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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: Late 20th Century
Space Age Food Scale by Marco Zanuso for Terraillon
By Marco Zanuso
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this beautiful scale design by Marco Zanuso for Terraillon, circa 1970's, very light use and perfect working condition.
Category
Late 20th Century French Space Age Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Vintage Medical Device Wooden Case for Bleeding Needle and Loop Kit with Tin Can
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Medical Device Wooden Case for Bleeding Needle and Loop Kit with Tin Can. 0Original paperwork, solid wood case, 2 swing doors, tin metal...
Category
1930s Jacobean Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Tin
Vintage Prosthetic Foot
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage authentic prosthetic foot. Interesting piece of medical history. Great vintage condition.
Category
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
Vintage Safe Deposit Box In Steel, Czechoslovakia 1980s
Located in Zohor, SK
Step back in time with this remarkable vintage steel safe box, a testament to both craftsmanship and security. Crafted in the 1980s within the borde...
Category
1980s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
XXL Loupe
Located in 'S-HERTOGENBOSCH, NL
XXL Loupe with a handle as a horn, circa 1960
This loupe magnifies wonderfully and is an eye-catcher on the coffee table!
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Functional Tesla AS20 Phone 1979, Československo
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition
- Fully functional
- Tesla manufacturer
- Scratched, see photo-
Category
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, the Corymb, Italy, 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Corymb, made with hand-painted plaster co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Vintage Hydroway Scales Inc, HydroScale 1000 Pound Crane Weigh Scale
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Hydroway Scales Inc, HydroScale 1000 Pound Crane Weigh Scale. Item itself weighs approx 40-50 lbs. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 13.5" H x 13.5" W x 8" D
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
Botanical Model in Enlarged Section of a Moraceae Syconium, Italy, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Model in enlarged section of a Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a syconium). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the 1930s. Measures cm ...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
1940s English The Viking Scale & Weights by F. J. Thornton & Co. Ltd.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1940s The Viking scale & weights by F.J. Thornton & Co Ltd, Wolverhampton, UK. Cast iron black painted with gilt manufacturer's information & emblem. Brass weight & dry goods holders...
Category
1940s English Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Scale in the Shape of a Cross
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Antique scale in the shape of a cross with a plate and a weight. Main structure painted grey, with signs of wear that highlight its historic character. The balance mechanism consists...
Category
Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Polished Oak Barograph and Barometer by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Edwardian polished oak cased barograph with bevelled glass panels.
Brass base plate stamped ‘Regent, Jewelled movement supporting the ten vacuum chambers linking the ink pen pointer ...
Category
1930s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Imperial Sand & Ballast Measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London
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 Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test. Item features a Bausch & Lomb optical device. We are not exactly sure what is used for or wha...
Category
Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Handcrafted 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, hand turned wood Mortar and Pestle...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Organic Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Fruitwood
1960s Tesla Speaker Ars450, Czechoslovakia
By Tesla
Located in Zohor, SK
Unique and original item. A speaker used in villages as a part of a local radio in Czechoslovakia. this piece in marked as Tesla ARS 450, 25W. We were no...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Industrial Copper Fluid Level Instrument
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid copper industrial ship or factory tube with clear view glass. Mounted to a round base that looks original. Tell us what this is! 62" H x 15" D. 92 lbs.
Category
1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
1950s Husqvarna Brand Iron Grinder with Swiss Table Anchor
Located in Marbella, ES
1950s Iron Grinder with Swiss Table Anchor Husqvarna Brand
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
A pharmacy mushroom model: Morchella Vulgaris, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Morchella Vulgaris mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Art Deco Wood Propeller Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
Art Deco wood propeller with barometer.
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Baume Mercier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch with Original Leather Band
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This ladies wristwatch was made by the well known Baume et Mercier of Switzerland in approximately 1970 in their period Mid-Century style. The watch and lugs are composed of eighteen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
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
Italian Mid-Century Medical Laboratory Bed Brown Leather and White Metal, 1940s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century Medical laboratory bed brown leather and white metal, 1940s
Medical laboratory bed with cream white painted metal structure. The backrest, footrest and seat are p...
Category
1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1980s Spanish Banjo Weather Station w/ Original Glass
Located in Marbella, ES
1980s Spanish wooden banjo weather station, with original glass domes, barometer, hydrometer and thermometer.
Category
Late 20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Volta's electrophore, demonstrator of the flow of electrons Italy 1960.
Located in Milan, IT
Volta's electrophore, demonstrator of the flow of electrons from inert materials to conducting materials. Taking the instrument composed of a disc of conductive metal and a handle of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
A pharmacy mushroom model: Phallus Impudicus, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Phallum Impudicus mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Austrian Vintage Barometer in Heart Shape by Wippel & co
Located in Vienna, AT
rare austrian vintage barometer in heart shape by Wippel & co, rosewood, good original condition
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Solid Brass Ships Nautical Miles Gauge
Located in Norwell, MA
Made in England by Thomas Walker and Son LTD Birmingham. Triple dial, anchor logo, nautical miles, and per mile and hundred miles gauges. Great piece of n...
Category
1970s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical model of a chiken, Germany 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
A life-size anatomical model of a chicken, with separable anatomical parts, for educational use. Made of painted plaster, wooden and metal base. Somso, Germany circa 1930.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
A pharmacy mushroom model: Amanita Virosa, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Amanita Virosa mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A pharmacy mushroom model: Sarcoshypha Austriaca, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Sarcoscypha Austriaca mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Italian Mid-Century White Metal Vertical Medical Scale by Salus, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century White metal Vertical medical scale by Salus, 1960s
Vertical medical scale in white painted metal. In the upper part it has a metal b...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Glass & brass luminous world map by Paul Oestergaard for Colombus Verlag - 1950s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Glass & brass luminous world map by Paul Oestergaard for Colombus Verlag - 1950s
World map - Mid-Century - Deco Object
Measures : Ø 37cm H: 41cm
Material : Brass - Glass
Wear consis...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical Model: the Skeletal Part of a Foot, Germany, 1970’s
By Somso
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
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, the Spiga, Italy 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanic didactical model of one type of inflorescence specimen, the Spiga, made out of hand painted colored plaster gems, wooden branches and pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Collection of 12 Perspex Teaching Blocks & Lenses
By Griffin & George Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A collection of twelve Perspex teaching optical blocks and lenses.
Various shapes, forms and blocks, convex and concave, a number are backed with a white film.
Three have their...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Acrylic
Mid-Century French Louis XV Carved Giltwood Wall Barometer
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant, antique Louis XV barometer was crafted in Paris, France, circa 1960. Square in shape, the wall piece features the original hand painte...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Scientific Instruments
Materials
Giltwood
Brass Standard Meter for the City of Exeter
Located in London, GB
A brass standard meter for the City of Exeter, with steel lifting handles.
Marked: STANDARD METRE No: 11454 20ºC
Made by Reverifications Ltd. of A...
Category
Late 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Bronze and Lead Weight in its Interior of Seven Pounds
Located in Marbella, ES
19th Century Bronze and Lead Weight in its Interior of Seven Pounds
Category
Late 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Spanish, Bronze Balance Scale with Green Painted Wooden Stand
Located in Marbella, ES
Spanish bronze balance scale with green painted wooden stand.
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
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
Pharmacy Height Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre
Located in Godshill, 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
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
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
A pharmacy mushroom model: Agaricus Bisporus Imach, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Agaricus Bisporus Imbach mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
A pharmacy mushroom model: Chanterle Raku, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Chanterle Raku mushroom, made in painted plaster, on a green oval-shaped plaster base with moss and hay. Italy circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
1970s Pair of Hand Painted Ceramic Vases with Heraldic Coats of Arms
Located in Marbella, ES
Set of two glazed ceramic vases decorated with heraldic motifs and rural landscapes, hand-painted in blue tones. Each piece features a coat of arms with crown, accompanied by scenes ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
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
A botanic model of inflorescence, the Simple Umbrella, Italy 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Simple Umbrella, made with hand-painted p...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Botanic Model of Inflorescence, the Raceme or Cluster, Italy, 1930
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical schematic model by Prof. T. Ferraris, didactic use, of a type of inflorescence specimen, the Raceme or cluster, made with hand-painted...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
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.