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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: Late 20th Century
Teak and Brass Nautical Ship's Clinometer
Located in Nantucket, MA
A handsome brass and teak ship's clinometer with a black melamine type background. An brass embossed clipper ship at the top. Used to measure the degree of healing on a boat, or on l...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1960s Bathroom Scale by Hanson in Lemon Yellow Lime Green Dot Mid-Century Mod
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very hard to find Psychedelic Era bathroom scale in wonderful condition, for decor or gentle uses. In the manner of a Verner Panton or a Josef Albers de...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

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, Commercial Grade Tri Pod by Samson
Located in New York, NY
High quality vintage camera trim pod by Samson. The trim pod is adjustable in various ways, including height ( 42- 73.5 in ) in addition the camera platform tilts and can be related ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Recording Copper Rain Gauge by Casella & Co of London
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

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

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

Anatomical Model: the Skeletal Part of a Foot, Germany, 1970’s
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model depicting the skeletal part of a foot, made by Somso, Sonenberg. Germany, circa 1970.
Category

1970s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Personal Weight, Luxa/Vista Semily, 1980's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in czechoslovakia. Made of Metal,Plastic. Fully Functional. Good original condition.
Category

1980s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Miele Vintage Vacuum Cleaner, Type E10
Located in Budapest, HU
Torpedo shaped vacuum cleaner in good condition.
Category

1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum

Marco Zanuso & Richard Sapper for Brionvega TS 505 Cube Radio, 1976
Located in Naples, IT
The TS 505A is a unique portable transistor radio, designed by designers Marco Zanuso and Richard Sapper in 1962 and launched two years later by the Milan-based company Brionvega. The TS 505 - also known as the 'Cube' - is a worldwide icon of industrial design, and is exhibited in the most important museums of contemporary art. It can also be found at the MoMa in New York. A cult object composed of two cubic plastic 'valves' that make it resemble a cuboid shell. The radio bears the Florentine silver...
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

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

Vintage Wood Geloso Television GT1014, 1950s, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
This GTV1014 was one of the first 21-inch b / w televisions produced by Geloso. It uses the intercarrier system as an audio-video medium frequency. The chassis is mounted inside th...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Plastic, Wood

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

Old Blue Scale Gwarancja Olsztyn, Europe, 1970s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A fantastic antique weighing scale with nicely aged blue paint. Made by Gwarancja Factory in Olsztyn, Poland in the late 20th century. It presents...
Category

1970s Polish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Iron

Set of 2 Brass Furniture Leg Embellisher, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of two brass decorative embellishers imitating feline paws. Designed by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use...
Category

1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage Plaster Anatomical Skull Model
Located in Houston, TX
Interesting vintage plaster anatomical skull model. This great plaster skull bust model is in very good condition and dates to the 1940s. A real conver...
Category

1940s Other Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Large 1950s Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Eye Eyeball Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1950's Vintage scientific human 3d eyeball model. Hand-painted with wonderful original patina!
Category

1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rubber

1950s Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Level Iron & Wood
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

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

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

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

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

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

Large Vintage Scientific Plant 3D Educational Monocot Stem Cross-Section Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1940's Monocot stem cross-section model by Denoyer-Geppert of Chicago, Illinois. Model measures 20.5" long and features Hand-painted details with excellent original patina!
Category

1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rubber

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

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

Space Age Orange Vintage Television Ikaro by Minerva, 1970s, Austria
Located in Vienna, AT
Space Age orange vintage television from plastic model Ikaro by Minerva, 1970s, Austria. This portable television with an orange plastic casing by...
Category

1970s Austrian Space Age Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

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

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

Greta Garbo Limited Edition Mont Blanc Ballpoint Pen with Pearl
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Greta Garbo Limited Edition Mont Blanc Ballpoint Rollerball pen with pearl. Montblanc honors Greta Garbo in the form of another mystical writing i...
Category

Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Resin

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

1960s Industrial Medical Cabinet
Located in Norwalk, CT
This is a great medical cabinet from the 1960s, ready to keep all your goodies safe this is a great 1960s accent item that is sure to be a one of a kind addition to your decor!
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern 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 Minolta HI-MATIC 7 Film Camera with Leather Case
By Minolta
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Collectible vintage 1960s Minolta HI-MATIC 7 35mm film camera in hard leather case. A technologically advanced vintage film camera. With origi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Large Vintage Pantagraph, English, Brass, Scientific Mapping Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage pantagraph. An English, brass scientific mapping instrument, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950. Fascinating scale and mechanical interest Displays a...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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