Skip to main content

Antique Optical Instruments

Antique Cased Optometrist's Set, English, Optical Instrument, Boxed, Victorian
Antique Cased Optometrist's Set, English, Optical Instrument, Boxed, Victorian

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

Antique Pair of Cased Binoculars, English, Brass, Optical Instrument, Victorian
Antique Pair of Cased Binoculars, English, Brass, Optical Instrument, Victorian

Antique Pair of Cased Binoculars, English, Brass, Optical Instrument, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique pair of cased binoculars. An English, enamel brass optical instrument, dating to

Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Optometrist's Set, English, Optical Instrument Case, Victorian, C.1900
Antique Optometrist's Set, English, Optical Instrument Case, Victorian, C.1900

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

Antique Optometrist's Skiascope, French, Ebony, Optical Instrument, Victorian
Antique Optometrist's Skiascope, French, Ebony, Optical Instrument, Victorian

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

1893 Antique Lippich Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Analysis  Instrument
1893 Antique Lippich Brass Polarimeter Antique Physic Analysis  Instrument

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

Pair of Brass Field Binoculars by W. Watson &. Sons of London
Pair of Brass Field Binoculars by W. Watson &. Sons of London

Pair of Brass Field Binoculars by W. Watson &. Sons of London

Located in High Point, NC

. Watson & Sons, London, who were the finest optical instrument manufacturers in England. These glasses

Category

1910s English Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Small Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Fruitwood, Terrestrial, Victorian
Small Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Fruitwood, Terrestrial, Victorian

Small Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Fruitwood, Terrestrial, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. A delightfully tactile optical instrument, with fine

Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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

A fine mahogany ship’s stick barometer by Dolland & Son
A fine mahogany ship’s stick barometer by Dolland & Son

A fine mahogany ship’s stick barometer by Dolland & Son

By Dolland

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

the age of 20 and became the most eminent optical instrument maker of the late 18th century. Such was

Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Bow-Front Marine Barometer by John Dollond
Bow-Front Marine Barometer by John Dollond

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

Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine
Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine

Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine

By Bausch & Lomb

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Bausch & Lomb Optical Blue Refractor Phoropter Medical Eye Exam Machine. Early 20th Century

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Metal

Antique Max Kohl Chemnitz Germany Brass Iron Optical Polariscope Scope 15"
Antique Max Kohl Chemnitz Germany Brass Iron Optical Polariscope Scope 15"

Antique Max Kohl Chemnitz Germany Brass Iron Optical Polariscope Scope 15"

Located in Dayton, OH

Rare antique Max Kohl, Chemnitz, Germany, microscope / polariscope. Made of brass and cast iron with tripod base and two lenses. Circa 1900. Max Kohl was founded in 1876 by Max Ha...

Category

Early 20th Century German Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th C Pair of Large Optical Experimental Scientific Mirrors Concave & Convex
19th C Pair of Large Optical Experimental Scientific Mirrors Concave & Convex

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

Antique Pocket Poco by the Rochester Optical Co. Folding Camera c.1903
Antique Pocket Poco by the Rochester Optical Co. Folding Camera c.1903

Antique Pocket Poco by the Rochester Optical Co. Folding Camera c.1903

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT The original Pocket Poco was manufactured by the Rochester Optical Co. from approximately

Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Antique French Brass and Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses by LeMaire Fabt
Antique French Brass and Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses by LeMaire Fabt

Antique French Brass and Mother-of-Pearl Opera Glasses by LeMaire Fabt

Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY

fitted case. Perfect for collectors of antique optical instruments or vintage theater ephemera.

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Leitz Brass Compound Microscope
Leitz Brass Compound Microscope

Leitz Brass Compound Microscope

By E. Leitz

Located in New Orleans, LA

industrial applications. The instruments remain renowned for their optical clarity and mechanical ingenuity

Category

19th Century Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Optical Glass, Wood

Refractor telescope by François Can, 81 Quai de l'Hôpital, Lyon
Refractor telescope by François Can, 81 Quai de l'Hôpital, Lyon

Refractor telescope by François Can, 81 Quai de l'Hôpital, Lyon

Located in London, GB

Information on François Can is listed in: Dictionnaire des fabricants français d'instruments de mesure du XVe

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

1920s 35 Zeiss-Ikon 35 Cm Cinema Projector
1920s 35 Zeiss-Ikon 35 Cm Cinema Projector

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

French Brass & Polished Steel Telescope w/ Spotting Scope on Tripod Stand C 1850
French Brass & Polished Steel Telescope w/ Spotting Scope on Tripod Stand C 1850

French Brass & Polished Steel Telescope w/ Spotting Scope on Tripod Stand C 1850

By Bardou & Son

Located in Charleston, SC

French brass and polished steel telescope with removable lens cap, spotting scope, and mounted on folding tripod stand, 19th Century. Signed on focal tube by prolific telescope make...

Category

1850s French Louis Philippe Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

English Brass Telescope w/ Spotting Scope & Stabilizer Bar on Tripod Stand 1870
English Brass Telescope w/ Spotting Scope & Stabilizer Bar on Tripod Stand 1870

English Brass Telescope w/ Spotting Scope & Stabilizer Bar on Tripod Stand 1870

Located in Charleston, SC

English brass and polished steel telescope with spotting scope, adjustable stabilizer bar, and mounted on folding tripod stand, 19th Century. Manufacturer T. Cooke & Sons, York. Tel...

Category

1870s American Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

19th Century German “Magic Lantern” Image Projector with Brass Lens
19th Century German “Magic Lantern” Image Projector with Brass Lens

19th Century German “Magic Lantern” Image Projector with Brass Lens

Located in Middleburg, VA

A captivating piece of pre-cinema history, this 19th-century German "magic lantern" image projector is an evocative relic from the dawn of visual storytelling. Crafted circa 1890, th...

Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass, Metal, Steel, Iron, Sheet Metal, Tin

Antique French Napoleon III Stereo Graphoscope Looking Glass Photo Magnifier
Antique French Napoleon III Stereo Graphoscope Looking Glass Photo Magnifier

Antique French Napoleon III Stereo Graphoscope Looking Glass Photo Magnifier

Located in Dayton, OH

-century optical instruments and decorative art. Perfect for collectors of early photography or antique

Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Glass, Hardwood

Brass surveying compass by W & S Jones of London
Brass surveying compass by W & S Jones of London

Brass surveying compass by W & S Jones of London

Located in London, GB

optical and other scientific instruments, who had Thomas Jefferson among his customers in London. He later

Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pair Silver Victorian Folding Lorgnette's
Pair Silver Victorian Folding Lorgnette's

Pair Silver Victorian Folding Lorgnette's

Located in Los Angeles, CA

addition to a collection of antique optical instruments or a decorative object that speaks to Victorian

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Silver

19th Century Large Barometer
19th Century Large Barometer

19th Century Large Barometer

Located in Dublin 8, IE

primarily being an optician, he also made and sold all types of optical and scientific instruments. He

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Glass, Satinwood

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

predecessors and thus they were in high demand, crafted by mathematical, optical and philosophical instrument

Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

20th Century English Theodolite by W.F. Stanley London in Original Wooden Box
20th Century English Theodolite by W.F. Stanley London in Original Wooden Box

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

Oxidised Surveyors Level by Reid and Young
Oxidised Surveyors Level by Reid and Young

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 French Maritime Telescope by Biette à Lyon
19th-Century French Maritime Telescope by Biette à Lyon

19th-Century French Maritime Telescope by Biette à Lyon

Located in New York, NY

it as the work of a respected French optical instrument maker active in Lyon during the 19th century

Category

19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century R. & J. Beck Stereoscope
19th Century R. & J. Beck Stereoscope

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

Fluorite Crystal in Brass Stand
Fluorite Crystal in Brass Stand

Fluorite Crystal in Brass Stand

Located in Scorton, GB

optical instruments. Origin: DM Mine, Durham, England Class: Fluorite Calcium Fluoride CaF₂ Fluorite: H

Category

15th Century and Earlier British Prehistoric Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Rock Crystal, Brass

Fluorite Crystal in Brass Stand
Fluorite Crystal in Brass Stand

Fluorite Crystal in Brass Stand

Located in Scorton, GB

optical instruments. Origin: DM Mine, Durham, England Class: Fluorite Calcium Fluoride CaF₂ Fluorite: H

Category

15th Century and Earlier British Prehistoric Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Rock Crystal, Brass

Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand
Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand

Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand

Located in Scorton, GB

, and optical instruments. Type: Fluorite Calcium Fluoride CaF₂ [RARE Discovery] Geometry: Octahedral

Category

15th Century and Earlier British Prehistoric Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Rock Crystal, Bronze

Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand
Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand

Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand

Located in Scorton, GB

, and optical instruments. Type: Fluorite Calcium Fluoride CaF₂ [RARE Discovery] Geometry: Octahedral

Category

15th Century and Earlier British Prehistoric Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Rock Crystal, Bronze

Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand
Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand

Blue Fluorite Crystal in Bronze Stand

Located in Scorton, GB

, and optical instruments. Type: Fluorite Calcium Fluoride CaF₂ [RARE Discovery] Geometry: Octahedral

Category

15th Century and Earlier Chinese Prehistoric Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Rock Crystal, Bronze

Fine Scottish Two-Day Marine Chronometer Signed and Numbered D. McGregor
Fine Scottish Two-Day Marine Chronometer Signed and Numbered D. McGregor

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

Wall Mounted Calipers from the Ross Optical Company London
Wall Mounted Calipers from the Ross Optical Company London

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

Antique Nautical Brass Parallels Original Mahogany Box made in Plymouth, 1860
Antique Nautical Brass Parallels Original Mahogany Box made in Plymouth, 1860

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

Recent Sales

Early Electric Scientific Micro Slide Projector
Early Electric Scientific Micro Slide Projector

Early Electric Scientific Micro Slide Projector

Unavailable

H 18 in W 30 in D 14 in

Early Electric Scientific Micro Slide Projector

Located in North Beninngton, VT

can see. Made in Boston circa 1900. Cord seen in photo has been replaced. Great looking optical

Category

Early 1900s American Antique Optical Instruments

Late 19th Century Bardou & Son Paris Brass Telescope with GB Trademark on Tripod
Late 19th Century Bardou & Son Paris Brass Telescope with GB Trademark on Tripod

Late 19th Century Bardou & Son Paris Brass Telescope with GB Trademark on Tripod

By Bardou & Son

Located in Atlanta, GA

Late 19th century Words & Works St Louis, Bardou & Son Paris Brass Telescope with GB Trademark on wood tripod stand. Includes original wooden case. The tripod base measures 24" dia...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

George I Walnut Stick Barometer
George I Walnut Stick Barometer

George I Walnut Stick Barometer

Unavailable

H 39.38 in D 2.76 in

George I Walnut Stick Barometer

Located in Kent, GB

increasing in popularity and were made by optical and scientific instrument-makers as well as clockmakers

Category

18th Century and Earlier English Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Vernier Sextant by Heath and Company, London
Vernier Sextant by Heath and Company, London

Vernier Sextant by Heath and Company, London

Unavailable

H 6 in W 11 in D 10.5 in

Vernier Sextant by Heath and Company, London

By Heath & Co.

Located in Norwich, Norfolk

works dated 25/1/1928. Heath and Company were respected mathematical, nautical and optical instrument

Category

1920s Great Britain (UK) Other Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

mainly produced high-quality lenses for optical measuring instruments. But name recognition came about

Category

Early 20th Century French Industrial Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Antique Binoculars, English, Brass, Leather, Optical Instrument, c.1920
Pair of Antique Binoculars, English, Brass, Leather, Optical Instrument, c.1920

Pair of Antique Binoculars, English, Brass, Leather, Optical Instrument, c.1920

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a pair of antique binoculars. An English, brass and leather optical instrument, dating to

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Optical Magnifying Glass with Stand – Precision Glass and Matte Black Metal
Optical Magnifying Glass with Stand – Precision Glass and Matte Black Metal

Optical Magnifying Glass with Stand – Precision Glass and Matte Black Metal

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

craftsmanship of its time. Made from high-precision glass, it was originally part of optical instruments used

Category

19th Century French Modern Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century Brass Telescope Antique Marine Navigation Instrument
19th Century Brass Telescope Antique Marine Navigation Instrument

19th Century Brass Telescope Antique Marine Navigation Instrument

Located in Milan, IT

observation, creating the first rudimentary instrument for optical approaching. But Lipperhey was unlucky, in

Category

1870s Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass and Wooden Microscope Culpeper Model, circa 1770-1790
Brass and Wooden Microscope Culpeper Model, circa 1770-1790

Brass and Wooden Microscope Culpeper Model, circa 1770-1790

Located in Milan, IT

Antique brass and wooden microscope Culpeper model, circa 1770-1790. It is an antique optical

Category

1780s Antique Optical Instruments

Field Artillery Theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, 1930s
Field Artillery Theodolite by Srb & Stys of Prague, 1930s

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 Jj Duboscq
Saccharimetre a Penombres by Jj Duboscq

Saccharimetre a Penombres by Jj Duboscq

Sold

H 20.08 in W 18.12 in D 9.85 in

Saccharimetre a Penombres by Jj Duboscq

By J. Duboscq, Paris 1

Located in London, by appointment only

, for the high quality of his optical instruments. 1817- 1886 His work was shown with prominence at the

Category

19th Century French Louis Philippe Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Steel, Brass

Through the Looking Glass: Napoleon III Magnifying Graphoscope
Through the Looking Glass: Napoleon III Magnifying Graphoscope

Through the Looking Glass: Napoleon III Magnifying Graphoscope

Located in New York, NY

functionality and elegance, making this piece a fine example of 19th-century optical instruments and decorative

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Wood, Glass

Brass Camera Lucida Made in the First Half of the 19th Century
Brass Camera Lucida Made in the First Half of the 19th Century

Brass Camera Lucida Made in the First Half of the 19th Century

Located in Milan, IT

box. Good condition. Measures box 27 x 10 cm. This is an optical instrument used as an aid to the

Category

1840s French Antique Optical Instruments

Small Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial Spyglass, Victorian
Small Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial Spyglass, Victorian

Small Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English, Brass, Terrestrial Spyglass, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

, perfect for collectors of maritime or optical instruments This late Victorian brass telescope is a well

Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century 3 Draw Brass and Wood French Antique Terrestrial Telescope
19th Century 3 Draw Brass and Wood French Antique Terrestrial Telescope

19th Century 3 Draw Brass and Wood French Antique Terrestrial Telescope

Located in Milan, IT

, creating the first rudimentary instrument for optical approaching. But Lipperhey was unlucky, in fact when

Category

1850s Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Hughes Telescope, English, 5 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Regency
Antique Hughes Telescope, English, 5 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Regency

Antique Hughes Telescope, English, 5 Draw, Terrestrial, Astronomical, Regency

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

example of Regency optical instrument making Displaying a desirable aged patina Leather shows deep

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

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

By Dollond, London

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

optical instrument maker Dollond. Clear sharp optics with 2" achromatic objective glass Additional

Category

Late 18th Century Great Britain (UK) Georgian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Early 19th Century French Walnut and Brass Telescope Signed Vincent Chevalier
Early 19th Century French Walnut and Brass Telescope Signed Vincent Chevalier

Early 19th Century French Walnut and Brass Telescope Signed Vincent Chevalier

Located in Dallas, TX

received prices from 1827 to 1834. (see label inside the box) A telescope is an optical instrument that

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Georgian III Mahogany Thermometer by John Dollond
Georgian III Mahogany Thermometer by John Dollond

Georgian III Mahogany Thermometer by John Dollond

Located in Lymington, Hampshire

eminent optical instrument maker of the late 18th century. Such was his success that his father gave up

Category

1790s English Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV
Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV

Large Antique 4 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime Spyglass, W Harris, William IV

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

optical instrument presents with both practical appeal and decorative presence. Perfect for bird watching

Category

1830s British William IV Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Adjustable Concave Ebonised and Brass Optical Scientific Mercury Mirror
Adjustable Concave Ebonised and Brass Optical Scientific Mercury Mirror

Adjustable Concave Ebonised and Brass Optical Scientific Mercury Mirror

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A scientific optical doubled sided mirror with one concave mirror plate the other flat These

Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Mirror, Optical Glass, Hardwood

19th C Concave Ebonised and Brass Optical Scientific Foxed Mercury Mirror
19th C Concave Ebonised and Brass Optical Scientific Foxed Mercury Mirror

19th C Concave Ebonised and Brass Optical Scientific Foxed Mercury Mirror

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A scientific optical doubled sided mirror with one concave mirror plate the other flat. These

Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Mirror, Optical Glass, Hardwood

19th Century English Optical Refractor Form
19th Century English Optical Refractor Form

19th Century English Optical Refractor Form

Located in London, GB

19th Century English Optical Refractor Form Used by optometrists to determine corrective lens

Category

1890s British Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Metal

Box of Magnifying Lenses by Kollmorgen Optical

Box of Magnifying Lenses by Kollmorgen Optical

Located in Culver City, CA

Box of magnifying lenses for Optometrist manufactured by Kollmorgen Optical.

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique French Louis XVI Period Signed Carcano Wall Barometer
Antique French Louis XVI Period Signed Carcano Wall Barometer

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

18th Century Optical Anamorphoscope & Anamorphosis Hand Painted Imagery Curio
18th Century Optical Anamorphoscope & Anamorphosis Hand Painted Imagery Curio

18th Century Optical Anamorphoscope & Anamorphosis Hand Painted Imagery Curio

Located in Lowestoft, GB

Also known as “the miraculous mirror”, this optical device consists of a cylindrical pewter mirror

Category

18th Century European Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Pine, Petrified Wood, Paper

19th Century Witches Optical Scientific Mirror Ball & Ebonised Stand
19th Century Witches Optical Scientific Mirror Ball & Ebonised Stand

19th Century Witches Optical Scientific Mirror Ball & Ebonised Stand

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A 19th century mercury glass witches ball on a later purpose made ebonised stand. The witches ball has a small glass lipped base that sits perfectly on the stand. The ball is heavi...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Blown Glass, Pine

Early 20th Century Trio of Graduated Glass Optical Scientific Spheres
Early 20th Century Trio of Graduated Glass Optical Scientific Spheres

Early 20th Century Trio of Graduated Glass Optical Scientific Spheres

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A trio of early 20th century glass optical spheres, on ebonized stands. The smallest of the

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Blown Glass, Hardwood

19th Century Pair of Optical Experimental Scientific Mirrors Concave and Convex
19th Century Pair of Optical Experimental Scientific Mirrors Concave and Convex

19th Century Pair of Optical Experimental Scientific Mirrors Concave and 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

Antique Magnifying Glass, English, Brass, Optical Reading Aid, Edwardian, C.1910
Antique Magnifying Glass, English, Brass, Optical Reading Aid, Edwardian, C.1910

Antique Magnifying Glass, English, Brass, Optical Reading Aid, Edwardian, C.1910

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique magnifying glass. An English, brass optical reading aid, dating to the Edwardian

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

20th Century 1918 Huge Parabolic Concave Mirror Lighthouse Mirror Optical Lens
20th Century 1918 Huge Parabolic Concave Mirror Lighthouse Mirror Optical Lens

20th Century 1918 Huge Parabolic Concave Mirror Lighthouse Mirror Optical Lens

By Anish Kapoor

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A very large concave mirror housed within its original copper bracing and lead back. The mirror is first quarter of the 20th of century in age. The mirror plate is in great con...

Category

1910s English Industrial Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Copper, Lead

Brass Telescope with Mahogany Handle, UK, Early 19th Century
Brass Telescope with Mahogany Handle, UK, Early 19th Century

Brass Telescope with Mahogany Handle, UK, Early 19th Century

Located in Milan, IT

company active between 1806 and 1819 specialized in optical instruments and microscopes. The telescope is

Category

1810s British Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

19c French Antique Telescope with Stand
19c French Antique Telescope with Stand

19c French Antique Telescope with Stand

Sold

H 25 in W 18 in D 17 in

19c French Antique Telescope with Stand

Located in New Orleans, LA

stand. This fine optical instrument reflects the craftsmanship and scientific curiosity of the Victorian

Category

19th Century French Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Optical Exam Instrument
Antique Optical Exam Instrument

Antique Optical Exam Instrument

Sold

H 24 in W 15 in D 7 in

Antique Optical Exam Instrument

Located in San Francisco, CA

Interesting old eye instrument on tall brass stand.

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass, Metal

Culpeper Compound Microscope
Culpeper Compound Microscope

Culpeper Compound Microscope

Sold

H 17.5 in W 7.75 in D 7.5 in

Culpeper Compound Microscope

Located in New Orleans, LA

Culpeper’s trade card bearing crossed daggers, the instrument exemplifies the golden age of British optical

Category

18th Century English Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Concave & Convex Distortion Scientific Mirrors
Pair of 19th Century Concave & Convex Distortion Scientific Mirrors

Pair of 19th Century Concave & Convex Distortion Scientific Mirrors

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A very unusual pair of petite distortion mirrors, encased within their original oak frames with oxidised mirror plates, one mirror has a convex mirror plate the second a concave plat...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Mirror, Optical Glass, Oak

Rare Mabeescope  X-Ray Viewer
Rare Mabeescope  X-Ray Viewer

Rare Mabeescope X-Ray Viewer

Sold

H 9 in W 6 in D 9 in

Rare Mabeescope X-Ray Viewer

By Mabeescope

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Antique 1920's projector light for viewing x rays

Category

1920s American Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Metal

Magic Lantern Projector Lens, circa 1910.
Magic Lantern Projector Lens, circa 1910.

Magic Lantern Projector Lens, circa 1910.

Sold

H 16.25 in W 8.5 in D 3 in

Magic Lantern Projector Lens, circa 1910.

Located in London, GB

A large lens encased in brass that sits on a newly made display stand. The lens was originally part of a magic lantern which was the earliest form of a slide projector. Magic lantern...

Category

1910s British Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

English Leather Covered Naval Telescope, circa 1850
English Leather Covered Naval Telescope, circa 1850

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

Leather Covered Brass Naval Telescope, Circa 1910
Leather Covered Brass Naval Telescope, Circa 1910

Leather Covered Brass Naval Telescope, Circa 1910

Located in London, GB

A fine English early twentieth century brass single drawer hand held telescope with leather covering. Has sliding eyepiece lens cover. Circa 1910. Max length 87.5 cm/34½ inches. 2¼ ...

Category

1910s British Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Leather Covered 'Flag' Telescope, circa 1890
Leather Covered 'Flag' Telescope, circa 1890

Leather Covered 'Flag' Telescope, circa 1890

By E.&E. Emanuel

Located in London, GB

An unusual English nineteenth century leather and nickel plated brass single drawer hand held Naval telescope that has sliding eyepiece lens cover, extending shade and a panel inset ...

Category

1890s British Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Nickel Plated Brass and Leather Naval Telescope, circa 1890
Nickel Plated Brass and Leather Naval Telescope, circa 1890

Nickel Plated Brass and Leather Naval Telescope, circa 1890

By Dolland

Located in London, GB

A single draw hand held telescope made in the style of the distinctive British Naval Officer of the Watch telescopes, signed Dollond London, circa 1890. A classic naval telescope,...

Category

1890s British Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century William the IV Mahogany Connoisseur Gallery Magnifying Lens
19th Century William the IV Mahogany Connoisseur Gallery Magnifying Lens

19th Century William the IV Mahogany Connoisseur Gallery Magnifying Lens

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A mahogany gallery lens, circa 1835 in age, English in origin The wooden frame and handle are in very good condition, the lens has some wear/scuffs to the center These magnify...

Category

Early 19th Century English William IV Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Optical Glass, Mahogany

19th Century George III Brass Bound Mahogany Connoisseur Gallery Magnifying Lens
19th Century George III Brass Bound Mahogany Connoisseur Gallery Magnifying Lens

19th Century George III Brass Bound Mahogany Connoisseur Gallery Magnifying Lens

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A mahogany and brass bound gallery lens, circa 1820 in age, English in origin. The piece is in all round good condition, some stabile splits, some elderly repairs, general wear to th...

Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Telescope Made of Brass and Leather Made in Manchester in the Early 1900s
Telescope Made of Brass and Leather Made in Manchester in the Early 1900s

Telescope Made of Brass and Leather Made in Manchester in the Early 1900s

Located in Milan, IT

. He expanded the business to optical instruments and in 1868 took his brother, George Booth, into

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

English brass telescope on tripod.
English brass telescope on tripod.

English brass telescope on tripod.

Located in San Francisco, CA

tripod, circa 1880. Original brass table tripod included with instrument. Optically sound.

Category

19th Century English Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

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 Optical Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Antique Telescope, English, 3 Draw Refractor, Silberrad Aldgate, 19th Century
Antique Telescope, English, 3 Draw Refractor, Silberrad Aldgate, 19th Century

Antique Telescope, English, 3 Draw Refractor, Silberrad Aldgate, 19th Century

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

; Silberrad - Aldgate, London This is a lovely mahogany and brass telescope by renowned optical instrument

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Mahogany

J. H. Steward Pocket Military Compass c.1890
J. H. Steward Pocket Military Compass c.1890

J. H. Steward Pocket Military Compass c.1890

Sold

H 3 in W 2.13 in D 0.75 in

J. H. Steward Pocket Military Compass c.1890

Located in Bath, GB

retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of

Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

People Also Browsed

Ensamble Pouf in Escondido Laredo 4
Ensamble Pouf in Escondido Laredo 4

Ensamble Pouf in Escondido Laredo 4

$3,138 / item

H 16.93 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in

Ensamble Pouf in Escondido Laredo 4

By Caterina Moretti

Located in Zapopan, Jalisco

The word "ensamble" means a set and comes from the French "ensemble," referring to one with another, together. From their own individuality, Peca (Guadalajara, 2007) and Studio84 (M...

Category

2010s Mexican Minimalist Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

By Lewis Carroll

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Carroll, Lewis. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland [together with] Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. London: Macmillan & Co. Ltd., 1959, 1955. Illustrated by J...

Category

1950s English Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Leather, Paper

Mother of Pearl and Brass French Opera Binoculars With Leather Case France 1920s
Mother of Pearl and Brass French Opera Binoculars With Leather Case France 1920s

Mother of Pearl and Brass French Opera Binoculars With Leather Case France 1920s

Located in Bochum, NRW

Mother of Pearl and Brass French Opera Glasses With Leather Case, France 1920s A stunning set of opera or theatre binoculars in original leather case. Gorgeous Mother-of-pearl inset ...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Art Nouveau Photo Album or Book with Brass Stand Up Frame
Antique Art Nouveau Photo Album or Book with Brass Stand Up Frame

Antique Art Nouveau Photo Album or Book with Brass Stand Up Frame

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This antique standing photo album is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from France and date to approximately 1900 and done in the period Art Nouveau style. The album is compo...

Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Decorative Gramophone Horn, Wood and Metal, Industrial Style
Vintage Decorative Gramophone Horn, Wood and Metal, Industrial Style

Vintage Decorative Gramophone Horn, Wood and Metal, Industrial Style

Located in Linkebeek, BE

Decorative gramophone horn in wood Antique - Decoration - Phonograph Materials : Wood - Metal Wear consistent with age and use : See photos please

Category

20th Century Industrial Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Metal

Superb Pair Antique Opera Glasses c.1910
Superb Pair Antique Opera Glasses c.1910

Superb Pair Antique Opera Glasses c.1910

Located in Bath, GB

A truly stunning pair of French Opera glasses made from polished brass and clad with shell. This pair comes with a telescopic lorgnette handle and folds away nicely when not if use....

Category

1910s French Edwardian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique 1897 American Waltham 14K Gold Seaside 7J 6s Pocket Watch & Chain
Antique 1897 American Waltham 14K Gold Seaside 7J 6s Pocket Watch & Chain

Antique 1897 American Waltham 14K Gold Seaside 7J 6s Pocket Watch & Chain

By Waltham Watch Co

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique 1897 Waltham hunting style gold pocket watch. Movement - American Waltham Watch Company - Safety Barrel - 8119314 - Grade Seaside - Model 1890 - 6s - 7 jewels. White face wi...

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Gold

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

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

By Guggenheim Museum, Pauly et Cie

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

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

Category

19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Walnut

Jaguar XK 120 Roadster 1950, Rare Collection Car, A+ Condition incl. Expert Op.
Jaguar XK 120 Roadster 1950, Rare Collection Car, A+ Condition incl. Expert Op.

Jaguar XK 120 Roadster 1950, Rare Collection Car, A+ Condition incl. Expert Op.

By Jaguar Cars Ltd.

Located in Lichtenberg, AT

We offer you the chance of buying this breathtaking, rare Jaguar XK 120 which had its first road legal in february 1950. There has been built only a very little number of these cars,...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Metal

Alphonse Mucha's Documents Decoratifs (Complete in Four Portfolios)
Alphonse Mucha's Documents Decoratifs (Complete in Four Portfolios)

Alphonse Mucha's Documents Decoratifs (Complete in Four Portfolios)

By Alphonse Mucha

Located in New York, NY

Suite of 72 lithographic plates on wove paper, many in color, plus expository pages (title page, half-title page, preface) and four covers. Published in Paris in 1902 by Librairie Ce...

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Paper

Arts & Crafts Copper Fire Surround
Arts & Crafts Copper Fire Surround

Arts & Crafts Copper Fire Surround

$13,663 / item

H 38.19 in W 42.13 in D 1.97 in

Arts & Crafts Copper Fire Surround

Located in London, GB

A spectacular Arts & Crafts copper fire surround. Riveted and repoussé decorated with smoke and flames. Circa 1900, England. H 97 W 107 cm Opening H 72 W 40 cm

Category

Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Copper

Vintage Pair of Binoculars, Scottish, Racecourse Spotter's Glasses, Leather Case
Vintage Pair of Binoculars, Scottish, Racecourse Spotter's Glasses, Leather Case

Vintage Pair of Binoculars, Scottish, Racecourse Spotter's Glasses, Leather Case

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage pair of binoculars. A Scottish, enamelled brass racecourse spotter's binocular with leather case, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Fascinating set of ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Scottish Mid-Century Modern Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Art Nouveau "Vase with Water Plants and Bats" by Paul Dachsel for RStK Amphora
Art Nouveau "Vase with Water Plants and Bats" by Paul Dachsel for RStK Amphora

Art Nouveau "Vase with Water Plants and Bats" by Paul Dachsel for RStK Amphora

By Amphora, Paul Dachsel

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...

Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Earthenware

Small Antique Opera Monocular, German, Brass, Leather, Viewing Scope, Victorian
Small Antique Opera Monocular, German, Brass, Leather, Viewing Scope, Victorian

Small Antique Opera Monocular, German, Brass, Leather, Viewing Scope, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a small antique opera monocular. A German, brass and leather cased viewing scope, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Charming and petite, with a useful origina...

Category

20th Century German Victorian Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Italian Medieval / Renaissance Style Full Meal Suit of Armor
Italian Medieval / Renaissance Style Full Meal Suit of Armor

Italian Medieval / Renaissance Style Full Meal Suit of Armor

Located in Queens, NY

Italian Medieval / Renaissance-style metal life size suit of armor with etched sunburst breast plate on a square wooden base. Condition: (Base is 20 inches w x 24 inches d x 10 inch...

Category

20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Wood

Jules Leleu, Large Lacquered Walnut Cabinet, France, 1933
Jules Leleu, Large Lacquered Walnut Cabinet, France, 1933

Jules Leleu, Large Lacquered Walnut Cabinet, France, 1933

$225,000

H 68.25 in W 108.25 in D 17.5 in

Jules Leleu, Large Lacquered Walnut Cabinet, France, 1933

By Jules Leleu

Located in New York, NY

Unique and important Art Deco four-door cabinet in walnut with lacquered doors and nickel-plated details. Lacquer work by Katsu Hamanaka (1895-1982). Provenance: This cabinet w...

Category

1930s French Art Deco Antique Optical Instruments

Materials

Walnut, Lacquer

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Antique Optical Instruments", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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 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.

Read More