Art Deco Scientific Instruments
ART DECO STYLE
Art Deco furniture is characterized by its celebration of modern life. More than its emphasis on natural wood grains and focus on traditional craftsmanship, vintage Art Deco dining chairs, tables, desks, cabinets and other furniture — which typically refers to pieces produced during the 1920s and 1930s — is an ode to the glamour of the “Roaring Twenties.”
ORIGINS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged in the 1920s
- Flourished while the popularity of Art Nouveau declined
- Term derives from 1925’s Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts) in Paris, France
- Informed by Ancient Egypt, Cubism, Futurism, Louis XVI, De Stijl, modernism and the Vienna Secession; influenced Streamline Moderne and mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold geometric lines and forms, floral motifs
- Use of expensive materials such as shagreen or marble as well as exotic woods such as mahogany, ebony and zebra wood
- Metal accents, shimmering mirrored finishes
- Embellishments made from exotic animal hides, inlays of mother-of-pearl or ivory
ART DECO FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE ART DECO FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Few design styles are as universally recognized and appreciated as Art Deco. The term alone conjures visions of the Roaring Twenties, Machine Age metropolises, vast ocean liners, sleek typography and Prohibition-era hedonism. The iconic movement made an indelible mark on all fields of design throughout the 1920s and ’30s, celebrating society’s growing industrialization with refined elegance and stunning craftsmanship.
Widely known designers associated with the Art Deco style include Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Eileen Gray, Maurice Dufrêne, Paul Follot and Jules Leleu.
The term Art Deco derives from the name of a large decorative arts exhibition held in Paris in 1925. “Art Deco design” is often used broadly, to describe the work of creators in associated or ancillary styles. This is particularly true of American Art Deco, which is also called Streamline Moderne or Machine Age design. (Streamline Moderne, sometimes known as Art Moderne, was a phenomenon largely of the 1930s, post–Art Nouveau.)
Art Deco textile designers employed dazzling floral motifs and vivid colors, and while Art Deco furniture makers respected the dark woods and modern metals with which they worked, they frequently incorporated decorative embellishments such as exotic animal hides as well as veneers in their seating, case pieces, living room sets and bedroom furniture.
From mother-of-pearl inlaid vitrines to chrome aviator chairs, bold and inventive works in the Art Deco style include chaise longues (also known as chaise lounges) and curved armchairs. Today, the style is still favored by interior designers looking to infuse a home with an air of luxury and sophistication.
The vintage Art Deco furniture for sale on 1stDibs includes dressers, coffee tables, decorative objects and more.
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Style: Art Deco
Antique Toledo 8400A American Art Deco Green Enameled Porcelain Penny Coin Scale
By Toledo Scale Company
Located in Dayton, OH
Toledo Scale Company Model 8400A. Features an enameled green porcelain finish and tiled station. Features the iconic Art Deco Skyscraper design with a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Enamel
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 Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique World Globe From Fleet Street London 1923 on Wooden Stand
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Antique Terrestrial Geographia of Fleet Street London 12"inch World Globe on handcrafted Wooden Three Legged Base 1923
Made 55 Fleet Street, London
Beautiful desktop globe, sho...
Category
1920s British Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Paper
Greta Garbo Limited Edition Mont Blanc Ballpoint Pen with Pearl
By Montblanc
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Greta Garbo Limited Edition Mont Blanc Ballpoint Rollerball pen with pearl.
Montblanc honors Greta Garbo in the form of another mystical writing i...
Category
Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Resin
Antique Eastman Kodak 3A Folding Pocket Camera with Leather Case
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Collectible antique 1920s Kodak film camera in hard leather case.
With original leather case stamped made in Belgium.
Antique No. 3A Special Autographic Folding Pocket Model C Kodak with Zeiss Kodak Anastigmat Lens 6.3.
The 3A Folding Pocket Kodak, Eastman Kodak...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Antique "No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak, Model AB" Camera c.1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The Kodak No.3 Model AB is an early model. The body of camera is all leather with a leather handle and unique leather covered lens. it folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Baume Mercier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch & Bracelet & Original Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique ladies wristwatch was made by the well known Baume et Mercier of Switzerland in approximately 1920 in their period style. The wa...
Category
Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Gold
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
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 wit...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Abalone, Wood, Shell
Vintage Cased Monocular, French, Field Viewing Scope, Optical Interest, Art Deco
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage cased monocular. A French, enamelled brass and leather viewing scope, dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930.
Delightful field monocular, with 8 x 30 magnificat...
Category
1930s French Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Rock-Ola "Loboy" Porcelain Enamel Coin-Op Penny Scale
By Rock-Ola
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beginning in the Late 19th Century, the penny scale offered a means for passersby to quickly check their weight without going to the trouble of seeing a doctor; simultaneously - and perhaps more notably - they provided an irresistible opportunity for businesses to advertise and earn extra revenue. Penny scales quickly became a platform for creativity in advertising and design, as machines competed to attract the attention of customers on the street.
This scale - the "LoBoy" model - was produced by the jukebox manufacturing company Rock-Ola in the 1930s and features a Classic skyscraper-inspired Art Deco Silhouette in black and white porcelain enamel. The mirrored glass display features instructions ("Stand Still - Keep Clear") as well as a reference chart which provides 'healthy' weights for men and women by height. The scale itself has been modified to function without needing to deposit a coin. This piece would make a super unique and functional addition to any retro bathroom!
Category
1930s American Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Antique The Standard Computing Scale Co Dry Goods General Store Countertop Scale
By Standard Computing Scale Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique The Standard Computing Scale Co. Porcelain Enamel Dry Goods General Store Scale with Beveled Glass Mirrors. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 30" H x 18" W x 20" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An Art Deco Kodak Compur Model Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Black and silver Art Deco design on both sides
Show...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Automa Tedesco Gabbia Con Uccello Cantante e Animato 1920s Karl Griesbaum
Located in Milano, MI
Automa Animato Tedesco Gabbia Con Uccellino del 1920 circa costituito da una gabbia rotonda in ottone dorato con al suo interno un uccello animato canterino su di un trespolo con un ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Desk Tabletop Rotary Restored Telephone By Monogram Black with Trim
By Monogram
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic Monogram Art Deco desk tabletop telephone with metal accents in excellent antique condition with minimal wear. Restored with new cords. See all pics
Category
1930s American Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
20th Century French Vintage Art Deco Metal Berkel Auto Weighing Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A French Art Deco model of a vintage Berkel auto weighing scale in working condition. On the front of the Berkel up to 1kg, on the back it has an old fashioned weighing system. The s...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
"Kodak Special Model A" Sealskin Folding Camera c.1915-1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The body of the Kodak Special, Model A incorporates several unusual design features. The most immediately obvious of these is the Bakelite panel on either side of the lens a...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Mills Novelty Art Deco Green Porcelain Penny Scale
Located in Ferndale, MI
Art Deco period penny scale by Mills Novelty co. Period green porcelain pedestal with cream colored foot hold.
Category
1940s American Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Eastman Kodak "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" Camera c.1909
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" camera with leather wrapped body, brass and chrome accents. Autographic film window in back with iron stylus for writing notes dir...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Machine Age bakelight Ribbonaire Fan Designed by W.O. Langille for Singer, 1931
By Singer Sewing Machine Co., W. O. Langille
Located in Buffalo, NY
Ribbonaire Bakelite Electric Fan designed by W.O. Langille in 1931 for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Aerodynamic Design that pivots front to back to angle the breeze. Unique des...
Category
1930s American Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fabric, Bakelite
German Medical or Tanning Lamp, Wood and Bakelite, 1940s
Located in Roma, IT
German medical or tanning lamp.
Transport handle and external thermometer.
Three settings of the lamps. Eight porcelain lamp holders and four light bulbs. Current 220 volt
Woo...
Category
1940s German Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Porcelain, Bakelite, Wood
Vintage Technical Drawing Set, German, Architect, Cartographer, Riefler, 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage technical drawing set. A German, silver nickel architect or cartographer's instrument set by Riefler of Munich, dating ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Nickel
Art Deco Copper German Perpetual Desk Calendar c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original German perpetual desk calendar. Change the day of the week and date by pressing the Bakelite handle on the side. A knob in the back allows you to adjust the date t...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Marble, Copper
Art Deco Magnifying Glass in Mother of Pearl and Silver Plate 1930s
Located in Meer, VAN
Art Deco Magnifying Glass in Mother of Pearl and Silver Plate 1930s
Sometimes, the only quality an item really needs is beauty - and this art deco magnifying glass has it all. Age, ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Silver Plate
19th Century Old Study Camera in Oak Wood with Height Adjustable and Brake
Located in Miami, FL
Amazing late 19th century French oak camera from Spain.
Made in oak and gold metal and in its color.
Beautiful piece of decoration.
Measures: Adjustable height 55.11in-66.92in.
Category
Late 19th Century Spanish Antique Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Rare Antique English Mammoth Map or Library Magnifying Glass, circa 1930
Located in Bath, GB
Wow, you need to hands to lift this mammoth magnifying glass, a great look for the library and a real talking point.
The handle is made from cast brass and the frame for the glass...
Category
1930s English Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome and black accents and flip out view finder.
Shown with life size hand. Sold as decorative o...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Modernist Barometer, French, circa 1930's
Located in London, Fitzrovia
Modernist Barometer, French, circa 1930's, well designed, working order.
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine. Early 20th Century. Measurements: 11" H x 12.5" W x 4" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver and Bakelite Telephone Child's Toy Baby Rattle
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique figural telephone child's baby rattle is presumed to have been made in the United States in circa 1930 in the period Art Deco style. The toy rattle is composed of a mold...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Sterling Silver
French Baker's Scale
Located in Houston, TX
French Baker's scale. This antique cast iron baker's scale includes original weights.
Great Kitchen Accessory!
Category
1920s French Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Keuffel & Esser Co Survey Transit Tripod Stand with Case Stick and Accessories
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Keuffel & Esser Co Survey Transit on Tripod Stand with Original Oak Wood Case and Accessories Pictured including Telescoping Surveying Stick. Circa Early 20th Century. Measur...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Styled Industrial General Electric Medical Sun Floor Lamp
By Canadian General Electric
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This Art Deco Industrial floor sun lamp was made by General Electric of Canada is approximately 1940, most likely for the medical industry. The lamp is done with a heavy stepped meta...
Category
Mid-20th Century Canadian Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Table or Desk Top Brass Mounted 7" Double Convex Magnifying Glass
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Art Deco desk/table top adjustable magnifying glass. A 7" diameter double convex lens in an open topped brass frame suspended between two vertical posts rising from a stepped two-tie...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage S&S X-Ray Products X-Ray Film Illuminator Model 460A
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage S&S X-Ray Products X-Ray Film Illuminator Model 460A. Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: 19" H x 14" W x 6.5" D.
Category
Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Magnifying Glass in Patinated Brass and Mother of Pearl Early 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Magnifying Glass in Patinated Brass and Mother of Pearl, Europe, Early 20th Century.
This is a beautiful and very well made magnifying glass in patinated brass and mother of pearl. ...
Category
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Motorized Store Display / ETALAGE-RECLAME CORP. New York City
By Advertising Metal Display Co. Inc.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Art Deco Motorized Store Display made by the ETALAGE-RECLAME CORP. New York City,, Truly ingenious design, The base has a spinning triangle that moves using a toothed pin that rides...
Category
1940s American Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome, Metal
Binoculars Opera Glasses with Leather Case
Located in Miami, FL
Binoculars opera glasses with leather case.
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
Antique Salter's Family Scale England Early 20th Century
Located in Meer, VAN
Antique Salter's Family Scale, England, turn of the Century.
Back when normal household items were designed to be beautiful. This scale by Salter is a tr...
Category
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
Eclectic Dutch Barometer With Thermometer From the Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Eclectic Dutch Barometer With Thermometer From the Early 20th Century
An original barometer and thermometer set in an oak wood frame. The thermometer ...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Oak
Antique the Vetter Co Ideal Planetarium Model 1930s in Original Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique The Vetter Co. Ideal Planetarium Model 1930s in original case. Item features an original metal case, brass and metal construction, original label, very nice antique item...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Era Weber-Costello 12 Inch Desk World Globe with Turned Wooden Base
By Weber
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This small Art Deco era desk World globe was made by the Weber-Costello Co. of Chicago Heights Illinois of the United States in 1921 in the period Ar...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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 Antique Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique Dazey Commercial Industrial Churn or Mixer with Toleware Decoration USA
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique commercial churn or mixer was made by the Dazey Manufacturing Company of St. Louis in approximately 1920 in a period Art Deco style. The frame and gear mechanism of the ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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 Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Wall-Mounted Large Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut Belgium
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Deco Style Barometer with Mercury Thermometer Weather Station Antique Decorative Cherrywood Wall Barometer Austria 1920s
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any further q...
Category
1920s Austrian Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Kodak Vigilante Junior Six-20 Folding Camera c.1940-1948
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An Art Deco Kodak Vigilante Junior Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Folds neatly to 1.5 i...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Art Deco Wood Propeller Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
Art Deco wood propeller with barometer.
Category
1930s American Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
German Art Deco Desk Top Barometer and Weather Station
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
German Art Deco desk top barometer and weather station.
German desktop barometer, thermometer and hydrometer. This station is unsigned and made...
Category
20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test. Item features a Bausch & Lomb optical device. We are not exactly sure what is used for or wha...
Category
Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Nudy Lady Thermometer
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Celluloid nude lady Art Deco thermometer.
Category
20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments
Art Deco scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Art Deco scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage scientific instruments created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Art Deco scientific instruments made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original scientific instruments, popular names associated with this style include Montblanc, Baume & Mercier, Bausch & Lomb, and Canadian General Electric. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for scientific instruments differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $95 and tops out at $12,800 while the average work can sell for $700.