Antique Astronomical Instruments
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Antique Brass Czech Orrery Astronomical Instruments Made by Jan Felkl in 1870
By Jan Felkl
Located in Milan, IT
BC, the consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus in Rome brought the instrument of Archimedes, who, thanks to
Category
1860s Czech Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Iron
H 18.9 in W 29.53 in D 11.03 in
Collection of 18th and 19th Century Arabic Astrolabes and Quadrant
Located in London, GB
excellent set of antique astronomical instruments is a selection of five Persian brass astrolabes and a
Category
Early 19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Empire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Clock Depicting the Astronomical Sciences
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
. Two sphinxes carry the dial on their backs; the gilded frieze of putti holding astronomical
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
H 20 in W 18 in D 7 in
Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass 'Starboy' astronomical mounted refractor by
Category
Early 20th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 48.04 in D 0.4 in
Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Dollond, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique four draw telescope. An English, brass refractor for terrestrial or astronomical
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Metal
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Ross
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use, by Ross of London, circa 1920.
Perfect for bird
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Leather
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
1855 Astronomical Plate of Distance of the Planets by FJ Huntington New York
Located in Milan, IT
Plate of the distance of the planets “Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1855 by F.J. Huntington in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for th...
Category
1850s American Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper
H 19.61 in W 32.21 in D 0.6 in
Stick Barometer Mahogany Board Antique Weather Measuring Instrument J. Ramsden
By Jesse Ramsden
Located in Milan, IT
around the world where many astronomical observatories were equipped with his instruments.
When it was
Category
1780s Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Wood
H 39.38 in W 4.34 in D 1.58 in
Large Brass Library Telescope on Folding Tripod Base from Scotland
By D. McGregor & Co. 1
Located in Austin, TX
astronomical use. Featuring a primary barrel with a fine focusing wheel and eye tubes for different
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Iron, Brass, Metal, Steel
Antique Telescope, Large, Single Draw Refractor, Cary London, circa 1820
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope, a large single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An
Category
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 29.93 in W 2.21 in D 2.21 in
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Chromed Brass, Terrestrial, Astro, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 2 draw telescope. An English, chromed brass terrestrial or astronomical
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 1.34 in W 10.63 in D 23.23 in
Exclusive Antique Armillary Sphere
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
astronomically important features.
This armillary sphere is an antique piece, 19th century or older, probably
Category
Mid-19th Century European Industrial Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Metal
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Victorian, 1870
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3-draw telescope. An English, brass and leather terrestrial or astronomical
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial Refractor, Victorian, 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3 draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Large, Antique Telescope Tripod, English, Pine, Observatory, Rack, circa 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
Variable angle telescope platform, with a pair of rests suitable for an astronomical telescope
Rests
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Pine
H 58.67 in W 35.63 in D 43.71 in
Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, After Dollond, Victorian, 1890
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
terrestrial or astronomical use in the manner of Dollond of London, dating to the late Victorian period, circa
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Oak
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Davis of London, Victorian, 1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3 draw telescope. An English, brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor by
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Large Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Negretti and Zambra, 1880
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
terrestrial or astronomical use by Negretti and Zambra of London, dating to the late Victorian period, circa
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Metal
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Napoleon III French Marble and Bronze Astronomical Sciences Clock
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Napoleon III figural astronomical sciences clock. The patinated bronze winged putto stands beside
Category
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
French Empire Gilt Bronze Allegorical Clock of the Astronomical Sciences
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
standing on the base of the clock to the right of the plinth and she has many scientific instruments all
Category
Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
instruments and apparatus made were air pumps, astronomical instruments, induction coils, Holtz machines
Category
1860s American Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
1630 Pierre Petit map "Description du Gouvernement de la Capelle" Ric0010
Located in Norton, MA
astronomical instruments and several of these were of his own invention. In particular, late in his life, Petit
Category
17th Century Dutch Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Paper
H 18.9 in W 22.45 in D 0.4 in
French Empire Mantle Clock
By Negrier a Gueret
Located in Norwich, GB
sphere is the universal scientific instrument for astronomical and nautical measures and was invented by
Category
1810s French Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
William IV Terrestrial And Celestial Floor Globes By J. W. Cary
By John & William Cary
Located in New Orleans, LA
, these precisely detailed maps of the earth and skies were also crucial instruments of learning and
Category
19th Century English Regency Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Orrery Clock By Raingo À Paris
By Zacharie Raingo
Located in New Orleans, LA
An incredible rarity of horological and astronomical significance, this stunning planetary clock
Category
19th Century French Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Silver, Brass, Bronze, Steel
Pair of George III Globes by J&W Cary Dated 1815 and 1800
By Cary’s
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
laid down the whole of the stars and nebulae contained in the astronomical catalogue of the Revd Mr
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
A pair of mahogany Regency 21-inch globes by J&W Cary dated 1799 and 1819
By Cary’s
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
STARS AND NEBULAE Contained in the ASTRONOMICAL CATALOGUE of the Revd. MR WOLLASTON F.R.S. Compiled from
Category
1790s English Regency Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
French Empire Ormolu & Marble Clock of "the Astronomy Lesson" by Jean Reiche
Located in London, GB
with applied ormolu mounts of beribboned cupids carrying scientific instruments. To their left is an
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Marble, Ormolu
A huge pair of 21 inches Cruchley Library Globes
By G.F. Cruchley
Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL
accurately laid down the whole of the stars and nebule contained in the astronomical catalogue of the
Category
1850s British Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Other
Theories of Planetary Motion: An 18th C. Framed Celestial Map by Doppelmayr
By Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr 1
Located in Alamo, CA
-1601), who combined Copernican and Ptolemaic astronomical systems in his attempt to explain the
Category
Early 18th Century Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Engraving
H 31.25 in W 34.88 in D 1 in
The Orbits of Venus and Mercury: An 18th C. Framed Celestial Map by Doppelmayr
By Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr 1
Located in Alamo, CA
Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), who combined Copernican and Ptolemaic astronomical systems in his attempt to
Category
Early 18th Century Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Engraving
H 31.13 in W 34.88 in D 1 in
Theories of Planetary Orbits: A Framed 18th C. Celestial Map by Doppelmayr
By Johann Gabriel Doppelmayr 1
Located in Alamo, CA
Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), who combined Copernican and Ptolemaic astronomical systems in his attempt to
Category
Early 18th Century Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Engraving
H 31.5 in W 34.94 in D 1 in
Impressive 91" Refracting Astronomical Telescope on Stand
By W. Watson and Sons
Located in Shakespeare, ON
W. Watson & Sons telescope, fitted with 5 inch Watson-Coventry Objective Lense, Constructed at The Optical Works High Barnet by W. Watson, 313 High Holborn, London.
The 68" long ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Early Period English Nautical Back Sight Octant by J. Ramsden
Located in Palm City, FL
marking graduated scales on sextants and other nautical and astronomical instruments of his own
Category
18th Century and Earlier English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Astrolabe, Late 19th Century
Located in Houston, TX
Astrolabe, North African, late 19th century.
The astrolabe is an ancient astronomical computer
Category
Late 19th Century North African Antique Astronomical Instruments
English Refracting Telescope
By Thomas Harris and Son
Located in Savannah, GA
dioptric telescope). The refracting telescope design was originally used in spy glasses and astronomical
Category
19th Century English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
French Empire Mantel Clock
By Negrier a Gueret
Located in Norwich, Norfolk
sphere is the universal scientific instrument for astronomical and nautical measures and was invented by
Category
1810s French Empire Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Bronze, Ormolu
Pair of American Globes on Cast Iron Stands
Located in London, Middlesex
, De La Caille/ Havelius, Mayer/ Bradley, Herschel, Makelyne/ The Transactions of the/ Astronomical
Category
1830s American American Classical Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Iron
19th Century Nautical Brass Telescope Wooden Support Old Astronomical Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Brass telescope with leather-covered handle from the second half of the 19th century. Four-extension focus. Maximum length 39 cm - 15.35 inches, minimum 12 cm - 4.72 inches, focal di...
Category
1860s British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 1.19 in Dm 15.36 in
19th Century Astronomical Brass Orrery
Located in New York, NY
Named for the Earl of Orrery who, at the beginning of the 18th Cent. in Ireland, had one made for his personal collection of scientific apparatus. Orreries are three dimensional mode...
Category
19th Century Unknown Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Library Telescope, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Scottish E. Lennie
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope for terrestrial or astronomical use. A Scottish piece from the
Category
19th Century Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
H 19.99 in W 56.7 in D 9.45 in
Antique Telescope on Stand, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, circa 1770
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope on stand, suitable for terrestrial or astronomical use, English dating
Category
18th Century English George III Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Fruitwood
H 26.38 in W 1.97 in D 1.97 in
Antique Telescope on Stand, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1750
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope on stand, an English piece suitable for terrestrial or astronomical
Category
Mid-18th Century English George II Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 37.8 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in
Antique Telescope on Stand, Terrestrial Astronomical Negretti & Zambra, 1899
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
optically
Upright image, ideal for terrestrial or astronomical use
Delivered with a solid oak and brass
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 36.62 in W 2.37 in D 2.37 in
Astronomical Telescope Signed W. Gilbert & Sons London, Early 1800
Located in Milan, IT
Astronomical telescope, wood and brass, splayed shaped, signed W. Gilbert & Sons London, early 1800
Category
19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Antique Hughes Telescope, English, 5 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Regency
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
astronomical refractor, dating to the Regency period, circa 1830.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique, Telescope, Dolland, Three Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical Circa 1830
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
scope suitable for terrestrial or astronomical use, circa 1830.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape
Category
Early 19th Century English Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 4 draw telescope. An English, leather and brass terrestrial or astronomical
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Antique Library Telescope, English Brass, Astronomical, Dollond, Victorian, 1890
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass astronomical mounted refractor by Dollond
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Antique Library Telescope, English, Brass, Astronomical, Dollond, Late Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique library telescope. An English, brass astronomical mounted refractor by Dollond
Category
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 4.14 in W 30.12 in D 7.09 in
Antique Telescope, Dollond 'Day or Night' Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1850
By Dollond, London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
draw scope suitable for terrestrial or astronomical use, circa 1850.
Perfect for bird watching
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 20.28 in Dm 1.97 in
Antique Telescope, Dollond 'Day or Night' Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1850
By Dollond, London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
terrestrial or astronomical use, c.1850.
Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation, wildlife, or
Category
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 20.28 in Dm 1.97 in
1870s Brass Sextant Signed Ainsley Antique Marine Navigation Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
London; our gift box is free.
The sextant is an ancient astronomical instrument used to measure the
Category
1870s Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
1890s Brass Sextant Georg Hechelmann Hamburg Antique Navigation Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
ancient astronomical instrument used to measure the height of a celestial body (for example the Sun): the
Category
1890s Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 5.5 in W 11.7 in D 11.7 in
Brass Sextant
Located in New York, NY
Turn-of-the-century brass astronomical measuring instrument used to determine latitude and
Category
19th Century English Antique Astronomical Instruments
Large 19th Century Brass Tabletop Telescope by William Harris & Co.
By William Harris
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
A very large antique brass astronomical telescope by William Harris & Co 50 Holborn London
Category
1820s English Early Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Monumental Swiss Brass Telescope by Perrelet
By Perrelet
Located in New Orleans, LA
the earth and sky, the extraordinary instrument features a lens that measures an impressive 7.5-inch
Category
19th Century European Other Antique Astronomical Instruments
R & J Beck Brass Refracting Telescope with Tripod and Original Carrying Box
Located in San Francisco, CA
astronomical mounts. Provenance: Vallejo Gallery Newport Beach CA. Optically sound. Box now mounted on a stand
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
Antique Telescope, Dollond, Refracting Library Scope in Mahogany Case circa 1800
By Dollond, London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
optical instrument maker Dollond.
Clear sharp optics with 2" achromatic objective glass
Additional
Category
Late 18th Century Great Britain (UK) Georgian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 19.69 in W 40.16 in D 12.21 in
Antique Telescope, a Franks Ltd, Manchester, Officer of the Watch
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique telescope, a single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Astronomical Instruments
Materials
Metal
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Antique Astronomical Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a range of antique astronomical instruments for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct antique astronomical instruments — often made from metal, brass and wood — can elevate any home. Antique astronomical instruments have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Victorian, Georgian and Regency antique astronomical instruments are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made antique astronomical instruments over the years, but those made by Dollond, London, Jan Felkl and Elton's are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
Finding the Right collectibles-curiosities for You
Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior.
Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.
The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.
Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.
Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.
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