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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: Early 1900s
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
Fairbanks Scale Co American Doctors Scale
Located in Cheshire, GB
Fairbanks doctors scale in black with brass adjustable measuring stick, and cast iron pressure plate. Retaining there original weights.
Dimensions:
Heig...
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
19 century Islamic Persian Brass Celestial Globe
Located in New York, NY
19 century Persian celestial globe astrolabe mounted on axle, decorated with bands, Farsi inscriptions and animals, raised on four baluster shaped legs with secondary ring raised on...
Category
Early 20th Century Persian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Small brass travel compass with lid French manufacture 1920s
Located in Milan, IT
Small brass travel compass with cover, instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate in a horizontal plane marking the direction of magnetic north.
Eight-wind rose eng...
Category
1920s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1900s French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 1900s French Metal Scale is an enchanting piece of historical craftsmanship, designed to bring a timeless aesthetic to any setting. Constructed with a durable, iron base that ha...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1900s French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This early 1900s French Metal Scale is an evocative piece of history that marries function with rustic charm. Featuring a robust metal frame with an aged, weathered patina, the scale...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1900s French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 1900s French Metal Scale is an enchanting piece of historical craftsmanship, designed to bring a timeless aesthetic to any setting. Constructed with a durable, iron base that ha...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1900s French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This early 1900s French Metal Scale is an evocative piece of history that marries function with rustic charm. Featuring a robust metal frame with an aged, weathered patina, the scale...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique 5 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Broadhurst Clarkson, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 5-draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial or astrological refractor by Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
Perfect for bi...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Art Nouveau Barometer, Sheraton Inlaid Aneroid Barometer, Scotland, 1910
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Art Nouveau barometer, Sheraton inlaid aneroid barometer, Scotland 1910, H143
Scotland, 1910
Solid Walnut and veneer
The Walnut case is inlaid with exotic fruitwood
Porcelai...
Category
1910s Scottish Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Antique English Folding Brass Compass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A brass folding pocket compass which is made also to be added to a chain or ribbon to be worn around the neck.
The lens has a good magnification and in lovey condition.
Dating to c...
Category
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a pocket watch.
The dial is lucky enough to have an Englis...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique English Folding Brass Linen Thread Counter c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
Dating to the early twentieth century, c.1900/1920, this is an antique cast brass linen thread counter, of course usable to magnify whatever you wish.
Heavy solid cast brass with a ...
Category
1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass by F.Darton & Co - 1917
Located in Bath, GB
A good nickel plated WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass signed on the front cover F.Darton & Co, London, VI, No. 2461 together with the date 1917 and the war office "crow'...
Category
1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s
A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth century, c.1920.
What of course makes it highly collectable is the inset working co...
Category
1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1920s 35 Zeiss-Ikon 35 Cm Cinema Projector
By Zeiss Ikon
Located in London, GB
A late 1920s 35 mm Zeiss-Ikon cinema projector.
Lens: Neokino 52.5/110 by Emil Busch A.-G. Rathenow.
Original black paint.
Lamp house contain...
Category
Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
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. A...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique English Brass Cased Folding Magnifying Glass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely shaped little folding / pocket magnifying glass which folds into a shaped brass case, marked "Made In England".
Dating to c.1920, remaining in excellent condition measuring...
Category
1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Small Antique English Brass Magnifying Glass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely little magnifying glass made from solid brass with a handle; the perfect size to pop in the pocket or bag.
Dating to c.1910, Edwardian in era, the magnifier works well and ...
Category
1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Cherry Blossom
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Cherry Blossom
A rare antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 1900....
Category
Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood, Paper
Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy
A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human o...
Category
Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
Unusual Antique English Folding Compass In Brass Case c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
An unusual English compass which folds into it's own brass case. Marked "England" and dating to c.1900.
2" x 1 3/4" x 1/2". Excellent condition.
Item: 44415
FREE Worldwide Regist...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique 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
English Edwardian Brass Pivoting Magnifying Glass on Stand c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome antique English magnifying glass on stand which pivots on a ball and socket fitting, moving around with ease.
Dating to c.1900, it remains in excellent condition having b...
Category
Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Electrostatic machine by Wimshurst, designed by Rinaldo Damiani, Italy 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
Electrostatic machine by Wimshurst, a British engineer and shipowner, designed in the 1880s, created by Rinaldo Damiani, a builder active in Venice between the end of the nineteenth ...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1920s Whiting Sculptoscope Coin Op Stereo Card Viewer
Located in Peekskill, NY
Original whiting sculpt scope coin-operated stereo card viewer from the 1920s. Deposit a penny, pull trigger and look through the viewer to flip through st...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Antique Half Relief Anatomical Model Head in Wax, Germany c.1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A German wax dissected model of the head, circa 1910, showing nerves, arteries, veins and muscles of the head with paper numbered labels. The case has the original marker’s la...
Category
Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Glass
Antique Extension Ruler Wood Folding Measuring Tape
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Extension Ruler Rustic Wood Folding Tape Decorative Item
Attributed to Lufkin or Stanley
Closed .75 h x 1.75 d x 8 w, fully extended 55 fully extended
Antique vinta...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Viennese enamel opera glasses, c. 1900.
Located in Gargrave, North Yorkshire
Viennese enamel opera glasses, c. 1900. The gilt metal opera glasses, having hand painted barrels of a couple wearing 18th Century costume, playing music in garden settings.
The hand...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel
Elementary playful atlas composed of a puzzle, by D. Locchi, Paravia, Italy 1920
Located in Milan, IT
Elementary playful atlas composed of a puzzle made up of eighty fruit wood cubes sandwiched in paper faces. Each of the faces of each die participates in a geographical table, or ele...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood, Paper
Fine Pair French Abalone & Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses
Located in Bath, GB
A stunning pair of French Opera glasses made from gilded brass, all intact and original. The glasses are clad in alternating Mother of Pearl or Nacre shell...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Dentist Chair Type III, Series 3266 by J. Corno, Union Frimor, France, ca 1920
Located in Delft, NL
A dentist chair Type III, series 3266 by J. Corno, Union Frimor, France ca. 1920
The heavy chair has the color in a mahogany look with gold line. The chair has leather headrests a...
Category
Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak 1910s
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak 1910s Belgium
High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade)
Unusual design wit...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Black Forest 1920s Carved Aneroid Barometer with Foliage, Bird and Fox Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Black Forest aneroid barometer and thermometer from the first half of the 20th century, with foliage, bird and fox. This exquisite Black Forest barometer features a beautifully han...
Category
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Oak
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak By Grand Bazar
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak By Grand Bazar 1910s Liege Belgium
High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Antique Weber Costello 12 Inch Globe - Rare Tall Base
Located in Peekskill, NY
I checked the globe and its signed Weber London but could not find a date of printing. This is an 12 inch desk globe is a bit different because of the extra tall decorative stand. I ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Dental Phantom Head, Mounted on an Iron Display Stand, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century aluminum and bronze dental articulator or phantom head, mounted on an iron display stand, circa 1910.
Category
Early 20th Century North American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Bronze, Iron
Brass Framed Monumental Sized Magnifying Glass with Natural Horn Handle
Located in Savannah, GA
This monumental sized horn handled magnifying glass with brass framework and stem, is of heavy weight and fine quality. The horn is quite substantial and supports this very large gla...
Category
Early 1900s German Black Forest Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Chrome-plated brass and leather telescope signed W. OTTWAY from the first war 1915
Located in Milan, IT
Chrome-plated brass and leather telescope signed W. OTTWAY & Co Ltd Ealing London A49 in use by British Army officers during World War I.
Single-length focus, focal diameter cm 3...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large 1920's Globe on Wood Base
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Vintage Globe on Wood Base, circa 1920's
Decorate an office or a desk with this beautifully preserved antique globe. Crafted in Europe, circa 1920's this piece is mounted on a...
Category
1920s European Biedermeier Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut C. Engel & Cie Verviers
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Verviers Belgium by C. Engel & Cie Opticiens Verviers
High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in...
Category
1910s Belgian Art Nouveau Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Accordion by Sabatino Nocentini & Figli Made in Florence, Italy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Italian custom made accordion by Sabatino Nocentini Castiglion & Figli.
Antique pearl white accordion, Italian accordion with profuse inlay decoration, gorgeous hand made wi...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Vintage Specimen Collector's Chest of Drawers, French, Walnut Desk Box, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage specimen collector's chest of drawers. A French, solid walnut four drawer executive desk box, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930.
Exceptional figuring and f...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Solid Brass Ships Telephone On Pedesta
Located in Norwell, MA
Highly polished brass ships telephone on pedestal. Meticulously polished andl lacquered head by Hose-McCann Telephone Co, Inc., Brooklyn New York. Type A, model WTP, with phone insid...
Category
1920s North American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Estate Solid Iron Mortar And Pestle, Circa 1930's-1940's.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Large Estate Solid Iron Mortar And Pestle, Circa 1930's-1940's. Very heavy and substantial piece.
Mortar
H = 10.25 inches
Dia = 6.5 inches
Pestle
H = 10.25 inches
Dia = 2 inches
Category
Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Brass and Bakelite telescopic acoustic cornet England early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Telescopic acoustic cornet made of brass and Bakelite , English manufacture of the early 1900s.
The principle of its operation is based on the reflection of sound on the inner walls,...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Large Antique Double Barel Victorian Brass Tripod Telescope London 1915
Located in Sofia, BG
20th Century large antique double barel Victorian brass telescope raised on a foldable wooden tripod made in London in 1915.
Very good original condition.
Category
Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Early 19th Century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster
Located in Norwich, GB
19th century Negretti and Zambra Bakelite Weather Forecaster.
Housed in a black metal case with a cream coloured bakelite front plate.
The dial with barometer scale, hand turned indicator and a secondary dial operated by the side lever to set the wind direction...
Category
1910s English Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Seldom Seen Authentic Exploding Skull, Medical, After Claude Beauchêne
By Claude Beauchene
Located in Buffalo, NY
Authentic Exploding Skull
Originally created by Edmé François Chauvot de Beauchêne (ca.1780-1830), a French anatomist and
surgeon, developed this disarticulation method to comprehensively show all the
cranial bones and their connections.
The exploded skull...
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Oak barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved oak barometer, the shaped carved oak frame with rectangular thermometer above the silvered dial inscribed J. Durkin, Middlesbrough, encased in copper frame.
Dimensions
Height ...
Category
Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Small brass compass supplied to the US army during ww2
Located in Milan, IT
Small brass travel compass, issued to the U.S. Army during World War I, shaped like an onion pocket watch, an instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate in a horizon...
Category
1910s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Astro, Great War
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial spotter's refractor in leather case, dating to the Great War period, circa 1915.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky
An attractive telescope with quality leather protective case
Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order
Rich tan coloured leather dresses the primary barrel and sun shade
Of 3 draw type, opening with a reassured action to each tube
Clear, bright objective lens with a diameter of 48mm (2")
Quality, matching leather dust cup present for the objective and eyepiece
The eyepiece finished with concentric ring turning
Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass Captains Stand...
Category
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Aluminum Teaching Dental Phantom Head Skull on Stand Gold Tooth 1920's
Located in Portland, OR
Antique aluminum dental phantom teaching head model with a gold tooth, 1920's.
A wonderful fun sculptural dental phantom, the aluminum head with lower...
Category
1920s German Brutalist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Gold, Steel
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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