Who invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century?

Sir Isaac Newton invented the reflector telescope in the 17th century. He created it as a replacement for the refracting telescope, which tended to have poor optics. Find a collection of antique and vintage telescopes on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.

Did they have wedding rings in the 18th century?

Yes, wedding rings have a long history, stretching back to ancient Egypt. The first diamond engagement ring was created in 1477 by Archduke Maximillian of Austria. Browse a wide array of vintage and contemporary wedding rings on 1stDibs.

How did art change in the 18th century?

In the 18th century, art changed in style from Baroque to Rococo and Neoclassicism. Art became more ornamented and idealized during the Rococo period and then shifted toward a style that emulated the artwork of ancient Greece and Rome near the end of the century. You’ll find a variety of fine art on 1stDibs.

How do you identify 18th-century furniture?

To identify 18th-century furniture, you can research your piece in the context of the prevailing styles of the period or consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. To identify your item on your own, look over it for maker's marks, such as carvings, stamps, brands and labels. Researching the marking can help you determine the maker of your piece, and from there, you can search further to learn more about your particular item. Without a maker's mark, the best approach is to consider the characteristics of the dominant furniture styles during the 18th century. In England, these included William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. Some French furniture styles of the 1700s include Louis XV, Louis XVI and Régence. Find a diverse assortment of 18th-century furniture on 1stDibs.

How can I identify 18th century brass candlesticks?

One way to check if your brass candlesticks are from the 18th century is to look for the two seams running lengthwise on either side. This is from when the candlestick was molded in two halves and then soldered together. You’ll find a variety of candlesticks of all shapes and sizes from some of the top sellers on 1stDibs.

Which individuals are considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons, and why?

The individuals considered the Big Three of 18th-century cartoons are William Hogarth, James Gillray and George Cruikshank. Although the 18th century saw a widespread increase in illustrations in newspapers, these three illustrators were particularly well-known for their work. Hogarth's work was extremely diverse, ranging from serious, realistic paintings and portraits to satirical and moralistic illustrations filled with symbolism. A British caricaturist, Gillray is remembered today for his artworks representing political and social satires, like his political cartoons against George III of England. Despite being a prolific caricaturist, Cruikshank is now most famous for illustrating the works of Charles Dickens. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of illustrations.

What kinds of figures elevated the use of porcelain in 18th century Europe?

At the end of the 17th century, Europe went into a frenzy over porcelain. Asian porcelain was highly sought after, and spurred the foundation of the Meissen factory in France, where hard porcelain went on to be made. You’ll find a large collection of porcelain pieces from many of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Were there cannons in the 16th century?

Yes, there were cannons in the 16th century. The history of the weapon dates back to 12th-century China. Historical records suggest that the first cannons appeared in Europe during the Islamic wars in Iberia in the 13th century. Find a range of antique cannons on 1stDibs.

Was there glass in the 16th century?

Yes, the history of glass-making goes back much further than the 1600s. It’s believed that they were making glass in different parts of the world at least 3,600 years ago, maybe even longer. During the late Bronze Age in Egypt and in Western Asia, glassmarking advanced significantly and was manipulated extensively to produce vessels, jewelry, and works of art. Shop a range of antique and vintage glass on 1stDibs.

What is the most important painting of the 20th century?

What painting is the most important of the 20th century is largely a matter of personal opinion. Some notable works produced during the period include Paul Cézanne's Mont Sainte-Victoire, Pablo Picasso's Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, Henri Matisse's The Dance and Jackson Pollock's Lavender Mist. Shop a large selection of 20th-century paintings on 1stDibs.

What furniture was used in the 16th century?

A variety of furniture was used during the 16th century. Items commonly found in homes include high-backed armchairs, chests, stools, benches and cupboards. Most European artisans active during the time period produced pieces out of oak wood. Find a large collection of antique furniture on 1stDibs.

What is 17th-century furniture called?

What 17th-century furniture is called varies. The general term for all furniture produced 100 years ago, including 17th-century pieces, is antique furniture. You may also choose to be more specific and describe a piece by its style. Theatrical and lavish, the Baroque style was prevalent across Europe from the 17th to the mid-18th century and spread around the world through colonialism, including in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Baroque furniture was extravagant in all aspects, from shape to materials. 17th-century pieces from England often feature characteristics of the William and Mary style, such as crisp lines, maple and walnut veneers, inlaid bands and C-scroll ornaments. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of antique furniture.

Who was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century?

British artist John Singer Sargent was one of the most important portrait painters of the 19th century. Other notable portraitists from the period include James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Eugène Delacroix, Théodore Géricault, Gustave Courbet, Édouard Manet, Mary Cassat, Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of portrait paintings.

What are the major features of Dutch 17th century portraiture?

17th-century Dutch portraiture has many similarities to other Baroque paintings, including rich colors, dark shadows and intense lighting. Many famous Dutch Baroque works lean toward realism. In Dutch portraiture, props and detailed backgrounds are uncommon. You'll find a collection of Dutch Baroque paintings from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.

What art style was used by the 19th-century French painters?

The French painters of the 19th century worked in two styles. Neoclassicism dominated the first half of the century, and Impressionism was the most common style during the second half. On 1stDibs, you can find a variety of French paintings.

18th Century Telescope

Brass Telescoping Table

Telescope Stand

Dollond London Brass Telescope

18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London

$4,051

H 20.5 in W 31 in D 3 in

18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London

Located in Martlesham, GB

18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London, having a mahogany barrel

Category

Antique 1780s British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

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Brass And Shagreen Telescope

Unavailable

H 16.54 in W 15.75 in

Brass And Shagreen Telescope

Located in Madrid, ES

A gilt brass and green shagreen skin telescope on stand, from the collection of the Marques de

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Scientific Instruments

Telescoping Mirror Top Brass Occasional Tables by Maison Toulouse, Paris

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H 21.5 in W 13.5 in D 13.5 in

Telescoping Mirror Top Brass Occasional Tables by Maison Toulouse, Paris

By John Boone

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

have derived from 18th century telescope bases.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern End Tables

Materials

Brass

Pair of Telescoping Mirror Top Brass Occasional Tables by Maison Toulouse, Paris

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H 21.5 in W 13.5 in L 21.5 in

Pair of Telescoping Mirror Top Brass Occasional Tables by Maison Toulouse, Paris

Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

century telescope bases.

Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern End Tables

Materials

Brass

18th Century Gregorian Telescope by Watkins and Smith

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H 27.56 in Dm 4.51 in

18th Century Gregorian Telescope by Watkins and Smith

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A wonderful example of an 18th century Gregorian reflecting telescope in its original mahogany

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

$Rare Miniature Dollond Antique Telescope, Refracting Achromatic, 18th Century$

Rare Miniature Dollond Antique Telescope, Refracting Achromatic, 18th Century

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H 8.47 in W 11.23 in D 0.95 in

Rare Miniature Dollond Antique Telescope, Refracting Achromatic, 18th Century

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a rare miniature Dollond antique telescope, 1" refracting achromatic, 18th century. 1

Category

Antique 18th Century Great Britain (UK) Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Late 18th Century Dollond Achromatic Library Telescope, circa 1790

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H 20.08 in W 1.97 in D 29.93 in

Late 18th Century Dollond Achromatic Library Telescope, circa 1790

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique Dollond, achromatic library telescope, circa 1790. Mounted on a solid brass

Category

Antique 18th Century British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

18th Century French Telescoping Marbletop Candlestand or Martini Table

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H 30.5 in Dm 13 in

18th Century French Telescoping Marbletop Candlestand or Martini Table

Located in Essex, MA

Period Provincial Louis XVI Mahogany Marble Top and Galleried telescoping stand for Lighting or

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Candle Stands

Materials

Marble

Antique Cardboard Telescope from the End of the 18th Century

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H 28.35 in Dm 0.79 in

Antique Cardboard Telescope from the End of the 18th Century

Located in Milan, IT

of the end of the 18th century. Good condition. Maximum extension cm 72 - inches 28.34, minimum cm 31

Category

Antique 1780s French Scientific Instruments

Antique Telescope, Bancks and Son, English 3-Draw, Late 18th Century, circa 1800

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H 29.14 in W 9.45 in D 1.58 in

Antique Telescope, Bancks and Son, English 3-Draw, Late 18th Century, circa 1800

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

Antique telescope, Bancks and Son, English, 3-draw, late 18th century, circa 1800 this is an

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Fruitwood

Adams Telescope

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H 0.04 in W 0.04 in D 0.04 in

Adams Telescope

By George Adams

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A good example of a silvered three-drawer telescope by Adams, with a mahogany main tube.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English More Furniture and Collectibles

Table Telescope

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H 14 in Dm 3 in

Table Telescope

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A fine reflecting 18th century shagreen covered telescope in the manner of Adams, in working order.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

George Adams Gregorian Telescope

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H 22.05 in Dm 3.94 in

George Adams Gregorian Telescope

By George Adams

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A fine 18th century lacquered brass 4" reflecting telescope by George Adams, London maker to George

Category

Antique Late 18th Century George III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass Rothwell Manchester Telescope

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H 19.69 in W 39.38 in D 11.82 in

Brass Rothwell Manchester Telescope

By ROTHWELL

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

This “ROTHWELL, Manchester” (1780-1820) library refractor telescope is a nice decorative piece

Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Mahogany Telescope. Signed Dollond.

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H 39.5 in W 47.5 in D 12 in

English Mahogany Telescope. Signed Dollond.

By Dolland

Located in Milan, IT

English Mahogany wood telescope with brass tripode , with rack and pinion focusing. Working focus

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, 3 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, Georgian

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H 38.78 in W 12.21 in D 1.19 in

Antique Telescope, 3 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

English, Georgian piece dating to the late 18th century, circa 1780. Perfect for bird watching

Category

Antique 18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Georgian

Sold

H 17.33 in W 10.44 in D 0.06 in

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

from the Georgian period and dating to mid-18th century, circa 1760. Perfect for bird watching

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope on Stand, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, circa 1770

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H 26.38 in W 1.97 in D 1.97 in

Antique Telescope on Stand, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, circa 1770

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

to the mid-18th century, circa 1770. A good example of an 18th century refractor Perfectly good

Category

Antique 18th Century English George III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

$Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Refractor, Terrestrial, circa 1760$

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Refractor, Terrestrial, circa 1760

Sold

H 21.46 in W 12.41 in D 0.08 in

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Refractor, Terrestrial, circa 1760

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

and dating to the mid-18th century, circa 1760. Perfect for bird watching, landscape appreciation

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

$Antique Telescope, Single Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, circa 1760$

Antique Telescope, Single Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, circa 1760

Sold

H 24.81 in Dm 0.06 in

Antique Telescope, Single Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, circa 1760

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

English, Georgian piece dating to the mid-18th century, circa 1760. Perfect for bird watching

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope on Stand, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1750

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H 37.8 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in

Antique Telescope on Stand, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1750

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

use dating to the mid-18th century, circa 1750. A super example of an 18th century refractor

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1790

Sold

H 15.36 in Dm 0.14 in

Antique Telescope, English, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, circa 1790

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, an English, Georgian, single draw refractor for terrestrial or

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Telescoping Directoire Period Tulipwood Gueridon, France c. 1800

Sold

H 34 in Dm 16 in

Telescoping Directoire Period Tulipwood Gueridon, France c. 1800

Located in Atlanta, GA

A Directoire Period Two-Tier Gueridon in Tulipwood, each tier a white Marble surface with pierced Brass gallery, mounted around a hexagonal column atop a tripod base with pad feet. <...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier French Gueridon

$Antique Pocket Telescope, Three-Draw, Refractor, English, Victorian, circa 1900$

Antique Pocket Telescope, Three-Draw, Refractor, English, Victorian, circa 1900

Sold

H 16.34 in W 5.71 in D 0.97 in

Antique Pocket Telescope, Three-Draw, Refractor, English, Victorian, circa 1900

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique pocket telescope, a three draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Victorian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

$Antique Telescope, Three-Draw Refractor, English, Late Georgian, circa 1800$

Antique Telescope, Three-Draw Refractor, English, Late Georgian, circa 1800

Sold

H 11.82 in W 1.78 in D 1.78 in

Antique Telescope, Three-Draw Refractor, English, Late Georgian, circa 1800

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a three draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, Two-Draw, Mahogany, Brass, English, Georgian, circa 1780

Sold

H 16.05 in Dm 1.97 in

Antique Telescope, Two-Draw, Mahogany, Brass, English, Georgian, circa 1780

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a two draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An English

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Fine George III Mahogany and Brass Telescope by Dollond of London

Sold

H 25 in W 40 in D 12 in

Fine George III Mahogany and Brass Telescope by Dollond of London

By Dollond, London

Located in San Francisco, CA

A fine brass and mahogany 2.5 inch diameter table top refracting telescope retaining its original

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

$Antique Telescope, 3 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, Lincoln of London, 1770$

Antique Telescope, 3 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, Lincoln of London, 1770

Sold

H 21.86 in W 7.29 in D 0.14 in

Antique Telescope, 3 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, Lincoln of London, 1770

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a three draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Satinwood

$Antique Telescope, Dollond, Refracting Library Scope in Mahogany Case circa 1800$

Antique Telescope, Dollond, Refracting Library Scope in Mahogany Case circa 1800

Sold

H 19.69 in W 40.16 in D 12.21 in

Antique Telescope, Dollond, Refracting Library Scope in Mahogany Case circa 1800

By Dollond, London

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

Our Stock # R0667 This is an antique telescope in mahogany case dating to circa 1800 by renowned

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Great Britain (UK) Georgian Scientific Instrum...

Materials

Brass

Late 18th Century Lacquered Brass Table Telescope

Sold

H 6.5 in W 21 in D 23 in

Late 18th Century Lacquered Brass Table Telescope

Located in Huntington, NY

Late 18th century lacquered brass table telescope.

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

18th Century English Gilbert & Co. Improved Sea Telescope

Sold

H 3.5 in W 42 in D 3 in

18th Century English Gilbert & Co. Improved Sea Telescope

By Gilbert & Co.

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

18th century Gilbert & Co. Improved Sea Telescope. Single draw wood and brass telescope in a fitted

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

18th Century Gregorian Brass Telescope By Springer Of Bristol

Sold

H 16.15 in W 22.45 in D 3.15 in

18th Century Gregorian Brass Telescope By Springer Of Bristol

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A fine 3" Gregorian telescope by Springer of Bristol, although signed this model is very similar to

Category

Antique 18th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A very rare Collection of 18th Century, French and English Telescopes

Sold

H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in

A very rare Collection of 18th Century, French and English Telescopes

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A very rare collection of nine vintage reflecting telescopes from the early and late 18th Century

Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

$Antique Telescope, 2 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, 18th Century, circa 1800$

Antique Telescope, 2 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, 18th Century, circa 1800

Sold

H 18.12 in W 7.88 in D 0.1 in

Antique Telescope, 2 Draw Refractor, English, Georgian, 18th Century, circa 1800

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a two draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An English

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Ramsden telescope

Sold

H 12 in W 38 in

Ramsden telescope

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

A fine example of a late 18th century brass telescope by Ramsden London contained in its original

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Scientific Instruments

Antique Telescope, 2-Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, Georgian

Sold

H 20.08 in Dm 0.1 in

Antique Telescope, 2-Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, English, Georgian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

telescope dating to the mid-Georgian period of the 18th century, circa 1760. Perfect for bird watching

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique Telescope, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Georgian, circa 1760

Sold

H 22.64 in Dm 0.08 in

Antique Telescope, Single Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Georgian, circa 1760

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique, Telescope, Three-Draw, Mahogany, Brass, English, Georgian, circa 1780

Sold

H 11.82 in Dm 3.15 in

Antique, Telescope, Three-Draw, Mahogany, Brass, English, Georgian, circa 1780

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique telescope, a three-draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use. An

Category

Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

$English Brass Refracting Telescope$

English Brass Refracting Telescope

Sold

H 20 in Dm 2.75 in

English Brass Refracting Telescope

Located in Wells, ME

A superb English brass refracting telescope with original tripod stand, all in good working

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

English George II Chippendale Mahogany Card Table Telescoping System for Opening

Sold

H 28.5 in W 36 in D 17.5 in

English George II Chippendale Mahogany Card Table Telescoping System for Opening

Located in Wells, ME

telescoping mechanism for opening (rather than the normal swing leg support) which results in each of the four

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Card Tables and Tea Tables

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century Brass Telescopic on Base John Bleuler Optics

Sold

H 18 in W 30 in D 10 in

18th Century Brass Telescopic on Base John Bleuler Optics

Located in Plymouth, MA

Fine 18th century brass telescope on 3-legged base. Made by famous London Optician John Bleuler

Category

Antique 1780s English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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Exceptional Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Malachite Grandfather Clock

$190,110

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Exceptional Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze and Malachite Grandfather Clock

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Exceptional Louis XVI style gilt bronze and malachite grandfather clock French, late 19th century Measures: Height 250cm, width 54cm, depth 33cm This superb longcase clock is a ...

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Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue

$1,250 / item

H 16 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in

Crackle Textured Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Lamp, Blue

By Ethan Streicher, Streicher Goods

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Every mushroom lamp is hand-made and hand-painted by Ethan Streicher, the founder and designer behind the Streicher Goods brand in Brooklyn, NY. The lamp's silhouette is simple and c...

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2010s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

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IMPORTANT MUSEUM QUALITY ANTIQUE 1680 TO 1720 GERMAN SiLVER SAFE STRONGBOX

$164,729

H 33.86 in W 35.04 in D 20.48 in

IMPORTANT MUSEUM QUALITY ANTIQUE 1680 TO 1720 GERMAN SiLVER SAFE STRONGBOX

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Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this important, Museum Quality German safe circa 1680-1720 attributed to Johann Gottlied Dittman and Sigmund...

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Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire

$343,186

H 100.6 in W 66.93 in D 24.81 in

Rare Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim & Pauly Cie Et Venice Antique Carved Armoire

By Pauly et Cie, Guggenheim Museum

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare one of a kind Pauly CIE Et stamped hand carved walnut armoire made by the genius that was Moses Michelangelo Guggenheim 1837-1910 W...

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A 200 Plus Set of 19 Century Imperial Russian Silver Flatware by Andrei Bragin

$185,000 / set

H 12 in W 12 in D 10 in

A 200 Plus Set of 19 Century Imperial Russian Silver Flatware by Andrei Bragin

By Andrei Bragin

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

An exceptional and extremely rare set of a combination of silver and vermeil (gilded silver) flatware designed and crafted in St Petersburg Russia by Andrei Stepanovich Bragin d...

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Antique Mid-19th Century Russian Other Sterling Silver

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Silver, Vermeil

Very Large 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Ebony and Bronze Hourglass

$1,995

H 16 in Dm 7.5 in

Very Large 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Ebony and Bronze Hourglass

Located in Fayetteville, AR

Standing at 16 inches in height, this large scale nineteenth century Napoleon III period hourglass features three turned ebonized wood disks joined by bronze supports and finished wi...

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Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Nautical Objects

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Antique Victorian Louis XIV Style Centrepiece by Barnard & Sons

$1,304,576

H 24.81 in W 51.97 in D 34.26 in

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By Edward Barnard & Sons

Located in London, GB

Antique Victorian Louis XIV style centrepiece by Barnard & Sons English, 1850-53 Dimensions: height 63cm, width 132cm, depth 87cm. This magnificent centrepiece is wrought from s...

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Art Nouveau Silver, Crystal, and Pate De Verre Table Centrepiece by Falize

$617,957

H 13.98 in W 59.06 in D 20.48 in

Art Nouveau Silver, Crystal, and Pate De Verre Table Centrepiece by Falize

By Falize Frères

Located in London, GB

Art Nouveau silver, crystal, and pate de verre table centrepiece by Falize, French, 1902 Measures: Height 35.5cm, width 150cm, depth 52cm This exceptional piece demonstrates the...

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$109,819

H 95.08 in W 69.89 in D 95.28 in

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Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly important, Museum quality, extra large framed, Documented English oak Tester bed c...

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Antique Early 1600s English Jacobean Beds and Bed Frames

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Antique Viennese Rock Crystal and Enamelled Silver Toilet Set in Wooden Case

$205,985 / set

H 17.72 in W 20.87 in D 16.93 in

Antique Viennese Rock Crystal and Enamelled Silver Toilet Set in Wooden Case

Located in London, GB

In the past, this type of large toilet service would have been an essential luxury for an elite woman. They were used to store makeup, perfume, pins, ribbons and anything else a lady...

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English Pocket Globe by Herman Moll, Circa 1775-1798, England

$10,680

H 2.92 in Dm 2.92 in

English Pocket Globe by Herman Moll, Circa 1775-1798, England

By Herman Moll

Located in Milano, IT

Pocket globe London, between 1775 and 1798 Re-edition of the globe of Hermann Moll (1678-1732) dated 1719 The globe is contained in its original case, which itself is covered in sh...

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Antique Late 18th Century English George III Globes

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$22,500

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Located in New Orleans, LA

A musical movement distinguishes this wonderful early 19th-century gold vinaigrette box. The vessel is covered in delicate engraving highlighted by blue and white champlevé enamel de...

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Metal

Large Antique Library Telescope, English, Starboy, Astronomical, Broadhurst & Co

$3,635Sale Price|20% Off

H 0.4 in W 48.04 in D 0.4 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 Broadhurst, Clarkson & Co, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Perfec...

Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Gilt Metal Centrepiece Suite for the Duke of Sparta by Elkington & Co.

$205,911 / set

H 22.84 in W 31.89 in D 13.78 in

Gilt Metal Centrepiece Suite for the Duke of Sparta by Elkington & Co.

By Elkington & Co.

Located in London, GB

Gilt metal centrepiece suite for the Duke of Sparta by Elkington & Co. English, Late 19th Century Centrepiece: Height 58cm, width 81cm, depth 35cm Candelabra: Height 66cm, diameter ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Centerpieces

Materials

Metal

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Ross

$1,219Sale Price|20% Off

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

This is an antique officer of the watch telescope. An English, leather and nickel silver single draw refractor for terrestrial or astronomical use, by Ross of London, circa 1920. ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather

A Large 19th Century Brass Library Telescope Marked A. Bardou, Paris

$6,450

H 64 in Dm 4.74 in

A Large 19th Century Brass Library Telescope Marked A. Bardou, Paris

By A. Bardou

Located in San Francisco, CA

A large and impressive 19th century French brass library telescope marked A. Bardou, Paris. (Denis Albert Bardou; 1841 - 1893) The telescope mounted on a brass and cast iron tripod ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Other Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

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18th Century Telescope For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the 18th century telescope you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of brass, metal and wood, every 18th century telescope was constructed with great care. Each 18th century telescope bearing Georgian or Victorian hallmarks is very popular. A well-made 18th century telescope has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Dollond, London, George Adams and ROTHWELL are consistently popular.

Finding the Right Scientific-instruments for You

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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