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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Antique Mobil Dentist Rinsing Sink Stainless Steel, Belge
Located in Mortsel, BE
Elevate your space with this Antique Dentist Rinsing Sink crafted from stainless steel, showcasing Belgian craftsmanship. This unique piece is a testament to the bygone era of dentis...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Steel
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
Brass and Bakelite telescopic acoustic cornet England early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Telescopic acoustic cornet made of brass and Bakelite , English manufacture of the early 1900s.
The principle of its operation is based on the reflection of sound on the inner walls,...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique American Iron Balance Weighing Scale with Weights
Located in Queens, NY
"American (early 20th Century) balance weighing scale Set on a concave rectangular cast iron beveled base with twist mid-section topped by a pointed finial. One chain beam balance fi...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1950s Wall Unit Vornado Grey Electric Window Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Gray Electric Window Fan
18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d
Preowned unrestored vintage condition.
Tested and working.
Refer to all images please.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Small Antique English Brass Magnifying Glass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely little magnifying glass made from solid brass with a handle; the perfect size to pop in the pocket or bag.
Dating to c.1910, Edwardian in era, the magnifier works well and ...
Category
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th-Century English Sovereign Balance Scale by Harrison
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century English sovereign balance scale, marked “Harrison”, was designed to verify the weight and authenticity of full and half sovereign gold coins. A finely crafted piece of precision engineering, it features a brass balance arm with two coin slots labeled “Sovereign Warranted” and “Sovereign ½”, ensuring accurate weight measurement. The base, also inscribed with “Harrison” and adorned with a crowned hallmark, reflects its quality craftsmanship.
These compact, mechanical scales were widely used by bankers, jewelers, and traders during the early 1900s to prevent fraud and counterfeit currency circulation. Their simple yet effective design remains a testament to the ingenuity of the time.
A rare and collectible piece of British numismatic history, this scale is perfect for collectors of antique measuring...
Category
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Large Silvered Bronze Armillary Sphere – 1950s AND 115 C
Located in Madrid, ES
This impressive, large armillary sphere from the 1950s is a beautiful representation of celestial design, crafted from silvered bronze with intricate hand-engraved zodiac symbols. St...
Category
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Vest Pocket Hawkeye Folding Camera c.1924-1935
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The Vest Pocket Hawkeye Model B folding camera with a leather wrapped body and chrome accents.
Shown with life size hand.
CREATOR Eastman Kodak Co.
DATE OF MANUFACTU...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
English 20th Century Iron Armillary Held by the Titan Atlas on Stone Pedestal
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English iron armillary depicting Atlas carrying the world from the early 20th century, with carved stone pedestal. Created in England during the 20th century, this armillary featu...
Category
20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone, Iron
Rare Favre Leuba Bathy 160 US Divers Aqualung Dive Watch w/ Orange Dial & Bezel
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A stunning Rare Dive watch, this Favre Leuba Bathy 160 has a great orange dial and bezel. It model 53253. It has the Aqualung US Divers seal on the dial. Included is the original ban...
Category
1970s Swiss Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stainless Steel
Campbell–Stokes sunshine recorder by Casella & Co of London
By Casella
Located in London, GB
A mid twentieth century Campbell–Stokes sunshine recorder, by Casella & Co, London.
Pattern: Mk III C 45- 65 (latitudes 45° – 65°, North or South). 4 inch glass sphere.
Serial number: 6962
Marked: CASELLA LONDON MADE IN ENGLAND 6962
For similar Casella sunshine recorders see the collections of:
Science Museum, London. OBJECT NUMBER:1995-820.
The National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy, Torpedo Bay, New Zealand.
The Campbell–Stokes sphere is used to record sunshine. It was invented by John Francis Campbell in 1853 and modified in 1879 by Sir George Gabriel Stokes.
The original design by Campbell consisted of a glass sphere set into a wooden bowl with the sun burning a trace on the bowl.
Stokes’s refinement was to make the housing out of metal and to have a card holder set behind the sphere.
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.
Circa 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 Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
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
1920s Mahogany & Brass Antique Tool Carpentry Scribe
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Mahogany Wood & Patinated Brass Antique Old Carpentry Marking Tool circa 1920s USA
Carpenter Scribe Marking Gauge Vintage Wood Working Tool in Wood ...
Category
1920s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
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 beautifu...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Table or wall-mounted barometer station made of wood glass and brass 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Desktop or wall-mounted barometer station made of wood, glass and brass signed Forster from the 1950s, consisting of aneroid barometer and thermometer with centigrade scale.
Goo...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Atomic Physicist A.G. Shenstone Princeton Gyroscope
Located in Savannah, GA
A machined gyroscope presented to Allen G. Shenstone (1893-1980) physicist and chair of the department of Princeton from 1949-1960. Presented by friends in the department.
7 inches...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Museum Mushroom Specimen
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century European Museum Mushroom Specimen
Encased in a glass cube this mid-20th Century papier mache, hand painted large teaching aid mushroom specimen stands 16.5 inches ...
Category
1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Paper
Vintage Technical Drawing Set, German, Architect, Cartographer, Riefler, 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage technical drawing set. A German, silver nickel architect or cartographer's instrument set by Riefler of Munich, dating ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
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
20th Century German Glass Case Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century German scale encased in a glass and wood frame is a fine example of precision engineering and functional design. The scale features a b...
Category
20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique Set Four Cast Iron Wheels Phoenix Caster Co
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Metal Wheels Cast Iron Casters Phoenix Caster Co IN
Wheel 2.75 h x 3.5 w x 3 d
set of four
Preowned unrestored vintage
Refer to images for...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron
Antique German Head & Shoulders Anatomical Model by F & M Lautenschläger
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curiosities, Gothic Antique, Anatomical Sculpture.
Antique German Head & ...
Category
1910s German Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Eastman Kodak 3A Folding Pocket Camera with Leather Case
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Collectible antique 1920s Kodak film camera in hard leather case.
With original leather case stamped made in Belgium.
Antique No. 3A Special Autographic Folding Pocket Model C Kodak with Zeiss Kodak Anastigmat Lens 6.3.
The 3A Folding Pocket Kodak, Eastman Kodak...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
20th Century French Iron, Walnut Spotlight, Cinema Floor Spot Lamp by Clémançon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey-black, vintage Mid-Century Modern French spotlight made of handcrafted lacquered iron, designed and produced by Clémançon in good condition. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Iron, Brass
Vintage Double Concave Magnifying Glass with Louis Vuitton Upholstered
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique magnifying glass marked B-L Z S. It is marked B-L Z S on the frame oppositethe handle. In 1908, the Bausch & Lomb company, already a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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 Format Box Camera, circa 1915
Located in Hudson, NY
This large format box camera was made by the Folmer & Schwing Division of Eastman Kodak in Rochester NY. The case constructed of mahogany in a rich old red finish has many original details and was being used as a working camera until around 1960. See photo 5 for a retrofitted aftermarket shutter lens that was its last upgrade and done professionally to make the antique camera...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather, Glass, Wood
Vintage Egg Timer, English, Brass, Glass, 3 Minute Sand Countdown, Mid-Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage egg timer. An English, brass and glass 3 minute sand countdown, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
Charming vintage timer set w...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
20th Century French Glass Case Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century French scale encased in glass is a functional and decorative piece that reflects a blend of craftsmanship and practical design. The scale is housed within a black w...
Category
20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique Rosewood Stanley No. 12 1/2 Veener Plane c.1904-1943
By Stanley
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Cabinet makers veneer scraper plane with Rosewood handles and bronze knobs.
CREATOR Stanley Tools Inc.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1904-1943.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Steel
Antique Brass Plumber's Blowtorch c.1900, Made in Sweden
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique solid brass plumber's blowtorch with a perforated handle. Stamped "Primus Sweden".
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR AB Bacho, Stockholm, S...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Metal
Antique Ross Telescope, English, 3 Draw, Terrestrial Refractor, Early 20th, 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Ross of London telescope. An English, brass three draw terrestrial refractor, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Bilancia Da Farmacia Inglese F E Becker & CO Entro Teca Inizio 1900
Located in Milano, MI
Antica Bilancia Da Farmacia F. E. Becker & CO conservata entro una teca a giorno costruita in legno e vetro. Alla bilancia si accede sollevando l’antina frontale, dopo di che si può ...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Human Body Educational Model / Anatomical Model, circa 1940s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Fantastic looking vintage anatomical model of a full human body on a black granite base. The height of the model with base (4 cm) is 82 cm.
Unfortunately, removable parts are missing.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Granite
20th Century English Theodolite by W.F. Stanley London in Original Wooden Box
By W. F. Stanley
Located in Sofia, BG
20th century English surveyor's theodolite or transit instrument of brass by W.F. Stanley (Optical, Philosophical & Mathematical Instrument Manufacturer, London), circa 1930, in orig...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy
A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human o...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Antique Engine Indicator, Scottish, Scientific Instrument, Dobbie McInnes, 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique mechanical engine indicator. A Scottish, brass scientific instrument by Dobbie-McInnes of Glasgow, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
Presenting a gr...
Category
1920s Scottish Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
British Admiralty Mark III Clinometer
Located in Norwell, MA
Clinometer inspectors forty five degree mark III admiralty pattern instrument. Made by E.R. Watts & Son, London. No 23374. Fitted to a mahogany case with leather strap. 5" H x 13" W ...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Edwardian Quality Mahogany Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality mahogany inlaid banjo barometer having a quality mahogany inlaid shaped case with an 8 inch silvered engraved dial with original hands, brass bezel and a th...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Set of 2 Early XX Century Metal Dragon Shaped Fireplace Holders
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique metal traditional Catalan fireplace holders with a dragon shape. Made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1900. In original condition, with minor wear consistent wi...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shell circa 1900
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Very interesting set of shells collected by an amateur between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The shells are classified by size and age either in ...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Mid-Century Georgian Style German Wall Barometer
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1960s decorative Georgian Style wall Barometer from West Germany. 28" tall.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Georgian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Silver Magnifying Glass with a Feather Handle Letter Opener
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very nice silver magnifying glass with a feather handle, which could be used for opening letters as well. The magnification is good and works well. A compliment to any desk or work...
Category
20th Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
Salter's spring balance weighing scales
By George Salter & Co. Ltd
Located in London, GB
A Salter's improved spring balance by George Salter & Co.
To weight: 100 lbs.
George Salter & Co.:
Established in 1760 by Richard and William Salter, spring makers, began making ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Antique English "Broadhurst Clarkson & Co." Telescope on Stand, Circa 1910-1920.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English "Broadhurst Clarkson & Co." Telescope on Stand, Circa 1910-1920.
72" High as shown in the photographs.
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mahogany cased barograph and barometer by Negretti & Zambra
Located in Cheshire, GB
Unusual mahogany-cased barograph and barometer by Negretti & Zambra, having five glazed removable lid. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-da...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Brass Lorgnettes 'Long-Handled Opera Glasses' Mid-Century Italian Design 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
A splendid pair of 'lorgnettes' (long-handled opera, or theatre, glasses). Lorgnettes, eye glasses held in place by long handles rather than resting on the bridge of one's nose, were...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Mid-century Classroom Anatomical Teaching Respiratory Model c.1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original classroom anatomical educational model which splits in half to show the various organs and veins linked to the respiratory system...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Vintage Wooden Mortar and Pestle, Italy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Wooden footed mortar and pestle hand turned and carved from one piece of dense fruitwood.
Handcrafted by artisan in Italy, vintage Mid-Century Modern hand turned wood Mortar and Pestle...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Organic Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Fruitwood
Triangular Vintage White Opaline Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope.
This white opaline kaleidoscope has triangular form and has a rotating blue glass ball for amazing effects.
Category
20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th century French Wood and Brass Balance Scale, 1900s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice wooden trade Balance with two removable brass trays, Glass window and bronze inner mechanism. The piece is solidly built and works properly.
Stamp of the French manufacture...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of Two 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
Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket Typewriter
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket portable beige plastic typewriter with white square plastic keys and original matching beige plastic carry case
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Early 20th Century Brass and Leather Coast Guard Telescope By Ottway London
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning early 20th Century telescope brass and leather coast guard telescope of exceptional quality and with excellent optics. The finely cast polished brass and leather telescop...
Category
Early 20th Century English 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.