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Modern Scientific Instruments

MODERN STYLE

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”

Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.

Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chaircrafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.

It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.

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Style: Modern
Large Mid-Century Italian Giorgio Armani Eye Glasses Factice Shop Display Piece
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This is a rare and unique item! The Armani Eyeglasses Factic for display in a shop comes with its original cardboard packaging and is made of metal a...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Westinghouse Shortwave Radio in French Polished Mahogany Case
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome Westinghouse combination shortwave radio, the French polished mahogany case housing a tube movement with multiple radio settings, made and s...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Laboratory Microscope, German, Scientific Instrument, Carl Zeiss Jena
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage laboratory microscope. A German, enamelled metal scientific instrument by Carl Zeiss Jena, dating to the late 20th century, circa ...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique Fountain Pen with Papers & Boxes
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This fountain pen was made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. This fountain pen is their 'Meisterstuck' model and has...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni, Brionvega 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Radiophonograph RR126 and Record Player by Castiglioni Brothers for Brionvega, 1960s. RR126 radio phonograph and turntable with a rectangular wooden base with dark brown prof...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Camera Gilles-Faller 'Paris' Studio with Easel, France, circa 1925
By Gilles-Faller
Located in Madrid, ES
Study camera with bellows in very good condition, two objectives and mounted on easel on casters for professional use that has crank for the adjustment of the camera in height and in...
Category

1920s French Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Kinetoscope Projector Thomas Edison, Dated About 1904, USA
By Edison
Located in Madrid, ES
Kinetoscope projector Thomas Edison, dated about 1904, is a museum piece. Film Projector Thomas Edison, USA, in excellent condition. Mounted on a ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Pair of Vintage Montblanc Meisterstruck & Starwalker Pens with Boxes & Papers
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of vintage rollerball pens were made by the well known Montblanc factory of Germany in approximately 1990 in their classic modern style. theiThe black cased pen from this grouping is their "Meisterstruck" model with a clear tip on the cap, and a gold band around the center of the barrel with "MONTBLANC" and "MEISTERSTRUCK" in block letters. The other pen of this group with the brushed metal case is their "Starwalker" model. Both pens come with thier original fitted boxes, and we have one outer box and some paperwork. Both of these Montblanc rollerball pens...
Category

Late 20th Century German Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Stainless Steel

Silver Magnifying Glass with a Feather Handle Letter Opener
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very nice silver magnifying glass with a feather handle, which could be used for opening letters as well. The magnification is good and works well. A compliment to any desk or work...
Category

20th Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Memento Mori by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Memento Mori by Callum Campbell Objects for Self Collection Signed Dimensions  W 3.5 x H 9.3 cm Materials: Brass Finish: Polished Engraved with clients name and date of birth...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Triangular Vintage White Opaline Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope. This white opaline kaleidoscope has triangular form and has a rotating blue glass ball for amazing effects.
Category

20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Render by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Render by Callum Campbell Objects for self-collection Signed and numbered Dimensions: W 24 x D 8.8 H 36 cm Materials: Brass, stainless steel Finish: Polished Physical appearance...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Nice Acupuncture Model Statue Sculpture, Composition on Wood Stand Vintage 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative Acupuncture Model. Some wear with a nice patina. Made of composition, metal and a wooden stand. It is painted in different colors and co...
Category

1960s German Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Composition, Metal

Brushed Aluminum Industrial Hourglass on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern industrial brushed aluminum hourglass - in the style of Bauhaus industrial - German, Berlin. An interesting contrast of blown glass and heavy industrial material gives this...
Category

20th Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary Brass Telescope
Located in Astoria, NY
Contemporary Brass Telescope, on teak adjustable tripod base conjoined by central chain link stretcher. 62" H x 41" W x 30" D. Provenance: From a United Nations Plaza, Manhattan Esta...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Honne by Callum Campbell
Located in Geneve, CH
Honne by Callum Campbell Objects for self collection Signed and numbered Dimensions: W 9.5 x H 19- 25 cm Materials: Brass, LED Finish: Polished Note: 220-240w Australian elect...
Category

2010s Australian Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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David Gill Designing Art Book by David Gill
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Vintage German Bauhaus cigarette case. Very good condition.
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Antique English Wooden Cased Compass by Stanley, London
By Stanley & Co., London 1
Located in Bath, GB
A very handsome Victorian military explorer's compass dating to around 1840 / 1860 set in a hinged wooden block measuring 2" square. The compass has a shapely blued-steel needle (ma...
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Marble Solitaire Game with hardwood board and 33 agate stone Marbles, Circa 1925
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good and complete board game of Marble Solitaire,with a hand turned hardwood board and 33 agate stone marbles, which we date to the Art Deco period of the 20th Century...
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Mahogany Cased Barograph
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany cased barograph, having five glazed removable lid, and a drawer below to house the charts. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day c...
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H 8.5 in W 14.5 in D 9 in
Braun PC3 Record Player by Wilhelm Wagenfeld and Dieter Rams
Located in Vienna, AT
Record player Braun Pc3 Design in Germany in 1950s by Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Dieter Rams for Max Braun AG, Frankfurt a. M., Fully restored by a Brun specialist.
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1950s German Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

1980s Klh Fm Top Stereo Clock Radio Walnut Case Mod. Tr-82
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this cool KLH FM tabletop stereo, circa the 1980s made in Japan, beautiful walnut case nice clean condition in working condition a little static when you up the volum...
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1980s Klh Fm Top Stereo Clock Radio Walnut Case Mod. Tr-82
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Vintage Toot-a-Loop Radio by Panasonic, Japan, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
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Plastic

Mid-Century Modern Cabinet Console Record Player attributed to Ico Parisi design
Located in Vigonza, Padua
This rare 1940s record player cabinet by LESA (Laboratori Elettrotecnici Società Anonima), Milan, represents a refined fusion of Italian craftsmanship and early modernist design. The piece features: A solid wood frame veneered in exquisite walnut burl, with striking natural grain patterns that add depth and character. Ebonized trim that highlights the clean geometry and subtle curves of the cabinet. Slender, tapered legs typical of Italian furniture design of the period, lending the piece a light, elegant stance. A functional 78 rpm turntable integrated into the cabinet, with original metal and bakelite components. The mechanism is in working condition. A drop-front door that conceals the turntable when closed, preserving the cabinet’s sleek aesthetic. A lower shelf suitable for storing records or accessories. LESA, founded in 1929 in Milan, was a leading Italian producer of phonographs, radios and hi-fi components. The company was known for combining technical innovation with stylish furniture integration, making pieces like this a hallmark of mid-century Italian domestic design. 🌟 Why acquire this piece Functional art: This cabinet is not only a piece of furniture, but also a working vintage audio device, providing authentic 78 rpm playback in its original form. Historical value: An original example of LESA’s craftsmanship from the 1940s — a brand that was once a market leader in Italian hi-fi. Aesthetic appeal: The combination of walnut burl, ebonized details and streamlined form makes it a perfect fit for Art Deco, mid-century modern, or eclectic interiors. Conversation piece: Its rare combination of furniture and audio technology will attract attention and admiration in any setting. Investment: Well-preserved vintage audio furniture by noted manufacturers is increasingly sought-after by collectors and interior designers. Cabinet Console of the 1940s in burr walnut and walnut flame applied veneered. Cabinet with two shelves, the upper with central flap drawer with internal turntable Record...
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1940s Italian Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

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Walnut

Mannequin of a Young Girl in Black Dress, Shop Display, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Original shop window display child mannequin for primary school clothing, she wears a black dress as an example for children's uniforms from the 1950s.
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1950s Belgian Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

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Plaster, Wood, Paint

Mannequin of a Young Girl in Black Dress, Shop Display, 1950s
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H 40.95 in W 16.93 in D 5.52 in
Large Kodak Folding No. 3A Camera with Mahogany Inlay c.1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
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Early 20th Century Modern Scientific Instruments

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Previously Available Items
Antique Brass Plumber's Blowtorch c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
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Early 20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments

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Metal, Brass

Antique Brass Plumber's Blowtorch c.1920
Antique Brass Plumber's Blowtorch c.1920
H 11.75 in W 5.75 in D 10 in
Diagnostic Optical Trial Frame Adjustable Optometry Glasses
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Inami Optical Trial Frame Adjustable Optometry Diagnostic refractive diagnosis glasses 2.25 h x 6 w x 5.25 d adjustable Preowned original vintage See all images
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Scientific Instruments

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Metal

Bynamics Leather Desk Director Phone System Six Hundred, 1985
Located in Chattanooga, TN
No status seeking, 1980s Wall Street executive should be without this leather bound desk apprentice. More than just a novelty item, this is a rare piece of tech and design history. I...
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1980s Canadian Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

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Stainless Steel

Beautiful Italian Metal Armillary Sphere with Wooden Base, Early 20th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Italian metal armillary sphere with wooden base early 20th century. Dimensions 37 x 26 x 26 cm Very good condition.
Category

Early 20th Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Modernist Hourglass, 1990's
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Modernist hourglass with silver details, 1990's.
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Modernist Hourglass, 1990's
Modernist Hourglass, 1990's
H 10 in Dm 3.75 in
Buccaneer Chest by Guild Vintage AM/FM Radio Pirate Treasure Chest Radio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The Buccaneer chest by Guild Vintage AM/FM radio pirate treasure chest radio. Circa mid to late 20th century. Measurements: 11" H x 15" W x 9.5" D.
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Mid-20th Century Modern Scientific Instruments

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Wood

Italian Radiophonograph Rr126 and Record Player by Castiglioni Brionvega, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern RR126 radiophonograph and record player by Castiglioni Brionvega, 1960s Radiophonograph mod. RR126 and record player with rectangular base, in cream white painted wood with dark brown profiles. There are two sound boxes...
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1960s Italian Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

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Metal

Modernist Blue Hourglass, 1990's
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Modernist blue hour glass, 1990's.
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20th Century Unknown Modern Scientific Instruments

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Glass

Gio Ponti Attb Dufono, in Bakelite Made by Ducati
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great Italian intercom, called Dufono in Italy and has been attributed to the important designer Gio Ponti. Is made in Bakelite, and plated metal. Great art deco to modern design bul...
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1940s Italian Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

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Bakelite

Decorative Antique Hand Carved Solid Wood Printing Block Vintage Stamp Tool
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Decorative vintage carved hand tool antique wood block printing textile stamp tool Handmade in solid wood. Modern geometric chiseled design. Unfor...
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1950s Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

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Wood

Nice Acupuncture Model Statue Sculpture on Wood Stand Vintage 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative Acupuncture Model. Some wear with a nice patina. Made of rubber, metal on a wooden stand. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany.
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1980s German Vintage Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Kaleideoscope Bush & Co 20th Century
By Alfred Bush
Located in Madrid, ES
Kaleideoscope Bush & Co, working condition, . 33 cm height.
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Early 20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments

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Metal

Kaleideoscope Bush & Co 20th Century
Kaleideoscope Bush & Co 20th Century
H 13 in W 15.75 in D 3.94 in

Modern scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Modern scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, 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 and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, glass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern scientific instruments made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original scientific instruments, popular names associated with this style include Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, Brionvega, Montblanc, and Edison. 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 $64 and tops out at $25,284 while the average work can sell for $1,765.

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