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Steampunk Scientific Instruments

STEAMPUNK STYLE

Steampunk style places emphasis on the bespoke, the recycled and the handmade, as well as high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Steampunk fans also share an interest in the industrial and in machines, especially steam-powered ones.

As a design concept, steampunk can feel elusive. Unlike movements such as Arts and Crafts or American Craftsman, which are rooted in specific historical periods, steampunk combines an imagined past with the present and sometimes even the future.

In the late 1980s, writer K. W. Jeter coined the term steampunk to describe his science-fiction stories, which were set in an idealized version of Victorian London. Since that time, steampunk has evolved, emerging as a design style and a subculture.

Since the mid-1990s, steampunk-styled settings and interiors have become popular in mainstream films such as Sherlock Holmes (2009) with Robert Downey Jr.; Van Helsing (2004), which starred Hugh Jackman; or the Will Smith vehicle Wild Wild West (1999). These movies present a contemporary version of the Victorian past. Steampunk elements, such as dark walls, industrial lighting, brass fittings and Edison bulbs, have also been featured in the designs of numerous restaurants.

When talking of steampunk, design professionals often emphasize the style’s industrial elements. Interior designer Stephen Shadley particularly likes steampunk’s inclusion of factory-style light fixtures. “The elegant simplicity of those fixtures, a white or clear glass shade on a brass base, the bakelite switch. They’re beautiful and functional,” he says. “Here, form follows function almost completely.”

One of the appeals of steampunk lies in its oppositions: domestic versus industrial, refined and polished versus coarse and gritty, Victorian versus new, fantasy versus reality. Because it is up to the individual designer to develop the right steamy mix, you will find a large range of steampunk looks.

A steampunk interior can appear much like the Victorian drawing room in your imagination — stately, restrained, proper — while at the same time containing contemporary comforts and conveniences. Another steampunk-style room can look more theatrical, much like the lair of a mad scientist. And, of course, objects with high steampunk quotient, such as brass light fixtures or Victorian scientific instruments, can add charm and interest to almost any set up.

Steampunk, by combining antique and contemporary and repurposing industrial items, offers a fresh way to enjoy Victorian style.

Find steampunk-style wall decorations, lighting, decorative objects and more on 1stDIbs.

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Style: Steampunk
Pair of Steampunk Brass Industrial Architectural Pressure Gauges
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super cool pair vintage General Electric pressure gauges. Each brass and glass gauge houses an aluminum faced dial marked for the General Electric Co. Perfect for a steam punk set...
Category

Early 20th Century American Steampunk Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Rare French Childs Leather Surgical Spinal Corset
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
We have two medical items here, they both date from the mid-19th century, the full upper body corset is a child’s size, it is formed in leather with nick...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Steampunk Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather

Vintage Resuscitation Male Dummy Training Head
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vintage resuscitation man's head. Open mouth connected to tubes that would raise chest for CPR training. Resuscitation dummies were invented in th...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Steampunk Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rubber

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Many Avant Garde architects and designers of the 1960s / 70s became fascinated with the idea of minimal living, a secluded retreat, escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relaxation in the middle of nature. Thanks to new pliable materials, plastics, with their free and easy formability, lightness and especially their novelty, they developed micro bungalows and houses as either secondary vacation homes or for use in gardens. Italian developer Carlo Zappa undertook the challenge of designing and producing such a micro bungalow which eventually became commonly known as 'BANGA' .The first models rolled off the production line in 1971 and went through three production phases before production eventually ceased in 1985. Carlo Zappa not only developed the initial project, but personally executed the moulds, construction solutions, all the services detailing ie electrical, plumbing and metal hardware. Zappa's micro bungalow featured a total of 8.1 square meters of floor space. It offered space for up to three people thanks to a bunk bed, which could be folded down as a sofa during the day. A small bathroom with wash basin, shower / toilet, a small kitchen unit with sink and water heater...
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Rare Antique Everlast Executioner Boxing Training Mask c.1920
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Solid Bronze Male Torso
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Elegant Wall Barometer in Brass & Glass by Taylor
By D. Taylor
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Elegant Wall Barometer in Brass & Glass by Taylor
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French Virgin and Child Chromo-Lithograph, Late 19th Century
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Mid-Century Virgin to the Child Enamelled Plaque, French, circa 1960
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Steampunk scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Steampunk scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-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, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with animal skin, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Steampunk scientific instruments made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 $1,000 and tops out at $1,486 while the average work can sell for $1,400.

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