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Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
PRELUDE - Vintage Compact Binoculars/Opera Glasses - Japan - Mid 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
PRELUDE - Vintage travel size folding binoculars for bird watching or the opera - 3 x 25 m/m magnification - adjustable focus - Japan - mid 20th century. Excellent vintage condition...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Post War Japanese Opera Glasses With Mother of Pearl; in Orig. Carry Case C.1955
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very well precision made mid 20th century opera glasses manufactured in Japan (marked); they are still very operable today and working very well. Although categorized as "opera glass...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Vintage 16 Gallon Pegasus Mobil Oil/Grease Drum Barrel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage 16 Gallon Pegasus MOBIL Oil/Grease Drum Barrel. Vintage unrestored condition. Dimensions: 27.63 H x 15 Diameter. Delivery within 200 miles from...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Large Vintage WWII Telescope, English, Brass, Military Broad Arrow, Ottway Co
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large vintage WWII telescope, an English brass terrestrial instrument by Ottway & Co of London, dated 1945 and marked with the military broad arrow. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or maritime observation. Equally suitable for observing the night sky. A striking and substantial example of British wartime optical engineering Crafted in brass, displaying bright golden tones throughout the draw tube and sun shade Single draw tube design with smooth motion and pleasing tactile presence Main barrel dressed in a later textured outer cover, adding visual distinction and grip Engraved with 'Ottway & Co – London – 1945' to the main draw Clearly marked with the military broad arrow and original serial number Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display Ideal for collectors of WWII memorabilia...
Category

1940s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Wood Geloso Television GT1014, 1950s, Italy
Located in Rome, IT
This GTV1014 was one of the first 21-inch b / w televisions produced by Geloso. It uses the intercarrier system as an audio-video medium frequency. The chassis is mounted inside th...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Plastic, Wood

Vintage Silver Magnifying Glass with Antler Horn Handle
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
We love seeing this sitting atop antique books on a coffee or side table as well as functional on a desk in an office. Fantastic patina on this vintage magnifying glass.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Military Terrestrial Telescope, Canadian, Officer Of The Watch, CKC, WW2
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage military terrestrial telescope. A Canadian, chromed brass naval Officer of the Watch refractor by the Canadian Kodak Company, dating to the WWII period, circa 1940...
Category

Early 20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1950s Olympic Tape Measure Peoples Republic of China
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Tricle Bakelite Olympic Tape Measure made Peoples Republic of China Cover made from dappled rich dark tricle bake-lite includes gilt brass fittings and cloth tape. 5.25 dia...
Category

1950s Chinese Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Iron Balance - Antique Brass Scale
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique French intricate brass balance with different weights in solid brass, in good condition. The iron scale is topped with the original polished brass plates. The scale reads ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Fotex Mini Tripod with Case, Vintage 1960s
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Vintage Fotex Mini Tripod with Case – 1950s-60s Retro Camera Accessory. This is a beautiful vintage FOTEX mini tripod, complete with its original black leatherette carry case. Likely...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century English Inlaid Burlwood Barometer / Thermometer
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-Century English Inlaid Burlwood Barometer / Thermometer. Clean vintage condition. Measures 8.5" in width, 33" in height and 2.25" in depth.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

1940s Antique Surveyors Wood Tripod Base
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Vintage Solid Wood Tripod Surveyor Camera Base Decorative item 44 h x 19 w x 20 d Preowned unrestored Refer to images
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Seeburg Styled Wall Mount Jukebox Diner or Soda Shop Tune Selector
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This early wall-mounted coin operated jukebox tune selector is completely unmarked, but being attributed to the Seeburg Corporation of the United States in circa 1955 in the period M...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Detailed Anatomical Ear Model Made in East Germany by Somso
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the midcentury Organon Auditus Anatomical Model by Somso, a true masterpiece in the world of anatomical models! This amazing model, made in former East Germany, features ...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic, Wood

Mid-20th Century Encased Botanic Flower Samples
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century Encased Botanic Flower Samples Dimensions in inches: H 5.5” x W 3” x D 0.8” Age: Mid 20th century Origin: EU Condition: Aged Ov...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Resin

Unusual Mesmerizing Hand Built Hypnotic Wheel, by Melvin Powers, 1951
By Marilyn Powers
Located in Buffalo, NY
Melvin Powers is considered the king of hypnosis in this country. His first self published book entitled hypnotism revealed is still in print and first published in 1949, He self pub...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

1950s Vintage Vornado Gray Electric Window Wall Fan
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Vintage Wall Unit Vornado Industrial Gray Electric Window Fan 18 h 37 w (open) 25.5 w closed x 9.5 d Preowned unrestored vintage condition. Missing circle with label in center ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Modern Table Rotary Phone SIEMENS AUSO SIP S62 Lino Saltini 1960s Italy
Located in Miami, FL
Rotary Table Telephone S62 designed by Lino Saltini in 1962 for Telecomunicazion Siemens AUSO. This example is from the 4th edition of the phone out of ten editions of the same model...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

German Vintage Leather Tape Measure, Orange Brown 1940s, Germany
Located in Andernach, DE
Highest quality and minimalistic design tape measure in a solid leather casing. Around the late 1930s to 1940s, Germany. Sturdy seams and leather remind of Hermès and is decorative i...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

A collection of mid-20th century teaching aid resin encased water plants
Located in London, GB
A collection of mid-20th century teaching aid resin encased water plants Dimensions in inches: H 4” x W 2.5” x D 1” Age: Mid-20th century Origin: Unknown Condition: Fair Overview ...
Category

1950s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Resin

1950s Swiss Chef Food Chopper Dicer Cutter Slicer
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1950s Swiss chef food fruit vegetable veggie chopper. Zylyss stamp Swiss made 9.5 h x 3 diameter Unrestored original vintage condition preowned Patin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Drawing Instrument Set, German, Draughtsman s Tools, Schcenner, C.1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage drawing instrument set. A German, nickel draughtsman's tool case by Schcenner, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1930. Fine German instrument set in fold-out carry case Displaying a desirable aged patina throughout Silver nickel presents a lightly tarnished appearance, commensurate with age Presented within a textured carry case with four fold design 8 pieces offering the essential tools for the travelling draughtsman Comprises a pair of compass, two bow compass and ruling pen...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nickel

Antique Estwing Geological Rock Hammer Leather Handle
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents Antique Rock Hammer Leather Handle Geology Pick Hammer Vintage Tool attributed to Estwing. 12.5 long x 7 w x .75 unsigned Original vintage condition Refer to all im...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Huger West Germany Meteobar skeleton design years 60 rare real fine barometer
Located in Biella, IT
Huger West Germany meteobar design in years '60 rare and real fine skeleton barometer the barometer is in brass and is perfect vintage and original, working condition
Category

1960s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French Victorian Cloissone Magnifying Glass
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian-style magnifying glass with a cloisonne porcelain handle.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Paravia Applied Electricity Original Components Cassette - Italy - 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Magnets

Vintage Pair of Binoculars, Scottish, Racecourse Spotter s Glasses, Leather Case
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage pair of binoculars. A Scottish, enamelled brass racecourse spotter's binocular with leather case, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Fascinating set of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scottish Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Double Concave Magnifying Glass with Louis Vuitton Upholstered
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique magnifying glass marked B-L Z S. It is marked B-L Z S on the frame oppositethe handle. In 1908, the Bausch & Lomb company, already a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

ZEISS Ikon Novar-Anastigmat 45mm F3.5 Film Camera 1950s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Zeiss Ikon Contina Camera with Novar-Anastigmat 45mm F3.5 Prontor SVS. Zeiss Ikon Contina 35mm RF style camera with a 45mm f/3.5 Novar-Anastigmat prime lens. Cosmetically in great co...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Walter Bosse Cat Figurine with Thermometer, Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a lovely cat figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria in th...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1970s Telstar Telephone by Henry Dreyfuss for Western Electric
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A perfectly Space Age telephone that brings a vision of what the fututre looked like in the 1970s to any interior. Designed by Henry Dreyfuss Associates for Western Electric in 1979,...
Category

1970s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter Designed by Ettore Sottsass. circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Olivetti Lettera 36 Portable Typewriter with the Original Case. circa early 1970s Created by famed Italian designer/architect Ettore Sottsass...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Tesla Telephone Set With Original Maker’s Mark, 1960s
Located in Zohor, SK
This elegant vintage telephone set by Tesla showcases the original maker’s stamp on the underside, confirming its authenticity. Its streamlined curves and timeless design reflect mid...
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bakelite

Swid Powell Magnifying Glass in Original Box
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Stunning Richard Meier designed magnifying glass for Swid Powerll, having ebony wood handle, silver plate and glass, plus original sleeve and box.
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver Plate

Mid-20th Century European Museum Mushroom Specimen
Located in London, GB
Mid-20th Century European Museum Mushroom Specimen Encased in a glass cube this mid-20th Century papier mache, hand painted large teaching aid mushroom specimen stands 16.5 inches ...
Category

1950s British Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Paper

Paravia Collection 100 Rocks, Educational Material, Italy 1950s
Located in Naples, IT
Collection 100 Rocks, Teaching Material, Italy 1950s Geology teaching board "Minerals and Rocks" G.B. Paravia Scientific Collection - Turin The ...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rock Crystal

Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket Typewriter
Located in Queens, NY
Vintage 1950s Hermes Rocket portable beige plastic typewriter with white square plastic keys and original matching beige plastic carry case
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Vintage Blue Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Blue Art Glass and Brass Kaleidoscope
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Large Brass Hourglass
Located in Queens, NY
Mid-Century large brass hourglass with white sand
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

1950s German Streamline Desk Fan by Luft in Turquoise and Burgundy Metal
Located in Lisboa, PT
This striking desk fan from the 1950s is a perfect example of the streamline aesthetic that defined mid-century industrial design. Produced by Luft (Germany), as indicated by the dis...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Paravia Optical Cassette Complete with Lenses and Teaching Apparatusu2028 -Italy- 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - Somso ca. 1970
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Teaching Aid Modell of an Ear - Somso ca. 1970 A vintage folding model of an ear. Used as teaching material in German schools ca. 1960. Made of wood and plastic by Somso, Ge...
Category

1970s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plastic, Wood

American Mid-Century Brass Sundial
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century (1940s) brass sundial.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Collection of Vintage Lab Glass Decanters
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Set of three glass lab decanters with removable stoppers. Shown with life size hand model for scale. CREATOR Pyrex. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1970-1980. MATERI...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

Early 20th Century Anatomical Plaster Medical Torso Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century anatomical plaster medical torso figure This early 20th century life size anatomical medical torso would have originally been used as...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

1950 Film 16mm Camera, SOM Berthiot, France
Located in Miami, FL
Société d'Optique et de Mécanique Berthiot (SOM Berthiot) was a French manufacturer of optics and photographic lenses. They produced C and D mount motion picture lenses for professio...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Vintage Human Body Educational Model / Anatomical Model, circa 1940s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Fantastic looking vintage anatomical model of a full human body on a black granite base. The height of the model with base (4 cm) is 82 cm. Unfortunately, removable parts are missing.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Granite

Paravia Magnetism and Electricity Cassette with Original Instruments, 1960su2028
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper, Magnets

Rare Microscope "Neopan" by Carl Aubock 1963, Reichert Vienna
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare award-winning microscope, model Neopan, designed in 1963 by the Viennese architect and designer Carl Aubock. Executed by Reichert Austria. In good condition, fully workin...
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Sears Tower Constellation Portable Typewriter W/Metal Case. Circa 1960s.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Sears Tower Constellation Portable Typewriter W/Metal Case. Circa 1960s. Manufactured for SEARS is the equivalent of a Smith-Corona Classic 12. Features a stylish mid century...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Vintage Chinese Telephone with Brass Details and French-Inspired Design
Located in Yonkers, NY
This vintage Chinese telephone combines French-inspired elegance with the charm of mid-century craftsmanship. The handset, with its brass bells and ivory-tone accents, recalls the cl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Draughtsman s Set, German, Drawing Instruments, Tools, Richter Pracision
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage draughtsman's set. A German, nickel silver drawing instrument set by E.O. Richter Präcision, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1930. Five piece instrument set ...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nickel

Three-Dimensional Anatomical Midcentury Wall Plaster Sculpture, Germany, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Midcentury three-dimensional anatomical plaster painting representing human respiratory system, provenance Hygiene Museum Dresden with museum sticker ...
Category

1950s German Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Large Set of 8 Vintage Lab Sieves, English, Brass, Stacking, Scientific, C.1965
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large set of 8 vintage laboratory sieves. An English, brass stacking scientific apparatus, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1965. Fascinating set with superb period a...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Walter Bosse Cow Figurine with Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming Austrian desk thermometer, consisting of a nice cow figurine and a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by H...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Paravia Termology Cassette with Original Instruments - Italy - 1960s
Located in Milano, IT
Paravia, scientific instruments, vintage educational kit, 1960s, Norstedts, magnetism, optics, thermology, mechanics, applied electricity, top vintage lab, educational set, experimen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

20th Century French Iron, Walnut Spotlight, Cinema Floor Spot Lamp by Clémançon
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey-black, vintage Mid-Century Modern French spotlight made of handcrafted lacquered iron, designed and produced by Clémançon in good condition. Th...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass, Iron

Vintage Illuminated Magnifying Glass Eagle Hong Kong
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Eagle Magnifying Glass Hong Kong 2.75 h x 4.5 diameter x 9.5 long reading magnifying glass with light by EAGLE  stamped by maker Preowned vintage condition Refer to images
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Oval Ceramic Thermometer by Mithé Espelt
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Oval glazed ceramic thermometer by the french artist Mithé Espelt, it features pale beige glaze and crackling gold. Bibliographie: Mithé Espelt, the discreet luxury of the everyday ...
Category

1960s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ceramic

Walter Bosse Cow Figurine Table Thermometer by Herta Baller, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
A charming sculptural Austrian midcentury desk thermometer, displaying a cow with a lantern-shaped thermometer. A humorous design by Walter Bosse, executed by Hertha Baller Austria i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mid-century Modern scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century 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, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, wood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern scientific instruments made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original scientific instruments, popular names associated with this style include Somso, Herta Baller, Walter Bosse, and Robert Brendel. 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 $48 and tops out at $14,000 while the average work can sell for $685.

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