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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

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
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Pocket Cased Compass With Pouch and Tiffany Box
Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Pocket Cased Compass With Pouch and Tiffany Box

Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver Pocket Cased Compass With Pouch and Tiffany Box

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Reading, Berkshire

Tiffany & Co Tiffany Sterling Silver Pocket Cased Compass. Made in Spain With Hallmarks and 2001 Stamp With Tiffany Blue® Pouch and Box. From the "Makers Collection" which honor...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique The Standard Computing Scale Co Dry Goods General Store Countertop Scale
Antique The Standard Computing Scale Co Dry Goods General Store Countertop Scale

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

Antique Underwood Typewriter No.6 c.1933
Antique Underwood Typewriter No.6 c.1933

Antique Underwood Typewriter No.6 c.1933

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT An original Underwood typewriter No.6 with a 16 inch carriage and an open-frame design. The typewriter works well and functions properly. New ribbon installed. The serial nu...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Nickel

Rare Machine Age / Art Deco Joseph Sinel, Step On It scale, model S
Rare Machine Age / Art Deco Joseph Sinel, Step On It scale, model S

Rare Machine Age / Art Deco Joseph Sinel, Step On It scale, model S

By Joseph Sinel, International Ticket Scale Corp

Located in Buffalo, NY

Joseph Sinel, Step On It scale, model S - Joseph Sinel 1889–1975 Rare Machine Age / Art Deco Step On It scale, model S International Ticket Scale Company New Zealand / USA, 1929. R...

Category

1920s American Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel, Cast Iron

Montblanc Greta Garbo Special Edition Ballpoint Pen with Akoya Pearl, Germany
Montblanc Greta Garbo Special Edition Ballpoint Pen with Akoya Pearl, Germany

Montblanc Greta Garbo Special Edition Ballpoint Pen with Akoya Pearl, Germany

By Montblanc

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

An elegant Montblanc Greta Garbo Special Edition writing instrument, created as a tribute to one of the most iconic and enigmatic stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Part of Montblanc’s...

Category

Late 20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Resin

Art Deco Magnifying Glass in Mother of Pearl and Silver Plate 1930s
Art Deco Magnifying Glass in Mother of Pearl and Silver Plate 1930s

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

Antique Eastman Kodak 3A Folding Pocket Camera with Leather Case
Antique Eastman Kodak 3A Folding Pocket Camera with Leather Case

Antique Eastman Kodak 3A Folding Pocket Camera with Leather Case

By Eastman Kodak

Located in Moreno Valley, 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

Art Deco Rock-Ola "Loboy" Porcelain Enamel Coin-Op Penny Scale
Art Deco Rock-Ola "Loboy" Porcelain Enamel Coin-Op Penny Scale

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

Vintage Reichert Austria Microscope 241 653 in Wooden Box with Accessories
Vintage Reichert Austria Microscope 241 653 in Wooden Box with Accessories

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

Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver and Bakelite Telephone Child's Toy Baby Rattle
Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver and Bakelite Telephone Child's Toy Baby Rattle

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

Vintage Italian scales with brass pans from the Art Deco period, complete with we
Vintage Italian scales with brass pans from the Art Deco period, complete with we

Vintage Italian scales with brass pans from the Art Deco period, complete with we

Located in Milano, IT

Italian Art Deco Grocery Scale with Original Weight Set, circa 1930s Charming Italian grocery scale from the Art Deco period, dating from approximately the 1930s. This piece has a s...

Category

1930s Italian Vintage Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Styled Industrial General Electric Medical Sun Floor Lamp
Art Deco Styled Industrial General Electric Medical Sun Floor Lamp

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

Wall-Mounted Large Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut Belgium
Wall-Mounted Large Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut Belgium

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

Modernist Barometer, French, circa 1930's
Modernist Barometer, French, circa 1930's

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

Art Deco Desk Tabletop Rotary Restored Telephone By Monogram Black with Trim
Art Deco Desk Tabletop Rotary Restored Telephone By Monogram Black with Trim

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

19th Century Old Study Camera in Oak Wood with Height Adjustable and Brake
19th Century Old Study Camera in Oak Wood with Height Adjustable and Brake

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

Antique Dazey Commercial Industrial Churn or Mixer with Toleware Decoration USA
Antique Dazey Commercial Industrial Churn or Mixer with Toleware Decoration USA

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

Art Deco Table or Desk Top Brass Mounted 7" Double Convex Magnifying Glass
Art Deco Table or Desk Top Brass Mounted 7" Double Convex Magnifying Glass

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

Antique "No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak, Model AB" Camera c.1900
Antique "No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak, Model AB" Camera c.1900

Antique "No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak, Model AB" Camera c.1900

By Eastman Kodak

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

Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939
Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939

Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939

By Eastman Kodak

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

Accordion by Sabatino Nocentini & Figli Made in Florence, Italy
Accordion by Sabatino Nocentini & Figli Made in Florence, Italy

Accordion by Sabatino Nocentini & Figli Made in Florence, Italy

Located in Moreno Valley, 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

Shell, Wood, Abalone

German Medical or Tanning Lamp, Wood and Bakelite, 1940s
German Medical or Tanning Lamp, Wood and Bakelite, 1940s

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 Cased Monocular, French, Field Viewing Scope, Optical Interest, Art Deco
Vintage Cased Monocular, French, Field Viewing Scope, Optical Interest, Art Deco

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

Rare Antique English Mammoth Map or Library Magnifying Glass, circa 1930
Rare Antique English Mammoth Map or Library Magnifying Glass, circa 1930

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

French Art Deco Berkel Auto Weighing Scale, Metal, Circa 1930-1940
French Art Deco Berkel Auto Weighing Scale, Metal, Circa 1930-1940

French Art Deco Berkel Auto Weighing Scale, Metal, Circa 1930-1940

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

Vintage Electric Company Meter Lamp
Vintage Electric Company Meter Lamp

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

Vintage Specimen Collector's Chest of Drawers, French, Walnut Desk Box, Art Deco
Vintage Specimen Collector's Chest of Drawers, French, Walnut Desk Box, Art Deco

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

Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test

Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test

By Bausch & Lomb

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical XD 7489 Medical Supply Test. Item featured is a Bau...

Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

French Baker's Scale
French Baker's Scale

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

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.