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Antique Measuring Instruments

18th Century French Silver Measuring Instruments Pied De Roy
18th Century French Silver Measuring Instruments Pied De Roy

18th Century French Silver Measuring Instruments Pied De Roy

$3,906 / set

H 0.04 in W 3.35 in D 0.36 in

18th Century French Silver Measuring Instruments Pied De Roy

Located in Delft, NL

18th Century French Silver Measuring Instruments Pied De Roy A rare collection of two silver

Category

18th Century French Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Silver

England Early 1900 Brass Galvanometer Antique Physic Measuring Instrument
England Early 1900 Brass Galvanometer Antique Physic Measuring Instrument

England Early 1900 Brass Galvanometer Antique Physic Measuring Instrument

By Philip Harris Ltd.

Located in Milan, IT

Moving coil brass galvanometer with three-screw base, instrument signed Philip Harris Ltd

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Stick Barometer Mahogany Board Antique Weather Measuring Instrument J. Ramsden
Stick Barometer Mahogany Board Antique Weather Measuring Instrument J. Ramsden

Stick Barometer Mahogany Board Antique Weather Measuring Instrument J. Ramsden

By Jesse Ramsden

Located in Milan, IT

fist one in 1643 to make an instrument for measure changes of air pressure. Man, as farmer or

Category

1780s Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

Refractor Polarimeter Physic Measuring Instrument Made by Steindorff & Co 1920s
Refractor Polarimeter Physic Measuring Instrument Made by Steindorff & Co 1920s

Refractor Polarimeter Physic Measuring Instrument Made by Steindorff & Co 1920s

Located in Milan, IT

D.R.P. Germany, 1920s. It is an antique instrument used to determine the concentration of sucrose and

Category

1920s German Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Galvanometer Antique Measuring Instrument Used for Telegraph Cables 1850 circa
Galvanometer Antique Measuring Instrument Used for Telegraph Cables 1850 circa

Galvanometer Antique Measuring Instrument Used for Telegraph Cables 1850 circa

Located in Milan, IT

Vertical mirror galvanometer made in 1850 circa, oak and glass, three adjustable screws at the base. Tool constituted by a magnet bar movable inside a coil and connected to a needle....

Category

1850s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer Set by Gleizes
Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer Set by Gleizes

Louis XV Style Ormolu-Mounted Tortoiseshell Clock and Barometer Set by Gleizes

By E. Gleizes Paris

Located in London, GB

further measuring instruments for temperature etc, line the lengths. Beautifully shaped, with delighful

Category

19th Century French Rococo Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Ormolu

Measuring Stand
Measuring Stand

Measuring Stand

$1,975

H 95 in W 20 in D 20 in

Measuring Stand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This French early wooden measuring stand is a marvelous blend of utility and minimalistic design

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal

Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810
Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810

Fine Circular Protractor by William Cary, London c.1810

By Cary

Located in Norwich, GB

including mechanical calculators, measuring instruments, telescopes, microscopes and navigation and

Category

1810s English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Victorian Surveyor's Measure
English Victorian Surveyor's Measure

English Victorian Surveyor's Measure

$1,650

H 75.75 in W 3 in D 2.25 in

English Victorian Surveyor's Measure

Located in Queens, NY

English Victorian-style painted wood and brass adjustable surveyor\'s measure.

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pharmacy Child Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre
Pharmacy Child Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre

Pharmacy Child Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Pharmacy Child Measure Stand, Pitch Pine Measuring Stick or Somastometre Once these along with

Category

1890s Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Beech

Logging Measuring Stick c.1940
Logging Measuring Stick c.1940

Logging Measuring Stick c.1940

$70 / set

H 54 in W 1.5 in D 1 in

Logging Measuring Stick c.1940

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT Yellow surveyor pole has sold. Original logging measuring stick. The logging measuring

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Victorian Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure
Victorian Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure

Victorian Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure

Located in Essex, MA

Impressively large bushel measure for the County Of Gloucester, England. Inscribed "Imperial

Category

1850s English Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

American Victorian Scale and Height Measure
American Victorian Scale and Height Measure

American Victorian Scale and Height Measure

$5,000

H 57 in W 24 in D 33 in

American Victorian Scale and Height Measure

Located in Queens, NY

American Victorian standing scale with mahogany center post and brass weight and height measure

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Italian Height Measuring Apparatus
19th Century Italian Height Measuring Apparatus

19th Century Italian Height Measuring Apparatus

$4,875

H 84 in W 18.25 in D 20.25 in

19th Century Italian Height Measuring Apparatus

Located in Round Top, TX

An intriguing 19th century Italian apparatus for measuring one's height in centimeters. Soundly

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Compass with Pocket Sundial, with Case, Bronze, Butterfield, Michael '1635-1724'
Compass with Pocket Sundial, with Case, Bronze, Butterfield, Michael '1635-1724'

Compass with Pocket Sundial, with Case, Bronze, Butterfield, Michael '1635-1724'

Located in Madrid, ES

mathematician who made measuring instruments based in Paris from the last quarter of the 17th century who

Category

Early 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Other

Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure
Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure

Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure

$560Sale Price|20% Off

H 63 in W 3 in D 2 in

Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure

Located in Burton, TX

Telescoping surveyors measuring staff made of wood with brass fittings. Marked 'Houghton-Butcher

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure
Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure

Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure

$560Sale Price|20% Off

H 63 in W 3 in D 2 in

Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure

Located in Burton, TX

Telescoping surveyors measuring staff made of wood with brass fittings. Marked 'Houghton-Butcher

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure For Northumberland
Large Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure For Northumberland

Large Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure For Northumberland

Located in Essex, MA

The Exchequer , City Of London " . Imperial Standard Bushel Measure for Northumberland County, England

Category

1820s English George IV Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure
Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure

Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure

$108Sale Price|20% Off

H 2 in W 1.5 in D 1 in

Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Very charming small figurine of a lady that functions as a tape measure. This vintage piece was

Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Plastic

Folding Boxwood & Brass Shoe Size Measure, circa 1880
Folding Boxwood & Brass Shoe Size Measure, circa 1880

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

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Boxwood

Antique Telescope, Large, Single Draw Refractor, Cary London, circa 1820
Antique Telescope, Large, Single Draw Refractor, Cary London, circa 1820

Antique Telescope, Large, Single Draw Refractor, Cary London, circa 1820

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

equipment, mechanical calculators and measuring instruments. Working out of The Strand, London, England

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Pharmacist's Medicine Cup, English, Glass, Apothecary Measure, Victorian
Antique Pharmacist's Medicine Cup, English, Glass, Apothecary Measure, Victorian

Antique Pharmacist's Medicine Cup, English, Glass, Apothecary Measure, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique pharmacist's medicine cup. An English, glass and leather apothecary measure

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Glass

1860s Torricellian Barometer Oak Wood Negretti & Zambra Old Weather Instrument
1860s Torricellian Barometer Oak Wood Negretti & Zambra Old Weather Instrument

1860s Torricellian Barometer Oak Wood Negretti & Zambra Old Weather Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

, was the fist one in 1643 to make an instrument for measure changes of air pressure. Man, as farmer or

Category

1860s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Oak

System  walking stick with grain measuring the function, France 1820.
System  walking stick with grain measuring the function, France 1820.

System walking stick with grain measuring the function, France 1820.

Located in Milan, IT

System walking stick: stick with grain measuring function. Oak wood barrel, graduated on the

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

1820-35 Large Clock Barometer by Silvani Brighton Antique Forecast Instrument
1820-35 Large Clock Barometer by Silvani Brighton Antique Forecast Instrument

1820-35 Large Clock Barometer by Silvani Brighton Antique Forecast Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

), mathematician and physicist, Galileo’s disciple, was the fist one in 1643 to make an instrument for measure

Category

1840s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Alnmått (Cubit measure) in iron with gilded details. Baroque, dated 1731
Alnmått (Cubit measure) in iron with gilded details. Baroque, dated 1731

Alnmått (Cubit measure) in iron with gilded details. Baroque, dated 1731

Located in Knivsta, SE

Swedish Alnmått (Cubit measure) in iron with gilded details. Baroque, dated 1731. Provenance: Baron

Category

1730s Swedish Baroque Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Iron

Alnmått (Cubit measure) in Birch with a Noble Crown. Gustavian, dated 1783
Alnmått (Cubit measure) in Birch with a Noble Crown. Gustavian, dated 1783

Alnmått (Cubit measure) in Birch with a Noble Crown. Gustavian, dated 1783

Located in Knivsta, SE

. An instrument used for measuring, traditionally called Alnmått, consisting of curved work worked

Category

1780s Swedish Gustavian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pair of Antique Customs & Excise Measures, English, Etched Glass Beakers C.1920
Pair of Antique Customs & Excise Measures, English, Etched Glass Beakers C.1920

Pair of Antique Customs & Excise Measures, English, Etched Glass Beakers C.1920

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a pair of antique Customs & Excise measures. An English, etched glass governmental beaker

Category

1920s British Other Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Glass

Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump
Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump

Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Gilbert & Barker Red Self Measuring Type 208 Vintage Curbside Gas Pump. Item featured

Category

Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal

Large Antique French Brass and Iron Balance Scale with Weights
Large Antique French Brass and Iron Balance Scale with Weights

Large Antique French Brass and Iron Balance Scale with Weights

Located in Mt Kisco, NY

, and weights. Testut was a French company manufacturing and marketing measuring instruments (weighing

Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach
Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach

Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach

$6,850

H 16.75 in W 8.13 in D 8.13 in

Holland Circle by Baumann and Kinzelbach

Located in New Orleans, LA

surveying and is a precursor to the theodolite, an optical instrument for measuring angles. Baumann and

Category

19th Century German Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Spectacle Lenses Eye Glass Optometrist tool set
Antique Spectacle Lenses Eye Glass Optometrist tool set

Antique Spectacle Lenses Eye Glass Optometrist tool set

$2,750Sale Price|20% Off

H 3 in W 16 in D 13.75 in

Antique Spectacle Lenses Eye Glass Optometrist tool set

Located in Norwalk, CT

Salmon Bros London, A beautiful cased instrument for measuring the sight to determine the need for

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Glass

Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer
Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer

Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer

$913

H 24.22 in W 13.39 in D 2.37 in

Dutch 19th Century Carved Wooden Barometer

Located in Delft, NL

scene of fruits and scrolls A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure air pressure in a

Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century French Carved Black Forest Hunting Barometer and Thermometer
Early 20th Century French Carved Black Forest Hunting Barometer and Thermometer

Early 20th Century French Carved Black Forest Hunting Barometer and Thermometer

Located in Birmingham, AL

. The central section features the barometer, known as an aneroid barometer, an instrument used for

Category

Early 1900s French Black Forest Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Walnut

French 18th century Louis XVI Period Giltwood barometer, signed Lepage 1767
French 18th century Louis XVI Period Giltwood barometer, signed Lepage 1767

French 18th century Louis XVI Period Giltwood barometer, signed Lepage 1767

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

the center, scroll and measuring instruments. The barometer is finished with a stunning and most

Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Dalmatian Coast: A 17th Century Dutch Map
Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Dalmatian Coast: A 17th Century Dutch Map

Italy, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Dalmatian Coast: A 17th Century Dutch Map

By Theodorus Danckerts

Located in Alamo, CA

scale in the bottom left is also illustrated with a cherub with measuring instruments. Various ships can

Category

Late 17th Century Dutch Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Paper

Bronze Sculpture "Science Guiding Industry" By Emile Picault (1833-1915)
Bronze Sculpture "Science Guiding Industry" By Emile Picault (1833-1915)

Bronze Sculpture "Science Guiding Industry" By Emile Picault (1833-1915)

By Émile Louis Picault

Located in Ixelles, BE

containing plans or drawings, and tools (a chisel or measuring instrument is visible). This posture

Category

19th Century French Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Barometer & Thermometer
Early 19th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Barometer & Thermometer

Early 19th Century Louis XVI Style Giltwood Barometer & Thermometer

Located in Atlanta, GA

French words like "PLUIE" (rain) and "VARIABLE" • Barometers are instruments used to measure atmospheric

Category

Early 19th Century European Louis XVI Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Giltwood

Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s
Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s

Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s

$841

H 23.23 in W 23.23 in D 5.12 in

Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

, vintage, or minimalist interior. This clock is not only an instrument for measuring time but also a

Category

1920s Japanese Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s
Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s

Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s

$1,502

H 20.87 in W 20.87 in D 5.12 in

Large Wooden Japanese Clock, 1920s

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

, vintage, or minimalist interior. This Aichi clock is not only an instrument for measuring time but also a

Category

1920s Japanese Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Iron

19th Century German Black Forest Style Ebonized Walnut Thermometer-Barometer
19th Century German Black Forest Style Ebonized Walnut Thermometer-Barometer

19th Century German Black Forest Style Ebonized Walnut Thermometer-Barometer

Located in Chicago, IL

instrument designed to measure atmospheric pressure and forecast weather, while also providing temperature

Category

19th Century German Black Forest Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Antique Orchestra Chair with Lyre Back
Antique Orchestra Chair with Lyre Back

Antique Orchestra Chair with Lyre Back

$1,250

H 32.25 in W 15.5 in D 14.75 in

Antique Orchestra Chair with Lyre Back

Located in Denton, TX

instruments. Measures: Seat height goes up to 23".

Category

19th Century European Neoclassical Revival Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pair KPM Porcelain Plaques After Franz Lefler
Pair KPM Porcelain Plaques After Franz Lefler

Pair KPM Porcelain Plaques After Franz Lefler

$28,000 / set

H 7.88 in W 13.25 in D 0.25 in

Pair KPM Porcelain Plaques After Franz Lefler

By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)

Located in New York, NY

master, Franz Lefler (1831-1898), depicting children singing and playing string instruments. Measures

Category

19th Century German Romantic Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Porcelain

Brass Ship's Inclinometer, circa 1910
Brass Ship's Inclinometer, circa 1910

Brass Ship's Inclinometer, circa 1910

$662Sale Price|20% Off

H 20 in W 25 in D 4 in

Brass Ship's Inclinometer, circa 1910

Located in London, GB

. An inclinometer, or clinometer, is an instrument used for measuring angles of slope (or tilt) or

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass Ship's Inclinometer on a Mahogany Back Board, circa 1925
Brass Ship's Inclinometer on a Mahogany Back Board, circa 1925

Brass Ship's Inclinometer on a Mahogany Back Board, circa 1925

Located in London, GB

clinometer, is an instrument used for measuring angles of slope (or tilt) or elevation of an object with

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

18th Century Antique Fireplace Mantel with Starry Marble Inlay
18th Century Antique Fireplace Mantel with Starry Marble Inlay

18th Century Antique Fireplace Mantel with Starry Marble Inlay

Located in Beervelde, BE

is quite unique. The hard stone has a wood look. The front is decorated with musique instrument

Category

18th Century French Directoire Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Stone

Recent Sales

Museum Quality Measuring Instrument, PH & F. Pellin, Paris, circa 1900
Museum Quality Measuring Instrument, PH & F. Pellin, Paris, circa 1900

Museum Quality Measuring Instrument, PH & F. Pellin, Paris, circa 1900

Located in Nijmegen, Gelderland

This authentic measuring instrument from PH & F. Pellin comes from Paris, France. The PH & F

Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

19th Century Gold/Apothecary Desktop Scale in Cherry and Brass by Henry Troemner
19th Century Gold/Apothecary Desktop Scale in Cherry and Brass by Henry Troemner

19th Century Gold/Apothecary Desktop Scale in Cherry and Brass by Henry Troemner

By Henry Troemner

Located in South Newfane, VT

still manufactures precision weighing and measuring instruments to the present day. Scales of this type

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Late 19th Century Physics Instrument
Late 19th Century Physics Instrument

Late 19th Century Physics Instrument

Unavailable

H 6 in W 9 in D 5.38 in

Late 19th Century Physics Instrument

Located in Seattle, WA

This is a fantastic and rare 19th century physics instrument used to measure the angle of light

Category

Late 19th Century Czech Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Zinc

Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Unavailable

H 20.08 in W 18.9 in D 7.49 in

Mantel Clock 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Located in Warsaw, PL

structure. 5. Artistic and Historical Significance This clock is far more than a time-measuring instrument

Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

Walker’s Excelsior IV Patent Log For Yachts
Walker’s Excelsior IV Patent Log For Yachts

Walker’s Excelsior IV Patent Log For Yachts

Unavailable

H 5.52 in W 15.36 in D 7.49 in

Walker’s Excelsior IV Patent Log For Yachts

Located in STOKE ON TRENT, GB

, Birmingham. The Walker’s Excelsior IV Patent Log is a nautical instrument for measuring a vessel’s speed and

Category

19th Century Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal

1850s Oak Wood Stick Barometer Weather Measuring Instrument Negretti & Zambra
1850s Oak Wood Stick Barometer Weather Measuring Instrument Negretti & Zambra

1850s Oak Wood Stick Barometer Weather Measuring Instrument Negretti & Zambra

By Negretti & Zambra

Located in Milan, IT

Stick barometer, oak wood, antique measuring instrument made in UK in the mid-19th century and

Category

1870s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

Salmoiraghi Antique Brass Tacheometer, Surveying Measuring Instrument, 1860
Salmoiraghi Antique Brass Tacheometer, Surveying Measuring Instrument, 1860

Salmoiraghi Antique Brass Tacheometer, Surveying Measuring Instrument, 1860

Located in Milan, IT

, plumb line and other accessories. It is a scientific instrument used in terrestrial observations for

Category

1860s Italian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Measuring Instrument to Verify Distillates in Barrels by Dring & Fage UK 1900s
Measuring Instrument to Verify Distillates in Barrels by Dring & Fage UK 1900s

Measuring Instrument to Verify Distillates in Barrels by Dring & Fage UK 1900s

By Dring & Fage 1

Located in Milan, IT

Measuring instrument made of boxwood and brass divided into four parts and placed in its original

Category

Early 1900s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Boxwood

1870 Salmoiraghi Tacheometer Surveyor Measuring Instrument in Original Patina
1870 Salmoiraghi Tacheometer Surveyor Measuring Instrument in Original Patina

1870 Salmoiraghi Tacheometer Surveyor Measuring Instrument in Original Patina

Located in Milan, IT

bronze, from the second half of the 19th century. Powerful instrument for topography, used from

Category

1870s Italian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

1850 Induction Spool or Ruhmkorff Spool Antique Physic Measuring Instrument
1850 Induction Spool or Ruhmkorff Spool Antique Physic Measuring Instrument

1850 Induction Spool or Ruhmkorff Spool Antique Physic Measuring Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

Antique nduction spool also called Ruhmkorff spool conceived circa mid-19th century, an instrument

Category

1850s Italian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal

1850 Ciceri and Pini Mahogany Barometer Antique Weather Measuring Instrument
1850 Ciceri and Pini Mahogany Barometer Antique Weather Measuring Instrument

1850 Ciceri and Pini Mahogany Barometer Antique Weather Measuring Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

instrument for measure changes of air pressure. Man, as farmer or navigator, has always observed and tried

Category

1850s Italian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

19th Century Mahogany Barometer Wisker York Antique Weather Measuring Instrument
19th Century Mahogany Barometer Wisker York Antique Weather Measuring Instrument

19th Century Mahogany Barometer Wisker York Antique Weather Measuring Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

disciple, was the fist one in 1643 to make an instrument for measure changes of air pressure. Man, as

Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Barometer Antique Weather Measuring Instrument by Giuseppe Piana Early 1800s
Barometer Antique Weather Measuring Instrument by Giuseppe Piana Early 1800s

Barometer Antique Weather Measuring Instrument by Giuseppe Piana Early 1800s

By Giuseppe Piana

Located in Milan, IT

to make an instrument for measure changes of air pressure. Man, as farmer or navigator, has always

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

Engraved Boxwood Book Shaped Sundial Antique Time Measuring Instrument 1800s
Engraved Boxwood Book Shaped Sundial Antique Time Measuring Instrument 1800s

Engraved Boxwood Book Shaped Sundial Antique Time Measuring Instrument 1800s

Located in Milan, IT

in English about the operation of the instrument. Inside the lid there is the hour dial, with the

Category

Early 1800s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Aneroid Brass Barometer Measuring Instrument by Negretti & Zambra
19th Century Aneroid Brass Barometer Measuring Instrument by Negretti & Zambra

19th Century Aneroid Brass Barometer Measuring Instrument by Negretti & Zambra

Located in Milan, IT

Aneroid or holosteric brass barometer made at the end of the 19th century, signed Negretti & Zambra n. I 699, complete with semicircle thermometer with engraved and silver-plated bra...

Category

1880s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Metronome Johan Maelzel Antique Musical Measuring Instrument made in Early 1900s
Metronome Johan Maelzel Antique Musical Measuring Instrument made in Early 1900s

Metronome Johan Maelzel Antique Musical Measuring Instrument made in Early 1900s

Located in Milan, IT

Metronome system Johan Maelzel (1772-1838) of the early 1900s. It is an instrument used to measure

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

Metronome System Johan Maelzel Oak Wood Measuring Instrument made in 1900s
Metronome System Johan Maelzel Oak Wood Measuring Instrument made in 1900s

Metronome System Johan Maelzel Oak Wood Measuring Instrument made in 1900s

Located in Milan, IT

Metronome system Johan Maelzel (1772-1838) early 1900s. It is an instrument used to measure the

Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal

1930s Brass Anemometer in Original Case Ancient Measuring Instrument Air Flux
1930s Brass Anemometer in Original Case Ancient Measuring Instrument Air Flux

1930s Brass Anemometer in Original Case Ancient Measuring Instrument Air Flux

Located in Milan, IT

functional. Case size cm 10.8x8 h 9 - inches 4.25x3.14 h 3.54. An anemometer is an antique instrument to

Category

1920s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Large Clock Barometer Antique Measuring Instrument by Amadio London 1842-1851
Large Clock Barometer Antique Measuring Instrument by Amadio London 1842-1851

Large Clock Barometer Antique Measuring Instrument by Amadio London 1842-1851

Located in Milan, IT

the top and level for the correct positioning of the instrument on the wall placed at the base

Category

1840s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

J Walden 1810-20 Mahogany Large clock Barometer Weather Measuring Instrument
J Walden 1810-20 Mahogany Large clock Barometer Weather Measuring Instrument

J Walden 1810-20 Mahogany Large clock Barometer Weather Measuring Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

the correct positioning of the instrument on the wall in silver-plated brass placed at the base with

Category

1810s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Brass Spirit Level Measuring Instrument by J. Rabone & Sons, Birmingham  1860
Brass Spirit Level Measuring Instrument by J. Rabone & Sons, Birmingham  1860

Brass Spirit Level Measuring Instrument by J. Rabone & Sons, Birmingham 1860

Located in Milan, IT

functional. Measures: Length 15.5 cm - 6 inches, width 2 cm - 0.78 inches, height 2.2 cm - 0.86 inches

Category

1860s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Equinoctial Sundial Engraved Brass and Glass Time Measuring Instrument UK 1840
Equinoctial Sundial Engraved Brass and Glass Time Measuring Instrument UK 1840

Equinoctial Sundial Engraved Brass and Glass Time Measuring Instrument UK 1840

Located in Milan, IT

. Box size cm 14.5x13.5x5. It is an ancient time measuring instrument whose orientation is given by

Category

1840s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

1900s Barometric Altimeter Antique Measuring Instrument in Original Case
1900s Barometric Altimeter Antique Measuring Instrument in Original Case

1900s Barometric Altimeter Antique Measuring Instrument in Original Case

Located in Milan, IT

instrument for measure the height above sea level, according with principle of Pascal: atmospheric pressure

Category

Early 1900s Italian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

1850 Italian Brass Square Measurement Surveyor Instrument, Scientific Instrument
1850 Italian Brass Square Measurement Surveyor Instrument, Scientific Instrument

1850 Italian Brass Square Measurement Surveyor Instrument, Scientific Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

: Height 16 cm, diameter 8 cm. It's an antique measuring instrument including a brass cylindrical box, with

Category

1850s Italian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Wooden English Barometer Antique Forecast Weather Instrument
19th Century Wooden English Barometer Antique Forecast Weather Instrument

19th Century Wooden English Barometer Antique Forecast Weather Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

Wooden barometer measuring instrument English manufacture made in the mid 19th century, silver

Category

1850s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

1870s Brass Cathetometer Signed G. Coradi Zurich Antique Scientific Instrument
1870s Brass Cathetometer Signed G. Coradi Zurich Antique Scientific Instrument

1870s Brass Cathetometer Signed G. Coradi Zurich Antique Scientific Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

. Instrument used to measure the height differences and the vertical and horizontal distance between two points

Category

1780s Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass Sextant
Brass Sextant

Brass Sextant

Located in New York, NY

Turn-of-the-century brass astronomical measuring instrument used to determine latitude and

Category

19th Century English Antique Measuring Instruments

19th Century Antique Barometer Joseph Solcha Hull Antique Forecast Instrument
19th Century Antique Barometer Joseph Solcha Hull Antique Forecast Instrument

19th Century Antique Barometer Joseph Solcha Hull Antique Forecast Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

Barometer signed Joseph Solcha Hull Warranted, active between 1851 and 1855, antique measuring

Category

1850s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Fabulous and Masculine Found Object Wall Sculpture
Fabulous and Masculine Found Object Wall Sculpture

Fabulous and Masculine Found Object Wall Sculpture

Located in Hopewell, NJ

A rich in character 19th century measuring instrument used on trees, wonderful as a wall-mounted

Category

1860s American Rustic Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century Hydrometer by Farrow and Jackson of London
19th Century Hydrometer by Farrow and Jackson of London

19th Century Hydrometer by Farrow and Jackson of London

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

by farrow and jackson of london.  This is a measuring instrument used for measuring the alcohol

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Spirit Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass by W. Marples & Sons Hibernia, 1860
Spirit Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass by W. Marples & Sons Hibernia, 1860

Spirit Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass by W. Marples & Sons Hibernia, 1860

By William Marples & Sons

Located in Milan, IT

2.5 cm. It is an ancient measuring instrument used to determine the slope of a surface in comparison

Category

1860s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Water Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass
Water Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass

Water Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass

Sold

H 0.79 in W 7.76 in D 0.71 in

Water Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass

Located in Milan, IT

ancient measuring instrument used to determine the slope of a surface in comparison to the horizontal

Category

1860s British Antique Measuring Instruments

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

Scleroscope shore instrument & MFG New York Pat. June 1910, Dec 15 1914 and sept 25 1915 N. 11315

Category

1910s American Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal, Steel

1900s Colorimeter Made in Germany by F. Hellige & Co Freiburg Vintage Physic
1900s Colorimeter Made in Germany by F. Hellige & Co Freiburg Vintage Physic

1900s Colorimeter Made in Germany by F. Hellige & Co Freiburg Vintage Physic

Located in Milan, IT

Colorimeter antique measuring instrument signed F. Hellige & Co Freiburg i. B. Germany made in the

Category

Early 20th Century German Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Metal

1805 Milan Brass Topographic Level signed Pasquale Cittelli with its Walnut Box
1805 Milan Brass Topographic Level signed Pasquale Cittelli with its Walnut Box

1805 Milan Brass Topographic Level signed Pasquale Cittelli with its Walnut Box

Located in Milan, IT

the best dividing engine (to mark graduations on measuring instruments) present in Italy at the time

Category

Early 1800s Italian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Dutch Large Size Brass Two-Tiered Balance Scale with Weights, circa 1880
Dutch Large Size Brass Two-Tiered Balance Scale with Weights, circa 1880

Dutch Large Size Brass Two-Tiered Balance Scale with Weights, circa 1880

Located in Atlanta, GA

of the scale leads the eye upwards toward the exquisite brass bull, holding the measuring instrument

Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

American Victorian Standing Scale, Early 20th Century
American Victorian Standing Scale, Early 20th Century

American Victorian Standing Scale, Early 20th Century

Sold

H 55.52 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

American Victorian Standing Scale, Early 20th Century

Located in Wrocław, Poland

measuring instruments are made of brass. It still has the original painting, which is very rare. The

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

English Bronze Imperial Peck Measure
English Bronze Imperial Peck Measure

English Bronze Imperial Peck Measure

Sold

H 5.75 in W 16 in D 12.25 in

English Bronze Imperial Peck Measure

Located in Essex, MA

Circular with handles. Inscribed " Burslem Market ", 1826. Imperial Peck, W. Pontifex, Sons and Wood, London. 72.

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Bronze Imperial Gallon Measure, Calcutta Mint
Bronze Imperial Gallon Measure, Calcutta Mint

Bronze Imperial Gallon Measure, Calcutta Mint

Sold

H 8.5 in W 10.5 in D 7.5 in

Bronze Imperial Gallon Measure, Calcutta Mint

Located in Essex, MA

British controlled India weights and measures Imperial Gallon Measure. F.70 #78. With cover

Category

Mid-19th Century Indian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

19th Century English Mahogany Barometer Antique Instrument Weather Misure
19th Century English Mahogany Barometer Antique Instrument Weather Misure

19th Century English Mahogany Barometer Antique Instrument Weather Misure

Located in Milan, IT

to make an instrument for measure changes of air pressure. Man, as farmer or navigator, has always

Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Set Of Four Bronze Measures For The County Of Northumberland
Set Of Four Bronze Measures For The County Of Northumberland

Set Of Four Bronze Measures For The County Of Northumberland

Located in Essex, MA

Second largest ; 9 x 6.25 x5.88 , 3rd ; 7.5 x 5 x 4.75. 4th ; 6 x 4 x 4. By Bate , London. Inscribed Maker of the Original Standards For The Exchequer, City of London. Gallon , half ...

Category

1820s English George IV Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Monumental Swiss Brass Telescope by Perrelet
Monumental Swiss Brass Telescope by Perrelet

Monumental Swiss Brass Telescope by Perrelet

By Perrelet

Located in New Orleans, LA

the earth and sky, the extraordinary instrument features a lens that measures an impressive 7.5-inch

Category

19th Century European Other Antique Measuring Instruments

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

Category

1860s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Set Of Three Irish Bronze Measures For The County Of Wicklow
Set Of Three Irish Bronze Measures For The County Of Wicklow

Set Of Three Irish Bronze Measures For The County Of Wicklow

Located in Essex, MA

The imperial gallon with handles and the imperial 1/2 gallon and the imperial quart without handles .Cylindrical form. Inscribed 'The County Of Wicklow' 1826. This is a partial nest.

Category

Mid-19th Century Irish Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Imperial Standard Peck " County Of Derby " Bronze Measure by Bate Of London
Imperial Standard Peck " County Of Derby " Bronze Measure by Bate Of London

Imperial Standard Peck " County Of Derby " Bronze Measure by Bate Of London

Located in Essex, MA

By Bate, London. R.B Bate ran an optical and scientific instrument business during the first half

Category

1830s English William IV Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Set of Six County of the City of Limerick Ireland Bronze Measures
Set of Six County of the City of Limerick Ireland Bronze Measures

Set of Six County of the City of Limerick Ireland Bronze Measures

Located in Essex, MA

Dated 1826, comprising imperial 1/2 gill, imperial gill, imperial 1/2 pint, imperial pint, imperial quart, imperial 1/2 gallon.

Category

1820s Irish Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Cordage Gauge Callipers, English, Rope, Cable Measure, Rabone, Victorian
Antique Cordage Gauge Callipers, English, Rope, Cable Measure, Rabone, Victorian

Antique Cordage Gauge Callipers, English, Rope, Cable Measure, Rabone, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

for collectors of traditional measuring instruments. The brass adds charming brightwork and a tactile

Category

Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Wooden Galvanometer of the Mid-19th Century
Wooden Galvanometer of the Mid-19th Century

Wooden Galvanometer of the Mid-19th Century

Located in Milan, IT

instrument used to measure weak currents. The instrument consists of a coil, a graduated scale placed under

Category

1850s British Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

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Large, Good Condition and Stylish Antique English Victorian Oak Wall Barometer
Large, Good Condition and Stylish Antique English Victorian Oak Wall Barometer

Large, Good Condition and Stylish Antique English Victorian Oak Wall Barometer

Located in Lisse, NL

Stunning design and top quality executed antique barometer. This late 19th-early 20th century, English manufactured wall barometer has everything that makes an antique worthwhile. F...

Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

1900s Brass Bakelite Magnetic Topographer Compass Surveyor Measurement Instrumen
1900s Brass Bakelite Magnetic Topographer Compass Surveyor Measurement Instrumen

1900s Brass Bakelite Magnetic Topographer Compass Surveyor Measurement Instrumen

Located in Milan, IT

Magnetic topographer compass from the early 1900s, brass and bakelite base; instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate on a horizontal plane, marking with its tip th...

Category

Early 1900s European Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Mahogany Steel Engraved Stick Barometer Signed F. Tarone, Circa 1780
English Mahogany Steel Engraved Stick Barometer Signed F. Tarone, Circa 1780

English Mahogany Steel Engraved Stick Barometer Signed F. Tarone, Circa 1780

Located in Charleston, SC

English mahogany stick Barometer with a broken arch pediment, brass urn finial, Satin wood string inlay, hinged glass door revealing a numeral steel engraved dial with original mount...

Category

1780s English Sheraton Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Steel

J. M. Pagani Barometer From the 19th Century in Walnut Case
J. M. Pagani Barometer From the 19th Century in Walnut Case

J. M. Pagani Barometer From the 19th Century in Walnut Case

$1,826Sale Price|20% Off

H 46.07 in W 10.63 in D 3.94 in

J. M. Pagani Barometer From the 19th Century in Walnut Case

Located in Opole, PL

J. M. Pagani Barometer From the 19th Century in Walnut Case A large liquid barometer with a thermometer, dated to the 2nd half of the 19th century, signed by J.M. Pagani from Gronin...

Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Glass, Walnut, Wood

Polyphon Autochange Disk Music Box
Polyphon Autochange Disk Music Box

Polyphon Autochange Disk Music Box

$88,500

H 85 in W 35 in D 21.75 in

Polyphon Autochange Disk Music Box

Located in New Orleans, LA

As exceptionally scarce as it is fascinating, this autochange disk player by the Polyphon Musikwerke in Leipzig, Germany can change between six disks and play with the incredibly rar...

Category

Late 19th Century German Other Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Carved Oak Barometer by Cetti of Brook Street, London
Carved Oak Barometer by Cetti of Brook Street, London

Carved Oak Barometer by Cetti of Brook Street, London

Located in London, GB

The barometer, of aneroid type, signed by the maker and having a thermometer above is house within an extensively carved 'banjo' form case, incorporating fruits and foliates, with a ...

Category

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Oak

Mechanical Equatorial Sundial by Johann Michael Bergauer, Gilded Brass
Mechanical Equatorial Sundial by Johann Michael Bergauer, Gilded Brass

Mechanical Equatorial Sundial by Johann Michael Bergauer, Gilded Brass

By Johann Michael Bergauer

Located in Milano, IT

Johann Michael Bergauer (Simonsfeld, 1676 - Innsbruck, 1745 circa) Mechanical equatorial sundial Signed: Michael Bergauer Insprugg? Innsbruck? Ante 1745 Gilded and silvered brass...

Category

1730s Austrian Baroque Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian quality mahogany banjo barometer
Antique Victorian quality mahogany banjo barometer

Antique Victorian quality mahogany banjo barometer

$1,565

H 36.23 in W 10.63 in D 1.58 in

Antique Victorian quality mahogany banjo barometer

Located in Ipswich, GB

Antique Victorian quality mahogany banjo barometer, having a quality mahogany barometer with carved scrolls, round silvered engraved dial with the original hands, a brass bezel and t...

Category

Early 19th Century Early Victorian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century Antique English Mahogany Marine Barometer signed Nixon
19th Century Antique English Mahogany Marine Barometer signed Nixon

19th Century Antique English Mahogany Marine Barometer signed Nixon

By Nixon

Located in Devon, GB

An early 19th century mahogany marine barometer of exceptional quality and originality. The elegant carved, fluted and turned case has an inset engraved bone register plate reading f...

Category

19th Century British George IV Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Early 19th Century Antique George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Cremonino
Early 19th Century Antique George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Cremonino

Early 19th Century Antique George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Cremonino

Located in Devon, GB

A fine and well-proportioned early 19th century figured mahogany barometer signed ‘Cremonino, Fecit.’ This barometer has a broken arch pediment above a flush-glass door, enclosing ...

Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Aneroid Barometer
Antique Aneroid Barometer

Antique Aneroid Barometer

$2,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 2 in W 10 in D 33 in

Antique Aneroid Barometer

Located in Napa, CA

Vintage Aneroid barometer.

Category

20th Century Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century Antique Bow Front Barometer by J. Somalvico & Co of London
19th Century Antique Bow Front Barometer by J. Somalvico & Co of London

19th Century Antique Bow Front Barometer by J. Somalvico & Co of London

Located in Devon, GB

A good William IV period rosewood and mother-of-pearl bow fronted stick barometer with its original bowed glass thermometer by this fine London maker. The cushion topped case is ve...

Category

19th Century English William IV Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Rosewood, Mother-of-Pearl

Regina Upright Music Box
Regina Upright Music Box

Regina Upright Music Box

$38,500

H 64.75 in W 28 in D 14.5 in

Regina Upright Music Box

By Regina Company

Located in New Orleans, LA

An extraordinary and rare coin-operated Regina Sublima upright music box crafted by the Regina music box company, one of the most recognized music box manufacturers in the world, com...

Category

19th Century American Other Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Oak

John Bennett Georgian Barometer
John Bennett Georgian Barometer

John Bennett Georgian Barometer

$18,850

H 37 in W 4.38 in D 3.25 in

John Bennett Georgian Barometer

By John Bennett

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exceptional Georgian barometer by the leading London instrument-maker John Bennett strongly reflects the prevalent furniture style and architectural elements of the time in its ...

Category

18th Century English Georgian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Stick Barometer by Worthington of London
English Stick Barometer by Worthington of London

English Stick Barometer by Worthington of London

Located in New Orleans, LA

This exceptional English stick barometer is a classic example of these intriguing meteorological instruments. Crafted by the esteemed Worthington & Allan, bow-fronted instrument ...

Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

18th Century English Mahogany Cased Stick Barometer by Dolland of London
18th Century English Mahogany Cased Stick Barometer by Dolland of London

18th Century English Mahogany Cased Stick Barometer by Dolland of London

By Dolland

Located in Dublin, IE

An exceptional late 18th century mahogany cased stick barometer by Dolland of London, The mahogany case of a very solid construction and with a superbly made turned mahogany cistern ...

Category

1790s English Georgian Antique Measuring Instruments

Materials

Steel

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Antique Measuring Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique measuring instruments is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique measuring instruments was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and brass. Antique measuring instruments have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Antique measuring instruments made by Industrial designers — as well as those associated with Victorian — are very popular at 1stDibs. Antique measuring instruments have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Philip Harris Ltd., Aitchison and Dring & Fage are consistently popular.

Finding the Right Collectibles-curiosities for You

Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior. 

Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world. 

And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.

The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.

Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.  

Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.

Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.

Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.

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