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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Victorian
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
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
This beautiful Mahogany cabinet was used by a traveling optometrists to treat patients in their homes.
Th...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting the Human Skeleton
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicting the human skeleton. On the sides On the sides are detailed description in German language. The wall...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Large, Good Condition and Stylish Antique English Victorian Oak Wall Barometer
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning design and top quality executed antique barometer.
This late 19th-early 20th century, English manufactured wall barometer has everything that makes an antique worthwhile. F...
Category
Early 20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Teaching Model Longitudinal Profile of the Kidney, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted anatomical model of the kidney. Made of papier maché and plaster, mounted on a turned wooden base. Manufactured most probably by SOMSO or PHYWE, Germany ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Antique Teaching Model of the Adipose Spleen, ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted anatomical model of the adipose spleen. Made of papier maché and plaster, mounted on a turned wooden base. Manufactured most probably by SOMSO or PHYWE, ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
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
Early Victorian Walnut with Mother of Pearl Inlayed Stick Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Early Victorian walnut with mother of pearl inlayed stick barometer, 19th century.
Category
Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Lovely Victorian Boy Chasing a Cat Met Aneroid Barometer Painted Cast Iron
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this Victorian boy chasing a cat cast iron aneroid barometer
Dimensions:
Height 27cm
Width 23cm
Depth 9.5c...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
Victorian Brass Clock and Barometer Set with Thermometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Late Victorian brass clock and barometer set with centrally mounted thermometer with enamel register plate.
The case stands on a raised plin...
Category
1880s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pharmacy Height Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre
Located in Chillerton, 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
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
Antique American Mother-of-Pearl and Silver Overlay Magnifying Glass
Located in New York, NY
Antique magnifying glass, circa 1900. Tapering mother-of-pearl handle overlaid with silver scrollwork. Circular lens in metal frame. Handle ma...
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
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
French Carved Mahogany Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
French wall barometer in a finely carved mahogany case with trailing fruit and vines surmounted by a lions mask, enamel dial with seven weather indicati...
Category
1890s French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
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
Antique Kent's Knife Cleaning, Polishing & Sharpening Wheel with Original Labels
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique Victorian knife cleaning and sharpening machine was made by Kent's of London England in circa 1880 in the period Victorian style. The machine is composed of two sharpening stones...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone, Metal
Dairy Balance Scales by Parnall of Bristol
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Dairy balance scales by Parnall of Bristol
Superb large brass and iron dairy balance scales by Parnall of Bristol
This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cast Iron base the central upright column is in brass and it is topped with a very decorative wrought iron finial...
Category
1880s Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
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
Antique Pluviometer, English, Udometer, Ombrometer, Rain Recorder, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pluviometer. An English, copper udometer, ombrometer or rain recorder, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850.
Fasc...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
Antique Teaching Model Stages of the Appendix, Ca. 1900
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A great antique hand-painted anatomical model of the appendix in different stages. It is made of plaster and mounted on a wooden base. Manufactured most probably by SOMSO or PHYWE, G...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper, Plaster
Antique Glass Display Dome
Located in Norwalk, CT
A wonderful glass display dome great to keep sculpture or collections safe and look more interesting than just on a shelf.
Category
Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
18-inch Globe, Cary's, London, 1840
By Cary’s
Located in Milano, IT
John and William Cary
Updated by George and John Cary
Terrestrial Globe
London, 1840
lb 22 (kg 10)
Slight surface abrasions due to use. A small crack on the horizon circle.
The globe rests in its original Dutch style stand with four supporting turned wood columns.
It measures 26 in in height x 23.6 in in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 18 in; 66 cm in height x 60 cm in diameter with the diameter of the sphere measuring 45.72 cm.
The 18 inch...
Category
1840s English Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
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
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
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
Set of Nine 19th C English Victorian Treen Ware Boxwood Medicine Bottle Holders
Located in Haarlem, NL
A set of nine 19th century Victorian treen turned boxwood medicine bottle holders.
These containers were used for protecting delicate items such as glass apothecary bottles, perfume bottles, syringes, powder, ointment bottles, thermometers and other medical or vanity items.
In two of the containers are glass bottles.
Measurements:
Large 18.5cm high, 8.5cm diameter, empty
Large 18cm high, 8cm diameter, empty
Medium 14.5cm high, 5.5cm diameter, glass bottle without stopper (wood chipped)
Medium 13cm high, 6cm diameter, empty (crack in wood)
Medium 12cm high, 5cm diameter, perfumed oil in glass bottle
Medium 11cm high, 5cm diameter, empty
Small 10cm high, 4cm diameter, talcum powder...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Boxwood
Victorian Aneriod Wall Barometer
Located in Norwich, GB
Victorian Aneriod Barometer with gilded and chased outer casing mounted on a mahogany board.
Beautifully engraved silvered dial with seven weather indications, the scale reading f...
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Decorative Fancy Victorian Barometer, 19th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy Victorian barometer, 19th century
Mahogany veneer with inlay. Historical condition. The barometer may need to be checked for accuracy. Ple...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Memphis Tool Kit Set by Koyo Sangyo, Japan, 1980s
By Koyo Sangyo
Located in Munich, DE
Rare tool kit designed by Koyo Sangyo, Japan, 1980s.
This complete set represents the 'Memphis' period and includes: a handsaws, a Hammer, two screwdrivers an...
Category
1980s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Jacques Adnet Style Mid-Century Modern Leather Barometer, France, 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
Jacques Adnet style Mid-Century Modern leather barometer, France 1950s
In a very good general condition.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
The rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicts the human musculature and inter...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Antique Carved Burr Walnut Banjo Barometer, circa 1880
Located in Suffolk, GB
Outstanding carved burr walnut banjo Barometer having a lovely carved burr walnut case with a thermometer and a 12 inch round silver dial. Perfect workin...
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting the Human Lymphatic and Blood Vessels
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19-carat anatomical wall chart depicting the human lymphatic and blood vessels. On the sides with detailed description in German language. Print...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicting human musculature and internal organs. With removable multicolored human organs like lung, heart, l...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Antique Bearing, Graphite, English, Cast Iron, Ornament, Paperweight, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with graphite finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desk ornament or paperweight, and dating to the Victorian perio...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Walter Bosse Thermometer, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse thermometer, circa 1950s
Original condition.
Category
1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Engine Bearing, Polished, English, Cast Iron, Paperweight, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with polished finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desk ornament or paperweight, and dating to the Victorian perio...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Huge JHQ Dansk Style Peppermill to End All Peppermills Restaurant Kitchen Prop
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Purchased from the family of historic Woodward avenue Detroit restaurant. Giant 29" teak peppermill. Possibly a Jens Quistgaard for Dansk promotional p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Teak
Vintage Anatomical Pull Down Chart 'Osteology, GH Michel Company
By G.H. Michel Company
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage Anatomical Pull Down Chart 'OSTEOLOGY ,GH Michel Company,Black background,amazing color contrast.Beautifully screened printed,linen backed.S...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen, Paper
American Brass Telegraph Mounted on Circular Mahogany Base Bendix NY, Circa 1930
By Bendix Corporation
Located in Hollywood, SC
American brass ship's double engine order telegraph mounted on circular mahogany base. E. O. T. has been electrified and has a faint bell ring when changing positions. Bendix Corpor...
Category
1930s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Wire
Antique Engine Bearing, English, Cast Iron, Bronze, Desk, Paperweight, Ornament
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique engine bearing with waxed finish. An English, cast iron and bronze desktop paperweight or ornament, and dating to the late 19th centu...
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Vintage Factory Barometer, English, Oak, Banjo, Official, Factory Act 1937
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage factory barometer. An English, oak banjo barometer, officially marked in compliance with the Factory Act 1937 and dating to circa 1940.
Select oak displays fine ...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Oak
1950 Film 16mm Camera, SOM Berthiot, France
Located in Miami, FL
Société d'Optique et de Mécanique Berthiot (SOM Berthiot) was a French manufacturer of optics and photographic lenses. They produced C and D mount motion picture lenses for professio...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
19th Century Arnold & Son Veterinary Operation Key Table "Canine Table"
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A wonderful late 19th century operation table also known as the "canine table"
Made by Arnold & Son who where established in 1819 as a chemist and dru...
Category
1890s English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Rare Microscope "Neopan" by Carl Aubock 1963, Reichert Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare award-winning microscope, model Neopan, designed in 1963 by the Viennese architect and designer Carl Aubock. Executed by Reichert Austria. In good condition, fully workin...
Category
1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Walter Bosse Cow Figurine with Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cow figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by H...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Tunbridge Wells Ruler, 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The ruler with differing scales on each side.
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Victorian Ormolu Clock and Barometer Desk Set, of Maritime or Naval Interest
Located in London, GB
Each in the form of a ship's wheel with 2.5 inch silvered dial, contained in cases, one with seven turned banded agate handles, the other with eight banded agate handles, each on ova...
Category
19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Agate, Ormolu
Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth
A dated circa 1921 Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth example. Hand crafted with painted label detail...
Category
1920s French Early Victorian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Cased Map or Chart Magnifying Glass by J P Cutts c.1870
Located in Bath, GB
A wonderful Victorian brass map or charge magnifying glass complete with it's original brass case.
The lid of the case is signed by the maker using the anchor trademark together wit...
Category
1870s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Maco Braga Brass Apothecary Balance Scale
Located in San Mateo, CA
Brass apothecary style balance scale. This is marked J.A.L Portugal in numerous places. The scale retains all of it's original weights. The scale trays do not sit level without anyth...
Category
Late 19th Century Portuguese Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Italian Radio phonograph record player RR126 by Castiglioni for Brionvega, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Radio phonograph and record player RR126 by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Brionvega, 1960s
Radio phonograph and rec...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Modernist Hourglass, 20th Century
By Venini, Paolo Venini
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Modernist Hourglass, 20th Century.
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique English Brass Coddington Magnifying Glass c.1880
Located in Bath, GB
An unusual late nineteenth century Coddington magnifying glass made from English brass having been professionally polished.
Excellent condition measuring 3" x 1" x 1".
Item ID: 443...
Category
1880s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Monocular Microscope, English Brass, Scientific Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased monocular microscope. An English brass scientific instrument, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Neatly presented and stored microscope, ide...
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique 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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