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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: 1970s
Large Mid-Century Modern Didactic Resin Anatomical Model Jaw
Located in Weesp, NL
Big 1960s anatomical jaw teaching model in perfect condition. This beautiful resin jaw can be taken apart as shown in the images. It was made in the 1960s by Rudiger Anatomie in Berl...
Category

1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Resin

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

1930s English Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Vintage Telescope Tripod, English, Oak, Bronze, Support Stand, 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage telescope tripod. An English, oak and bronze support Stand, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1940. Displays a desirable aged...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

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

Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Botanical 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

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

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

Vintage Stereoscope Bar Parallax, Scientific Instrument, JM Glauser, London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage stereoscope bar parallax. An English, brass scientific instrument for measuring depth in aerial photographs or maps, by JM Glauser & Sons of London, dating to the m...
Category

1950s English Other Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

1940s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Composition

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

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

Huge JHQ Dansk Style Peppermill to End All Peppermills Restaurant Kitchen Prop
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

Sketch of a hind Korea 1970s Acrylic on Paper for an Animals Encyclopedia
Located in Milan, IT
Acrylic colors on paper depicting a hind; it is a preparatory sketch commissioned for an animals encyclopedia for children, created and signed by a Korean artist in the 1970s. Very g...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Sketch of two gibbons Korea 1970s Acrylic on Paper for an Animals Encyclopedia
Located in Milan, IT
Acrylic colors on paper depicting two gibbons; it is a preparatory sketch commissioned for an animals encyclopedia for children, created and signed by a Korean artist in the 1970s. V...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

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

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

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

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

1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

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

Sketch of a weasel Korea 1970s Acrylic on Paper for an Animals Encyclopedia
Located in Milan, IT
Acrylic colors on paper depicting a weasel attacked by a snake; it is a preparatory sketch commissioned for an animals encyclopedia for children, created and signed by a Korean artis...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Sketch of Four Macaques Korea 1970s Acrylic on Paper for an Animals Encyclopedia
Located in Milan, IT
Acrylic colors on paper depicting four macaques on a branch; it is a preparatory sketch commissioned for an animals encyclopedia for children, created and signed by a Korean artist i...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Sketch of a jay Korea 1970s Acrylic on Paper for an Animals Encyclopedia
Located in Milan, IT
Acrylic colors on paper depicting a jay; it is a preparatory sketch commissioned for an animals encyclopedia for children, created and signed by a Korean artist in the 1970s. Very go...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

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

Sketch of two herons Korea 1970s Acrylic on paper for an Animals Encyclopedia
Located in Milan, IT
Acrylic colors on paper depicting two herons; it is a preparatory sketch commissioned for an animals encyclopedia for children, created and signed by a Kore...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Vintage, Anatomical, Didactic Torso, Female Bust with Head, Somso, 1960s
Located in Schagen, NL
This very complete vintage Female torso was manufactured in Germany by Marcus Sommer, 'Somso'. It features a natural size model, AS 40, in Somso-plast. The thoracic/abdominal wall...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments

Sketch of a tiger Korea 1970s Acrylic on Paper for an Animals Encyclopedia
Located in Milan, IT
Acrylic colors on paper depicting a tiger; it is a preparatory sketch commissioned for an animals encyclopedia for children, created and signed by a Korean artist in the 1970s. Very ...
Category

1970s Korean Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Hydrometer by Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A black enameled hydrometer, was a part of a weather station.
Category

1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

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

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

German Medical or Tanning Lamp, Wood and Bakelite, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
German medical or tanning lamp. Transport handle and external thermometer. Three settings of the lamps. Eight porcelain lamp holders and four light bulbs. Current 220 volt Woo...
Category

1940s German Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Porcelain, Bakelite

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

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

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

1940s Plaster Anatomical Heart Model on Wood Stand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Instructional, anatomical, plaster, heart model on 7" diameter wood base, circa 1940s.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Medical Model by Denoyer Geppert
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Early 20th century wood and fiberglass medical model by Denoyer Geppert.
Category

1940s Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fiberglass, Wood

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

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

Art Deco Wood Propeller Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco wood propeller with barometer.
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Junction Tube
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural junction tube fashioned of laboratory-grade Pyrex glass.
Category

1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

1940s Chiropractor Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great 1940s chiropractor bench; chrome and green vinyl with a Lucite handle.
Category

1940s Unknown Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Chrome

Seldom seen Art Deco 1930s's PEERLESS Lollipop arcade coin-op penny scale
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen Art Deco 1930s's PEERLESS Lollipop arcade coin-op penny scale....Amazing original condition,, Tested and working perfectly,, Accurate weight,,. Porcelain and cast iron. O...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Mid 20th Century Pair Of Schneider German Anti-Aircraft Binoculars c.1940
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Exceptional 20th Century WWII German Joseph Schneider Steel observation telescope binoculars on a later telescopic stand. This model was originally designed by Emil Busch and it has ...
Category

1940s German Other Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Ventilatore Marelli
Located in Roma, IT
L'azienda nacque nel 1891 a Milano come ditta individuale per iniziativa di Ercole Marelli, in gioventù operaio al Tecnomasio italiano di Milano. Inizialmente la società produceva ap...
Category

1960s Italian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Barometro aneroide dalla forma di timone con 8 caviglie in ottone degli anni '50
Located in Milan, IT
Barometro aneroide in legno tornito dalla forma di timone con 8 caviglie in ottone tornito. Manifattura West Germany per il mercato inglese degli anni cinquanta. Buono stato. Fun...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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

Televisore Volans 17'' di Mario Bellini per Brionvega
Located in Torino, IT
Televisore Volans 17 ” disegnato da Mario Bellini per Brionvega. Progettato nel 1969. L’Apparecchio è in materiale plastico ABS di colore bianco con profi...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Plastic

Ceramic Thermometer by Mithé Espelte
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful wall thermometer in ceramic by Mithé Espelt. Typical decors of birds, flowers and leaves in different shades of blue glaze. Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2...
Category

1970s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Standard Bench Made Dies Steel Stamps Wood Box
By Standard Steel Company
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Standard Bench Made Dies Size 5/32 Steel Stamps Wood Box Name inscribed on box. 3.5 x 3.5 x 3.75 h Preowned unrestored original vintage co...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

Scale from Salter N 50
By George Salter & Co. Ltd
Located in Roma, IT
Bilancia degli anni '40/'50 funzionante in ghisa e piastra in ottone Bella patina funzionante, quadrante smaltato in buone condizioni Corpo in ferro
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Functional Tesla Phone 1978, Československo
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition - Fully functional - Tesla manufacturer.
Category

1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

WWII Trench Periscope in Case Dated 1945
Located in London, GB
A Second World War British trench periscope in case, by H.G.P. dated 1945. In original case. Prism housing marked: PERISCOPE No 14A MK III X 10 Ø 4° H.G.P. 1945 REGd No 8960 O.S. G.A. Each section of body stamped: 141 Length of periscope: 42 cm. Length of handle: 31 cm. Leather lens cap, and detachable sun shade...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Optical Glass

1950s Vintage Heat Therapy by Sperti Faraday UV Infared Sun Lamp Cincinnati OH
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

Vintage Czech Molecular Model
Located in High Point, NC
A molecular model from Czechia, circa 1970. Originally an educational aide, the jewel-like form creates a unique aesthetic impact. This complex molecul...
Category

1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Acrylic

Stunning White and Black Art Deco Porcelain Penny Scale by Navco
By NAV
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning white and black Art Deco porcelain penny scale by Navco. Amazing design, reminiscent of a womans cloaked silouette, retains original key...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Henso 'ISO' Reporter Camera
Located in IT
The "Henso Reporter" was made by Iso in Milan, introduced in 1954-1955 for export purposes, after the "twin" Iso Reporter. The Camera comes with its case ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

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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