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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 20th Century
Period: 1910s
Collection of Vintage Lab Glass Decanters
By Pyrex
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Set of three glass lab decanters with removable stoppers.
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR Pyrex.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1970-1980.
MATERI...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Antique Painted Red Cast Iron Scale
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming cast iron antique early 1900s scale with original red paint and a large brass tray. The weight is fixed, moving from side to side. The red paint...
Category
Early 20th Century American Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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 No. 1.173'. Lovingly care...
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
$560 Sale Price
20% Off
Modern Table Rotary Phone SIEMENS AUSO SIP S62 Lino Saltini 1960s Italy
By Siemens
Located in Miami, FL
Rotary Table Telephone S62 designed by Lino Saltini in 1962 for Telecomunicazion Siemens AUSO. This example is from the 4th edition of the phone out of ten editions of the same model...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Early 20th Century Teaching Aid Human Torso Model
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Teaching Aid Human Torso Model
Mounted onto a newer looking wooden plaque this early example of a plaster and natural human fibre model would likely have been use...
Category
1940s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone, Plaster
Apothecary Balls in Cobalt Blue Cut Crystal
Located in Brussels, BE
Apothecary balls in cobalt blue cut crystal - ten available.
Category
20th Century European Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
$1,016 / item
Set of Four Vintage Weights, circa 1920
Located in Barcelona, ES
Set of four vintage weights: 5, 2, 1 and a half kilograms. By unknown manufacturer, circa 1920. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with ...
Category
1920s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$358 Sale Price
60% Off
Vintage American Magnifying Glass, circa 20th Century
Located in Napa, CA
Free-standing vintage magnifying glass. American, circa 20th century. Curving articulated arm on pebbled black base.
Category
20th Century Scientific Instruments
Art Deco Oak Cased Barograph, Winter & Sin, Newcastle
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Deco Barograph, Winter & Sons, Newcastle
Art Deco barograph housed in an oak bevelled glass display case standing on a raised, moulded plinth with pad feet.
Six vacuum chambers ...
Category
1920s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Germany 1950 Didactics Medical Anatomy Enlarged Model of a Human Trachea
By Deutsches Hygiene Museum Dresden
Located in Milan, IT
Didactic anatomical enlarged model of a trachea made in the 1950s, made of hand-colored cellon and mounted on a bakelite base. On a label on the base you read Deutsches Hygiene Museu...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Kilgore Authentic Anatomical Preparation Human Skull
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Prepared by legendary medical supply company Kilgore International, this is an advanced anatomical reference human skull!
An exceptional authentic vint...
Category
1950s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
Compensated brass barometric altimeter signed Stanley London from the early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Brass compensated barometric altimeter signed Stanley London No. 1581 from the early 1900s.
Diameter 7.6 x 3 cm - inches 3x1.2.
An altimeter is an instrument for measuring the heig...
Category
Early 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1940s Chiropractor Bench
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great 1940s chiropractor bench; chrome and green vinyl with a Lucite handle.
Category
1940s Unknown Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
$1,675
Paravia Cassette Mechanics Solids, Liquids and Gases, Complete - Italy - 1960s
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Magnets
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
Lufft Sunburst Golden Brass Wall Weather Station, Barometer & Thermometer, 1950s
By Lufft
Located in Vienna, AT
A round mid-century Sunburst / Starburst wall-mounted weather station from the 1950s, crafted by Lufft Germany, a renowned maker of precision instruments. This high-quality and premi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold, Brass
Double Sided Standing Dutch Chalk Board
Located in Stamford, CT
A very large 1900-1910 century chalk board from the Netherlands. The solid wood stand is substantial and easy to move on its antique casters. Great in a kid's room, a restaurant, or ...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Antique Italian Nautical Graphometer with its Original Wooden Box Genoa, 1940s
By CAIM, Genova 1
Located in Milan, IT
Brass, copper and lead graphometer complete with the original wooden box signed CAIM Genova Via S. Sabina two of the 1940s. Measures of box 28 x 29 cm H 24. CAIM Genoa was company ac...
Category
1940s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Nice Acupuncture Model Statue Sculpture, Composition on Wood Stand Vintage 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative Acupuncture Model. Some wear with a nice patina. Made of composition, metal and a wooden stand. It is painted in different colors and co...
Category
1960s German Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Composition, Metal
Old Suspended Balance Scale in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Decorative 1950s balance scale in Apothecary style. Its made from solid brass and comes with two brass weights and a leather suspension strop.
Measurements: H/L: 75 cm (suspended),...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Nautical Log in Its Wooden Box to Measure Boats Speed Walker Early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Log of brass signed Walker’s Excelsior IV Patent Log, For Yacht, Motor Launches and Fishing Craft from the early 1900s.
It is an ancient nautical instrumen...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Wooden Surveyor's Transit Scope Tripod c.1940
By Dietzgen
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Vintage wooden surveyor's transit scope tripod with painted feet and metal top.
CREATOR Possibly Dietzgen.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940s.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
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
$982 Sale Price
24% Off
Didactic Resin Anatomical Model of an Enlarged Jaw, Germany, 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Didactic anatomical model of an enlarged jaw, mounted on a wooden board with hooks for hanging. In evidence the circulatory system, the roots of the teeth, and two caries. Made in ha...
Category
1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Resin, Wood
1900s French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 1900s French cast iron scale is a classic example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, blending industrial utility with sculptural appeal. Composed of heavy cast iron, the scale...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
20th Century French Glass Case Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century French scale encased in glass is a functional and decorative piece that reflects a blend of craftsmanship and practical design. The scale is housed within a black w...
Category
20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
1938 Pull Down Anatomy Chart, Denoyer-Geppert, Artist P.M. Lariviere
Located in Buffalo, NY
1938 pull down anatomy chart, Denoyer-Geppert. Artist P.M. Lariviere. KL3 circulatory system. Stunning image, screenprint on linen.
Category
1930s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen
Antique Kendrick & Davis K&D Inverto Staking Jewelry Watch Tool Set
Located in Norwalk, CT
A very unusual Jewelry and watchmakers tool, makes for a great curiosity item for the shelf!
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
$680 Sale Price
20% Off
Wooden and Brass Square Faced Magnifying Glass with Nautical Symbol
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique Hand crafted magnifying glass from the 20th Century. The viewing glass is square with a brass frame and brass nautical symbol inlayed at the handle which also displays a br...
Category
20th Century American Classical Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Antique Edwardian Quality Mahogany Inlaid Banjo Barometer
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality mahogany inlaid banjo barometer having a quality mahogany inlaid shaped case with an 8 inch silvered engraved dial with original hands, brass bezel and a th...
Category
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Paravia Optical Cassette Complete with Lenses and Teaching Apparatusu2028 -Italy- 1960s
By Paravia
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern 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
Baudot Multiple-Impression Telegraph, c. 1900 Manufactured by J Carpentier Paris
By J. Carpentier
Located in Madrid, ES
Baudot multiple-impression telegraph, c. 1900 Manufactured by J Carpentier Paris,
brass and steel, Grunewald type electric motor mounted upside down.
For the five-bit Baudot code...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Opera Glasses, Binoculars by G.Rodenstock
Located in Miami, FL
Opera glasses, binoculars by G. Rodenstock.
Category
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
English wall barometer with a square shape made of oak from the 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
Square-shaped English aneroid wall barometer made of oak wood from the 1940s. Good working condition.
Measures cm19x5x19 - inches 7.5x1.9x7.5.
The last photo is the gift box.
This i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Japanese Blacksmith Tongs and Woodcarver Brace Drill, Early 20th Century
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $225....Antique Japanese Tools, a Blacksmith Tong Pincer and Woodcarver Brace Drill, both early 20th century. Most likely late Meij...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
$98 Sale Price / set
56% Off
Vintage W.& T. Avery Brass/ Cast Iron Beam Scale
By W & T Avery
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Beautiful W & T Avery Class C brass and cast iron beam scale. Cast Iron top and base compliment the patinated brass nicely. Two brass pans with complete compliment of weights. Maker ...
Category
20th Century English Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Antique Wood Compass Shop Carpenter Tool Decorative Sculpture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Antique Wood Compass Shop Carpenter Tool.
Dimensions: 33 H x 17 W , 58 open radius ( I can draw a circle up to 154" in diameter) wood is 1 thick
Please v...
Category
1960s American American Classical Vintage 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
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump. Item featured weighs approx 180 lbs, remarkable red color, original lab...
Category
Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Three-Dimensional Midcentury Anatomical Wall Plaster Sculpture, Germany, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Midcentury three-dimensional anatomical plaster painting, provenance Hygiene Museum Dresden with museum sticker label, Germany 1950s.
Please note tha...
Category
1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
$468 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Atomic structure for educational use of carbonic acid Czechoslovakia 1950s.
Located in Milan, IT
Struttura atomica ad uso didattico dell'acido carbonico (H2CO3) in metallo, sfere in bachelite verniciate rosso e nero. Czechoslovakian manufacture of the 1950s.
Good condition sign...
Category
1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Midcentury Lucite Hourglass Sand Timer Sculpture After Charles Hollis Jones 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing midcentury hourglass in bubble lucite with straight external lines. This fantastic item was produced in Italy during the 1970s in the manner of Charles Hollis Jones.
The 15-minute sand timer...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Lucite
Opera Theatre Glasses, Binoculars with Leather Case
Located in Miami, FL
Good quality pair of opera glasses, binoculars with their original leather case.
In very good condition.
Glass clean and clear.
All mechanical settings work.
Optics has no sc...
Category
20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Bakelite
$350 Sale Price
29% Off
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
Antique French Cast Iron Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This cast iron scale was made in France, circa 1900. A ubiquitous classic in the home or the market, scales of these dimensions were commonly used to weig...
Category
Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
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
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
$263 Sale Price
55% Off
Antique American Iron Balance Weighing Scale with Weights
Located in Queens, NY
"American (early 20th Century) balance weighing scale Set on a concave rectangular cast iron beveled base with twist mid-section topped by a pointed finial. One chain beam balance fi...
Category
Early 20th Century American American Colonial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Oversized Industrial Pyrex Glass Bell Jar With Large Side Arm
By Pyrex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized Industrial Pyrex glass bell jar is certainly a unique and an impressive art object. At 29" height and 20.5" diameter this bell jar, dome, clouche can be used any way y...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
Antique Brass Three Crown's Plumber's Blowtorch c.1900, Made in Sweden
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique solid brass plumber's blowtorch with a wooden handle. Stamped "The Swedish Lamp" and "Three Crowns Original Swedish".
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish 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
$212 Sale Price
60% Off
1930s Italian Medical Sketch of a Campaing to Fight Tuberculosis
Located in Milan, IT
Sketch of a futurist poster, 1930s, ten cents to fight tuberculosis, for the national campaign to inform people about the prevention of this illness. Measures: cm 32 x 42, inches 12....
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Early XX Century Metal Scythe Sharpener
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique metal scythe sharpener farming tool. Made in Spain by unknown manufacturer. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful ...
Category
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$209 Sale Price
78% Off
Eames Office radio for Emerson
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A nice radio design by the Eames office. Model 578A.
Mahogany veneer case with plastic face and dials.
Category
1940s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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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