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Antique Measuring Devices

19th Century French Zimmerman Brass and Fruitwood Balance Scale from Dijon
19th Century French Zimmerman Brass and Fruitwood Balance Scale from Dijon

19th Century French Zimmerman Brass and Fruitwood Balance Scale from Dijon

Located in Dallas, TX

Rectangular in shape, the classic measuring device features a fruitwood case with fine marquetry fillet inlay and its original removable brass plateaus.

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Brass

Japanese Miniature Tansu Work or Sewing Chest (Haribako) Taisho Era Circa 1920
Japanese Miniature Tansu Work or Sewing Chest (Haribako) Taisho Era Circa 1920

Japanese Miniature Tansu Work or Sewing Chest (Haribako) Taisho Era Circa 1920

Located in Incline Village, NV

It is a challenge to find the measuring device which was obviously used to calculate lengths and an integral part of the integrity of a Haribako (sewing box); almost always missing.

Category

1920s Japanese Taisho Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Elm

1925 “Pocket Companion” Industrial Drafting Rule & Sliding T-Square Set
1925 “Pocket Companion” Industrial Drafting Rule & Sliding T-Square Set

1925 “Pocket Companion” Industrial Drafting Rule & Sliding T-Square Set

By Pickett

Located in San Diego, CA

Designed for precision alignment and repeatable measurements, the sliding guide glides smoothly along the central rule, allowing the instrument to function as both a measuring device...

Category

Early 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Brass

19th c. Large French Empire Bronze Gilded Ormolu Figural Clock
19th c. Large French Empire Bronze Gilded Ormolu Figural Clock

19th c. Large French Empire Bronze Gilded Ormolu Figural Clock

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

Beside the standing figure is an elaborate scientific instrument resembling an astronomical telescope mounted upon an engraved measuring column, accompanied by navigational and mathe...

Category

Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Metal

18th Century Antique Mahogany Neoclassical Musical Clock by Ralph Gout of London
18th Century Antique Mahogany Neoclassical Musical Clock by Ralph Gout of London

18th Century Antique Mahogany Neoclassical Musical Clock by Ralph Gout of London

Located in Devon, GB

He produced many clocks for the Spanish and Indian markets and was also an inventor patenting a pedometer and other devices for measuring paces of man or horse in 1796 and revolution...

Category

Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Eyeglass Measuring Device
Eyeglass Measuring Device

Eyeglass Measuring Device

Sold

H 8 in W 5 in D 5 in

Eyeglass Measuring Device

Located in Culver City, CA

Eyeglass measuring device used by Optometrists to measure your prescription eyewear

Category

Early 20th Century German Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Metal

Optometrist's Eyeglass Measuring Device
Optometrist's Eyeglass Measuring Device

Optometrist's Eyeglass Measuring Device

Located in Culver City, CA

Eyeglass measuring device used by Optometrists to measure your prescription eyewear Germany circa 1910

Category

Early 20th Century German Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Metal

Resistance Measuring Device of the Second Half of the 19th Century
Resistance Measuring Device of the Second Half of the 19th Century

Resistance Measuring Device of the Second Half of the 19th Century

By Philip Harris Ltd.

Located in Milan, IT

Resistance measuring device by Philip Harris & Co. Birmingham on oak board, made of brass and copper, complete with boxwood meter measuring from 0 to 50 mm.

Category

1860s British Antique Measuring Devices

19th Century French Metal Scale, Antique Weighing Device, Gothic Style
19th Century French Metal Scale, Antique Weighing Device, Gothic Style

19th Century French Metal Scale, Antique Weighing Device, Gothic Style

Located in High Point, NC

This scale is more than just a measuring device; it’s a sculptural statement that embodies the essence of the Industrial Revolution with its functional design and gothic flourishes.

Category

19th Century French Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Metal

English Surveyor Stick
English Surveyor Stick

English Surveyor Stick

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H 3 in W 158 in D 1.5 in

English Surveyor Stick

Located in Culver City, CA

graphic ladder scale measuring device, folds in half for easy carrying in the field

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Wood

Antique English Brass Shopkeepers Scale
Antique English Brass Shopkeepers Scale

Antique English Brass Shopkeepers Scale

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H 23.5 in W 22 in D 10.75 in

Antique English Brass Shopkeepers Scale

Located in Highwood, IL

Wonderful antique English brass shopkeepers scale fitted on a wooden base. Utilized as a measuring device this classic scale would compliment most any decor.

Category

19th Century English Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Metal Scale
19th Century French Metal Scale

19th Century French Metal Scale

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H 10.1 in W 22.2 in D 9.4 in

19th Century French Metal Scale

Located in High Point, NC

Perfect for aficionados of antiquities or as a statement piece for any rustic or industrial-chic interior, this scale is not just a measuring device but a storied objet d'art, echoin...

Category

19th Century French Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Wooden & Metal Scale
19th Century French Wooden & Metal Scale

19th Century French Wooden & Metal Scale

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H 8.2 in W 24.2 in D 9.8 in

19th Century French Wooden & Metal Scale

Located in High Point, NC

Ideal for enthusiasts of antiques or as an intriguing conversational piece in any home or office, this scale is not just a measuring device but a slice of history, inviting admirers ...

Category

19th Century French Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Metal

Scleroscope to Measure the Hardness of Metals, USA, 1914
Scleroscope to Measure the Hardness of Metals, USA, 1914

Scleroscope to Measure the Hardness of Metals, USA, 1914

By Shore Instrument & MFG New York

Located in Milan, IT

The Shore Scleroscope is the first device designed to measure the hardness of metals.

Category

1910s American Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Metal, Steel

Barograph from the Turn of the 19th and 20th Centuries
Barograph from the Turn of the 19th and 20th Centuries

Barograph from the Turn of the 19th and 20th Centuries

Located in Opole, PL

We present you a Sestrel barograph to measure atmospheric pressure. This device registers changes in pressure by a pen on paper.

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Fruitwood

Antique Copper 50 Liter Wine Vessel from Carcassonne France, circa 1850
Antique Copper 50 Liter Wine Vessel from Carcassonne France, circa 1850

Antique Copper 50 Liter Wine Vessel from Carcassonne France, circa 1850

Located in Dallas, TX

This beautiful copper object was a measuring and dispensing device used by a French wine producer circa 1850.

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Copper, Steel

Antique Copper Wine 'Mesure a Vin' from a French Vineyard, C. 1850
Antique Copper Wine 'Mesure a Vin' from a French Vineyard, C. 1850

Antique Copper Wine 'Mesure a Vin' from a French Vineyard, C. 1850

Located in Dallas, TX

This beautiful copper object was a measuring and dispensing device used by a French wine producer around 1850.

Category

19th Century French Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Copper

French Cherrywood Book Rest or Music Stand, Lutrin
French Cherrywood Book Rest or Music Stand, Lutrin

French Cherrywood Book Rest or Music Stand, Lutrin

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A charming piece and in good condition, not only would it be a great recipe book stand but it would just as well hold a tablet device. The stand measures is 12” deep, 17” wide and...

Category

Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Cherry

18th Century Italian Cadron Solaire (Sundial) Marmo Carnico
18th Century Italian Cadron Solaire (Sundial) Marmo Carnico

18th Century Italian Cadron Solaire (Sundial) Marmo Carnico

Located in Dallas, TX

There are many types of sundials, but basically the following is a brief description for most of them: A sundial is a device that measures time by the position of the Sun.

Category

18th Century and Earlier Italian Antique Measuring Devices

Occasus Ortus: An Astronomical Measuring Device for Angular Precision, c.1780
Occasus Ortus: An Astronomical Measuring Device for Angular Precision, c.1780

Occasus Ortus: An Astronomical Measuring Device for Angular Precision, c.1780

Located in Langweer, NL

This print, titled "Occasus Ortus", showcases a highly detailed engraving of an 18th-century measuring device, likely related to astronomy or navigation.

Category

1780s European Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Paper

French Neoclassical Style Wall Barometer and Thermometer
French Neoclassical Style Wall Barometer and Thermometer

French Neoclassical Style Wall Barometer and Thermometer

Located in London, GB

French neoclassical style wall barometer and thermometer French, 19th century Measures: Height 113cm, width 28cm, depth 6cm This beautiful instrument is a combined barometer and...

Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Metal

Antique Prestwich Fluid Gauge, English, Aeronautical, Scientific Instrument
Antique Prestwich Fluid Gauge, English, Aeronautical, Scientific Instrument

Antique Prestwich Fluid Gauge, English, Aeronautical, Scientific Instrument

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

Early 20th century fluid measuring device presented within a carry case Displays a desirable aged patina - untested, in good display condition Black enamel finish to base with natu...

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Glass

19th Century French Metal Scale
19th Century French Metal Scale

19th Century French Metal Scale

Sold

H 27.3 in W 26.5 in D 5.9 in

19th Century French Metal Scale

Located in High Point, NC

With its ornate metalwork and robust brass pans, this scale is not just a measuring device but a piece of history. Its weathered patina tells a story of countless markets and transac...

Category

19th Century French Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Metal

Art Nouveau French Black , wooden Telephone Bronze
Art Nouveau French Black , wooden Telephone Bronze

Art Nouveau French Black , wooden Telephone Bronze

By French Foundry Pierret-Depaix et Cie

Located in Valladolid, ES

Its activities are concentrated in the areas of telephony and public procurement, and include: the manufacture of cameras and cinematographic equipment, the manufacture of telegraph...

Category

1920s French Art Nouveau Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Bronze, Wire

Naudet & Co. 1915-1916 Paris World War I French Aviation Altimeter Militaire
Naudet & Co. 1915-1916 Paris World War I French Aviation Altimeter Militaire

Naudet & Co. 1915-1916 Paris World War I French Aviation Altimeter Militaire

Located in Miami, FL

This experience of over 150 years gives Naudet unparalleled expertise in the design and manufacture of high quality measuring devices. They was very active during the WWI and WWII.

Category

1910s French Industrial Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Ophthalmometer Eye Machine by General Optical Company
Antique Ophthalmometer Eye Machine by General Optical Company

Antique Ophthalmometer Eye Machine by General Optical Company

Located in Norwalk, CT

This is an optical optometrist device to measure the curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea, the chief refracting surface of the human eye.

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Measuring Devices

Persia, Armenia & Adjacent Regions: A Hand-colored 17th Century Map by De Wit
Persia, Armenia & Adjacent Regions: A Hand-colored 17th Century Map by De Wit

Persia, Armenia & Adjacent Regions: A Hand-colored 17th Century Map by De Wit

By Frederick de Wit

Located in Alamo, CA

A cartouche depicting scale in the lower left corner includes a man in Arab garb utilizing a device to measure distance on a map. This hand-colored map is presented in an antiqued g...

Category

Late 17th Century Old Masters Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Engraving

Massive Oak Draper's Table
Massive Oak Draper's Table

Massive Oak Draper's Table

Sold

H 30 in W 158 in D 61 in

Massive Oak Draper's Table

Located in New York, NY

A Massive French Oak Draper's Table with Integral Measuring Devices on Either Side, Base is Pine, Late 19th Century

Category

19th Century French Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Parisian Hat Stretcher Block by Allie Maillard
Early 20th Century Parisian Hat Stretcher Block by Allie Maillard

Early 20th Century Parisian Hat Stretcher Block by Allie Maillard

Located in Downham Market, GB

Manufactured by Allie Maillard of Paris (maker of the famous 'Conformateur' hat measuring device), this is by far the best example I've come across & I've bought a a few!

Category

Early 1900s British Industrial Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Iron

Heath and Wing Waywiser Six-Spoke Wheel, circa 1785
Heath and Wing Waywiser Six-Spoke Wheel, circa 1785

Heath and Wing Waywiser Six-Spoke Wheel, circa 1785

Located in Peterborough, Northamptonshire

Provenance The "Waywiser," a surveyor's measuring device. Surveyors today use a Waywiser (also known as an Odometer or a Perambulator) to measure linear distances on the ground and ...

Category

Late 18th Century British Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Mahogany

Perambulator, Or Surveyor’s Wheel, A Waywiser
Perambulator, Or Surveyor’s Wheel, A Waywiser

Perambulator, Or Surveyor’s Wheel, A Waywiser

By Troughton & Simms London

Located in New York, NY

The accuracy of the measurements implies that the bematists used a sophisticated mechanical device for measuring distances, undoubtedly an odometer such as described by Heron of Alex...

Category

18th Century and Earlier Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Brass

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Japanese Lacquer Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay and Parquetry Drawers
Japanese Lacquer Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay and Parquetry Drawers

Japanese Lacquer Box with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay and Parquetry Drawers

Located in Yonkers, NY

A finely crafted Japanese tabletop cabinet from the early 20th century, this compact storage piece is richly detailed with traditional decorative techniques and export-era flourishes...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Wood

Antique French Oak Apothecary Cabinet, Early 20th Century
Antique French Oak Apothecary Cabinet, Early 20th Century

Antique French Oak Apothecary Cabinet, Early 20th Century

$2,683Sale Price|24% Off

H 57.88 in W 53.55 in D 19.3 in

Antique French Oak Apothecary Cabinet, Early 20th Century

Located in Nijmegen, NL

This oak apothecary cabinet with brass hardware was made in the early 20th century in France and was used in a hardware store. It is very well made and it remains in a good restored ...

Category

1910s French Industrial Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Oak

Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Merchant Tansu Chest with Iron Fittings
Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Merchant Tansu Chest with Iron Fittings

Late Meiji Japanese Keyaki Merchant Tansu Chest with Iron Fittings

Located in Yonkers, NY

A Japanese Meiji merchant's tansu chest from the late 19th century with iron hardware. This late Meiji-period Japanese merchant’s chest, crafted from keyaki (Japanese elm) and adorne...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Iron

Japanese Tansu Chest / Storage, 1920s
Japanese Tansu Chest / Storage, 1920s

Japanese Tansu Chest / Storage, 1920s

$1,669

H 37.01 in W 14.97 in D 16.54 in

Japanese Tansu Chest / Storage, 1920s

By ACC Japan

Located in London, Lambeth

Beautiful patinated wooden small tansu from Japan. Tansu chests are very popular throughout Japan and were originally created as a portable set of drawers. Crafted using Japanese joi...

Category

1920s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Cherry

Large Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Futon Tansu Cabinet with Iron Hardware
Large Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Futon Tansu Cabinet with Iron Hardware

Large Japanese Meiji Period 19th Century Futon Tansu Cabinet with Iron Hardware

Located in Yonkers, NY

A large Japanese Meiji period two-piece futon tansu cabinet from the late 19th century, with original iron hardware. Created in Japan during the second half of the 19th century, this...

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Iron

Late Meiji Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest Display Cabinet Cupboard 45"
Late Meiji Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest Display Cabinet Cupboard 45"

Late Meiji Japanese Cha Tansu Tea Chest Display Cabinet Cupboard 45"

Located in Dayton, OH

An antique Meiji era Cha Tansu Tea Cabinet. Features a burled frame. Features a central display portion with etched glass covering shelves and upper and lower cupboard with sliding...

Category

Late 19th Century Meiji Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Hardwood, Burl

Japanese Tansu Jewelry Chest
Japanese Tansu Jewelry Chest

Japanese Tansu Jewelry Chest

$2,500 / item

H 12.25 in W 25.75 in D 10.5 in

Japanese Tansu Jewelry Chest

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

An elegant Japanese Tansu Jewelry chest. Made of Japanese elm-keyaki. Handles on the sides, top drawer lined with velvet.

Category

1960s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Elm

Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest in the Sendai Dansu Style Made of Keyaki Wood
Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest in the Sendai Dansu Style Made of Keyaki Wood

Japanese Meiji Period Tansu Chest in the Sendai Dansu Style Made of Keyaki Wood

Located in Torino, IT

This 19th-century Japanese Tansu clothing chest produced in the Meiji period is made of Japanese cedar wood (cryptomeria Japonica) in its inner parts, while for the outer parts it is...

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Iron

Kaidan Tansu Japanese Stair Chest, Japan, 19th Century
Kaidan Tansu Japanese Stair Chest, Japan, 19th Century

Kaidan Tansu Japanese Stair Chest, Japan, 19th Century

$11,460

H 72.25 in W 39.38 in D 36.62 in

Kaidan Tansu Japanese Stair Chest, Japan, 19th Century

Located in Antwerp, BE

This rare Kaidan Tansu is an original 19th-century Japanese stair chest from the Meiji period (circa 1890). Crafted in richly patinated wood, it combines functional storage with the ...

Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Measuring Devices

Materials

Wood

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Antique Measuring Devices For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of antique measuring devices available on 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique measuring devices was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and brass. Antique measuring devices have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Antique measuring devices are generally popular furniture pieces, but Baroque, neoclassical and industrial styles are often sought at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made antique measuring devices over the years, but those made by Antonio Tantardini, Bradley & Hubbard and Capodimonte are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Antique Measuring Devices?

Antique measuring devices can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,950, while the lowest priced sells for $346 and the highest can go for as much as $424,500.

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