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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: Late 20th Century
Mills Novelty Art Deco Green Porcelain Penny Scale
Located in Ferndale, MI
Art Deco period penny scale by Mills Novelty co. Period green porcelain pedestal with cream colored foot hold.
Category
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
London 1940s Aluminium and Brass Antique Parallels For Surveyor's Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Parallels with sights made of aluminum and brass signed R. Watts & Son London 1940 MK II, manufacturers of theodolites and other instruments, active in Lon...
Category
1940s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
1930s Italian Medical Sketch of a Campaing to Fight Tuberculosis
Located in Milan, IT
Sketch of a futurist poster, 1930s, ten cents to fight tuberculosis, for the national campaign to inform people about the prevention of this illness. Measures: cm 32 x 42, inches 12....
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent Sunglasses
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses.
Vintage 1990s oval YSL sunglasses, vintage Yves St Laurent silver sunglasses, brown lens, YSL.
These sharp ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Resin
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
Antique Terrestrial Globe Published in 1940s by Girard Barrère et Thomas, Paris
Located in Milan, IT
Terrestrial globe published in the 1940s by Girard Barrère et Thomas 17, Rue de Buci Paris. Turned wooden base, papier mâché sphere covered with paper printed by engraving on copper ...
Category
1940s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
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
1930s Italian antique Sketch of a Campaign to Fight Tuberculosis
Located in Milan, IT
Sketch of a futurist poster, 1930’s, campaign against tuberculosis with united strength 10 cents for poor sicks with tuberculosis, for the national campaign to inform people about th...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Vintage Balance, English, Mahogany, Scientific Scales, Stanton Instruments, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage analytical balance. An English, mahogany cased set of scientific scales by Stanton Instruments of London, dating to the mid-20th c...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Italian Nautical Graphometer with its Original Wooden Box Genoa, 1940s
By CAIM, Genova 1
Located in Milan, IT
Brass, copper and lead graphometer complete with the original wooden box signed CAIM Genova Via S. Sabina two of the 1940s. Measures of box 28 x 29 cm H 24. CAIM Genoa was company ac...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Germany 1950 Didactics Medical Anatomy Enlarged Model of a Human Trachea
By Deutsches Hygiene Museum Dresden
Located in Milan, IT
Didactic anatomical enlarged model of a trachea made in the 1950s, made of hand-colored cellon and mounted on a bakelite base. On a label on the base you read Deutsches Hygiene Museu...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Antique Anatomical Model of the Human Ear Painted Plaster by Somso 1950s
By Somso
Located in Milan, IT
Didactic model of the human ear, painted plaster, made in 1950s by Somso, a German company active since the second half of the nineteenth century, known as an excellence in the devel...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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
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
Botanical Model in Enlarged Section of a Moraceae Syconium, Italy, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Model in enlarged section of the Moraceae syconium (fig for example is a sicon). The model is made of painted plaster and almost certainly made by Paravia in the 1930s. Measures cm 3...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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 thirties. Measures ...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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
Vintage Brewer's Thermometer, Dairy, Scientific Instrument, Zeal of London, 1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage brewer's thermometer. An English, cased brew or dairy scientific instrument by GH Zeal of London, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1960.
Fascinating sheathed thermometer
Displays a desirable aged patina
Wooden case with beveled CAP in dark caramel hues
Long glass...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
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
Sinar P Expert Kit Large Format 4X5
Located in valatie, NY
Sinar p 4x5 expert kit containing:
Sinar copal f5.6 auto aperture shutter & release cable
Sinar p 4x5 camera
Regular bellows
Wide angle bellows
4x5 ground film holder with fresn...
Category
1980s Swiss Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Antique Scientific Model of the Non-Poisonous Snake of Natricidae Family 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Model of the European non-poisonous snake belonging to the Natricidae family. German manufacture of hand-painted rubber and plastic dated to the 1950s, from the Hygiene Museum in Dre...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
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 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
Italy 1930s Ing Ferrero Double Strain Gauge Original Box Measuring Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Double strain gauge signed Brevetti F.lli Ingg. Ferrero Savona n.384583 mod E74 - S3, circa 1930, in its original box complete with accessories and magnifying glass.
It is an instrument used to...
Category
1930s Italian 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
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
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
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
Vintage 5 Draw Brass Telescope
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage brass 5 draw extendable hand telescope. Comes with original cap to cover glass end and brass eyepiece cover that slides in and out of place. Unusually long telescope at just ...
Category
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Brass and Iron "KEKUATAN" Hanging Beam Scale
Located in London, GB
A brass and iron beam scale, marked with KEKUATAN 110 kg. along with various proof and numeral markings.
Indonesian, KEKUATAN meaning strength.
The m...
Category
Mid-20th Century Asian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
1938 Pull Down Anatomy Chart, Denoyer-Geppert, Artist P.M. Lariviere
Located in Buffalo, NY
1938 pull down anatomy chart, Denoyer-Geppert. Artist P.M. Lariviere. KL3 circulatory system. Stunning image, screenprint on linen.
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen
Teak and Iron Ship's Nautical Clinometer, Midcentury, French
Located in Nantucket, MA
A ship's clinometer of teak and iron with original paint. Used to measure the degree of healing on a boat, or on larger boats to weigh the distribution of cargo to be sure the ballas...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Opera Glasses, Binoculars by G.Rodenstock
Located in Miami, FL
Opera glasses, binoculars by G. Rodenstock.
Category
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
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 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
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
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 Botanical Plate Boehmeria tenacissima Bohemian Manufacture of the 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Colored lithograph applied on light cardboard depicting botanical study with various sections of Boehmeria tenacissima Roxb and of Corchorus capsularis L. Bohemian manufacture of the...
Category
1930s Czech Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
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
Vintage, Anatomical, Didactic Torso, Female Bust with Head, Somso, 1960s
By Somso
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
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
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
Huge JHQ Dansk Style Peppermill to End All Peppermills Restaurant Kitchen Prop
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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, 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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