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
Early 20th Century Brass Electric Fan, by Frost & Co
Located in Godshill, 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
Antique Carpentry Molding Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "M. Steckel' on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF M...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
A Set of 19th c. Carpenter's Molding Wood Planes
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry planes used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "Ohio Tool Co." on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE ...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
Aircraft Design Wind Tunnel Scale Model of a Late 1960s GAC-100 Airliner
Located in London, GB
A 1/10 scale wind tunnel model of a GAC-100 Commuter airliner.
Wingspan: 7ft (214 cm)
The model is constructed out of laminated mahogany, and is built to the highest standards,...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique 18th Century Trebuchet, Money Changer's Balance, With Its Weights
Located in Bilzen, BE
Wooden trebuchet with its weights.
These kind of scales were used by money changers to weigh golden coins in those days to avoid fraud
18th Century
The box measures 18 cm X 8.7 cm ...
Category
18th Century German Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
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
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
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
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
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
Sailing ship's pulley fiddle block
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century Naval oak fiddle pulley block, with two wood sheaves.
Marked with Roman Numerals: XXVIIII
In sailing, a block is a single or multiple pulley. One or a number ...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Oak
19th Century German Anatomical Didactic Abdominal & Pelvis Model attr. to Sommer
By Marcus Sommer
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curiosities, Gothic Antique, Anatomical Sculpture.
Antique 19th Century G...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Plaster, Paint, Paper
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
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
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
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
c. 1899 NOS Complete Japanned Copper Dental Drill
Located in Dekalb, IL
This immaculate and incredibly rare piece of dental history originates from the office of Dr. Harry Wood - formerly located at 205 Huron Street in Berlin, WI. This complete dental drill set comes with everything - including the ornate japanned copper swing arm...
Category
1890s American Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Copper
19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table A very rare piece
Located in Godshill, 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
Vintage WESCO Oil Can
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Metal Oil Can.
An automotive oil can made by Wesco, Birmingham. A fantastic piece of vintage motoring ephemera, the perfect gift for the motoring enthusiast. Who would have t...
Category
Early 20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Cast Iron Personal Weighing Scales by JARASO
Located in Godshill, 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
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
Antique Iron Worker Hand Forged Vintage Tools Set of 9
Located in Chula Vista, CA
collection handmade Iron Blacksmithing Tools- Set of 9 Antique Iron Worker Tools
forging metal
circa early 1900s
tool total 9
25 the longest x 3...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron, Metal
Antique Brass Plumber's Blowtorch c.1900, Made in England
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique brass Heathware No: 66 English plumber's blowtorch with a Bakelite handle. Original sticker.
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR Heathware Pr...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Brass Balance Shop Scales with Eagle Crest
Located in Godshill, 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
Rare Antique Agfa Ansco Readyset Traveler Folding Camera c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique Readyset Traveler folding camera. The body of camera is covered in a luggage canvas with a a pop out view finder and it folds smoothly closed to 1.5 inches. This ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
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
Silvered Fire Suit
Located in Peekskill, NY
I'm guessing that this industrial safety garment dates to the mid 20th century. We had a custom made museum quality display stand created for this item and it just comes alive. This ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Canvas
Heavy Wall Glass T Junction Tube for Pyrex, 1930s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural junction tube fashioned of laboratory-grade Pyrex glass.
Category
1930s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
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
Vintage Industrial Foundry Wooden Block Mold Architectural Valcor Engine - Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Industrial Foundry Large Wooden Block Mold Architectural Salvage from Valcor Engine Corp - a Pair. Approx 30 lbs each. Great to use as unique decorative objects or convert fo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
Salter's spring balance weighing scales
By George Salter & Co. Ltd
Located in London, GB
A Salter's improved spring balance by George Salter & Co.
To weight: 100 lbs.
George Salter & Co.:
Established in 1760 by Richard and William Salter, spring makers, began making ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
19th Carpentry Molding Plane with Steel Blade
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry plane with steel blade used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "E. Avery' on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknown...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
20th Century French Glass Case Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century French scale encased in glass is a functional and decorative piece that reflects a blend of craftsmanship and practical design. The scale is housed within a black w...
Category
20th Century French Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
19th c. Carpenter's Molding Wood Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings.Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1850-1920.
MATERI...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
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
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
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
French 19th Century Iron Pharmaceutical Corker
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
An interesting part of 19th century history is brought back to life with this rare French cast iron pharmaceutical bottle corker circa 1870. We a...
Category
19th Century French Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Antique Brass Three Crown's Plumber's Blowtorch c.1900, Made in Sweden
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique solid brass plumber's blowtorch with a wooden handle. Stamped "The Swedish Lamp" and "Three Crowns Original Swedish".
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
Late 19th Century Scientific "Cyclo-Stormograph" by Short & Mason Tycos
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and appears to be completely intact. Short & Mason Tycos Cyclo-Stormograph under beveled glass & mahogany with a drawer which contains extra graph paper, tiny key and origin...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
Solid Boxwood Extra Long Plow Plane c.1850
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Solid boxwood carpenter's wood plane with steel and bronze accents. Stamped "Krautz" on both sides.
CREATOR Possibly Casey Kitchel & Company.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c....
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Steel
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
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
Vintage Industrial Foundry Wooden Block Mold Architectural Valcor Engine Corp
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Industrial Foundry Wooden Block Mold Architectural Salvage from Valcor Engine Corp (Single Mold), Approx 20 lbs. Great to use as a unique decorative object or convert for use...
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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, Manches...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron, Nickel
19th c. Wooden Carpentry Moulding Plane c.1850-1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry plane with iron blade used to make trim and moldings. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1850-...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Vintage Goodell-Pratt Brass and Wood Level c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A vintage level with two bubbles, large brass label and brass accents.
CREATOR Goodell-Pratt Company, Mass.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1930-1940.
MATERIALS AND TECHN...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Ram's Horn Cabinet Maker's Wood Scraper c.1905
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wood and steel ram's horn cabinet maker's wood scraper.
CREATOR E.C. Atkins & Co.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1905-1910.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Steel, Boxw...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
Antique Rosewood and Bronze Push Drill Brace
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique push drill brace with Rosewood wooden handle and bronze collar.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c. 1860-1900.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Bronze, Stee...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel, Bronze
Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800
Located in Godshill, 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
Vest Pocket Hawkeye Folding Camera c.1924-1935
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
The Vest Pocket Hawkeye Model B folding camera with a leather wrapped body and chrome accents.
Shown with life size hand.
CREATOR Eastman Kodak Co.
DATE OF MANUFACTU...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
19th c. Varville & Son Plow Plane c.1870-1900
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Solid wood carpenter's wood plane with steel and bronze accents. Stamped on both sides.
CREATOR Varville & Son, York, UK.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1870-1900.
MATE...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Steel
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
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
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
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
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
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.