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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: 21st Century and Contemporary
Period: 1950s
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

Struttura molecolare del cloruro di sodio ad uso didattico Cecoslovacchia 1950
Located in Milan, IT
Struttura molecolare del cloruro di sodio (NaCl) ad uso didattico in metallo satinato e verniciato giallo, sfere in bachelite verniciate verde e grigio. Manifattura cecoslovacca de...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

20th Century Soviet Cold War Anti Aircraft Binoculars c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An impressive set of highly polished Cold War-era anti-aircraft binoculars from the former USSR, crafted in the 20th Century. Accompanied by a sleek and adjustable metal tripod, thes...
Category

1950s Russian Other Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Didactic atomic structure of zinc-iron sulfide Czech production 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Atomic structure for educational use of zinc-iron sulfide, made of metal with Bakelite spheres painted gray and yellow. It is an inorganic compound found naturally in wurtzite, a mi...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Didactic atomic structure of graphite made Czech manufacture circa 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Atomic structure for educational use of graphite made metal with black Bakelite spheres. Czechoslovakian manufacture of the 1950s. Good condition, Measures 28x28x20 cm - inches 11...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

English Porcelain Mortar and Pestle #7
Located in Garnerville, NY
Porcelain mortar and pestle. Signed on the underside with the size #7, Acid Proof, Made in England. Wood handled pestle. Great for use in the kitchen, artist's studio or office. It d...
Category

1950s English Rustic Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paste, Porcelain

21th Century Solid Silver Ruler By Richard O.A Jarvis, England, c.2003
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
An early 21st century novelty "Premier Rule" measuring ruler with all the British Prime Ministers listed from Sir Robert Walpole 1721 up until Tony Blair 1997. It is made of solid silver, featuring centimeter and inch measuring markers. Presented in a beautiful original box. Hallmarked English Silver (925 standard), London, year 2003 (d), Maker Richard O.A. Jarvis (Richard Jarvis...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

CURTA Type II Mechanical Calculator
Located in Mexico City, MX
An important CURTA Type II mechanical calculator by Cortina Ltd. Mauren. Made in Liechtenstein, manufactured in april 1954. Serial number 503108. Black body with 11 digits for data e...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

Mappin Paris 1950 Retro Multiuse Money Clip Sun Clock And Compass In Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Multiuse Money Clip Sun Clock And Compass designed by Mappin-Paris. Very unusual multiuse money clip, created in France by Mappin-Paris back in the 1950. In great shape and very ver...
Category

1950s French Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Tellurium mechanical/electrical model of the solar system Phiwe Italian 1950s
Located in Milan, IT
Tellurium, i.e., mechanical/electrical model representative of the solar system, made of metal with green and gray hammered paint, lithographed tin globe, plastic Moon, and metal bas...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Pair Of Vintage Cased Opera Glasses, French, Brass, Binocular, Mid 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of vintage cased opera glasses. A French, brass and Mother of Pearl Galilean binocular, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Anemometer 1950 Coal Mining Vintage Science Equipment in Brass and Steel
Located in Miami, FL
Mechanical desk anemometer in brass. Very interesting scientific coal mining anemometer, made up back in the 1950's with brass and blackened steel parts...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Marine Compass in Box by Star Compass of Boston
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass boat compass fitted to a dovetailed wood box with rich varnished finish. Compass card is marked Star Pathfinder, Milton Mass. The entir...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Austrian Vintage Barometer in Heart Shape by Wippel & co
Located in Vienna, AT
rare austrian vintage barometer in heart shape by Wippel & co, rosewood, good original condition
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Big Mid-Century Modern Atomic Molecular Wood Sculpture, 1950s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Large wooden sculpture that represents an atom, a super decorative object full of history since this type of piece was used in the old science classes, suffering great wear and tear ...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Thermometer by Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern-Period, sterling silver thermometer in working condition, Tiffany and Company, New York, circa 1950s. Works are made by...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver

Three-Dimensional Midcentury Italian Wall Plaster Didactic Anatomical, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Italian midcentury three-dimensional didactic anatomical panel in plaster with Antonio Vallardi Milano label, Italy 1950s Please note that the item is original of the period and t...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Supreme x Hoto Red Tool Set, 5-Piece, Spring, 2023
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Supreme x hoto red tool set, 5-piece, Spring 2023. Made exclusively for Supreme (Spring 2023), limited edition. Red, Supreme-printed case. Includes 3.6V 3-level torque adjustable scr...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Vintage Erskine 200 Sterilized Barber Shop Shaving Brush
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage ERSKINE 200 Sterilized Barber Shop SHAVING BRUSH Nylon Bristles Rubber Stamped Sterile 200 4.5 tall x 1.38 diameter Preowned original vintage...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nylon, Rubber

Mid-Century Modern Industrial Explosion Proof Phone by Crouse-Hinds C1955
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Rare and unusual industrial explosion proof telephone by Crouse-Hinds from the 50s. Cast aluminum with a bakelite style phone. No dial. Supposed to be from a blasting site. Untested....
Category

1950s American Industrial Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum

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

1950s Dutch Industrial Scientific Convex Lens Brass Stand Cast Iron Tripod Base
Located in Haarlem, NL
Scientific school or laboratory convex shaped lens on a brass stand with cast iron tripod base. The heavy convex glass lens is 7 1/2 cm (2.95") th...
Category

1950s Dutch Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

1950s Mid-Century Modern Olympia Sm-3 Portable Typewriter with Case
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Olympia SM3 portable typewriter with the original metal case. Circa 1950s. Features a Qwerty keyboard, a grayish green color body with chrome trims and the original metal case with a galvanized-like finish and the original lock key. Olympia SMs were once considered the Mercedes Benz of typewriters. The Hermes 3000...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Memento Mori by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Memento Mori by Callum Campbell Objects for Self Collection Signed Dimensions  W 3.5 x H 9.3 cm Materials: Brass Finish: Polished Engraved with clients name and date of birth...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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
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

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

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

Render by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Render by Callum Campbell Objects for self-collection Signed and numbered Dimensions: W 24 x D 8.8 H 36 cm Materials: Brass, stainless steel Finish: Polished Physical appearance...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Honne by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Honne by Callum Campbell Objects for self collection Signed and numbered Dimensions: W 9.5 x H 19- 25 cm Materials: Brass, LED Finish: Polished Note: 220-240w Australian elect...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

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

Detailed Anatomical Ear Model Made in East Germany 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

Brass Boat Compass in Varnished Wood Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Classic twentieth century boat compass by American maker Wilcox Crittenden of Middletown Connecticut. The gimballed compass has been meticulously polished and lacquered. This classic...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Three-Dimensional Anatomical Midcentury Wall Plaster Sculpture, Germany, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Midcentury three-dimensional anatomical plaster painting representing human respiratory system, provenance Hygiene Museum Dresden with museum sticker ...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Modernist Atomic 1950s Television by Olympic, Tambour Doors "rocket tuner"
By Olympus
Located in Buffalo, NY
Super Rare! Modernist Atomic 1950s Television by Olympic, Tambour doors "new rocket tuner" Probably one of the best designed T.V'S I...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Plastic, Wood, Mahogany

Wood and Brass Apothecary Scale, 1950s
Located in Felino, IT
Precision apothecary scale, 1940s-1950s. Wooden base with drawer, brass instruments. Original set of weights included. Functioning.
Category

1950s European Art Nouveau Vintage 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

Navy Binoculars
Located in Paris, FR
Binoculars Navy with polished steel adjustable tripod base. With polished aluminium and steel binoculars with glass lens, magnifying x12. Adjustable height.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel, Aluminum

Gucci Rare Barometer and Clock Year 1960 Vintage Design
Located in Biella, IT
Gucci rare barometer and clock year 1960 vintage design. Measure h 17 inches x L12" x deep 3".
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

1950s Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic Tape Measure Peoples Republic of China
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic tape Measure Peoples Republic of China Wonderful vintage tape measure has a cover made from dappled rich dar...
Category

1950s Chinese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Russian Electromechanical Wheel-Based Cipher Machine Fialka M 125
Located in Madrid, ES
M-125 Fialka-electromechanical wheel-based cipher machine USSR rotor-based cipher machine M-125, codename Fialka (Russian: ??????), was an el...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Traditional Yarn Ends, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Rustic wooden spindles and yarn ends, by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and us...
Category

1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Yarn, Wood

Spanish Antique Wood Meter, circa 1950
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Antique wood meter. By unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1950. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Woo...
Category

1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Large Painted Plexiglas Terrestrial Globe, France circa 1950
Located in Paris, FR
Important relief earth globe representing the oceans and the continents. The globe is made of painted plexiglas, fixed to the marble base by a brass axis. France around 1950.
Category

1950s French Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Brass

MId-Century Modern Sterling Silver-Mounted Honeywell Barometer
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern, sterling silver-mounted Honeywell barometer, Baldwin and Miller Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, Ca. 1950's. Barometer mechanism itself is made by the Honeywell Compan...
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Sterling Silver

Anatomical Model of the Human Ear by Somso, 1950s
Located in Naples, IT
Didactic model of the human ear, materiale plastico, made in 1950s by Somso, a German company active since the second half of the nineteenth century, known as an excellence in the de...
Category

1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

PVC

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

Paravia Collection 100 Rocks, Educational Material, Italy 1950s
Located in Naples, IT
Collection 100 Rocks, Teaching Material, Italy 1950s Geology teaching board "Minerals and Rocks" G.B. Paravia Scientific Collection - Turin The ...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rock Crystal

1950s Anatomical Teaching Model Of Normal Size Depicting A Hoolow Foot
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical teaching model of normal size depicting a hollow foot in section showing a strong accentuation of the plantar arch and how the foot rest is mainly on the forefoot and heel...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Miele Vintage Vacuum Cleaner, Type E10
Located in Budapest, HU
Torpedo shaped vacuum cleaner in good condition.
Category

1950s German Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Engine Model for Instructional Purpose
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage wooden instructional single cylinder engine model. A wonderful four stroke single cylinder engine model made from wood showing how the combustion engine...
Category

1950s British Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

1950s Anatomical Teaching Model of Normal Size Depicting Flat Foot "Pes Planus"
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical teaching model of normal size depicting flat foot "pes planus" the model highlights the alteration of the foot characterized by valgus and a reduced plantar vault. The s...
Category

1950s Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

1950s Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Level Iron & Wood
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Plumb Tool Mid Century Modern Vintage Weight Plumb Bob Tool Instrument Level Collectible level made in Iron and Wood 5.25 x 1.5 diameter Fair Condition in Or...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition Hardcover Book
Located in North Hollywood, CA
National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition National Geographic This is a beautiful large library or hardcover coffee table book. Title: National Geographic Atlas of th...
Category

Early 2000s Maltese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

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

Vintage Wood Geloso Television GT1014, 1950s, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
This GTV1014 was one of the first 21-inch b / w televisions produced by Geloso. It uses the intercarrier system as an audio-video medium frequency. The chassis is mounted inside th...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Plastic, Wood

Unusual Mesmerizing Hand Built Hypnotic Wheel, by Melvin Powers, 1951
By Marilyn Powers
Located in Buffalo, NY
Melvin Powers is considered the king of hypnosis in this country. His first self published book entitled hypnotism revealed is still in print and first published in 1949, He self pub...
Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern 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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