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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Vintage Illuminated Magnifying Glass Eagle Hong Kong
By Eagle Tool and Metal Mfg.
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Eagle Magnifying Glass Hong Kong
2.75 h x 4.5 diameter x 9.5 long
reading magnifying glass with light by EAGLE
stamped by maker
Preowned vintage condition
Refer to images
Category
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Double Sided Standing Dutch Chalk Board
Located in Stamford, CT
A very large 1900-1910 century chalk board from the Netherlands. The solid wood stand is substantial and easy to move on its antique casters. Great in a kid's room, a restaurant, or ...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Early 20th Century Teaching Aid Human Torso Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Teaching Aid Human Torso Model
Mounted onto a newer looking wooden plaque this early example of a plaster and natural human fibre model would likely have been use...
Category
1940s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone, Plaster
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine. Early 20th Century. Measurements: 11" H x 12.5" W x 4" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Bean Seedling
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Bean Seedling
A rare antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 1900. ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Anemometer 1950 Coal Mining Vintage Science Equipment in Brass and Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Mechanical desk anemometer in brass.
Very interesting scientific coal mining anemometer, made up back in the 1950's with brass and blackened steel parts...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
Vintage Bottle Capper Wine Corker Hand Press Cork
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Wine Bottle Cork Press Manual
Rustic Farmhouse
22.5 h x 4 w x 10 d
Preowned original vintage, refer to images listed.
Category
Early 20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Oxidised Surveyors Level by Reid and Young
Located in Norwich, GB
Oxidised surveyors level by Reid and Young
Mounted on a circular base with threaded aperture or tripod mounting with four holding rings. Thirteen an...
Category
1920s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Sea Fish Saltvandsfisk Rollable Poster Print Wall Chart, Denmark 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage wall chart shows different types of sea fish, which are native to middle Europe. This kind of wall charts are used as teaching material in German schools or diving ...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Antique Rolling Ruler, English Cartographer’s Instrument, Architect, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fine antique cased rolling ruler. An English brass cartographer's or architect's instrument, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. A superb example of precision engin...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage WESCO Oil Can
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Metal Oil Can.
An automotive oil can made by Wesco, Birmingham. A fantastic piece of vintage motoring ephemera, the perfect gift for the motoring enthusiast. Who would have t...
Category
Early 20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Carved oak wall hanging Banjo barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved oak barometer, the shaped carved oak frame with rectangular thermometer encased by glass. Above the silvered dial with silvered bezel, flanked by crisp scrolling carved decora...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Black Forest Style Carved Walnut Barometer, Germany, ca. 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest style carved walnut barometer, Germany, ca. 1920.
An impressive carved walnut barometer with masterfully carved flowers and leaves. A small mirror on the top of the roun...
Category
1920s German Black Forest Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
Aircraft Design Wind Tunnel Scale Model of a Late 1960s GAC-100 Airliner
Located in London, GB
A 1/10 scale wind tunnel model of a GAC-100 Commuter airliner.
Wingspan: 7ft (214 cm)
The model is constructed out of laminated mahogany, and is built to the highest standards,...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Microscope in Original Box, circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Antique travel microscope in unrestored found condition. The brass should be polished and the glasses cleaned.
All parts appear to be complete, no guarantee, see photos.
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Panasonic Toot-a-Loop-Radio, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Panasonic toot-a-loop-radio is an original decorative object realized in the 1970s by Panasonic R-72 (R72) and built by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co
This radio is the...
Category
1970s Japanese Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Vintage Underwood Champion Portable Typewriter c.1946
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A vintage portable Underwood Champion Four bank typewriter in grey finish and original case. This typewriter is very clean and in good working order. It has smooth typing and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
1900s Decorative Wall Hanging „Multimeter“ Scientific Slide Rule Calculator
Located in Vienna, AT
A dekorative appr. 120-year-old, large, wall-mounted round „Multimeter“ analog slide rule calculator. Dated around 1900, made in Germany. It has a rotatable glass disc and offers multiple features like multiplication, division, interest-calculation and square root...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Very Large Ophtalmotrope
Located in Peekskill, NY
What is an ophthalmotrope? An ophthalmotrope is an apparatus for demonstrating the movements of the eye and the action of the different muscles which produce them, consisting essentially of a model eyeball to which are attached strings and pulleys to duplicate the line force of the muscles.
We think this example is most likely French from the early 20th century. The base is marble with paw feet. It’s also quite large at well over 3 foot tall. This instrument is very complete. It also includes additional parts to set the mechanics up in a different way. In the pictures above the strings are attached to a keyboard. The alternative replaces the keyboard with string guide with a dozen hanging tubular weights. This is one of the largest and most decorative examples we have seen. I have only seen pictures of ophthalmotropes and never one this fine and complete. It’s as rare and impressive show piece.
This item was also used in the movie Knives Out,
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 2 French Electro Therapy Devices "Institut Electrotherapy" Dated 1905
Located in London, GB
Of scientific interest two French Electrotherapy devices, both wih plaques to the tops stamped "Institut Electrotherapy, 27 Rue Godot de Mauroy, Paris"
Complete with original instru...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Other
1940s Antique Wood Clamps Rustic Carpentry Tool
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Wood Clamps
Prior use to build boats
Largest 63 long x 5.25 d x 1.25 w Short 48 long x 5 w x 1.5
Original vintage-Refer to listed images.
Category
Mid-20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
Pair of Glass Pharmacy Jars, Italy, 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
Pair of glass pharmacy jars, Italy, 1930s
Found in an old disused pharmacy.
Good condition. One has an imperceptible chip on the edge.
Being handcra...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a lovely cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Rolling Parallel Rule, English, Brass, Scientific Instrument, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique rolling parallel rule. An English, brass scientific instrument to aid navigation, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
Attractive period instrument withi...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Milan 1910/20 F.lli Koristka Antique Microscope Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Milan, IT
Tri-ocular optical microscope Euskop model, antique scientific instrument of painted brass and chromed steel, with four-magnification turret n. 40122 by Fratelli Koristka, Milano, ci...
Category
1910s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Specimen Collector's Chest of Drawers, French, Walnut Desk Box, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage specimen collector's chest of drawers. A French, solid walnut four drawer executive desk box, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930.
Exceptional figuring and f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Supreme x Hoto Red Tool Set, 5-Piece, Spring, 2023
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Supreme x hoto red tool set, 5-piece, Spring 2023. Made exclusively for Supreme (Spring 2023), limited edition. Red, Supreme-printed case. Includes 3.6V 3-level torque adjustable scr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Milan, IT
Optical microscope signed F.lli Koristka Milano n. 42870 produced between 1920/30, of chromed and black painted brass, three-magnification turret, consisting of a stand and a plate w...
Category
1920s Italian Vintage 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
1986 Enorme Telephone by Ettore Sottsass for Enorme
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly postmodern telephone designed by the Memphis Milano master, Ettore Sottsass, and produced in 1986. The Enorme telephone was the result of ...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Black and silver Art Deco design on both sides
Show...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Vintage Beam Compass, German, Cartography, Architect Drawing Instrument, Riefler
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage beam compass. A German, silver nickel cartographer's or architect's drawing instrument by Riefler, dating to the late 20th cent...
Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
Three-Dimensional Midcentury Italian Wall Plaster Didactic Anatomical, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury three-dimensional didactic anatomical panel in plaster with Antonio Vallardi Milano label, Italy 1950s
Please note that the item is original of the period and t...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Coral Pink Crosley Model T-60 AM Tube Table Radio
By Crosley 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
Brushed Aluminum Industrial Hourglass on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern industrial brushed aluminum hourglass - in the style of Bauhaus industrial - German, Berlin.
An interesting contrast of blown glass and heavy industrial material gives this...
Category
20th Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Antique Kendrick & Davis K&D Inverto Staking Jewelry Watch Tool Set
Located in Norwalk, CT
A very unusual Jewelry and watchmakers tool, makes for a great curiosity item for the shelf!
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble, brass, and glass.
Good state. Working order.
Diameter cm 17 - inches 6.7, thickness cm 5- inches 1.9...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble
Gimballed Brass Boat Compass by Dirigo
Located in Norwell, MA
Gimballed brass boat compass by "Dirigo" of Seattle, Washington. With fleur-de-lis pointing north. Fitted to a birch box with lid. Circa 1975.
Overall Dimensions: 5" H x 8" L x 8"...
Category
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Micro-Barograph by Short & Mason of London
Located in London, GB
An open scale Micro-barograph by Short & Mason of London in enameled glass case.
Number: 551/41
Seven day clockwork drive by Horstmann Gear Co Ltd, of Bath. Serial number: 7027/59
With Meteorological Office “MO” logo.
Meteorological Office calibration certificate dated 27.6.96
Literature: Barometers - Aneroid and Barographs, Edwin Banfield, 1985. page 131 fig. 116.
Short and Mason...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Magnifier Accessories Gold Bronce Desktop Eagle Claw Base Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Brass adjustable desk magnifier
20th century
Elegant desktop magnifying glass made of golden brass, with original magnifying glass and very ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Brass Plumber's Blowtorch c.1900, Made in England
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique brass Heathware No: 66 English plumber's blowtorch with a Bakelite handle. Original sticker.
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR Heathware Pr...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Sunshine Recorder by Casella of London
Located in London, GB
A Campbell–Stokes sunshine recorder, attributed to Casella & Co, circa 1910.
Mounted on a later wooden display plinth.
Marked with serial number...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Pair of American Country Antique Cast Metal Floral Design Rectangular Coin Banks
Located in Queens, NY
"Pair of Antique American (early 20th Century) cast bronze coin banks with rectangular forms with flared tops and bottoms, featuring floral designs with pink and green painted detail...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
RARE SUITE OF ORIGINAL NATURAL HiSTORY MUSEUM CASED IN PERSPEX SPECIMENS
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for this amazing suite of original natural history museum cased specimens
A very rare find, these are old examples and some very interesting pieces, the list is as follows
1:- POM 17615 PINGUICULA
2:- POM 17600 VENUS FLYTRAP...
Category
20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Antique Rosewood and Mahogany Putty Knives
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A set of antique putty knives with Rosewood, Mahogany and brass handles.
CREATOR Embee, Red Devil
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920-1950.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Steel...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Early 20th Century French Laboratory Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Made in early 20th Century France, this mechanical wonder was crafted with an eye for aesthetics, the richly polished wood and meticulously crafted mechanism elevate this piece with ...
Category
Early 20th Century French French Provincial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
20th Century French Vintage Art Deco Metal Berkel Auto Weighing Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A French Art Deco model of a vintage Berkel auto weighing scale in working condition. On the front of the Berkel up to 1kg, on the back it has an old fashioned weighing system. The s...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Early XX Century Metal Scythe Sharpener
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique metal scythe sharpener farming tool. Made in Spain by unknown manufacturer. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful ...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern 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
Old Suspended Balance Scale in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative 1950s balance scale in Apothecary style. Its made from solid brass and comes with two brass weights and a leather suspension strop.
Measurements: H/L: 75 cm (suspended),...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Italian Illuminated Optometric Table, 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Mid-Century Italian Illuminated Optometric Table, 1960s
Complete and in good condition. Electrical system to be checked.
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Mushroom Botanical Scientific Specimen Model Europe, 1950s or older
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This rare vintage model of a botanical scientific specimen depicts a mushroom native to Central Europe. This kind of items are used as teaching material in German schools or as showp...
Category
20th Century Czech Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
English Renaissance Wood Hour Glass
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance-style (20th Century) large dark wood hour glass with brass finials.
Category
20th Century British Renaissance Revival Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
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.