Antique Optical Instruments
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Antique Cased Optometrist's Set, English, Optical Instrument, Boxed, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique cased optometrist's set. An English, mahogany optical instrument box, dating to
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Wood
H 2.56 in W 17.33 in D 14.18 in
Antique Optometrist's Set, English, Optical Instrument Case, Victorian, C.1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique optometrist's set. An English, mahogany optical instrument case, dating to the
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Wood
H 2.76 in W 17.52 in D 13.98 in
Antique Optometrist's Skiascope, French, Ebony, Optical Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique optometrist's skiascope rack. A French, ebony and glass optical instrument
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Ebony
H 42 in W 6.5 in D 0.5 in
1893 Antique Lippich Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Analysis Instrument
By Societé Genevoise
Located in Milan, IT
black metal. It is an optical instrument of analysis used to determine the concentration of sucrose and
Category
1890s Swiss Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
No Reserve
H 15 in W 38.5 in D 8.2 in
Field Artillery Theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, 1930s
Located in Doylestown, PA
Field artillery theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, signed, 1930s.
Spectacular precision optical
Category
Early 20th Century Czech Industrial Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze, Steel
Saccharimetre a Penombres by J Duboscq
Located in London, by appointment only
quality of his optical instruments, 1817- 1886. His work was shown with prominence at the Great Exhibition
Category
Mid-19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments
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 Optical Instruments
Materials
Bronze
English or French Antique Brass Surveyor's Transit Theodolite, last quarter 19th
Located in Atlanta, GA
From Wikipedia:
“A THEODOLITE is a precision optical instrument for measuring angles between
Category
1880s English Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Bow-Front Marine Barometer by John Dollond
By Dollond, London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Dollond, set up as an optician at the age of 20 and became the most eminent optical instrument maker of
Category
1820s English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Ophthalmometer Eye Machine by General Optical Company
Located in Norwalk, CT
This Antique Universal Ophthalmometer Eye Exam Machine by General Optical Company is stamped “Pat
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Optical Instruments
Antique French Louis XVI Period Signed Carcano Wall Barometer
By Jean-Joseph de Saint-Germain
Located in Forney, TX
tube barometer to British optical instruments manufacturer Peter Dollond (1731-1821). During the Empire
Category
Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Blown Glass, Giltwood, Paint, Wood
Extra Large Antique Mounted Magic Lantern Condensing / Magnifying / Optical Lens
Located in Lisse, NL
the development of modern cinema or because you like scientific instruments or maybe because you are
Category
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Free Shipping
H 3.9 in Dm 9 in
19th C Pair of Large Optical Experimental Scientific Mirrors Concave & Convex
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A large pair of scientific optical mirrors, one concave the other convex.
These where used in
Category
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th C. Scientific Optical Mirror in Black Hardwood Frame on Tripod Brass Stand
Located in Haarlem, NL
A large 19th Century scientific optical mirror in round blackened hardwood frame on brass
Category
19th Century British Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 26.38 in W 11.42 in D 6.3 in
Microscope cloth counting glass by Casartelli
Located in London, GB
marked: 23.
Textile merchants would have such pocket-sized instruments to check the quality of the cloth
Category
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Microscope cloth counting glass by J. Casartelli & Son of Manchester.
Located in London, GB
pocket-sized instruments like this one close at hand to check the quality of the cloth they were trading
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel
English Leather Covered Naval Telescope, circa 1850
Located in London, GB
An unusual English nineteenth century leather and brass single drawer hand held Naval signals telescope with a lens cap, sliding eyepiece cover and panel insert into the leather show...
Category
1850s British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Kinora monochrome motion picture viewer, circa 1905.
Located in London, GB
A Kinora monochrome motion picture viewer on folding dark oak base. Circa 1905.
Marked: THE KINORA REGISTERED TRADE MARK PATENTED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD BOND'S LTD 138, NEW BOND ST. W...
Category
Early 20th Century English Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Optical Glass, Oak
Early 19th century brass surveyor's level with compass
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century brass surveyor's level with telescope, compass and spirit level.
With original brass mounted pine case.
Telescope length: 18 1/4 inches. - 46.5 cm.
Fitting f...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
1920s 35 Zeiss-Ikon 35 Cm Cinema Projector
By Zeiss Ikon
Located in London, GB
A late 1920s 35 mm Zeiss-Ikon cinema projector.
Lens: Neokino 52.5/110 by Emil Busch A.-G. Rathenow.
Original black paint.
Lamp house contains the parabolic mirror.
Prove...
Category
Early 20th Century German Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Steel, Iron
Sunshine Recorder by Casella of London
Located in London, GB
A Campbell–Stokes sunshine recorder, attributed to Casella & Co, circa 1910.
Mounted on a later wooden display plinth.
Marked with serial number to base: 1852.
The Campbell...
Category
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Large Brass Library Telescope on Folding Tripod Base from Scotland
By D. McGregor & Co. 1
Located in Austin, TX
A fine large Scottish working library telescope of brass, from the 19th century, for terrestrial or astronomical use. Featuring a primary barrel with a fine focusing wheel and eye tu...
Category
19th Century Scottish Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass, Metal, Steel, Iron
Surveyor's Level or Theodolite by W.F. Stanley, London, in Original Fitted Box
By W. F. Stanley
Located in Austin, TX
A fine working English surveyor's theodolite or transit instrument (aka a dumpy level or surveyors
Category
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 5.75 in W 12.25 in D 3 in
20th Century English Theodolite by W.F. Stanley London in Original Wooden Box
By W. F. Stanley
Located in Sofia, BG
20th century English surveyor's theodolite or transit instrument of brass by W.F. Stanley (Optical
Category
Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 5.12 in W 17.72 in D 5.12 in
Milan 1910/20 F.lli Koristka Antique Microscope Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Milan, IT
Tri-ocular optical microscope Euskop model, antique scientific instrument of painted brass and
Category
1910s Italian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 15.75 in W 7.88 in D 9.45 in
Oxidised Surveyors Level by Reid and Young
Located in Norwich, GB
addresses in Glasgow.
James White is listed as a Optical, Mathmatical and Philosophical instrument maker
Category
1920s British Edwardian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
19th Century Biedermeier or Empire Piano Lars P. Cornwall
Located in Berlin, DE
Cuba mahogany veneer, partial solid mahogany wood
As an instrument made in Stockholm, it is
Category
19th Century German Biedermeier Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Mahogany
19th c. Optometrist Eye Testing Kit c.1890
Located in San Francisco, CA
velvet with the name and number of the lenses. The optical testing lenses are wrapped in silver and the
Category
19th Century American Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Silver
Antique Telescope, Large, Single Draw Refractor, Cary London, circa 1820
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
, sharp optical performance
Tapered, original painted, primary barrel in good order
Draw tube in good
Category
Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 29.93 in W 2.21 in D 2.21 in
Antique "No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak, Model AB" Camera c.1900 (FREE SHIPPING)
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Leather, Chrome, Optical Glass, Fabric.
CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
H 8 in W 6.5 in D 4.75 in
Antique Eastman Kodak "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" Camera c.1909
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
Leather, Chrome, Optical Glass, Fabric.
CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Bellows
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Antique Eastman Kodak "No. 2 Folding Pocket Brownie" Camera c.1909
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
Leather, Chrome, Optical Glass, Fabric.
CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Some flaking
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Antique "No. 1A Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927 (FREE SHIPPING)
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
, Chrome, Optical Glass, Brass.
CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Bellows appear to be
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Antique "No. 1A Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
, Chrome, Optical Glass, Brass.
CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Bellows appear to be
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal, Brass, Chrome
Antique "No. 1A Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927 (FREE SHIPPING)
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
, Chrome, Optical Glass, Brass.
CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. Bellows appear to be
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome, Brass
Antique "No. 1A Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927 (FREE SHIPPING)
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1914-1927.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Leather, Chrome, Optical Glass, Brass
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Chromed Brass, Terrestrial, Astro, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
bright silvered tones, lightly marked from gentle use
Presenting a clear optical performance, with a
Category
Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 1.34 in W 10.63 in D 23.23 in
"No. 1 Kodak Junior" Folding Camera c.1914-1927 with Case (FREE SHIPPING)
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Leather, Chrome, Optical Glass, Fabric.
CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
"Kodak Special Model A" Sealskin Folding Camera c.1915-1920 (FREE SHIPPING)
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
TECHNIQUES Sealskin Leather, Chrome, Optical Glass, Brass.
CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Antique French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
By LeRoy
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
the period Victorian style. These binoculars are composed of brass with very good optical glass and
Category
Late 19th Century French Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 1.5 in W 8.75 in D 1.75 in
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Leather, Terrestrial, Victorian, 1870
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
shine from the polished brass tubes
Presents a clear optical performance, with a 35mm (1.5") primary
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Vintage Cell Counting Slide, German, Glass, Hemacytometer, Franke and Heidecke
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
Heidecke, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930.
A fascinating laboratory optical slide
Displays
Category
Early 20th Century German Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Glass
H 0.2 in W 2.96 in D 1.38 in
Antique, Pair of Binoculars, German, Neo Universal, CP Goerz, Berlin, circa 1920
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
specialist
Displaying a desirable aged patina - optical elements in clear order
Elegantly milled brass with
Category
Early 20th Century German Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 1.38 in W 5.52 in D 2.96 in
Milan 1920/30 Antique Microscope by F.lli Koristka Wooden Box with Accessories
Located in Milan, IT
Optical microscope signed F.lli Koristka Milano n. 42870 produced between 1920/30, of chromed and
Category
1920s Italian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
No Reserve
H 14.18 in W 7.88 in D 9.65 in
Luxury Victorian French Lorgnette Opera Glasses Marked "Iris, Paris", circa 1885
By Iris, Paris
Located in Incline Village, NV
of each eye piece. This French company was one of the premium maker of optical luxury items in the
Category
1880s French Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl
H 9.25 in W 4.25 in D 3.13 in
American Victorian Walnut Cased Standing Magnifying Glass
Located in Hudson, NY
. Optical objects such as this were used to examine art, curious objects in gentlemen's cabinets of
Category
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Glass, Walnut
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial Refractor, Victorian, 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
golden tones
Presenting a clear optical performance, with a 35mm (1.5") primary objective lens
Sun
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Ross
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
night sky.
Delightful example from a renowned London optical specialist
'Officer of the Watch
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Leather
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, Davis of London, Victorian, 1860
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
golden tones
Presenting a clear optical performance, with a 40mm (1.5") primary objective lens
Guard
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Figures of a Jewish Porcelain Peddler and his Wife, Derby, England, Circa 1770
Located in New York, NY
marine storekeepers, optical instrument dealers and tailors in the West Country seaports. In the 19th
Category
1770s European Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Porcelain
H 7.5 in W 4 in D 4 in
19th Century R. & J. Beck Stereoscope
By R.&J. Beck 1
Located in Norwood, NJ
early 20th centuries, R. & J. Beck was a leading manufacturer of optical instruments, including
Category
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Commoners and Friars - Pencil Drawing on Paper y T. Duclère - Mid 1800
By Teodoro Duclère
Located in Roma, IT
characterized by a very realistic, clear and illustrative style, undoubtedly favored by the use of the optical
Category
Mid-19th Century Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Pencil
H 5.01 in W 7.88 in D 0.08 in
Fine Scottish Two-Day Marine Chronometer Signed and Numbered D. McGregor
By D. McGregor & Co. 1
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
advertised themselves as manufacturers of nautical, mathematical and optical instruments, chronometers and
Category
Mid-19th Century Scottish Victorian Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 7.09 in W 7.09 in D 7.09 in
Wall Mounted Calipers from the Ross Optical Company London
Located in London, GB
, optical and philosophical instruments , founded in 1830 by Andrew Ross. Ross & Co traded at 6 Wigmore
Category
Early 20th Century English Industrial Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Steel
Shagreen Etui by W & S Jones Opticians with Scientific Instruments Circa, 1800
Located in London, GB
instruments as pictured.
Dimensions: 18 cm x 7cm.
William Jones was an English maker of many optical and
Category
19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Free Shipping
W 2.76 in L 7.09 in
Antique Nautical Brass Parallels Original Mahogany Box made in Plymouth, 1860
By W. Heath, Plymouth 1
Located in Milan, IT
Brass parallels signed W. Heath Plymouth, optical and scientific instruments maker active since
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
H 0.79 in W 18.19 in D 2.45 in
Vintage Civil War Era Field Glasses by Queen & Co.
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
seen here.
James W. Queen & Company was an optical and scientific instrument company located at 924
Category
1860s American Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Brass
Antique Print of the Siege of Nice by Chereau, 'circa 1790'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Siege et Prise de la Ville de Nice (..)'. Original antique optical print of
Category
Late 18th Century Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Paper
Banquet Attrib to Van Den Hoecke Religious Oil on Table Old Master 17th Century
By Gaspar van den Hoecke (Antwerp, 1585 - 1648)
Located in Riva del Garda, IT
, Salome, an unconscious young instrument of revenge of her mother, becomes the symbol of her most
Category
17th Century Old Masters Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Oil
Unis France Magic Projector / Lantern, wood label France
By French House & Garden
Located in Valladolid, ES
first quarter of the 20th century. The function of this optical object is to project the illusion of
Category
1920s French Art Nouveau Antique Optical Instruments
Materials
Crystal, Iron
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Antique Optical Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs
Find a variety of antique optical instruments available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of glass, metal and brass, all antique optical instruments available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of antique optical instruments available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Victorian, Industrial and Georgian antique optical instruments are consistently popular styles. Bardou & Son, Bausch & Lomb and D. McGregor & Co. each produced beautiful antique optical instruments that are worth considering.
Finding the Right scientific-instruments for You
Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.
With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.
If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?
Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.
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