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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Period: Mid-20th Century
Period: Late 20th Century
Vintage Reichert Austria Microscope 241 653 in Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Reichert Austria Microscope Number 241 653 in Wooden Box with Accessories as Pictured. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: Box: 14.5" H x 9" W x 10.5" D.
Category
Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942
Located in Nantucket, MA
A working brass pocket compass marked London, 1942 on the back. Nickel dial. With hinged glass magnifier. WWII English. TG Co. Ltd.
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Machine Age Art Deco Doctors or Bathroom Floor Model Scale Weigh Master by Hanso
Located in New York, NY
Great Machine Age, American Art Deco floor scale, Weigh Master by Hanson. The scale is fully functional, it shows cosmetic wear to the paint finish, and th...
Category
1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1986 Enorme Telephone Handset by Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly postmodern telephone handset designed by the Memphis Milano master, Ettore Sottsass, and produced in 1986. The Enorme telephone was the result of a collaboration between...
Category
Late 20th Century Post-Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Italy 1939s Sketch Futurist Poster "Day of Two Crosses" Against Tuberculosis
Located in Milan, IT
Sketch of the futurist poster "Day of two crosses, 16th April 1939, XVII", mixed technique of pastel and water-color, for an Italian campaign against tuberculosis, to inform people a...
Category
1930s Italian Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Paper
19th Century Bronze and Lead Weight in its Interior of Seven Pounds
Located in Marbella, ES
19th Century Bronze and Lead Weight in its Interior of Seven Pounds
Category
Late 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
English Silver Plated Bronze Barometer Covered with Hand-Sewn Leather
Located in Marbella, ES
English Silver Plated Bronze Barometer Covered with Hand-Sewn Leather
Category
Late 20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Bronze
Decorative French Ceramic Thermometer by Mithê Espelt (circa 1960s)
By Mithé Espelt
Located in London, GB
Decorative, French vintage ceramic thermometer and casing by Mithé Espelt (circa 1960s). A delightful piece with stylised French coq and castle motifs. The hen is in a lovely deep gr...
Category
1960s French Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
A set of botanical models of a plant embryo, Fisons Scientific, London UK 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
A set of five botanical models depicting in numbered sequence the development of a vegetal embryo. Made out of hand painted plaster, the models are mounted on a wooden base. T. Gerra...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
Vintage 2 Draw Telescope, English, Leather, Brass, Terrestrial Refractor, C.1960
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage 2 draw telescope. An English, leather on brass terrestrial refractor, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1960.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciatio...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
English oak wall-mounted aneroid barometer signed Smiths 1940s
Located in Milan, IT
aneroid barometer square-shaped wall-mounted English oak wood signed Smiths from the 1940s.
Good working condition. Measures 20x20x 5 cm - inche 7.9x7.9x2.
The last photo is the ...
Category
1940s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Vintage Hydroway Scales Inc, HydroScale 1000 Pound Crane Weigh Scale
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Hydroway Scales Inc, HydroScale 1000 Pound Crane Weigh Scale. Item itself weighs approx 40-50 lbs. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 13.5" H x 13.5" W x 8" D
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Nautical Double Gauge Bubble Clinometer on Teak Back Plate by Conn. Valley Ind.
Located in Nantucket, MA
A double gauge bubble clinometer with precision glass tubing and nickel face mounted on a teak back plate. These tilt gauges were used on vessels to measure the angular slant of the ...
Category
Late 20th Century North American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Bakelite, Brass, Mathematical Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, Bakelite and brass cased mathematical instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Beautifully pre...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Westinghouse Shortwave Radio in French Polished Mahogany Case
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome Westinghouse combination shortwave radio, the French polished mahogany case housing a tube movement with multiple radio settings, made and signed by Westinghouse. This rad...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Rare Pierre Cardin Pop Art Futuristic Ambiance Phone
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Rare and highly collectable Pop Art futuristic Ambiance phone.
Category
1980s Taiwanese Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Industrial table fan by Ercole Marelli
By Marelli
Located in Torino, IT
Cast iron base and brass blades.
Made in the 1920s/30s by the firm of Ercole Marelli founded in Milan in 1891.
Ercole Marelli & C. S.p.a began as a small workshop but became, mainl...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
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
Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Walnut Case, Scientific Instrument, C.1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, Bakelite and walnut cased scientific instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950.
Quality mathemat...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite, Walnut
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, SOMSO, Germany circa 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made of plaster, glass and painted paper mache, metal hooks, holding on a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, SOMSO, Germany circa 1950.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made out of polyvinyl chloride, plaster, glass and painted paper, metal ho...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Sears Tower Constellation Portable Typewriter W/Metal Case. Circa 1960s.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Sears Tower Constellation Portable Typewriter W/Metal Case. Circa 1960s.
Manufactured for SEARS is the equivalent of a Smith-Corona Classic 12.
Features a stylish mid century...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
10 demountable geometric solids in oak height 7.9 inch 1960 Vallardi Milan
Located in Milan, IT
Box containing 10 removable geometric solids made of oak wood, maximum height 20 cm -inches 7.9, housed in their original wooden box. Made for educational purposes for schools by pub...
Category
1960s Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Globe from Dietrich Reimers. Germany 1930's
By Dietrich Reimers 1
Located in BAAMBRUGGE, NL
Globe by Dietrich Reimers berlin in the 1930's
Made of papier mache with a wooden foot.
Category
1930s German Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Maitland Smith Art Nouveau Style Large Standing Brass Nautilus Magnifying Glass
Located in Doylestown, PA
Maitland Smith Art Nouveau style large standing nautilus magnifying glass.
Lots of intricate details capture the beauty of this intriguing sea creature. It is free standing supporte...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Art Nouveau Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical model: a male human body in life-size proportions, Italy 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting the flayed male human body in life-size proportions, with removable organs, made of painted resin, all placed on a black wood...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Resin, Wood
Vintage industrial kitchen scale with timer of Yasu Sasamoto - Dulton -
Located in Roma, IT
Simple but elegant design by Yasu Sasamoto for Dulton. A kitchen scale with a built-in timer. Tested and working (both timer and accuracy are good). This creamy white edition will be...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Bilancia pesa persona Wunder
Located in Roma, IT
Bilancia pesa persona prodotta in Italia negli anni 70 in perfetto stato
Meccanica restaurata
Pesata 120 Kg divisioni 500g
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Wall Fish Skeleton Thermometer St Labre Indian School Ashland Montana
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Wall Fish Thermometer St Labre Indian School Ashland Montana
Maker stamp
6.5 h x 2.5 w x .13
Original unrestored vintage untested decorative item
Refer to images.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Olivetti Divisumma 18, designed by Mario Bellini, 1973
Located in Firenze, IT
The Divisumma 18 is a portable electronic calculator made by Olivetti in 1973 through which the company entered the portable electronics market.
Thanks to the design of Mario Bellin...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic, Rubber
Berkel LP Scales
By Berkel 2
Located in Roma, IT
Berkel scale mod.LP from the 1960s made in the Netherlands
Category
1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Bilancia pesa persona da Farmacia Diara
Located in Roma, IT
Bilancia pesa persone da Farmacia prodotta in Italia negli anni 70 dalla ditta Diara di Livorno completamente restaurata
Pesata massimo 150 kg
Divisione 100 g
Meccanica
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
20th Century Japanese Pair Of Naval Bridge "Big Eye" Binoculars By Nikon c.1940
By Nikon
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare set of Japanese naval bridge “big eye“ binoculars by Nikon manufactured during WWII by Tokyo Kogaku Kikai (Tokyo Optical Company). They have been expertly cleaned and hand pol...
Category
1940s Japanese Other Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Brass Harbormaster 0905 Telescope on Tripod Stand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Brass 0905 Harbormaster 48" Telescope on Tripod Stand. Circa Mid to Late 20th Century. Measurements: 60" H x 48" W x 3...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Gold Ceramic Thermometer by Mithé Espelte
By Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful wall thermometer in ceramic by Mithé Espelt. Abstract decors with gold glaze and pockets of molten glass
Marie Thérèse Espelt, aka. Mithé Espelt (1923-2020)
Born in...
Category
1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Ceramic
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
Vintage Polaroid SX-70 Tan Land Camera by Henry Dreyfuss
Located in Wallkill, NY
A very nice Polaroid SX - 70 camera, developed by Edwin Land and Richard Wareham, designed by Henry Dreyfuss Associates. This was state of the art and re...
Category
1970s American Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stainless Steel
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
Berkel Scales
By Berkel 2
Located in Roma, IT
Libra from Holland in good condition all original no parts missing or repaired
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Vintage German Barometer Wrapped in Leather, Adnet Style
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage leather and brass hanging German Barometer.
Polished brass German barometer with readings in English.
Wrapped in a leather black strap with ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Bauhaus Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Terrestrial globe, Italy 1940.
Located in Milan, IT
Terrestrial globe, physical and political, in paper mache on a round metal base. Cartographic design G. Pugno, lithographic typography C. Brandoni. Italian globe laboratory, Turin, I...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Campbell–Stokes sunshine recorder by Casella & Co of London
By Casella
Located in London, GB
A mid twentieth century Campbell–Stokes sunshine recorder, by Casella & Co, London.
Pattern: Mk III C 45- 65 (latitudes 45° – 65°, North or South). 4 inch glass sphere.
Serial numb...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Brass Lorgnettes 'Long-Handled Opera Glasses' Mid-Century Italian Design 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
A splendid pair of 'lorgnettes' (long-handled opera, or theatre, glasses). Lorgnettes, eye glasses held in place by long handles rather than resting on the bridge of one's nose, were...
Category
1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1970's Vintage Olivetti Lettera 35 Typewriter
By Olivetti
Located in San Carlos, CA
Beautiful vintage 1970's Olivetti Lettera 35 typewriter, made in Italy. This typewriter comes with a very cool vintage Olivetti shoulder bag.
This typewriter is in very good cosmeti...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern 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
Mid-Century Functional Tesla AS20 Phone 1979, Československo
By Tesla
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition
- Fully functional
- Tesla manufacturer
- Scratched, see photo-
Category
1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
Copper & brass fuel measures by Sutherland Astell
Located in London, GB
Two copper and brass metric "Checkpump" fuel measures by Sutherland Astell, circa 1950.
Made for the County Borough of Blackpool.
Marked: 10 and 20 litres, at 20°.
20L, Height: 23...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
Mid-century Dental Phantom Head Model on Custom Stand c.1960s (FREE SHIPPING)
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A mid-century dental school practice head, known as a dental phantom head, with aluminum skull, articulating mouth and solid steel custom sta...
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Phantom Dental Training Simulator on Custom Steel Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A phantom dental training simulator used in dental school with removable rubber shroud. Mounted on a custom steel stand. The aluminum jaws have a magnetic quick disconnect sys...
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
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
1950s Wall Unit Vornado Grey Electric Window Fan
By Vornado
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Gray Electric Window Fan
18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d
Preowned unrestored vintage condition.
Tested and working.
Refer to all images please.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Large Set of 8 Vintage Lab Sieves, English, Brass, Stacking, Scientific, C.1965
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large set of 8 vintage laboratory sieves. An English, brass stacking scientific apparatus, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1965.
Fascinating set with superb period a...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical model of a chiken, Germany 1930.
Located in Milan, IT
A life-size anatomical model of a chicken, with separable anatomical parts, for educational use. Made of painted plaster, wooden and metal base. Somso, Germany circa 1930.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage Human Body Educational Model / Anatomical Model, circa 1940s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Fantastic looking vintage anatomical model of a full human body on a black granite base. The height of the model with base (4 cm) is 82 cm.
Unfortunately, removable parts are missing.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments
Materials
Granite
Primitive Antique Hand Carved Stone Water Filter Mexico
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Rustic hand carved stone water filter
14 h x 11.5
Unrestored original antique vintage condition
See all images for details.
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Rustic Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stone
Vintage Saunders Rota Trim Mastercut II Rotary Paper Cutter Trimmer
Located in Dayton, OH
1996 Rota Trim Mastercut II rotary guillotine paper cutter / trimmer with self-sharpening tungsten steel cutting blade. Saunders Catalog No. 890-015. Blade marked UF-11-95. Made in...
Category
Late 20th Century Scientific Instruments
Materials
Composition, 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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