Scientific Instruments
to
85
491
308
824
5
3
142
87
50
21
21
19
15
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
140
599
824
8
384
287
63
27
45
34
36
34
54
36
23
10
462
285
210
132
92
523
144
131
113
97
832
828
829
8
4
4
4
3
Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Huger West Germany Meteobar skeleton design years '60 rare real fine barometer
Located in Biella, IT
Huger West Germany meteobar design in years '60 rare and real fine skeleton barometer
the barometer is in brass and is perfect vintage and original, working condition
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Stanley Folding Rulers c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Collection of brass and Boxwood folding rulers. Two 24" and one 36".
CREATOR Stanley Tool Co.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1920-1930.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Boxwood, ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Small Antique Opera Monocular, German, Brass, Leather, Viewing Scope, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a small antique opera monocular. A German, brass and leather cased viewing scope, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900.
Charming and petite, with a useful origina...
Category
20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
20th Century Japanese Pair Of Naval Bridge "Big Eye" Binoculars By Nikon c.1940
By Nikon
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare set of Japanese naval bridge “big eye“ binoculars by Nikon manufactured during WWII by Tokyo Kogaku Kikai (Tokyo Optical Company). They have been expertly cleaned and hand pol...
Category
1940s Japanese Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Blue Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Blue Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Walnut, Large Wooden Screw of a Wine Press, a Wooden Sculpture, Italy 1900s
Located in Roma, IT
Large wooden screw of a wine press, Italy, 1900s.
A walnut sculpture. Really nice.
Category
20th Century Italian Grand Tour Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Semi-Automatic Large Bakelite Grocery Scale, Czech Republic, 1930s
Located in Żory, PL
Old shop scale from the 1930s/1940s, manufactured in the Czech Republic by Zbrojovka Brno. Semi-automatic scale, with internal weights. The scale is set with stylish metal buttons. Adjustable legs and built-in spirit level. Original tray made of thick white glass. The scale has been cleaned and is in very nice vintage condition. In working condition, but not entirely precisely (+/- 100 grams), it probably requires minor adjustment. A beautiful and original item for the grocery store...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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 show...
Category
Early 1900s French Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paint
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
Antique Pulley Hook in Metal, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Metal Pulley Hook, by unknown manufacturer, circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Metal ...
Category
1940s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
1940s Antique Surveyors Wood Tripod Base
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Vintage Solid Wood Tripod Surveyor Camera Base
Decorative item
44 h x 19 w x 20 d
Preowned unrestored
Refer to images
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
Vintage Draughtsman's Set, German, Drawing Instruments, Tools, Richter Pracision
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage draughtsman's set. A German, nickel silver drawing instrument set by E.O. Richter Präcision, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1930.
Five piece instrument set ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
Antique Spectacle Lenses Eye Glass Optometrist tool set
Located in Norwalk, CT
Salmon Bros London, A beautiful cased instrument for measuring the sight to determine the need for glasses.
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Large Kodak Folding No. 3A Camera with Mahogany Inlay c.1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A large Eastman Kodak No. 3A folding camera with red bellows and Mahogany inlay. The body is wrapped in leather with chrome and brass accents. The camera folds to 2.5 inches. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
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
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Barley
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Barley
A rare antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 1900. Highly ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
10 demountable geometric solids in oak height 7.9 inch 1960 Vallardi Milan
Located in Milan, IT
Box containing 10 removable geometric solids made of oak wood, maximum height 20 cm -inches 7.9, housed in their original wooden box. Made for educational purposes for schools by pub...
Category
1960s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Vintage Oil Can
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Copper Force Feed Oil Can.
An automotive tin oil can. A fantastic piece of vintage motoring ephemera, the perfect gift for the motoring enthusiast. Who would have thought the...
Category
20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Desk Tabletop Rotary Restored Telephone By Monogram Black with Trim
By Monogram
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic Monogram Art Deco desk tabletop telephone with metal accents in excellent antique condition with minimal wear. Restored with new cords. See all pics
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique "No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak, Model AB" Camera c.1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The Kodak No.3 Model AB is an early model. The body of camera is all leather with a leather handle and unique leather covered lens. it folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
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
Antique Noon Day Gun Cannon Sundial by Abercrombie & Fitch
Located in Sandwich, MA
Rare noon day gun cannon sundial by Abercrombie & Fitch circa 1910. Unique garden instrument which fires a small signal charge when the magnifying glass...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, 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
Antique Dazey Commercial Industrial Churn or Mixer with Toleware Decoration USA
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique commercial churn or mixer was made by the Dazey Manufacturing Company of St. Louis in approximately 1920 in a period Art Deco style. The frame and gear mechanism of the ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Seldom seen Industrial Military "Field" Dental Chair , Canadian War Museum
By Metal Art
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen Industrial Military "Field" Dental Chair , as seen in the Canadian War Museum .. Amazing industrial design, great color , patina. Retains original label (see photo) dated...
Category
1940s Canadian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Decorative Telescope with Level, Metal, 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Telescope with decorative level. Metal.
Small decorative telescope with top level and three adjustable legs that also has a compass and bubble levels."
S...
Category
20th Century Unknown Other Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Other
Antique, Pair of Binoculars, German, Neo Universal, CP Goerz, Berlin, circa 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pair of binoculars. A German, 4.5x magnification Neo Universal by CP Goerz of Berlin, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.
Delightful binocular from a sought-after German specialist
Displaying a desirable aged patina - optical elements in clear order
Elegantly milled brass with painted black finish
Complete with black leather carry pouch
CP Goerz Berlin logo present on left barrel; Neo Universal model name to the right
Knurled central focus wheel encased within pleasingly formed, folding bridge
Smaller adjustment wheel with marking range from 64-72
Serial number of 580854 engraved into front fascia
Turned eyecups, adjustment wheel to the right
Hand grips dressed in quality textured leather
Carry pouch in original condition - clasp not situated
Interior dressed with smooth, dark blue velour
This is a wonderful pair of vintage binoculars...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1911, The Lady Claire Dress Form, Very Rare
Located in Peekskill, NY
I've had an example of this dress form in my personal collection. It's an amazing piece of engineering and one of my favorite items... something I decided to never sell it. The Lady Claire...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Early Eye Glass Trade Stimulator - Test Your Own Eyes Optometer
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early eyeglass trade stimulator... TEST YOUR OWN EYES. Its an Optometer that has a dial on the right of the device. Turn the dial and there is a double geared carousel wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Rare Charles and Ray Eames Sphere's "Mathematica world of numbers" 1961 Exhibit
Located in Buffalo, NY
Super rare. The spheres in this image are components of one of the exhibits... originally aquired from an IBM employee.
Mathematica: A World of Numbers…and Beyond, is the title of...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone
Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming small figurine of a lady that functions as a tape measure. This vintage piece was commonly found on a sewing table and has both centimeters as well as inch measurements...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
1900s Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting the Human Head
Located in Berghuelen, DE
1900s Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting the Human Head
A rare brochure illustrating the anatomy of the human head. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of several layers of th...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
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 instrument set
Displays a desirable aged patina
Presented in a carry case with a rich blue velour lining
Ideal for measuring on maps or drawings
Rotating measurement scales in good order
Replete with small magnifying loupe...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
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
1960s Nautical Rangefinder Signed Kelvin Hughes Antique Marine Navigation Tool
Located in Milan, IT
Nautical rangefinder signed Made in Great Britan by Kelvin Hughes a divison of Smiths Industries Limited made in the 1960s, complete with original mahogany box. AP 498 Stuats Marine Distance Meter very good working condition. Box size cm 21 x 13 H 6. It is an ancient nautical instrument used to measure...
Category
1960s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Board, Chalkboard
Located in Udenhout, NL
Early 20th Century Belgian Black Board, Chalkboard, in a good state.
Category
1940s Belgian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Slate
Scarce Early 20th Century French Richard Jules Mahogany Cased Barograph
By Jules Richard
Located in Forney, TX
A rare and interesting French mahogany-cased barograph by Richard Jules. circa 1900
Exquisitely handcrafted in Paris, France, in the early 20th century, this fine weather forecasting scientific instrument is a barometer that records the barometric pressure over time in graphical form, as well as make a continuous recording of atmospheric pressure.
Housed in a high-quality protective wooden case, having hinged lid with original glazed glass panel sides, barograph with centigrade thermometer scale, fitted with eight aneroid capsules stacked in series, cylindrical drum element with graph for data recording and analysis.
Signed, retaining the maker's marks to top and interior. The metal plaque affixed to top reads: "Barometre Enregistreur
Ancene Mon Richard Frères...
Category
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, 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
Surveyor's Poles/Logging Measuring Stick c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
Two remaining. The 168" and 144" have sold.
Original surveyor's pole and one logging measuring stick. The other wider all wood yellow surveyor pole is fixed. The logging meas...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Vintage Goodell-Pratt Brass and Wood Level c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A vintage level with two bubbles, large brass label and brass accents.
CREATOR Goodell-Pratt Company, Mass.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1930-1940.
MATERIALS AND TECHN...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
20th Century Set of Vintage Surgical Seams
Located in Barcelona, ES
20th century set of vintage surgical seams By unknown manufacturer, Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. M...
Category
20th Century Spanish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
Vintage Taper Maker, English, Brass, Shipwright's Woodworking Tool, circa 1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage taper maker. An English, brass shipwright's woodworking tool, dating to the mid-20th century, circa 1950.
Midcentury crafting to...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Bakelite, Brass, Mathematical Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, Bakelite and brass cased mathematical instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Beautifully pre...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern 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
Set of Six Old Pharmacy Glass Bottles, Germany around 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of Six Old Pharmacy glass bottles, made in Germany around 1900.
5 bottles from Jena (Schott and Gen Jena) and 1 Wirag laboratory glass.
The logo ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Era Assorted Medical Doctor's Field Examination Instrument Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This vintage medical doctor's instrument set is unsigned, except for a few numbers on several of the pieces, but presumed to have originated from German...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stainless Steel
Curiosity Cabinet Naturalism Collection of Shells, 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 Scientific Instruments
Materials
Shell
Vintage Handheld Tachometer, English Tool Speed Gauge, Smiths Instruments, Decor
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage handheld tachometer. An English, enamelled alloy and glass decorative tool speed gauge by Smiths Instruments, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
Untested, but in fine decorative condition for the collector of vintage gauges...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
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.