.88 w x 1.25
Preowned original vintage co...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Board, Chalkboard
Located in Udenhout, NL
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Board, Chalkboard, in a good state.
Category
1940s Belgian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Slate
Vintage Industrial Foundry Wooden Block Mold Architectural Valcor Engine Corp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Industrial Foundry Wooden Block Mold Architectural Salvage from Valcor Engine Corp (Single Mold), Approx 20 lbs. Great to use as a unique decorative object or convert for use...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Art Deco Wood Propeller Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
Art Deco wood propeller with barometer.
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1950s Vintage Heat Therapy by Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp Cincinnati OH
By Sperti 1
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage 1950s
Vintage 1950s
1950s Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp for Heat Therapy and Sunshine Benefits Untested
Sometimes deemed a medical science...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
French Modern Painted And Giltwood Sunburst Barometer
Located in Houston, TX
French Modern Painted and Giltwood Sunburst Barometer.
This unusual French mid century modern star shaped barometer is executed in a beautiful shade of red with gilt
wood accents.
Th...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Giltwood
Atomic Physicist A.G. Shenstone Princeton Gyroscope
Located in Savannah, GA
A machined gyroscope presented to Allen G. Shenstone (1893-1980) physicist and chair of the department of Princeton from 1949-1960. Presented by friends in the department.
7 inches...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Wood Flower Mold Two Hole
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Wood Flower Mold Two Hole
8.25 w x 3 d x 1.75
Original vintage condition unrestored
See all images provided.
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
1960 Double-Deck Precision Analytical Balance by Galileo Sartorius in Glass Case
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Germany hand-built analytical beam balance scientific scale by Galileo Sartorius. The scale is used to measure both solid and liquid masses (10/100g capacity). Highly sensitive silver cylinders dampen the harmonic motion of the beam balance.
Galileo Sartorius refers to a collaboration between the Italian company Galileo and the German company Sartorius, specifically in the production of high-precision analytical balances...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Rope Barometer. French Work by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very unusual barometer is made of rope. This is a French work by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet. circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rope
$1,612 Sale Price
30% Off
Rare Oversized Stormoguide Barometer by Short & Mason
Located in Sandwich, MA
Rare oversized Stormoguide barometer by Short & Mason circa 1930. Possibly made as a store display, this barometer's 12-1/2" dial is over twice the size of the more commonly found St...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of Cast Iron and Glass Rings c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A set of three cast iron rings with smaller rings on top. Convex glass on both sides in each piece.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1960.
MATERIALS AN...
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, SOMSO, Germany circa 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made out of polyvinyl chloride, plaster, glass and painted paper, metal ho...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Scale in the Shape of a Cross
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Antique scale in the shape of a cross with a plate and a weight. Main structure painted grey, with signs of wear that highlight its historic character. The balance mechanism consists...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Hand Held Magnifying Glass with a Turned Wooden Handle
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Hand Held Magnifying Glass with a Turned Wooden Handle
A lovely piece for your study in good vintage condition with a chunky turned handle
Th Glass is 10” long, the lens is 4” in di...
Category
1960s Adam Style Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
$1,000 Sale Price
33% Off
Art Deco Motorized Store Display / ETALAGE-RECLAME CORP. New York City
By Advertising Metal Display Co. Inc.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Art Deco Motorized Store Display made by the ETALAGE-RECLAME CORP. New York City,, Truly ingenious design, The base has a spinning triangle that moves using a toothed pin that rides...
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome, Metal
Imperial Sand & Ballast Measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London
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
$926 Sale Price
30% Off
Model of an Early Communications Satellite
Located in London, GB
A cased model of an early British Hawker Siddeley Dynamics satellite concept, relating to the ELDO Europa rocket, circa 1966.
The model is accompanied by a Royal Aircraft Establis...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
$3,013 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Industrial Copper Fluid Level Instrument
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid copper industrial ship or factory tube with clear view glass. Mounted to a round base that looks original. Tell us what this is! 62" H x 15" D. 92 lbs.
Category
1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
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
Volta's electrophore, demonstrator of the flow of electrons Italy 1960.
Located in Milan, IT
Volta's electrophore, demonstrator of the flow of electrons from inert materials to conducting materials. Taking the instrument composed of a disc of conductive metal and a handle of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
$375 Sale Price
46% Off
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
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
A pharmacy mushroom model: Phallus Impudicus, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Phallum Impudicus mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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
1960s Tesla Speaker Ars450, Czechoslovakia
By Tesla
Located in Zohor, SK
Unique and original item. A speaker used in villages as a part of a local radio in Czechoslovakia. this piece in marked as Tesla ARS 450, 25W. We were no...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$174 Sale Price
75% Off
3-D Gastro Intestinal Model by CENCO
By Central Scientific Company
Located in Hanover, MA
Vintage 1960's medical office or classroom model diagram of the anatomy of the human G-I system. Wall plaque in hand painted plaster relief. Element...
Category
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Large Silvered Bronze Armillary Sphere – 1950s AND 115 C
Located in Madrid, ES
This impressive, large armillary sphere from the 1950s is a beautiful representation of celestial design, crafted from silvered bronze with intricate hand-engraved zodiac symbols. St...
Category
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
A pharmacy mushroom model: Morchella Vulgaris, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Morchella Vulgaris mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A pharmacy mushroom model: Sarcoshypha Austriaca, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Sarcoscypha Austriaca mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A pharmacy mushroom model: Amanita Virosa, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Amanita Virosa mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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
Austrian Vintage Barometer in Heart Shape by Wippel & co
Located in Vienna, AT
rare austrian vintage barometer in heart shape by Wippel & co, rosewood, good original condition
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
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 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
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
Pharmacy Height Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Pharmacy Height Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre
Once these along with scales were common place in Doctors Surgeries, Chemist S...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
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
$325 Sale Price / set
25% Off
Gucci attributed to Rare Barometer and Clock Year 1960 Vintage Design
By Paolo Gucci
Located in Biella, IT
attributed to 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
1950s Husqvarna Brand Iron Grinder with Swiss Table Anchor
Located in Marbella, ES
1950s Iron Grinder with Swiss Table Anchor Husqvarna Brand
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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 p...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Modernist Weathercock Sculpture from Pius X Church, The Netherlands, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This striking abstract sculpture, interpreted as a modernist weathercock rooster, was originally installed atop the Pius X Parish Church in Amsterdam’s Sloterva...
Category
1960s Dutch Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
A pharmacy mushroom model: Agaricus Bisporus Imach, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Agaricus Bisporus Imbach mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A pharmacy mushroom model: Chanterle Raku, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Chanterle Raku mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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, 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
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
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
Library Telescope
Opera Binoculars
Antique Microscope Slide
Antique Planer Tools
Opera Glasses Mother Of Pearl
Optician Sign
Stanley Tool
Surveyors Level
Torricelli Barometer
Antique Butcher Hook
Antique Cast Iron Weighing Scales
Antique Medical Box
Antique Medical Devices
Antique Metal Wood Planes
Antique Syringes
Antique Wooden Grinder
Avery Scales
German Sundial