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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
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

Imperial Sand Ballast Measure by De Grave Short Co Ltd of London
Located in London, GB
A rare sand and ballast measure by De Grave Short & Co Ltd of London, circa 1940. Measures one, three-quarters, and half cubic foot. Made for Monmouthshire County Council. P...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Open Scale Barograph by C F Casella Co of London
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

Model of an Early Communications Satellite
Located in London, GB
A cased model of an early British Hawker Siddeley Dynamics satellite concept, relating to the ELDO Europa rocket, circa 1966. The model is accompanied by a Royal Aircraft Establis...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Irvington MFG Co Wire Splicing or Crimping Tool
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage IRVINGTON MFG CO wire splicing or crimping tool. It is made of forged steel and has a dark, aged patina. The tool features multiple round-shaped s...
Category

1940s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Vintage Industrial Small Brass Blow Torch Tool Industrial Sculpture Decor
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an antique blow torch, likely a German vehicle blow torch or "Lötlampe Heizlampe". Used as a tool by goldsmiths and silversmiths in ancient times. Operates o...
Category

1930s American Vintage Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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

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

Anatomical Plaque by New York Scientific Supply Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand painted, plaster, anatomical plate by New York Scientific Supply Co. depicting the musculature and circulatory systems of the face and head on a wood plaque.
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Plaster

Antique Rustic Wood Zig Zag Folding Ruler Extension
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 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 Century Box Wood and Iron Paper Guillotine
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century box wood and iron paper guillotine  Well used and still working well, the makers name in the centre of the chopping platform is too wo...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Boxwood

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

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

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 Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by William Greenlief
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass, lumber caliper by William Greenlief used to measure the amount of timber from a tree features a sli...
Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by E. S. Lane, Upton ME
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass hardware, lumber caliper by E.S. Lane, Upton ME used to measure the amount of timber from a tree fea...
Category

Early 20th Century American 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

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

Cast Iron Mortar from USA
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A cast iron mortar with a bas-relief band in the center.
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.