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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: Early 1900s
Antique Vintage Scale Weight, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique scale weight made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1930.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pre...
Category
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Stich Leather Hanging Barometer Westen, Germany, 1960s
Located in Den Haag, NL
Very nice round hanging Barometer, surrounded with stitch Brown Leather.
Made in Western Germany in the 1960s. Good working condition.
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Leather
English Edwardian Prosthetic Leg
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Prosthetic leg
We share what we love, and we love this unusual fully articulated Edwardian prosthetic leg. With leather hip support sprung...
Category
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Cased Microscope, English, Scientific Instrument, Swift & Son, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased microscope. An English, black enamel scientific instrument by J. Swift & Son of London, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 191...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Enamel
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
Set of Antique Draughtsman's Rules, English, Engineer's Instrument Set, C.1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of antique draughtsman's rules. An English, beech engineer's instrument set in a mahogany case, dating to the mid 20th century period, circa 1920.
Charming set of me...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Vintage Spanish Analog Telephone by Telefonica, circa 1980
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Vintage Analog Telephone manufactured by Telefonica from Spain, circa 1980.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
M...
Category
1980s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Antique Salter Family Scales No 50 a Well Loved and Used Family Scales
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Antique Salter Family Scales No 50
A well loved and used Family Scales, made by Salter, the cast iron body is in Dark green with Gold highlights, it has...
Category
1940s Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Vintage Brass Telescope on Walnut Tripod Stand
Located in North York, ON
Vintage brass telescope on walnut tripod stand. Sold as is for decorative purposes. Country of origin and manufacturer unknown. Estimated age c...
Category
1950s Unknown Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Baroque Style Venetian Gilt Carved Barometer by Palladio
By Palladio
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Gorgeous intentionally aged Venetian barometer made in the baroque taste by Italian artisans Palladio. The diamond shaped frame is painted and embellished with gilt scrollwork and ro...
Category
20th Century Italian Baroque Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Stereo Speakers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Inspired by the iconic Dynaco A25 loudspeakers, our twenty-fives offer modern performance with classic proportions. A ten-inch woofer and 1.5 inch textile dome tweeter are sourced fr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Original vintage scale from the 20th Century 'Designed by Berkel in Belgium'
By Berkel 2
Located in Udenhout, NL
Original personal scale from 1946 designed by Berkel in Belgium.
(Made in Brussels.)
Very nice Industrial decorative object.
Category
1940s Belgian Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Brass Frame Desk Magnifying Glass with Horn Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Horn Handle desk style magnifying glass with brass framework and stem. The horn is quite substantial and has good weight and presence.
The horn has a ribbed detail down a portion ...
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1960's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Eye Eyeball Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1960's Vintage Scientific Biocraft Human 3D Eyeball Model by Denoyer-Geppert of Chicago, Illinois. Hand-painted with wonderful original patina!
Category
1960s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber, Wood, Plastic
Botanic Model of a Red Grape Flower, Paravia, Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a red Grape flower, Vitis Vinifera, Anipelidee. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia, Milan,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Botanic Model of a Carnation Flower, Paravia Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a Carnation flower, Dianthus Silvaticus, Cariofillacee. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Fairbanks Scales Wrought Iron and Brass Scale with Weights
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage wrought iron and brass scale with weights is made in the United States by Fairbanks Scales, one of the nation's oldest industrial manufacturing...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter Designed by Ettore Sottsass. circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter with the Original Case. circa early 1970s
Created by famed Italian designer/architect Ettore Sottsass...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Large 1950s Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Eye Eyeball Model
Located in Lafayette, IN
1950's Vintage scientific human 3d eyeball model. Hand-painted with wonderful original patina!
Category
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rubber
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
Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen, circa 1950
By Montblanc
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sheaffer fountain pen, circa 1950.
Manufactured by Sheaffers
In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a beautiful patina.
Materials...
Category
1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Steel Laboratory Beaker Stand
Located in High Point, NC
An intriguing and unique accent, this vintage lab-ware stand holds three round-bottomed flasks. Once used as a tool for conducting laboratory analysis or e...
Category
20th Century Belgian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1930s Wrist Military Compass in the Shape of a Watch Antique Surveyor Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Wrist military compass in the shape of a watch in brass, bakelite and leather strap.
English manufacture from the 1930s used by English army officers...
Category
1930s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Set of Vintage Draughtsman's Rules, English, Engineer's Instruments, circa 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a set of vintage draughtsman's rules. An English, beech engineer's instrument set in a mahogany case, dating to the mid 20th century period, circa 1930.
Useful set of meas...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Rope Twist Carved Oak Nautical Barometer
Located in Norwell, MA
Early twentieth century barometer with porcelain face with merchants name A Black & Co., Nautical Optician, Glasgow. Carved rope twist case with brass bezel. Brass hanging tab. Nice ...
Category
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Brass Desk Top Lens Decorative Curio
Located in London, GB
A good quality, desk top lens.
England, c1920s,
Brass construction on a solid metal base for sturdiness/weighting.
Adjustable to some extent.
Ideal desk top or shelf decorative c...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Scientific instrument: Crookes Maltese Cross Tube, Italy, 1900
Located in Milan, IT
Blown glass scientific instrument. A fine example of Crookes tube with Maltese cross, the precursor of the cathode tube. It demonstrates the rectilinear m...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Shop Window Lamp Sign for an Optometrist, USA1950
Located in Milan, IT
Globe-shaped light a shop window sign for optometrist in celluloid, with painted eye, and brass base support. The electrical system has been reprogrammed.
United States of America, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Beautiful Antique Brass Scale
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Immerse yourself in the elegance and charm of yesteryear with this exquisite antique brass scale, a true testament to craftsmanship and beauty. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Brass
Early 20th Century Anatomical Plaster Medical Torso Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century anatomical plaster medical torso figure
This early 20th century life size anatomical medical torso would have originally been used as...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Keuffel & Esser Co. Military Transit Surveyor Telescope
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Keuffel & Effer Co. military transit surveyor. It consists of a compass and a telescope. Inside the center of the compass is hallmarked Keuffel & Esser. Also over the front...
Category
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Midcentury French Anatomical Medical Teaching Display, circa 1950
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
A midcentury French anatomical medical teaching device of the human body. The organs and muscles are numbered and the skull has Roman numerals. One glass eye. The piece has re...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Wood
20th Century German Field Binoculars, circa 1940
By Emil Busch
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Exceptional 20th century German polished steel observation binoculars on a later telescopic stand by D.F. This model was originally designed by Emil Busch and it has been adopted by the military in 1936. The model is suitable for both day and night time observation and the direction line of fire from artillery. Various adjustable dials in working conditions. The side is stamped D.F. 10 x 80, dkl. The piece has been professionally polished and mounted on a stunning old telescopic wooden tripod stand...
Category
20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Naudet & Co. 1915-1916 Paris World War I French Aviation Altimeter Militaire
Located in Miami, FL
World War I French aviation altimeter made by Naudet & Co.
Antique French aviation altimeter designed specifically for aviation, and dating to th...
Category
1910s French Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
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
Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English Scientific Instrument, Stanley, Mid Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, mahogany and brass cased scientific instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Quality mathematical instrument of superb collector interest
Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order throughout
Brass and paper cylinders show appealing colour
Presented within a mahogany box, showing fine grain interest
Beautifully turned screw...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rope Barometer. French Work by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet, circa 1950
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very unusual barometer is made of rope. This is a French work by Adrien Audoux & Frida Minet. circa 1950.
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Rope
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Dirigo of Seattle Washington. The entire gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrumen...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rustic Wooden Spool of Thread, circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rustic wooden spool of thread, by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1930.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pres...
Category
1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Botanic Model of Wallflower, Paravia Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a flower of orange Wallflower, Cheirantus Cheiris, Cruciferous. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed....
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Dirigo of Seattle Washington. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine instrument is fi...
Category
1930s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Mid-Century Globe Meat Slicer C1940 Enameled Iron & Stainless
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and powerful, 1/4hp GM Delco motor. Globe deli meat slicer from the forties. Super quiet motor with a new cord and switch. In excellent vintage co...
Category
1940s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Steel, Chrome, Iron, Stainless Steel
Pigeon Timer By German Maker In Oak Case
Located in Norwell, MA
Oak cased pigeon timer with clock face that is marked made in Germany. 7 jewel clock by Benzing. Keu is present. Varnished oak dove tailed box. Everyone...
Category
1930s European Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique English Aneroid Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Seguin, TX
Antique circa 1900 aneroid barometer and thermometer. Made in England, carved oak case, banjo shaped with white porcelain dials, beveled glass cover, on barometer. Thermometer works...
Category
Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Walnut
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
Early 20th Century Cast Iron Sack Weighing Scales Produced by W&T Avery Ltd
Located in Manchester, GB
An early 20th century cast iron sack weighing scales produced by W&T Avery Ltd. First patented in 1879.
In untouched condition with excellent patina and grain pattern to the wooden...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Botanic Modelof a Primrose Flower, Paravia, Italy, 1940
Located in Milan, IT
A botanical maquette for didactic use, depicting a flower of Primrose, Acaulis, Primulaceae. Made of metal, paper, plaster, galalith and wood. Extremely detailed. Paravia, Milan, Ita...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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.
A real conver...
Category
1940s Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Fountain Pen with Papers & Boxes
By Montblanc
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This fountain pen was made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. This fountain pen is their 'Meisterstuck' model and has...
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold, Stainless Steel
20th Century Czech Scientific Instrument
Located in High Point, NC
A metal decoration from 20th century Czechia. A cast base, along with metal tubes, bands, and adjustable bolts creates the image of a scientific object, whose purpose remains opaque....
Category
20th Century Czech Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
20th Century Made in Japan Brass Opera Binocular, 1950s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Very nice opera binocular from the 50s in its original fabric pouch and box.
Made of brass. Removable handle using a small key.
Adjustment of the view thanks to a wheel at the fron...
Category
1950s Japanese Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Scientific Electrostatic Van de Graaff Electrostatic Generator Apparatus
Located in Lafayette, IN
Vintage Van de Graaff electrostatic generator apparatus by the Sargent Welch Scientific Instrument Company. This appears to be a manual version with our the ...
Category
1960s American Machine Age Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
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
Huge Decorative Scientific Induction Coil
Located in Peekskill, NY
We were told that this coil was originally from West Point but there is no paperwork to back that up. We also guessed at its age. But it looks to be over 100 years. We have owned many coils over the years but nothing of this Size or quality. The wood furniture surrounding the coil is beautiful showing turned wood ends. In almost ll cases these Induction coils...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic early twentieth century boat compass by Wilcox Crittenden of Middletown Connecticut. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic marine i...
Category
1940s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
chinoiserie Decorated Circular Barometer, circa 1930s
By Acme Photo
Located in Dereham, GB
Chinoiserie decorated circular barometer, circa 1930s.
Black background with gold decoration,
Depicting, houses, temple, figures, trees & foliage,
Brass face,
Badge on back, re...
Category
1930s European Chinoiserie Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lacquer
Set of 19th Century Dental Hygiene Tools
Located in London, GB
A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools.
A set of 19th century dental hygiene tools, encased in a faux leather red box with brass latch and lined with a worn green velour Material. Its original mirror is still in place with folding back velour cover.
Size of inches: H 0.75” x W 2.75” x D 2.5
Completely solid in structure and form, with natural wear and patination across all surfaces due to age. In overall presentable condition considering its age and years of use. The tools are worn on the edges, god knows how many mouths its been in.
The House of Antiques...
Category
Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
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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