Antique Trade Scale Brass and Cast Iron, France, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the late 19th century in France; It was a scale used by traders for retail Brass and Cast-Iron Patina and signs of use which make this antique object ver...
Iron, Brass
Italian Late Baroque Period Wrought Iron & Brass Candle Borer on Later Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
Likely previously wall mounted these devices were used to bore holes into the middles of circular candles before they were mounted on spikes. Without a hole, increasing in diameter ...
Brass, Wrought Iron
Vintage Fairbanks Scales Wrought Iron and Brass Scale with Weights
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage wrought iron and brass scale with weights is made in the United States by Fairbanks Scales, one of the nation's oldest industrial manufacturing companies. Functional and coll...
Brass, Wrought Iron
French Brass and Leather Three Draw Telescope, Late 19th Century
Located in Barntrup, DE
Late 19th century French brass and leather 3 draw telescope spyglass. The spyglass is made from brass. The base is wrapped with leather. Comes with the original case. When extended...
Brass
English Brass Bankers Balance Scale from the 19th Century with Circular Pans
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English brass bankers balance scale from the 19th century. Born in England during the 19th century, this elegant brass bankers scale features a central shaft, connected in its upp...
Brass
English 19th Century Brass Herbalist Scale with Central Column and Lyre Motif
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English brass herbalist scale from the 19th century, with column and lyre details, mounted on a wooden base. Used to measure herbs, this exquisite scale features a brass structure...
Brass
A Very Fine Early 19th Century Brass Telescope By W. & T. Gilbert, London
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine early 19th Century (1819 - 1831) brass telescope by W. & T.Gilbert, London. This fabulous well cast polished brass telescope is of exceptional quality with superb op...
Brass
$327Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Master Craftsman's Spirit Level, English, Brass, Desk, Victorian, 1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This an antique master craftsman's spirit level. An English, rosewood and brass ornamental desk tool, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. An attractive Victorian aid...
Brass
Antique Brass Ashtray Advertising a Philadelphia Dealer in Artificial Human Eyes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An odd obscura collectible in the form of a rare, antique brass advertising ashtray. The ashtray is engraved with "H.E. Baldwin - Philadelphia / Artificial Human Eyes" around the ri...
Brass
Large Antique Solid Brass Library Telescope by Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co
Located in Montreal, QC
Large Antique Solid Brass Library Telescope by Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co Marked: '' 63 Farringdon Rd London EC. Broadhurst, Clarkson and Co''
Brass
A trunk style travel apotecary cabinet in mahogany wood and brass, England 1790.
Located in Milan, IT
English travelling apothecary made of mahogany Sipo mahogany (Entandrophragma utile) and brass with a rectangular base, a front drawer, an opening top and U-shaped metal handles. The...
Brass
Danish 19th Century Brass Surveying or Level Tool on Tripod
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Surveyors tripod level tool from the late 19th century. The tripod is made of wood and the level is brass. The wood tripod is 39.75in high.
Brass
$560Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Bayliss & Co 19th Century English Brass Apothecary Counter Scale Balance
By Bayliss & Coulthard
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique 4 lb mercantile balance by Bayliss & Co of Birmingham, England. Features a twisted iron stand and brass balance with tray and scoop. Makers mark engraved along top arm.
Brass, Iron
19th Century Portable Sundial Signed “Dollond London” — Wood and Brass
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant 19th-century portable sundial, signed “Dollond London”, finely crafted in wood and brass. The renowned Dollond family of London were among the most distinguished makers of sc...
Fruitwood
Antique Victorian Brass & Scottish Agate Postal Scale & Weights, Circa 1865-1870
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Victorian Brass and Scottish Agate Postal scale with Weights, Circa 1865-1870.
Agate, Brass
$1,816Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Leather, Newton & Co, Victorian, C.1870
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique 3 draw telescope. An English, brass and leather dressed refractor by Newton & Co, dating to the Victorian period, circa 1870. Perfect for bird watching, landscape...
Brass
1910s French Brass Telescope on Tripod, Maison Luenette de B. 1910
Located in Marbella, ES
Marked “Lunette de B… Mle 1897–1906, N° 136, APX 1910,” it suggests a military or scientific context, likely as an observation or surveying instrument.
Bronze
$1,052Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Apothecary Mortar and Pestle, English, Brass, Chemist, Victorian, C.1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, brass chemist's shop aid, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Quality apothecary aid with superb finish ...
Brass
Nautical Brass Magnetic Compass with Original Box by E. Vion Paris, Early 1900
Located in Milan, IT
Antique and rare magnetic surveying compass, brass with original wooden box, signed E. Vion Paris, early 1900. Very good condition. Height of box cm 32 – inches 12.61. The firm Vion...
Brass
French 19th Century Brass Fabric Scale on Wooden Base Signed Robert A Vienne
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass fabric scale from the 19th century with wooden base, signed Robert A Vienne. Created in France during the 19th century, this fabric scale, made of brass, is mounted on...
Brass
French 19th Century Brass Fabric Scale on Wooden Base by the Maison Piat
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass fabric scale from the 19th century with wooden base, from the Maison Piat. Created in Paris during the 19th century, this fabric scale, made of brass, is mounted on a ...
Brass
A Large 19th Century Brass Table Top Telescope Marked A. Bardou, Paris
By A. Bardou
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large and impressive 19th century French brass table top telescope marked A. Bardou, Paris. (Denis Albert Bardou; 1841 - 1893) In original fitted wood box. The telescope is mounte...
Brass, Iron
Large French 19th Century Brass and Steel Scale with Weighing Pans and Column
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass and steel scale from the 19th century with central column and two weighing pans. Embrace the charm and sophistication of the 19th century with this exquisite French br...
Brass, Steel
Mahogany and Brass Skylight Ship Binnacle, T.S. & J.D. Negus NY, Circa 1860
Located in Charleston, SC
They were makers of fine scientific instruments, circa 1848-1900. This highly desirable and maritime instrument is made of carved mahogany with a brass and glass skylight hood coveri...
Brass, Iron
Antique French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
By LeRoy
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These binoculars are composed of brass with very good o...
Brass
English Brass Telescope w/ Spotting Scope & Stabilizer Bar on Tripod Stand 1870
Located in Charleston, SC
English brass and polished steel telescope with spotting scope, adjustable stabilizer bar, and mounted on folding tripod stand, 19th Century. Manufacturer T. Cooke & Sons, York. Tel...
Brass, Steel
Antique Oak and Brass Lumber Caliper by E. S. Lane, Upton ME
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Turn of the 20th century, oak and handcrafted brass hardware, lumber caliper by E.S. Lane, Upton ME used to measure the amount of timber from a tree features a sliding caliper and sp...
Brass
Carl Zeiss Stand IV Brass Continental Microscope W/ Case and Slides, circa 1891
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Norwalk, CT
This incredible microscope dates from the late 19th century, during which Carl Zeiss and Edward Abbe were the foremost innovators of revolutionary microscope lens technology. It is a...
Brass
19th Century German “Magic Lantern” Image Projector with Brass Lens
Located in Middleburg, VA
A captivating piece of pre-cinema history, this 19th-century German "magic lantern" image projector is an evocative relic from the dawn of visual storytelling. Crafted circa 1890, th...
Brass, Metal, Steel, Iron, Sheet Metal, Tin
Art Deco Table or Desk Top Brass Mounted 7" Double Convex Magnifying Glass
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Art Deco desk/table top adjustable magnifying glass. A 7" diameter double convex lens in an open topped brass frame suspended between two vertical posts rising from a stepped two-tie...
Brass
19th Century Frankstein Wall Art Throw Switch Slate Brass New Haven Mfg Co
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Bolt it on the wall for decor on set on a table for conversation. A large example by New Haven Manufacturing Co. of Connecticut, c.1890s. L 14.5 x W 5.5 x Thk 3 in
Slate, Brass
French Brass & Polished Steel Telescope w/ Spotting Scope on Tripod Stand C 1850
By Bardou & Son
Located in Charleston, SC
French brass and polished steel telescope with removable lens cap, spotting scope, and mounted on folding tripod stand, 19th Century. Signed on focal tube by prolific telescope make...
Brass, Steel
J H Steward Lord Bury Brass Telescopwe with Leather Case London Ca. 1870
By steward
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J H Steward Brass Telescope. The Lord Bury Telescope comes with a leather case. The brass and leather both. are very patinated. Not only is the brass tarnished, but there are a f...
Brass
English Brass and Wood Barrel Nautical Spyglass James Chapman, London Circa 1850
Located in Charleston, SC
English brass and wood barrel nautical ship captain's spyglass with a single draw, polished sunshade, lense cap, and engraved focal tube by maker James Chapman St. Catherines Dock, L...
Brass
Early 20th Century “National” Brass Cash Register, circa 1900
Located in Madrid, ES
Decorative “National” cash register from around 1900, beautifully crafted in engraved and gilt brass. This impressive antique model features elaborate relief decoration and the elega...
Bronze
Antique Canada Post Office Balance Scale with Cast Metal Base and Brass Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique postal scale is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Canada and date to approximately 1952 and done in the Late Victorian style. The scale is composed of cast ...
Metal, Brass
Mid-19th Century English Brass and Iron Hanging Trade Spring Balance Scale
Located in Dallas, TX
Bring authentic industrial character and historical charm to a kitchen, wine cellar, butcher shop, or country house interior with this antique hanging trade scale. Crafted in Birming...
Copper, Wrought Iron
Folding Boxwood & Brass Shoe Size Measure, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century folding cobbler's boxwood and brass shoe size measure, for the French market. With folding heel rest and slinging toe marker, with brass hinge. Paris point ...
Boxwood
Beste Lederkapsel Vintage Roll Up Tape Measure, Leather & Brass, 1st half 20thc
Located in Atlanta, GA
Wonderfully patinated tape measuring to 20 meters but also in inches on the reverse of the tap, with brass winder and mid stripe as well as hook and keeper, inscribed “Not For Tradin...
Leather
Early 20th Century Brass Electric Fan, by Frost & Co
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Early 20th century brass electric fan, by Frost & Co A very stylish good looking piece, with aluminium blades and metal cage This piece looks to be in good condition, the moto...
Metal
19th Century French Iron Scale with Brass Pans and Aged Patina
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron scale presents a striking combination of sculptural form and industrial utility, distinguished by its elegantly cast base and beautifully aged patina. T...
Iron
19th Century French Iron Scale with Brass Pans, Antique Workshop Tool
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron scale features a bold, well-crafted silhouette that reflects the utilitarian elegance of traditional French workshop tools. The cast-iron base showcases...
Iron
Victorian Postal Scales with Oak Base and Brass Weights, Circa 1890
Located in Queens, NY
"English Victorian postal scales with brass weights consisting of two-4lb weights and a 2lb weight on a oak base (signed: S. MORDAN & CO LONDON) Some minor chipping to the venee...
Metal
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 with a thumb wheel to the side of the main barrel, supported on a solid brass tripod s...
Mahogany
Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pan
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pans, the body of the scale is very decorative in green enamel The Scale is now mainly a decorative piec...
Iron
English Brass Telescope on Tripod Stand signed Dollond, London Circa 1890
Located in Charleston, SC
English brass telescope on tripod stand with slipper feet. Telescope has the original carrying case with lens covers. Late 19th Century
19th Century, J. Florenz Wien Chrome Steel Austrian Balance, 11 Brass Weights
Located in Vigonza, Padua
19th century, chrome steel Austrian balance, by J. Florenz Wien, 11 brass weights, 5 kg. This precious antique table scale was from the famous Caffè Florian in Venice Caffè Flori...
Steel
Planispheric Astrolabe – Equinoctial Dial, late 16th–early 17th century
Located in Madrid, ES
A rare and museum-worthy piece for collectors of early scientific instruments.
Brass
Regency Mahogany Stick Barometer Made and Signed by Worthington & Allan
Located in San Francisco, CA
A fine English mahogany ebony trimmed bow front stick barometer, made and signed by Worthington of London, a prominent maker of scientific instruments in the first half of the ninet...
Brass
19th Century Asian Bronze Portable Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century Asian Bronze Portable Sundial Rare Asian portable sundial from the 19th century, beautifully crafted in bronze This exquisite instrument combines scientific function w...
Brass
19th Century Silvered and Engraved Bronze Portable Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant 19th-century portable sundial crafted in bronze, partially silvered and finely engraved with precise calibrations and decorative detailing. This compact timekeeping instrumen...
Brass
19th Century American Portable Engraved Bronze Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
19th Century American Portable Engraved Bronze Sundial Rare American portable sundial from the 19th century, finely engraved in bronze with inscriptions of various U.S. cities for g...
Brass
19th Century Horizontal Bronze Sundial After Erasmus Habermel
Located in Madrid, ES
Fine 19th-century horizontal sundial, crafted in bronze, inspired by the designs of Erasmus Habermel (ca. 1538–1606, Prague), one of the most celebrated instrument makers of the lat...
Brass
19th Century Silvered Pocket Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
Elegant 19th-century pocket sundial, designed to be worn or carried, made of silvered metal with finely engraved details. This compact and functional timepiece reflects the refinemen...
Brass
Georgian 21-Inch Terrestrial and Celestial Floor Globes by J. W. Cary
By John & William Cary
Located in New Orleans, LA
Today, large-format Cary globes remain among the most sought-after examples of antique scientific instruments, representing the height of British cartographic and astronomical achiev...
Brass
Fine Aneroid Barograph By Short & Mason, London
Located in Cheshire, GB
A high-quality aneroid barograph, the lacquered brass mechanism mounted on a polished base and enclosed within a glazed case of ebonised wood with a metal (brass-mounted) frame and c...
Brass
Antique Portable Cased Paget Star Celestial Globe Hughes & Son 19h Century
By Henry Hughes and Son Ltd.
Located in London, GB
Dimensions in cm: Height 21.5 cm x Width 21.5 cm x Depth 21.5 cm - Globe Height 27 cm x Width 31 cm x Depth 31 cm - Case Dimensions in inches: Height 8 inches x Width 8 inches x D...
Brass
1925 “Pocket Companion” Industrial Drafting Rule & Sliding T-Square Set
By Pickett
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare and visually compelling early 20th-century American industrial drafting and layout instrument set, dated May 9, 1925, and marked “Mansize – Polyface – Slapstick,” along with “...
Brass
19th Century Continental Measuring Stand
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A highly unusual and super quality 19th Century mahogany and brass measuring stand. With two beautifully engraved brass plates showing measurements and a sliding height bar with a w...
Brass
Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810
By Cary
Located in Norwich, GB
William Cary, London Circular Protractor. C.1810 The protractor with geared knob turn for full diameter bar, double hinged scribe arms with shaped frame. Main wheel with four sp...
Brass
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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Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.
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Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.