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Scientific Instruments

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Scientific Instruments For Sale
Industrial table fan by Ercole Marelli
Located in Torino, IT
Cast iron base and brass blades. Made in the 1920s/30s by the firm of Ercole Marelli founded in Milan in 1891. Ercole Marelli & C. S.p.a began as a small workshop but became, mainl...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Bilancia pesa persona Wunder
Located in Roma, IT
Bilancia pesa persona prodotta in Italia negli anni 70 in perfetto stato Meccanica restaurata Pesata 120 Kg divisioni 500g
Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Beautiful Glass Apothecary Jar - price per piece
Located in Brussels, BE
Cut-glass top and blown glass jar beautiful quality. Multiple available
Category

20th Century European Scientific Instruments

Materials

Blown Glass, Cut Glass

Vintage Westinghouse Shortwave Radio in French Polished Mahogany Case
Located in San Francisco, CA
A handsome Westinghouse combination shortwave radio, the French polished mahogany case housing a tube movement with multiple radio settings, made and signed by Westinghouse. This rad...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Pocket Telescope Gilt Brass And Faux Tortoiseshell Spyglass
Located in Norwich, GB
19th Century pocket telescope gilt brass and faux tortoiseshell spyglass, each friction fitting is tapering and collapsible with millegrain edges. In good condition, showing some li...
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

David Beringer (1756-1821) Polyhedral Wooden Sundial
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). DAVID BERINGER (1756-1821) The frui...
Category

Late 18th Century German Neoclassical Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique Root Bowl, Wabi Sabi Style, Scandinavia 1800s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Wooden Wabi Sabi Root bowl from Scandinavia, circa 1800s. In good vintage condition showing beautiful patina from age and use.
Category

19th Century Norwegian Romantic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Machine Age Art Deco Doctors or Bathroom Floor Model Scale Weigh Master by Hanso
Located in New York, NY
Great Machine Age, American Art Deco floor scale, Weigh Master by Hanson. The scale is fully functional, it shows cosmetic wear to the paint finish, and th...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Fairbanks Scale Co American Doctors Scale
Located in Cheshire, GB
Fairbanks doctors scale in black with brass adjustable measuring stick, and cast iron pressure plate. Retaining there original weights. Dimensions: Heig...
Category

Early 20th Century American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Italy 1939s Sketch Futurist Poster "Day of Two Crosses" Against Tuberculosis
Located in Milan, IT
Sketch of the futurist poster "Day of two crosses, 16th April 1939, XVII", mixed technique of pastel and water-color, for an Italian campaign against tuberculosis, to inform people a...
Category

1930s Italian Futurist Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Large Didactical Model of a Bee labeled “ Denoyer-Geppert Company of Chicago "
Located in Leuven , BE
Model of the worker bee (Apis mellifica) magnified 35 times, mounted on foot. One side shows the outer shape, the other the inner constitution and viscera that can be removed.This la...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Paper

1920s 35 Zeiss-Ikon 35 Cm Cinema Projector
Located in London, GB
A late 1920s 35 mm Zeiss-Ikon cinema projector. Lens: Neokino 52.5/110 by Emil Busch A.-G. Rathenow. Original black paint. Lamp house contain...
Category

Early 20th Century German Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel, Iron

Edmé Beauchêne disarticulated human skull with museum provenance, France
Located in Leuven , BE
Edmé François Chauvot de Beauchêne (1780, Île-de-France – 1830, Paris), was a French physician, surgeon and anatomist. He was Chief of l'hopital Saint-Antoine Paris, the Deputy Chief...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

German Art Deco Desk Top Barometer and Weather Station
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
German Art Deco desk top barometer and weather station. German desktop barometer, thermometer and hydrometer. This station is unsigned and made...
Category

20th Century German Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Accordion by Sabatino Nocentini & Figli Made in Florence, Italy
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Italian custom made accordion by Sabatino Nocentini Castiglion & Figli. Antique pearl white accordion, Italian accordion with profuse inlay decoration, gorgeous hand made wi...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Scientific Instruments

Materials

Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Astro tripod mounted telescope by Dollond of London
Located in London, GB
A mid 20th century tripod mounted "Astro" telescope by Dollond of London. 3 inch objective lens. Mounted on a teak tripod. Marked: DOLLOND ASTRO LONDON Chrome and grey finish. I...
Category

Mid-20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Chrome

English 20th Century Iron Armillary Held by the Titan Atlas on Stone Pedestal
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English iron armillary depicting Atlas carrying the world from the early 20th century, with carved stone pedestal. Created in England during the 20th century, this armillary featu...
Category

20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Stone, Iron

Brass Lorgnettes 'Long-Handled Opera Glasses' Mid-Century Italian Design 1930s
Located in Palermo, IT
A splendid pair of 'lorgnettes' (long-handled opera, or theatre, glasses). Lorgnettes, eye glasses held in place by long handles rather than resting on the bridge of one's nose, were...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th C Pair of Large Optical Experimental Scientific Mirrors Concave & Convex
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A large pair of scientific optical mirrors, one concave the other convex. These where used in studies of optical sciences and in particular the study of the properties of light r...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Wooden & Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Immerse yourself in the charm of yesteryear with this authentic 19th Century French wooden and metal scale. This historical piece is a true representation of French craftsmanship, fe...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Wooden & Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Step back in time with this exquisite 19th-century French balance scale, a harmonious blend of functionality and history. Crafted during a period when precision and craftsmanship wer...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Wooden & Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French Wooden & Metal Scale presents a stunning juxtaposition of elegance and precision. Its sleek wooden base, framed by delicate metal accents, provides a dignifi...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this 20th Century Belgian Artwork by René Berdal. This piece presents a serene composition, where vertical stripes in varying shades of blue cr...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This distinguished 19th Century French Metal Scale is an emblem of the rich historical past, resonating with the tales of traditional marketplaces where it once played a pivotal role...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Elevate your decor with this striking 19th Century French Metal Scale, a piece that exudes the mystique and allure of its time. Crafted with an eye for balance and precision, the sca...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French Metal Scale is an authentic piece of history, encapsulating the essence of antique utilitarian craftsmanship. With its cast iron base and twin pans darkened ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Step into the aura of 19th-century France with this majestic metal scale, a striking relic of its era. This vintage scale boasts a balance of brass and iron, featuring a lustrous bra...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Embark on a journey through time with this exquisite 19th Century French Metal Scale, a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Designed with the precision deman...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French Metal Scale is a striking artifact that captures the essence of historical commerce and French provincial life. Clad in its original red paint, now distresse...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Metal & Marble Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This magnificent 19th Century French Metal & Marble Scale is a striking amalgam of functionality and elegance. Boasting a robust iron framework with intricate scrollwork, this scale ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Marble, Metal

19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
Step back in time with this authentic 19th Century French Metal Scale, a testament to the enduring quality and craftsmanship of a bygone era. With its ornate metalwork and robust bra...
Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Old Compass reproduction 1944 London, brown Color
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Old Compass reproduction 1944 London, brown Color
Category

20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique English Brass Telescope Mounted on Wooden Stand, Circa 1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Brass Telescope Mounted on Wooden Stand, Circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1890s Hand Painted Life Size Anatomical of Head
Located in Peekskill, NY
This is an early and high quality hand-painted plaster antique anatomical model of an adult human head. I would date this to 1900. The details are well-done and the brain is removabl...
Category

Late 19th Century German Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

Pocket Watch In 18 Carat Gold, Dating From Around 1900 with calendar
Located in Madrid, ES
Discover a piece of timeless elegance with our exquisite 18K gold pocket watch from circa 1900! ⌚️ Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this elegant timepiece boasts a class...
Category

1890s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold

Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Bakelite, Brass, Mathematical Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, Bakelite and brass cased mathematical instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Beautifully pre...
Category

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

Materials

Brass

1900s Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting the Human Head
Located in Berghuelen, DE
1900s Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting the Human Head A rare brochure illustrating the anatomy of the human head. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of several layers of th...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass by F.Darton & Co - 1917
Located in Bath, GB
A good nickel plated WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass signed on the front cover F.Darton & Co, London, VI, No. 2461 together with the date 1917 and the war office "crow'...
Category

1910s British Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nickel

Ptolemaic Armillary Sphere Charles-François Delamarche Paris, 1805-1810 Circa
Located in Milano, IT
Charles-François Delamarche Ptolemaic armillary sphere Paris, circa 1805-1810 Wood and papier-mâché covered with printed and partly hand-coloured paper It measures 15.74” in height, ...
Category

Early 1800s French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper, Wood

Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Foldable Anatomical Brochure Depicting Female Anatomy ca.1900s A rare 19ct anatomical brochure illustrating the female human anatomy. Very detailed multicoloured depiction of human ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Antique English Folding Brass Linen Thread Counter c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
Dating to the early twentieth century, c.1900/1920, this is an antique cast brass linen thread counter, of course usable to magnify whatever you wish. Heavy solid cast brass with a ...
Category

1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Nocturlabe Silver Metal Jacob Senebier Paris XVIII sec.
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Nocturlabe in silver-plated and eng...
Category

1780s French Louis XV Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique English Folding Brass Compass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A brass folding pocket compass which is made also to be added to a chain or ribbon to be worn around the neck. The lens has a good magnification and in lovey condition. Dating to c...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

18th Century Carpenters Hand Plane Tool, Signed and Dated 1791
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Rare Museum-level 18th Century carpenters tool, an antler hand plane, hand-carved to look like a lion. Signed with initials and dated 1791.
Category

Late 18th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Semi-Automatic Large Bakelite Grocery Scale, Czech Republic, 1930s
Located in Żory, PL
Old shop scale from the 1930s/1940s, manufactured in the Czech Republic by Zbrojovka Brno. Semi-automatic scale, with internal weights. The scale is set with stylish metal buttons. A...
Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique French "Iris Paris" Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses, Circa 1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French "Iris Paris" Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses, Circa 1890.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth century, c.1920. What of course makes it highly collectable is the inset working co...
Category

1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique French Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses, Circa 1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses, Circa 1880.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Vintage Fuller's Calculator, English, Walnut Case, Scientific Instrument, C.1950
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Fuller's Calculator. An English, Bakelite and walnut cased scientific instrument by Stanley of London, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1950. Quality mathemat...
Category

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

Materials

Bakelite, Walnut

Antique Half Relief Anatomical Model Head in Wax, Germany c.1910
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT A German wax dissected model of the head, circa 1910, showing nerves, arteries, veins and muscles of the head with paper numbered labels. The case has the original marker’s la...
Category

Early 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood, Glass

Antique French Parisian Mother-of-Pearl & Abalone Opera Glasses, Circa 1890.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Parisian Mother-of-Pearl & Abalone Opera Glasses with Original Case, Circa 1890.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Abalone, Mother-of-Pearl

19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Cherry Blossom
Located in Berghuelen, DE
19th Century Botanic Model by Robert Brendel - Cherry Blossom A rare antique botanical model manufactured by the famous Robert Brendel manufactory for botanicals models around 1900....
Category

Early 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

Small Antique English Brass Magnifying Glass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely little magnifying glass made from solid brass with a handle; the perfect size to pop in the pocket or bag. Dating to c.1910, Edwardian in era, the magnifier works well and ...
Category

1910s British Edwardian Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a pocket watch. The dial is lucky enough to have an Englis...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Two Large Wood Sterling Handled Magnifiers
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Large Wood Sterling Handled Magnifiers One is marked Hull 4.25" x 1" x 17.5 4" x 1" x 17
Category

19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

1860s Torricellian Barometer Oak Wood Negretti & Zambra Old Weather Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Torricellian barometer of oak wood, signed Negretti & Zambra London from the second half of the 19th century, complete with reading vernier for checking the pressure variation and thermometer. Height 98 cm - 10.6 inches, width 27 cm - 38.5 inches, depth/thickness 5 cm - 1.96 inches. Very good condition, fully functional. For safety during transport the barometer will be shipped emptied of mercury. The mercury will be placed in a sealed container in the package together with the barometer. When it was discovered, that changes of atmospheric pressure are connected to changes of weather, barometers became very popular. Evangelista Torricelli...
Category

1860s British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

Antique English Brass Cased Folding Magnifying Glass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A lovely shaped little folding / pocket magnifying glass which folds into a shaped brass case, marked "Made In England". Dating to c.1920, remaining in excellent condition measuring...
Category

1920s British Vintage Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Unusual Antique English Folding Compass In Brass Case c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
An unusual English compass which folds into it's own brass case. Marked "England" and dating to c.1900. 2" x 1 3/4" x 1/2". Excellent condition. Item: 44415 FREE Worldwide Regist...
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage, New and Antique Scientific Instruments

Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific 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.

The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.

With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.

If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.

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.

Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?

Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.

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