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
Large 1940s Vintage Industrial Apothecary Laboratory Teaching Scale Balance
Located in Lafayette, IN
Rare 1940's vintage large-scale teaching scale/balance. Scale stands a massive 50" tall and was originally used as an instructional scale in a Purdue University lab (hence the large ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel, Iron
Calcolatrice Addizionatrice Merchant, Anni 20
Located in Felino, IT
calcolatrice addizionatrice. Marchant mod hs8-36961 del 1920 c.a in ottimo stato di conservazione. pare funzionare, ma non ne garantisco l'utilizzabilita' totale. i meccanismi comunq...
Category
1920s European Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bakelite
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
Coffee Grinder from Peugeot Freres Mod A0
Located in Roma, IT
Rarissimo modello A0 creato alla fine dell'800, conservato, non restaurato nel suo colore originale, costruito in ghisa e cassetti in legno funzionanti nel meccanismo della mola.
Man...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
20th Century Set of Vintage Surgical Seams
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
20th century set of vintage surgical seams
By unknown manufacturer, Spain.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pre...
Category
20th Century Spanish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
French Antique Contin Typewriter from the, 1940s
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
French antique Contin Typewriter from the 1940s
This is a Contin Continsouza Paris, Modèle A n 24 - 1940s, the typewriter is good tidy condition, as a show piece, it all seems to...
Category
Early 20th Century 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
Kelvin and Hughes Binnacle Compass with Oil Lights
Located in Nantucket, MA
A documented Kelvin and Hughes brass binnacle compass in working order. It sits in a teak case with brass oil lights on either side. The small doors on each side open and the oil lam...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Vintage Mid-Century Globe Meat Slicer C1940 Enameled Iron & Stainless
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and powerful, 1/4hp GM Delco motor. Globe deli meat slicer from the forties. Super quiet motor with a new cord and switch. In excellent vintage co...
Category
1940s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Stainless Steel, Enamel, Iron, Chrome, 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
19th Century Shop Double Paper Roll Cutter Dispenser
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
19th century shop double paper roll cutter dispenser
This is a rare and very unusual paper roll cutter, the stand is made in Beech and Iron, it ho...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
19th Century Dentist's Treadle Drill, by Ss White Dental Manufacturing Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
S.S. White Dental Manufacturing Company Treadle Drill, Operational *
USA, circa late 19th century
*Operational means, when the foot pedal is engaged the engine wheel turns, there are no attachments to test, we do not know if the mechanism will do anything more than spin the 'wheel engine'
An intact, very complete (except for drill attachments ) antique dental...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel, 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
Copper Lifeboat Compass, American, C. 1970's
Located in Nantucket, MA
An American, copper, liquid compass from a ship's lifeboat. It has a snap-shut lid to protect it from the elements and the original brass bolts that held into place. The compass sits under a glass dome and is in perfect working order. The steel face...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
1910s Doctors' Medical Scale Mechanical Stand Up with Weights
Located in New York, NY
1910s antique Industrial stand up doctors' scale. Features height indicator and a movable weights with great old paint. Please note, this item is located in one of our NYC locations.
Category
1910s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Early 1900s Oyster House Gallon Tin Cup Baltimore Rare Chesapeake Antique
By George H. Wahmann
Located in Hyattsville, MD
An rare gallon cup for shucked Oyster measurement. Marks: 8 PT. LIQ. GEO. H. WAHMANN MFG. CO. BALTIMORE, M.D.
Category
Early 1900s American Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Tin
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
Exclusive Antique Armillary Sphere
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
An armillary sphere is a model of objects in the sky consisting of a spherical framework of rings, centred on the Earth or the Sun, that represent lin...
Category
Mid-19th Century European Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Industrial Design Science Vintage Black Cast Iron Dentist Machine 19th Century
Located in Vienna, AT
19th Century Industrial design black cast iron dentist machine circa 1890 Austria.
Museums worthy best Industrial design dentist machine from black cast iron body and brass details ...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, 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
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
Early 20th Century Brass Electric Fan, by Frost & Co
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Early 20th century brass electric fan, by Frost & Co
A very stylish good looking piece, with aluminium blades and metal cage
This piece looks to be...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Super Rare 1880s Spoon Top Conformatore
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is a wonderful example of 1800s inventiveness. We believe this is American made and ie signed and dated 1888. This is only the second example we have ever found. We will only se...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Antique Commercial Balance Scale by H. L. Becker in Brussels
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique commercial balance scale by H. L. Becker in Brussels is the type of precision instrument for which the company was known during the early 20th century. Note the attention to ...
Category
Early 20th Century Belgian Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
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
Recording Dial Clock by the International Time Recording Company
Located in Peekskill, NY
A Recording dial clock by the International Time Recording Company, Endicott, New York. In the original oak case and (the first we have ever seen) original table stand. The dial measures 30" diameter. Hight on the table is 71". When plugged in the interior light comes on and the clock motor hums.
Note: From the American History Museum website: "at the end of the 1800s, early 1900s the industrial revolution was taking place and large numbers of people were taking jobs in the cities. Being punctual was the expected behavior as "time is money" attitude prevailed. Also, recording and scrutinizing expenses for labor, materials and overhead were getting more attention than ever before. By the early twentieth century the International Time Recording Company supplied an entire line of timekeeping devices, including master clocks, several types of time clocks, and time stamps. Founded in 1900, the firm continuously expanded its product line, underwent several reorganizations and name changes, and emerged in 1924 as the International Business Machine Corporation, familiar today as IBM. One of the firm's most popular products was the dial time recorder...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
1938 Pull Down Anatomy Chart, Denoyer-Geppert, Artist P.M. Lariviere
Located in Buffalo, NY
1938 pull down anatomy chart, Denoyer-Geppert. Artist P.M. Lariviere. KL3 circulatory system. Stunning image, screenprint on linen.
Category
1930s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Linen
Large copper & brass funnel
Located in London, GB
A large late 19th century copper and brass funnel.
From Wiltshire County, England.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Copper
Collection of 12 Perspex Teaching Blocks & Lenses
By Griffin & George Ltd.
Located in London, GB
A collection of twelve Perspex teaching optical blocks and lenses.
Various shapes, forms and blocks, convex and concave, a number are backed with a white film.
Three have their...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Acrylic
Micro-Barograph by Short & Mason of London
Located in London, GB
An open scale Micro-barograph by Short & Mason of London in enameled glass case.
Number: 551/41
Seven day clockwork drive by Horstmann Gear Co Ltd, of Bath. Serial number: 7027/59
With Meteorological Office “MO” logo.
Meteorological Office calibration certificate dated 27.6.96
Literature: Barometers - Aneroid and Barographs, Edwin Banfield, 1985. page 131 fig. 116.
Short and Mason...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Vintage, Anatomical, Didactic Torso, Female Bust with Head, Somso, 1960s
By Somso
Located in Schagen, NL
This very complete vintage Female torso was manufactured in Germany by Marcus Sommer, 'Somso'. It features a natural size model, AS 40, in Somso-plast. The thoracic/abdominal wall...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Teak and Iron Ship's Nautical Clinometer, Midcentury, French
Located in Nantucket, MA
A ship's clinometer of teak and iron with original paint. Used to measure the degree of healing on a boat, or on larger boats to weigh the distribution of cargo to be sure the ballas...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
Antique Working English Cast Iron Cheese Press Thomas Corbett of Shrewsbury 1880
Located in Portland, OR
A rare antique and all original fully functioning cast iron English cheese press, by Thomas Corbett of Shrewsbury, circa 1880. This cheese press has just ...
Category
1880s English Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
19century English Balancing Scale
By G. None
Located in Tarrytown, NY
19century English balancing scale.
Category
19th Century European Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
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
Lens on Stand by Pye of Cambridge
By William Pye
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century lens on a weighted stand by Pye of Cambridge.
The rotating lens is mounted in a gilt brass dial marked with 360 degree circle, the height and angle can be ad...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Optical Glass
Imperial Sand & Ballast Measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London
By De Grave Short, Fanner & Co.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Very Large Ophtalmotrope
Located in Peekskill, NY
What is an ophthalmotrope? An ophthalmotrope is an apparatus for demonstrating the movements of the eye and the action of the different muscles which produce them, consisting essentially of a model eyeball to which are attached strings and pulleys to duplicate the line force of the muscles.
We think this example is most likely French from the early 20th century. The base is marble with paw feet. It’s also quite large at well over 3 foot tall. This instrument is very complete. It also includes additional parts to set the mechanics up in a different way. In the pictures above the strings are attached to a keyboard. The alternative replaces the keyboard with string guide with a dozen hanging tubular weights. This is one of the largest and most decorative examples we have seen. I have only seen pictures of ophthalmotropes and never one this fine and complete. It’s as rare and impressive show piece.
This item was also used in the movie Knives Out,
Category
Early 20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1920s Dental Paperweight Sculpture Glass Slab Temperature Gauge Thermometer
By S.T. Dupont, Honeywell
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
Junction Tube
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural junction tube fashioned of laboratory-grade Pyrex glass.
Category
1930s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
English 19th Century Scale and Weights
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An antique British counter or grocer scale in cast iron and brass circa 1890. Small scales of this type had many uses during the Victorian Era and could be found in apothecaries, tob...
Category
19th Century English Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Iron
Vintage Metal Laboratory Beaker Stand
Located in High Point, NC
Once used as a tool for conducting laboratory analysis or experimentation, the globe-like spheres glint with the crystal clarity of borosilicate. The solid metal of the frame grants ...
Category
20th Century Czech Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique German Triumph Perfekt Black Typewriter Leather Case
Located in New York, NY
Triumph Perfekt model typewriter. Made in Germany. Unknown working condition. Includes case with leather covering. This can be seen at our 400 Gilligan St location in Scranton, PA.
Category
Early 20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Industrial School Large Scale Green Office Paper Cutter
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century large scale paper cutter. This model cutter was extensively used in schools, offices and in industrial settings. Typical wear from age ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Antique Slate Electric Panel Heavy Duty Copper Breakers
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century Industrial Electrical panel. Made of slate with heavy duty copper breakers mounted to it. This can be seen at our 400 Gilligan St location in Scranton, PA.
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Slate, Metal, Copper
Old Brass Tool American Improved Spring Balance Hanging Scale 24 LB
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Scale
Old vintage tool brass hanging scale stamped American Improved Spring Balance 24 LB
Untested. Selling as is condition.
Measures: 9.25 tall x ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Rare Japanese "SWIFT" Microscope By Stereo Ninety
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rare Japanese "SWIFT" Microscope By Stereo Ninety
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome, Iron
1920s Red Johnson Scale Co. Stathmos Scale
Located in New York, NY
1920s large red Johnson Scale Co. Stathmos scale with wheels. This can be seen at our 400 Gilligan St location in Scranton, PA
Category
1920s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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.
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