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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 1910s
Early 1900s Oyster House Gallon Tin Cup Baltimore Rare Chesapeake Antique
By George H. Wahmann
Located in Hyattsville, MD
An rare gallon cup for shucked Oyster measurement. Marks: 8 PT. LIQ. GEO. H. WAHMANN MFG. CO. BALTIMORE, M.D.
Category
Early 1900s American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Tin
Vintage Cell Counting Slide, German, Glass, Hemacytometer, Franke and Heidecke
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage cell counting slide. A German, glass hemacytometer and carry case by Franke and Heidecke, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Apothecary Bottle Stand English Air Ministry Stamped, Early 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary bottle stand. An English, Air Ministry stamped stand dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
A rare su...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Beautifully Hand Carved Antique Dutch Arts & Crafts Barometer & Thermometer 1910
Located in Lisse, NL
Good size, highly decorative and excellent condition Arts & Crafts barometer.
This unique Arts & Crafts, banjo barometer is another great example of the beauty and the quality of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Opaline Glass, Wood
Old Mobile Sulphating Machine to Treat the Vine, Ets Perras, France, 1920-1930
Located in Paris, FR
Interesting old mobile machine for treating vines, built by the Perras establishments in Belleville sur Saône (Dpt 69. France).
This sulphating machine is the work of the Perras C...
Category
1920s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper, Iron
Binoculars Opera Glasses with Leather Case
Located in Miami, FL
Binoculars opera glasses with leather case.
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Zoological Lithograph of a Cockroach 1925 Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 64 lithograph on cardboard made in 1925 depicting an enlarged cockroach with the digestive and reproductive system. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye ...
Category
1920s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Black Forest 1920s Carved Aneroid Barometer with Foliage, Bird and Fox Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest aneroid barometer and thermometer from the first half of the 20th century, with foliage, bird and fox. This exquisite Black Forest barometer features a beautifully han...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Oak
Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
The rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicts the human musculature and inter...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Set of 2 Didactic Dr. Auzoux Molding, Internal Organs + Starfish Transversal Cut
Located in Leuven , BE
Moldings labeled "Auzoux 9 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine Paris 6e".
Dimensions:
Internal organs 54 x 36
Starfish 42 x 43.5.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Early 20th Century Walnut Cased Barometer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Early 20th century walnut cased barometer
Beautiful barometer. Dimensions 43" long x 13" wide x 5.5" at the crown x 5" at the bottom.
The door on the back reveals the inner wor...
Category
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
French Wooden and Iron Cheese Press, circa 1900
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a double trestle base and a threaded press, the surface with a raised edge and a drain spout.
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
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
Early 20th Century Edwardian Travelling Tradesman Salesman's Soap Sampler
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A unusual travelling tradesman's soap display case, early 20th century in age likely Edwardian.
A segmented internal draw hidden via the sliding cover,...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine
Zoological Lithograph of molluscs 1925 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate Pl 61, colored lithograph on cardboard made in 1925 depicting molluscs. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher Kristiania lithografiske aktielbolag. Made by H Ascheho...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Zoological Lithograph Rodents 1912 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 19 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting rodents. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Good condition. Meas...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Puzzle Atlas with Maps, Italy, circa 1900
Located in Milan, IT
80 little wooden cubes covered with printed paper that depending on which side they form the maps of Italy, Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa. Models for teaching...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Zoological Lithograph of Ungulates 1912 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 29 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting the digestive system of the ungulates; the plate depicts 4 different ty...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Zoological Lithograph of Coelenterates 1912 Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 63 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting the family of coelenterates with jellyfish, coral and sea anemone. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Kinora Monochrome Motion Picture Viewer
Located in London, GB
A rare model of a Kinora monochrome motion picture viewer on folding base. Light oak lens holder and base, with the circular Kinora badge, circa 1905.
...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak, Paper
Zoological Lithograph of Ungulates 1912 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 25 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting ungulates. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Good condition. Me...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Zoological Lithograph of Worm Organs 1925 Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 59 lithograph on cardboard made in 1925 depicting enlargements of worm organs. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. ...
Category
1920s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Zoological Lithograph Monkeys and Insectivores 1912 by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 16 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting monkeys and insectivores. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Goo...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by William Greenlief
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass, lumber caliper by William Greenlief used to measure the amount of timber from a tree features a sli...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Set of Three Copper Moonshine Funnels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3 funnels acquired from a moonshine still in Tennessee. Due to these being used in a still we assume they are safe for food products, and most certainl...
Category
Early 20th Century American Country Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
Antique Mineral Specimen Collection
Located in London, GB
A rare set of antique mineral specimen jars.
Some remnants of labels.
Some solid rocks others are powders.
Sourced in Holland.
Dimensions:...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by E. S. Lane, Upton ME
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass hardware, lumber caliper by E.S. Lane, Upton ME used to measure the amount of timber from a tree fea...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rare Antique Black Forest Travel Thermometer Carved Dog, circa 1900
Located in Bath, GB
A most unusual piece of Black Forest, a travel desk thermometer in a wooden case with carved decoration and a beautifully carved Dog's head to the front, great detail and beautifully...
Category
Early 1900s Swiss Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
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
Anatomical Plaque by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand painted, plaster, anatomical plate by New York Scientific Supply Co. depicting the musculature and circulatory systems of the face and head on a wood plaque.
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Plaster
1920s Solid Brass Balancing
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1920s solid brass balancing.
Category
1920s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Zoological Lithograph Teeth of some Animals 1912 by H Aschehoug & Co, Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 15 lithograph on cardboard made in 1912 depicting the teeth of some animals. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Go...
Category
1910s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Edwardian Mahogany Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Negretti & Zambra
Fine Edwardian mahogany cased barograph with beveled glass panels and central chart drawer.
Seven vacuum chambe...
Category
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Zoological Lithograph of Molluscs 1925 on Cardboard by H Aschehoug & Co Norway
Located in Milan, IT
Zoological didactic plate n. 62 lithograph on cardboard made in 1925 depicting molluscs. Dybdhals Zoologiske Plancher P.M.Bye & Co Oslo. Made by H Aschehoug & Co. Good condition. Mea...
Category
1920s Norwegian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Antique Glass Display Dome
Located in Norwalk, CT
A wonderful glass display dome great to keep sculpture or collections safe and look more interesting than just on a shelf.
Category
Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Foldable Anatomical Wall Chart Depicting Human Musculature
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A rare 19th century anatomical wall chart depicting human musculature and internal organs. With removable multicolored human organs like lung, heart, l...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Antique American Mother-of-Pearl and Silver Overlay Magnifying Glass
Located in New York, NY
Antique magnifying glass, circa 1900. Tapering mother-of-pearl handle overlaid with silver scrollwork. Circular lens in metal frame. Handle ma...
Category
Early 20th Century American Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver
Balance Scale
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American balance scale.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Very Large Ophtalmotrope
Located in Peekskill, NY
What is an ophthalmotrope? An ophthalmotrope is an apparatus for demonstrating the movements of the eye and the action of the different muscles which produce them, consisting essentially of a model eyeball to which are attached strings and pulleys to duplicate the line force of the muscles.
We think this example is most likely French from the early 20th century. The base is marble with paw feet. It’s also quite large at well over 3 foot tall. This instrument is very complete. It also includes additional parts to set the mechanics up in a different way. In the pictures above the strings are attached to a keyboard. The alternative replaces the keyboard with string guide with a dozen hanging tubular weights. This is one of the largest and most decorative examples we have seen. I have only seen pictures of ophthalmotropes and never one this fine and complete. It’s as rare and impressive show piece.
This item was also used in the movie Knives Out,
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Early 20th Century King Edward vii W & T Avery Beam Scale
By W & T Avery
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Large antique wrought iron and brass beam weight balance scale by W and T Avery Ltd. of Soho foundry Birmingham, England. Lovely black transfer on a por...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Antique Hand-Carved Gothic Revival Barometer & Thermometer w. Trefoil Symbol
Located in Lisse, NL
Excellent condition, Gothic Revival barometer.
This all handcrafted barometer in the Gothic style is definitely a rare find. This superb condition antique was entirely hand-crafted ...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Gothic Revival Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Rare Barocyclonometer by Henry Hughes & Son of London
By Henry Hughes and Son Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A rare barocyclonometer by Henry Hughes & Son of London, circa 1920.
Two silvered 7 inches dials mounted on an oval backboard, the left dial is the Northern hemisphere countercloc...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Electric Company Meter Lamp
Located in Hanover, MA
This is a wonderful piece of suburban folk art and mid-century Americana. It is a vintage 'bench made' table lamp incorporating an actual working electric company meter. When the l...
Category
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 20th Century Good Size Carved Barometer with a Dragon Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
This rare and decorative barometer with thermometer is in excellent condition!
Have you ever seen a barometer with a carved dragon? This rare piece was probably custom-made for a pe...
Category
Early 20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Pair of Steampunk Brass Industrial Architectural Pressure Gauges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super cool pair vintage General Electric pressure gauges. Each brass and glass gauge houses an aluminum faced dial marked for the General Electric Co.
Perfect for a steam punk set...
Category
Early 20th Century American Steampunk Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1920s Dental Paperweight Sculpture Glass Slab Temperature Gauge Thermometer
By S.T. Dupont, Honeywell
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare item from the L.D. Caulk Co. of Milford Delaware. New old stock, New in box. A true Relic from yesteryears building technics. A beautiful desktop sculptural object. Temp rises w...
Category
1920s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Lapis Lazuli Table Clock and Barometer
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
The body of this fine table clock and barometer is veneered in lapis lazuli and supported by a hinged arm to the reverse. The clock and barometer d...
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Belle Époque Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
Scientific Handblown Glass Vacuum Dome
Located in Norwalk, CT
A really neat way to display something amazing this is a really thick quality piece of handblown glass from the early 1900s.
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Venetian Equipment Corps. Sterilizer Cup
Located in Norwalk, CT
A cup and metal holder by Venetian Equipment Corps. The cup reads "Sterilizer" and depicts a star in red.
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Telescopes Vintage Signed Iseli
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
O/2941 , vintage French telescopes with its case: for Your holidays ! Small and convenient to carry .
Signed ISELI, Paris.
Category
Early 20th Century French Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
Old French Barometer with Love Knot
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Old French barometer with love knot, suitable in your kitchen or study room or.....everywhere. It is useful because working and beautiful to admire.
Completely hand carved. Good pric...
Category
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Geometric Bakelite Art Deco Science Classroom Crystal Models Praque, 1930
Located in Almelo, NL
This set consists of 13 black Bakelite crystal models from the early 20th century with white edges that were previously used as teaching materials in schools to demonstrate crystal s...
Category
1920s Czech Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth
A dated circa 1921 Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth example. Hand crafted with painted label detail...
Category
1920s French Early Victorian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Small Antique English Brass Framed Magnifying Glass c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
A small antique English magnifying glass with a polished brass handle and frame. The glass has a good magnification and remains in undamaged condition.
Dating to c.1900, it remains...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique English Folding Brass Linen Thread Counter - Magnifying Glass
Located in Bath, GB
Dating to the early twentieth century, c.1900/1920, this is an antique cast brass linen thread counter, of course usable to magnify whatever you wish.
Heavy solid cast brass with a ...
Category
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Pair WW1 Binoculars and Case, British Officer's Issue, 1918, Colmont, Paris
Located in Bath, GB
A fabulous pair of World War 1 British Officers Military binoculars made in France, the bridge engraved M G (Ministere de la Guerre) created for the British Military for use during W...
Category
1910s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Shallow Water Dive Helmet
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early all rubber and glass shallow water diving helmet. These were used mostly in marinas for underwater ship/boat maintenance. Divers used th...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
Antique Wood Fid Textile Tool Marine Rope Slicing
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Wood Tool, treen fid grooved top for rope strap.
Nautical collectible.
Measures: 8.75 long x 2 diameter
Original vintage condition.
Refer...
Category
Early 20th Century Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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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