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 Kodak Folding No. 3A Camera with Mahogany Inlay c.1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A large Eastman Kodak No. 3A folding camera with red bellows and Mahogany inlay. The body is wrapped in leather with chrome and brass accents. The camera folds to 2.5 inches. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
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
Vintage Oil Can
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vintage Copper Force Feed Oil Can.
An automotive tin oil can. A fantastic piece of vintage motoring ephemera, the perfect gift for the motoring enthusiast. Who would have thought the...
Category
20th Century British Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
$131
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
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
$695 Sale Price
22% Off
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 Frankstein Wall Art Throw Switch Slate Brass New Haven Mfg Co
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Bolt it on the wall for decor on set on a table for conversation. A large example by New Haven Manufacturing Co. of Connecticut, c.1890s.
L 14.5 x W 5.5 x Thk 3 in
Category
1890s American Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Slate, 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
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
French Antique Contin Typewriter from the, 1940s
Located in Godshill, 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
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
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
$2,600
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
19th c. I. Hick Carpentry Molding Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Stamped "I. Hick' on the side. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknown.
DATE OF MANU...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Walnut
$75 Sale Price
21% Off
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$609 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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
NYC Subway Test Brake Handle
Located in New York, NY
Reclaimed subway test brake handle made of cast iron with a red enamel handle. These handles were used in the New York City subway system. Made by Hafco. Good condition with surface ...
Category
20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Enamel, Iron
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd
The Glass Syringe comes in its original turned Beech case and has the Pharmacy label on the front
The box is 9” long and...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Beech
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
1940s English The Viking Scale & Weights by F. J. Thornton & Co. Ltd.
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1940s The Viking scale & weights by F.J. Thornton & Co Ltd, Wolverhampton, UK. Cast iron black painted with gilt manufacturer's information & emblem. Brass weight & dry goods holders...
Category
1940s English Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, 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 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
Full Display Box of Early Camera Lens Salesman Samples
Located in Peekskill, NY
The velvet lined case is full and contains 45 sample lenses. The case is signed in gold stamped letters L.O. BITTNER & CO., OPTISCH FEINMECHANISCHES WERK. MUNCHEN. I have never seen ...
Category
Early 20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
$75 Sale Price
21% Off
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
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
Antique Weber Costello 12 Inch Globe - Rare Tall Base
Located in Peekskill, NY
I checked the globe and its signed Weber London but could not find a date of printing. This is an 12 inch desk globe is a bit different because of the extra tall decorative stand. I ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze
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
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
$1,895 Sale Price
34% Off
Oversized Industrial Pyrex Glass Bell Jar With Large Side Arm
By Pyrex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized Industrial Pyrex glass bell jar is certainly a unique and an impressive art object. At 29" height and 20.5" diameter this bell jar, dome, clouche can be used any way y...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$95 Sale Price / set
24% Off
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
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
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
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 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
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907
Located in Godshill, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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