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.
to
17
102
37
141
154
151
141
48
43
30
27
26
17
16
16
6
6
5
5
3
2
1
4
44
93
52
27
7
3
2
4
7
1
2
103
59
34
29
27
45
41
39
22
21
141
141
141
2
2
2
2
1
Style: Industrial
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Antique German Ulmia Carpenter
s Toothing Wood Plane
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique wooden carpentry toothing plane used to make trim and moldings. Lignm Vitae wood on the bottom. Original labels. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATO...
Category
19th Century Antique 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
Large pressure gauge with brass bezel by Dewrance of London
Located in London, GB
A large early 20th century pressure gauge with brass bezel by Dewrance of London.
Dial marked: 0 – 200 pounds per square inch.
0-25-50-75-100-125-150-175-200 POUNDS PRESSURE PER □ ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Enamel
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
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
Large 18th c. Wooden Jointer Plane c.1700-1799
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.1700s.
MATERIA...
Category
18th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
PAXMAN and ULTRANOMIC brass boiler plates
Located in London, GB
"PAXMAN" and “ULTRANOMIC” brass boiler plate, Paxman Davey & Co, Colchester, England, circa 1930.
PAXMAN width: 13 inches - 33.5 cm.
ULTRANOMIC width: 19 inches - 48 cm.
Paxman...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Thermometer by Taylor
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents
Antique Thermometer Taylor
stamped by maker
6.5 h x 1.75 w x .75 d
Original vintage
Refer to images provided
Category
Mid-20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass
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
Vintage Physical Therapy Tractolator Intermittent Traction Apparatus Chair 1930s
Located in New York, NY
Quirky quack medical device, called a Tractolator, which is a chair designed to stretch the neck and spine by having the patient sit in the chair with their head placed in the harnes...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Chrome
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
$2,187 Sale Price
56% Off
Surveyor
s Pole and Logging Measuring Stick c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Original yellow 72" surveyor's pole and one logging measuring stick. The logging measuring stick is numbered on 4 sides and has a flat brass base that originally allowed it to...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Brass Plumber
s Blowtorch c.1900, Made in Sweden
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An antique solid brass plumber's blowtorch with a perforated handle. Stamped "Primus Sweden".
Shown with life size hand model for scale.
CREATOR AB Bacho, Stockholm, S...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass, Metal
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
20th Century German Glass Case Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 20th-century German scale encased in a glass and wood frame is a fine example of precision engineering and functional design. The scale features a b...
Category
20th Century German Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood
Vintage Toledo Solid Steel Graduating Weights c.1930-1950
By Toledo Scale Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
An original set of solid steel, chromed calibrating weights. Stamped Toledo on each. Two 10 lb, one 5 lb, one 2 lb and one 1 lb set in a solid Bakelite tray.
CREATOR Tol...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel, Chrome
$275 Sale Price / set
21% Off
Early 20th century brass letter scales made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1910
Located in Central England, GB
This unusual set of postal letter scales has great eye appeal. They are made in brass with a complicated cantilevered balance movement. They are stamped for manufacture in Czechoslov...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
19th c. D.R. Barton Smooth Coffin Plane c.1832
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Rare D handled smooth coffin plane.
CREATOR D.R. Barton.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1832.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Walnut, Steel.
CONDITION Good. Wear consiste...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
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
Large 18th c. Monogrammed Cherry Wood Jointer Plane c.1700-1799
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Antique Cherry wood carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Monogrammed and stamped. Steel blade inside. Shown with life size hand mold for scale.
CREATOR Unknow...
Category
18th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
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 MANUFACTUR...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Steel
$495 Sale Price
44% Off
Huge Decorative Scientific Induction Coil
Located in Peekskill, NY
We were told that this coil was originally from West Point but there is no paperwork to back that up. We also guessed at its age. But it looks to be over 100 years. We have owned many coils over the years but nothing of this Size or quality. The wood furniture surrounding the coil is beautiful showing turned wood ends. In almost ll cases these Induction coils...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Wood
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
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
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 Eye Glass Trade Stimulator - Test Your Own Eyes Optometer
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early eyeglass trade stimulator... TEST YOUR OWN EYES. Its an Optometer that has a dial on the right of the device. Turn the dial and there is a double geared carousel wit...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Steel
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
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
Massive Industrial Era "C" Camp
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Massive Industrial Era C Clamp. C-clamps are generally small tools, but here is a "monumental size" clamps more than likely used for specialized equipment such as handling heavy ston...
Category
Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Iron
Late 19th Century Scientific "Cyclo-Stormograph" by Short
Mason Tycos
By Short
Mason
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 an...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal
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
Surveyor
s Pole and Logging Measuring Stick c.1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
About
Original surveyor's pole and one logging measuring stick. The other wider all wood yellow surveyor pole is fixed. The logging measuring stick is numbered on 4 sides and has a ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
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
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
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
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
19th c. Bronze, Rosewood and Ebony Try Squares c.1850-1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
Collection of six 19th century try squares with bronze, Ebony, Rosewood, and steel handles. The Halsted & Ackerman is a rare combination square with a pop out bevel from the b...
Category
19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Metal, Bronze, Steel
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
Sailing ship
s pulley fiddle block
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century Naval oak and elm fiddle pulley block, with two wood sheaves.
Marked with Roman Numerals: XXVIIII
For a similar fiddle block see the collection of: Chatham...
Category
Mid-18th Century English 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
$600 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$327 Sale Price / set
25% Off
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
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
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
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 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
Phantom Dental Training Simulator on Custom Steel Stand
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT
A phantom dental training simulator used in dental school with removable rubber shroud. Mounted on a custom steel stand. The aluminum jaws have a magnetic quick disconnect sys...
Category
Late 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
$350 Sale Price
76% Off
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 Salter Family Scales No 50 a Well Loved and Used Family Scales
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Antique Salter Family Scales No 50
A well loved and used Family Scales, made by Salter, the cast iron body is in Dark green with Gold highlights, it has...
Category
1940s Vintage 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 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.
More Ways To Browse
Antique Oil Pumps
Antique Portuguese Scales
Antique Surveyor Compass
Antique Wooden Compass
Avery Brass Scales
Big Eye Binoculars
Botanical Flower Model
Brain Model
Brass Compass And Case
Brass Surveyors Level
German Telescope
Japanese Vintage Camera
Large Coffee Grinder
Nikon Binoculars
Paper Dispenser
Small Antique Compass
Small Telescope
Stanley Tool