Industrial Scientific Instruments
INDUSTRIAL STYLE
Industrial floor lamps, bar stools, desks and other industrial-style furnishings have experienced a resurgence in popularity with the rise of interest in minimalist design.
It's a look that celebrates the past even as it suggests vigor, productivity and brawn. The newly chic industrial style of decor repurposes the simple, sturdy furniture of an earlier world of commerce — brushed-metal storage cabinets and display shelves, task lamps and pendant lights with enameled shades, work tables with worn wooden tops and cast-iron bases — and couples them with aesthetic touches emblematic of energy and optimism, from bright upholstery fabrics to flowers.
The rise in prominence of the industrial style has come hand-in-hand with the residential repurposing of former manufacturing and warehouse districts throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. In many loft apartments created in shuttered factories, the architectural envelope has been left intact.
Industrial-style interiors feature elements like raw brick walls, exposed steel beams and oak floors whose history is written in every pit and gouge. Iron and glass transom windows give definition and interest to small kitchen areas anchored by kitchen islands made of marble, steel and brass, while taxidermy or vintage neon signs serve as wall art in living rooms dotted with leather club chairs. Patina is the keynote to a decor in sync with such surroundings.
On 1stDibs you will find industrial furniture designs that wear their age beautifully — and were built to last.
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Style: Industrial
Antique J.C Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass In Original Mahogany Box
Located in New York, NY
Brass and steel survey transit and compass in the original mahogany box. Made by J.C Ulmer Co. Good condition with appropriate wear from age. One availa...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
Antique Salter Family Scales No 50 a Well Loved and Used Family Scales
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Antique Salter Family Scales No 50
A well loved and used Family Scales, made by Salter, the cast iron body is in Dark green with Gold highlights, it has...
Category
1940s Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Open Scale Barograph by C F Casella & Co of London
By Casella
Located in London, GB
An open scale barograph by C F Casella & Co of London, circa 1960.
7 day clockwork "Gluck" barometer recorder.
Measures: Width: 32 cm.
Depth:18 cm.
Height: 23.5 cm.
C. F. Casella and Co:
Established in 1810 as Tagliabue and Casella.
Incorporated as a limited liability company, C. F. Casella and Co, in 1910.
AS advertised in 1930: C. F. Casella and Co Ltd., of Regent House, Britannia Walk, London, N1 7ND - Makers of anemometers, anemographs, barometers, barographs, hygrometers, hygrographs, radiation instruments, rain gauges...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1920s Mahogany & Brass Antique Tool Carpentry Scribe
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Mahogany Wood & Patinated Brass Antique Old Carpentry Marking Tool circa 1920s USA
Carpenter Scribe Marking Gauge Vintage Wood Working Tool in Wood ...
Category
1920s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Box Wood and Iron Paper Guillotine
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century box wood and iron paper guillotine
Well used and still working well, the makers name in the centre of the chopping platform is too wo...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Boxwood
Wall Mounted Calipers from the Ross Optical Company London
Located in London, GB
A set of graduated calipers from the Ross of London optical company, mounted on a later wall hanging backboard.
Each caliper with various markings.
Ross of London was a maker o...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Anatomical Eye Model by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Anatomical, composition, organ model of the eye by New York Scientific Co., Inc disassembles into six pieces deconstructing the eye and its nerves. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Composition
Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by E. S. Lane, Upton ME
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass hardware, lumber caliper by E.S. Lane, Upton ME used to measure the amount of timber from a tree fea...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by William Greenlief
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass, lumber caliper by William Greenlief used to measure the amount of timber from a tree features a sli...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Anatomical Plaque by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand painted, plaster, anatomical plate by New York Scientific Supply Co. depicting the musculature and circulatory systems of the face and head on a wood plaque.
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood, Plaster
German Anatomical Muscular Bust Model
Located in Brooklyn, NY
German, anatomical, plaster model of a cross-section of a bust, depicting the muscular and circulatory systems.
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
1920s Dental Paperweight Sculpture Glass Slab Temperature Gauge Thermometer
By Honeywell, S.T. Dupont
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare item from the L.D. Caulk Co. of Milford Delaware. New old stock, New in box. A true Relic from yesteryears building technics. A beautiful desktop sculptural object. Temp rises w...
Category
1920s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Brass Balance Shop Scales with Eagle Crest
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Brass balance shop scales with eagle crest
Decorative large brass balance shop scales
I super looking set, the slightly dished pans are hung on brass...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Imperial Sand & Ballast Measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London
Located in London, GB
A rare sand and ballast measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London, circa 1940.
Measures one, three-quarters, and half cubic foot.
Made for Monmouthshire County Council.
P...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
Model of an Early Communications Satellite
Located in London, GB
A cased model of an early British Hawker Siddeley Dynamics satellite concept, relating to the ELDO Europa rocket, circa 1966.
The model is accompanied by a Royal Aircraft Establis...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plastic
1911, The Lady Claire Dress Form, Very Rare
Located in Peekskill, NY
I've had an example of this dress form in my personal collection. It's an amazing piece of engineering and one of my favorite items... something I decided to never sell it. The Lady Claire...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
1800s Veterinarians Horse Gag and Cutaway Skull
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early medical school demonstration model. The horse skull on its own very interesting. It shows a professionally done cutaway of the skull showing the teeth below the gum ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bone
Wooden Surveyor's Transit Scope Tripod c.1940
By Dietzgen
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Vintage wooden surveyor's transit scope tripod with painted feet and metal top.
CREATOR Possibly Dietzgen.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940s.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
20th Century Set of Vintage Surgical Seams
Located in Barcelona, ES
20th century set of vintage surgical seams By unknown manufacturer, Spain. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. M...
Category
20th Century Spanish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
Vintage Canon FT QL 35mm Film SLR Camera with Original Leather Case
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Vintage Canon FT QL 35mm Film SLR Camera with Original Leather Case
Capture the magic of analog photography with this vintage Canon FT QL 35mm film SLR camera—a true gem f...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Large Antique Kodak No. 3A Model C Folding Camera c.1900-1915
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A large Eastman Kodak No. 3A folding camera. The body is wrapped in leather with black metal, chrome and brass accents on the lens. The camera features a hand-held shutter but...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
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
20th Century Czech Wooden Industrial Element
Located in High Point, NC
This 20th-century wooden foundry mold, repurposed as a captivating decorative piece, stands as a testament to the fusion of industrial history and artistic charm. Crafted from solid ...
Category
20th Century Czech Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907
This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cast Iron base the central upright columns are a...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
Vintage For 35mm Film Zeiss Ikon Contaflex SLR Camera
By Zeiss Ikon
Located in San Carlos, CA
For Sale: Beautiful Vintage Zeiss Ikon Contaflex 35mm Film SLR Camera – A Collector’s Dream!
Step into the golden era of photography with this stunning Zeiss Ikon Contaflex 35mm SLR...
Category
1960s Japanese Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Early Eye Glass Trade Stimulator - Test Your Own Eyes Optometer
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early eyeglass trade stimulator... TEST YOUR OWN EYES. Its an Optometer that has a dial on the right of the device. Turn the dial and there is a double geared carousel wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
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
Vintage Metal Laboratory Beaker Stand
Located in High Point, NC
An intriguing and unique accent, this vintage lab-ware stand holds various vintage technical glasswares. Industrial, utilitarian, and scientific, yet also playful and curious, this vintage beaker...
Category
20th Century Czech Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
20th Century English Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century English scale is a captivating piece of industrial design and functional history. Crafted from cast iron with a sturdy base and a brass beam, this scale embodies du...
Category
20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Stainless Steel, Iron
VINTAGE Optometrist Eye Chart Light Box Cabinet, eye exam
Located in Buffalo, NY
VINTAGE Optometrist Eye Chart Light Box Cabinet, eye exam .. Tested and working, could use re-wiring..
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
1800s Cast Iron Farm Well Hand Pump with Handle Piston
Located in New York, NY
1800s farmhouse and Industrial style cast iron hand pump. Unknown working condition but great look. Sold as is. Please note, this item is located in our Scranton, PA location.
Category
19th Century American Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Vintage Underwood Champion Portable Typewriter c.1946
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A vintage portable Underwood Champion Four bank typewriter in grey finish and original case. This typewriter is very clean and in good working order. It has smooth typing and ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Peerless Enameled White Iron Lollipop Penny Scale Working
By Peerless
Located in New York, NY
Working antique white cast iron penny scale made by Peerless. In good working condition with chips and scratches in the enamel. There is no key to zero the scale. Please note once sh...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Steel, Iron
Marconi-Newton type constant speed windmill propeller, dated 1926.
Located in London, GB
A twin bladed aluminum Marconi-Newton type 182S constant speed windmill dated 1926.
MARCONI-NEWTON CONSTANT SPEED WINDMILL PAT. No 262558/1926
3500 R.P.M. 85/300 M.P.H TYPE 182S N...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Cast Iron Personal Weighing Scales by JARASO
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Cast Iron Personal Weighing Scales by JARASO
Quirky scales to keep your weight personal, the weight registered by the scales can only be correctly vie...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Early 19th Century Butchers Steelyard for Weighing Scale
A good original industrial piece, the balance has blacksmith made sliding hook for adjustment of balance weight
The Steel...
Category
Early 19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Rustic Wood Zig Zag Folding Ruler Extension
By Stanley
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Extension Ruler Rustic Wood Folding Decorative Item
Attributed to Lufkin or Stanley
Closed .75 h x 1.75 d x 8 w, fully extended 55 fully extended
Antique vintage un...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Refinished Gerstner & Sons Machinist's Toolbox
Located in New York, NY
Gerstner & Sons is a renowned American company with a long history of manufacturing high-quality tool chests and wooden cases. The company was founded in 1906 by Harry Gerstner in Da...
Category
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Felt, Faux Leather, Oak
Set of four imperial fuel standard measures by Gaskell & Chambers in case
Located in London, GB
A set of four copper and brass CHEKPUMP imperial fuel standard measures, by Gaskell & Chambers, dated 1931 made for the County Borough of Wallasey.
Three gallon, Two gallon, One gallon & Half gallon.
Marked: GASKELL & CHAMBERS Ltd. MAKERS. DALE END WORKS BIRMINGHAM
Serial number: 252.
In original fitted oak case, with rope handles, with brass escutcheon, dated 1930, with corresponding serial number and markers mark.
Gaskell and Chambers...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
Antique Underwood Typewriter c. 1945
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
An original Underwood typewriter with black crinkle finish. The typewriter functions properly. New ribbon. The keys are brass and black with gold letters. All the keys work pr...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel, Nickel
Carl Zeiss cold war era 10 x 50 periscope binoculars
By Carl Zeiss
Located in London, GB
A cold war era Carl Zeiss Oberkochen 10 x 50 periscope binoculars, German, circa 1965.
Specifications: 10 times magnification, coated optics, objective diameter 50 mm, grey filter and drop down grid.
Original transport case. (included protective feet pads and rubber eye guards).
Dimensions of the case: 29 x 18 1/2 x 11 inches. (73 x 47 x 28 cm).
Mounted on an adjustable height tripod. Height of periscope in photographs: 77 inches.
This model of Zeiss periscope...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Large Impressive 1800s Kalidoscope
Located in Peekskill, NY
This scope is unsigned and was acquired from a European collector. It could be American but I'm guessing its not. The eyepiece and turning mechanism are brass. The tube is canvas wra...
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
19th Century English Molding Plane
Located in High Point, NC
19th century molding plane made from beech wood. The plane is stamped with the name MIKE. Imagine the moldings this plane was used to make.....
Category
19th Century English Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
Rare Antique 19th C Reuben Sutcliffe English Nickel Plated Hanging Balance Scale
Located in Dayton, OH
"Monumental 19th century English general store balance by Reuben Sutcliffe of Manchester. Made from Iron with a rich nickel plated finish. The company traded on Thomas Street, Manchester, Uk, from about 1825 until after the turn of the 20th century. The founder being George Sutcliffe
The antique apothecary scale...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron, Nickel
Antique Wood Flower Mold Two Hole
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Wood Flower Mold Two Hole
8.25 w x 3 d x 1.75
Original vintage condition unrestored
See all images provided.
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Surveyor's Poles/Logging Measuring Stick c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
Two remaining. The 168" and 144" have sold.
Original surveyor's pole and one logging measuring stick. The other wider all wood yellow surveyor pole is fixed. The logging meas...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rare Early 8x10 Double Bellows Double Exposure Camera
Located in Peekskill, NY
When have you ever seen one of these? This is a first for me. This very unique camera came out of an important 2 generation New York Collection. This was a custom built double exposu...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum
Leonard Bailey Wooden Block Plane Tool, United States, Early 20th Century
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Leonard Bailey Wooden Block Plane Tool, United States, Early 20th Century.
Category
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
1940s Plaster Anatomical Heart Model on Wood Stand
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Instructional, anatomical, plaster, heart model on 7" diameter wood base, circa 1940s.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Wood
19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table A very rare piece
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table
A very rare piece, the carrying box originally held many pieces of the surveyor’s equipment, t...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Set of Cast Iron and Glass Rings c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A set of three cast iron rings with smaller rings on top. Convex glass on both sides in each piece.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1940-1960.
MATERIALS AN...
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Vintage, Commercial Grade Tri Pod by Samson
Located in New York, NY
High quality vintage camera trim pod by Samson. The trim pod is adjustable in various ways, including height ( 42- 73.5 in ) in addition the camera platform tilts and can be related ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Antique Kodak No. S Model E Folding Camera c.1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The body is wrapped in leather with red bellows. Chrome, brass and leather accents on the lens. The camera may or may not work but is sold as a decorative object.
Shown with ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Keuffel & Esser Co. Military Transit Surveyor Telescope
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Keuffel & Effer Co. military transit surveyor. It consists of a compass and a telescope. Inside the center of the compass is hallmarked Keuffel & Esser. Also over the front...
Category
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Seldom seen Industrial Military "Field" Dental Chair , Canadian War Museum
By Metal Art
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen Industrial Military "Field" Dental Chair , as seen in the Canadian War Museum .. Amazing industrial design, great color , patina. Retains original label (see photo) dated...
Category
1940s Canadian Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
1890s Hand Painted Life Size Anatomical of Head
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early and high quality hand-painted plaster antique anatomical model of an adult human head. I would date this to 1900. The detail...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster
Large Early 20th c. French Medical Hand Model c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Early 20th century large French plaster hand model used as a medical teaching device. Lacquered plaster custom heavy steel stand.
Shown with life size hand model.
CREA...
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Industrial scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Industrial 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, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Industrial 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 Short & Mason , Berkel, Casella, and Crouse-Hinds. 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 $52,265 while the average work can sell for $995.