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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 1910s
French Hand Carved Wooden Armillary
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and visually captivating French hand carved armillary sphere, dating to around 1900. Crafted entirely of wood and meticulously hand painted, this antique scientific model...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
Tellurium mechanical/electrical model of the solar system Phiwe Italian 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Tellurium, i.e., mechanical/electrical model representative of the solar system, made of metal with green and gray hammered paint, lithographed tin globe, plastic Moon, and metal bas...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Large Antique Double Barel Victorian Brass Tripod Telescope London 1915
Located in Sofia, BG
20th Century large antique double barel Victorian brass telescope raised on a foldable wooden tripod made in London in 1915.
Very good original condition.
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$2,143 Sale Price
24% Off
A late19th-Century dental extractor, United States 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
An instrument for dental use. A late 19th early 20th century dental extractor. An iron forceps used in tooth extraction, one of the two handles, is curved to allow grip during tooth ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
Gold Ceramic Thermometer by Mithé Espelte
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful wall thermometer in ceramic by Mithé Espelt. Abstract decors with gold glaze and pockets of molten glass
Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020)
Born in...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
20th Century Soviet Cold War Anti Aircraft Binoculars c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An impressive set of highly polished Cold War-era anti-aircraft binoculars from the former USSR, crafted in the 20th Century. Accompanied by a sleek and adjustable metal tripod, thes...
Category
1950s Russian Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Anatomical Model of the Upper Limbs, Italy 1900
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, didactic use, depicting the upper limb tilting on a fork supported by a black lacquered wooden base.
Made in plaster and finished entirely in colour. F...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Scagliola
Solid Brass Ships Telephone On Pedesta
Located in Norwell, MA
Highly polished brass ships telephone on pedestal. Meticulously polished andl lacquered head by Hose-McCann Telephone Co, Inc., Brooklyn New York. Type A, model WTP, with phone insid...
Category
1920s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
1917 Verner's Pattern brass prismatic surveying compass
Located in Milan, IT
Brass prismatic surveying compass; this is a small compass, Verner's Pattern named after the designer, Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852-1922) and produced in 1917 and su...
Category
1910s 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 Art Deco Sterling Silver and Bakelite Telephone Child's Toy Baby Rattle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique figural telephone child's baby rattle is presumed to have been made in the United States in circa 1930 in the period Art Deco style. The toy rattle is composed of a mold...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Sterling Silver
British Royal Navy Ship’s Binnacle Compass
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass ship’s compass on gimbal mounted into a brass binnacle housing. The nameplate reads pattern 0183, and serial number 14313-B. The compass car...
Category
1940s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Ericsson Mint Green COBRA Vintage Rotary Dial Phone 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Ericsson "COBRA" mint green vintage rotary phone 1950s. This phone was made in Ohio and is in very good condition with no issues. It does dial out but does not ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
English Renaissance Wood Hour Glass
Located in Queens, NY
English Renaissance-style (20th Century) large dark wood hour glass with brass finials.
Category
20th Century British Renaissance Revival Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure
Located in Burton, TX
Telescoping surveyors measuring staff made of wood with brass fittings. Marked 'Houghton-Butcher Mfg. Co. Ltd., London 1918 N0. 1.195'. Lovingly cared...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$560 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Oak Barograph by C P Goerz
Located in Cheshire, GB
Art Deco barograph by C P Goerz. The oak and plated metal Barograph encase with rounded ends. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fi...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
$992 Sale Price
43% Off
Vintage Plaster Anatomical Skull Model
Located in Houston, TX
Interesting vintage plaster anatomical skull model. This great plaster skull bust model is in very good condition and dates to the 1940s.
Perfect in an ...
Category
1940s Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
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
Olivetti Divisumma 18, designed by Mario Bellini, 1973
Located in Firenze, IT
The Divisumma 18 is a portable electronic calculator made by Olivetti in 1973 through which the company entered the portable electronics market.
Thanks to the design of Mario Bellin...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Rubber
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
Carl Zeiss cold war era 10 x 50 periscope binoculars
By Carl Zeiss
Located in London, GB
A cold war era Carl Zeiss Oberkochen 10 x 50 periscope binoculars, German, circa 1965.
Specifications: 10 times magnification, coated optics, objective diameter 50 mm, grey filter and drop down grid.
Original transport case. (included protective feet pads and rubber eye guards).
Dimensions of the case: 29 x 18 1/2 x 11 inches. (73 x 47 x 28 cm).
Mounted on an adjustable height tripod. Height of periscope in photographs: 77 inches.
This model of Zeiss periscope...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, 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
$448
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
$3,600 Sale Price
20% Off
Large 24 Piece Antique Mechanical Drafting Set & Original Fitted Metal Case
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and substantial antique mechanical drafting set most likely originates from Germany and dates to approximately 1900 and done in the period Edwa...
Category
Early 20th Century German Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, SOMSO, Germany circa 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made of plaster, glass and painted paper mache, metal hooks, holding on a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Italian Artist's Mannequin from the 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
This elegant Italian artist's mannequin from approximately 1900 is a beautiful representation of craftsmanship from the 19th century. Crafted from solid fruitwood, it stands as a tes...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
1963s Italy Vallardi Box With 6 Wooden Geometric Solids Scientific Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Box containing 6 dismounplate geometric solids of oak wood, height 20 cm, in their original wooden box complete with illustrative leaflet for calculating surfaces and volumes. Made for educational purposes for schools by Antonio Vallardi publisher in 1963. Box cm 24 x 40 H 12 cm.
The origins of the publisher Vallardi date back to 1750 when founder Francesco Cesare (1736-1799) acquired a small craft in the heart of old Milan. In the early nineteenth century, the publishing house was noted for the production of works of art, geography and science, including a "Tour of Italy" which took twenty-two printings between 1819 and 1835. The complete works of various maps and directions for travel, including timetables and fares for transportation of the time, can be considered the first modern tourist guide. The firm "Vallardi" was born in 1843 and the company became industrial, with the opening of branches on national...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Set of Two Antique Spanish Wooden Stamps, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of two antique wooden stamps, made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age...
Category
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$331 Sale Price
50% Off
Brass Scale w/Weights
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage weight balance scale with counterweights. This includes three counter weights and the counter weights plate holder.
Category
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$1,375
Anatomical model for class of the lungs and heart, Germany 1920.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for class, depicting human lungs and heart, made out of painted plaster, mounted on a black fruit wooden base. By Louis M. Meusel, Germany circa 1920.
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Fruitwood
1950s Russian Military PAB-2M Periscope Artillery Aiming Circle Theodolite 9"
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage circa 1950s Russian military periscope artillery aiming circle - PAB-2M/7A919. Includes instruction booklet and hardwood base for sculpture mount display.
Designed to determ...
Category
1950s Russian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$371 Sale Price
25% Off
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Star Compass of Boston. The gimballed yacht compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This Classic marine instrument is fi...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Walnut Cased Barograph by R. Stewart
Located in Cheshire, GB
R. Stewart mahogany-cased Barograph, having five glazed hinged lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a sev...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
$2,066 Sale Price
20% Off
Bronze Sculptural Thermometer, Long Bodied Lady, Artist Signed and Dated 1911
Located in Petaluma, CA
It wasn't easy trying to title this bronze in one sentence. The first thing about it to my eye is the wonderful whimsy displayed. The fact that it's a thermometer just adds to the jo...
Category
1910s American Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
$1,137 Sale Price
40% Off
1950s Vintage Vornado Gray Electric Window Wall Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Industrial Gray Electric Window Fan
18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d
Preowned unrestored vintage condition.
Missing circle with label in center
...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble, brass, and glass.
Good state. Working order.
Diameter cm 17 - inches 6.7, thickness cm 5- inches 1.9...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble
20th Century English Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century English scale is a captivating piece of industrial design and functional history. Crafted from cast iron with a sturdy base and a brass beam, this scale embodies du...
Category
20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel, Iron
Vintage Tesla Telephone Set With Original Maker’s Mark, 1960s
By Tesla
Located in Zohor, SK
This elegant vintage telephone set by Tesla showcases the original maker’s stamp on the underside, confirming its authenticity. Its streamlined curves and timeless design reflect mid...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Edwardian Oak Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra
Fine Edwardian oak cased barograph with hinged lid, bevelled glass panels and central chart drawer.
Seven vacuum ...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Pair of Binoculars, Scottish, Racecourse Spotter's Glasses, Leather Case
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage pair of binoculars. A Scottish, enamelled brass racecourse spotter's binocular with leather case, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
Fascinating set of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scottish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Detailed Anatomical Ear Model Made in East Germany by Somso
By Somso
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the midcentury Organon Auditus Anatomical Model by Somso, a true masterpiece in the world of anatomical models! This amazing model, made in former East Germany, features ...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Wood
Vintage test lens set, cabinet with shutter lock. Early 20th cent.
Located in Torino, IT
Set of trial lenses
vintage, mobile
wooden with closure
shutter and drawers.
A. BORRIONE & C.
The set includes 247 lenses, plus some spare parts. The tray is removable, with two met...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
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
Machine Age bakelight Ribbonaire Fan Designed by W.O. Langille for Singer, 1931
By W. O. Langille, Singer Sewing Machine Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Ribbonaire Bakelite Electric Fan designed by W.O. Langille in 1931 for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Aerodynamic Design that pivots front to back to angle the breeze. Unique des...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fabric, Bakelite
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its original hardwood bo...
Category
1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Botanic Model of Solarum Tuberosum Flower, Paravia, Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanic didactical model, depicting a Solarum Tuberosum flower, pale pink color, made out of papier machè, plaster and wood, hand painted. Extremely detailed. Paravia, Milan, Italy...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by American Maker. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fitted to its or...
Category
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$495 / item
A pharmacy mushroom model: Boletus Chrysenteron, Italy 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
A pharmacy model of a specimen of Boletus Chrysenteron 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
Gimballed Brass Boat Compass by Dirigo
Located in Norwell, MA
Gimballed brass boat compass by "Dirigo" of Seattle, Washington. With fleur-de-lis pointing north. Fitted to a birch box with lid. Circa 1975.
Overall Dimensions: 5" H x 8" L x 8"...
Category
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Ship's Binnacle by Baker Lyman of New Orleans, Louisiana
Located in Norwell, MA
Ship's binnacle with maker's plate from Baker Lyman Company of New Orleans, Louisiana. Wonderfully restored binnacle with gimballed compass and interior lighting.
Overall dimensio...
Category
1930s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Early 20th Century Brass Electric Fan, by Frost & Co
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 20th century brass electric fan, by Frost & Co
A very stylish good looking piece, with aluminium blades and metal cage
This piece looks to be...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
1960s Bathroom Scale by Hanson in Lemon Yellow Lime Green Dot Mid-Century Mod
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very hard to find Psychedelic Era bathroom scale in wonderful condition, for decor or gentle uses. In the manner of a Verner Panton or a Josef Albers de...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
$396 Sale Price
20% Off
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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