Sailing ship's pulley fiddle block
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century Naval oak and elm fiddle pulley block, with two wood sheaves. Marked with Roman Numerals: XXVIIII For a similar fiddle block see the collection of: Chatham...
Oak
Solid Brass Ships Telephone On Pedesta
Located in Norwell, MA
Highly polished brass ships telephone on pedestal. Meticulously polished andl lacquered head by Hose-McCann Telephone Co, Inc., Brooklyn New York. Type A, model WTP, with phone insid...
Brass
Brass and Bakelite telescopic acoustic cornet England early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Telescopic acoustic cornet made of brass and Bakelite , English manufacture of the early 1900s. The principle of its operation is based on the reflection of sound on the inner walls,...
Brass
Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut C. Engel & Cie Verviers
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Verviers Belgium by C. Engel & Cie Opticiens Verviers High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in...
Walnut
Oversize steelbridge scale for butcher's use, Kingdom of Sardinia 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Figurative brass Butcher’s weighbridge. Weighs up to 44 pounds. Complete of main “ Romano” principal weight and additionals “Romanos” for detailed weight. Pedimont and Sardinia King...
Brass
$1,065Sale Price|20% Off
Oak barometer
Located in Cheshire, GB
Carved oak barometer, the shaped carved oak frame with rectangular thermometer above the silvered dial inscribed J. Durkin, Middlesbrough, encased in copper frame. Dimensions Height ...
Oak
Rare 12 inches terrestrial globe signed Cary, London United Kingdom 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Large 12" terrestrial globe made by the famous Cary brothers, made with a wooden frame, refined plaster polished to perfection, and colored paper gores. The globe is supported by a f...
Brass
Terrestrial globe apres Mr. Rizzi Zannoni, Paris 1762.
Located in Milan, IT
Designed to be hanged to the ceiling, terrestrial globe, made out of paper machè and wood, brass hook. It is reported in the cartouche of the globe: globe terrestre d’après Mr. Rizz...
Brass
A pair of celestial and terrestrial globes, E.Pini, Gussoni & Dotti, Italy 1892.
Located in Milan, IT
Pair of Italian globes. On an ebonized wooden base, worked on the lathe, with a circular foot and perfect patina, are placed: a celestial globe of 9,2 inches, compiled by the enginee...
Wood
Storta da laboratorio in vetro soffiato trasparente dei primi del XIX sec.
Located in Milan, IT
Storta da laboratorio in vetro soffiato trasparente dei primi del XIX sec., utilizzata per la distillazione, presenta corpo ovoidale e lungo collo piegato verso il basso che si restr...
Glass
Transparent blown glass laboratory retort from the early 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
An early 19th-century transparent blown glass laboratory retort used for distillation, it has a pyriform body and long neck bent downward that gradually narrows toward the mouth. Bo...
Glass
Laboratory Trebuchet Balance By Maison Mabille In Paris.
Located in BARSAC, FR
Pharmacy/laboratory trebuchet scale in its all-sided glass case, a vertical sliding door on the front, a storage drawer at the bottom. Complete with its original accessories, functi...
Glass, Wood
$365Sale Price|20% Off
Eclectic Dutch Barometer With Thermometer From the Early 20th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Eclectic Dutch Barometer With Thermometer From the Early 20th Century An original barometer and thermometer set in an oak wood frame. The thermometer is calibrated in both Celsius a...
Wood, Oak
$1,311Sale Price|34% Off
Barograph by R Fuess
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany framed barograph by R Fuess Berlin. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day chart which covers one full rotation of the drum. The in...
Walnut
Antique Schaeffer & Budenberg Stationary Steam Engine Model w Copper Boiler
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Schaeffer & Budenberg stationary steam engine model. Made of cast iron featuring copper boiler The Budenberg Gauge Company was founded in 1918. The original pa...
Metal, Copper
$1,967Sale Price|46% Off
Walnut Cased Barograph
Located in Cheshire, GB
Walnut Cased Barograph, having five glazed removable lid. The mechanical eight-day movement is housed in the drum, fitted with a seven-day chart that covers one full rotation of the ...
Walnut
Antique Anatomical Hand Model, Plaster and Wood, Italy Circa 1900
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting the hand swinging on a fork supported by a black lacquered wooden base. Made of plaster and finished entirely in colour. Ital...
Plaster, Wood
Large Format Box Camera, circa 1915
By Eastman Kodak
Located in Hudson, NY
This large format box camera was made by the Folmer & Schwing Division of Eastman Kodak in Rochester NY. The case constructed of mahogany in a rich old red finish has many original d...
Leather, Glass, Wood
19th Century Carpenters Pine Tool Chest and Tools The chest is in pine
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Carpenters Pine Tool Chest and Tools The chest is in pine with metal banding, it is set on wheels and has layers of trays We have left the contents of the chest with i...
Pine
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Rococo Style Carved Walnut, 1910s
By A. de Lambert
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Belgium by A. de Lambert. High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade) Unusual design...
Walnut
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Walnut 1910s
By A. de Lambert
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-mounted weather station in carved walnut made in Belgium by A. de Lambert. High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade) Unusual design ...
Walnut
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak By R. Krengel 1910s
Located in Verviers, BE
Wall-Mounted Weather Station in Art Nouveau Style Carved Oak By R. Krengel 1910s Eupen Belgium High quality mechanism with jeweled movement barometer and thermometer (in centigrade)...
Oak
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 weighs approx 180 lbs, remarkable red color, original labels, very nice vintage item, do...
Metal
19th Century Meridian Cannon with Marble Base, France, Circa 1850
Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex
A Fine 19th Century Meridian or Noon Cannon, Large Marble Base into which is carved a sundial with a bronze Gnomen, also engraved is the operational latitude 48 50 13'. Mounted cann...
Marble, Brass
French Antique Measuring Stand, Wood and Metal, Circa 1900
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This French early wooden measuring stand is a marvelous blend of utility and minimalistic design. The slender vertical post, supported by a sturdy base, demonstrates the practical el...
Metal
Anatomical model: an external and inner ear, Germany early 20th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Anatomical model for class, depicting an external and inner ear, made out of painted papier plaster, mounted on a black painted plaster rectangular base. Sold from Paravia, Italy, to...
Plaster
Early 20th Century Medical Curios Gold Teeth Dentures
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A collection of human gold teeth, with two having their original metal pegs. Most gold teeth are of a particularly high carrot, and these are heavy to hold. Tarnished and untouched,...
Gold
Copper Alloy Weights Marc System
Located in Leuven , BE
Copper alloy weights Marc system.
Copper
Large Studio Portrait Camera
Located in Peekskill, NY
Cameras are not my expertise but we could not pass up on this beauty. The camera is signed ANSCO and the large lens reads DARLO OPTICIEN, PARIS 35436. I'm told that this lens is the ...
Wood
Antique Teaching Aid - Median Incision of the Human Head by PHYWE
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid - Median Incision of the Human Head by PHYWE A great antique hand-painted and hand lettered anatomical model. A median incision of the head for class. It is mad...
Plaster, Wood
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 Carl Emanuel Cederström, great collector during the mid-19th Century in Sweden. W...
Iron
Antique Brass Ashtray Advertising a Philadelphia Dealer in Artificial Human Eyes
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An odd obscura collectible in the form of a rare, antique brass advertising ashtray. The ashtray is engraved with "H.E. Baldwin - Philadelphia / Artificial Human Eyes" around the ri...
Brass
$749Sale Price|20% Off
20th Century Terrestrial Globe by Peter J. Oestergaard
By Peter J. Oestergaard
Located in Madrid, ES
Early 20th century antique traditional Columbus earth globe, brass frame, papier mâché sphere and turned, ebonized wooden base. Gezeichnet & Hergestellt Peter J. Oestergaard.
Brass
Antique Canada Post Office Balance Scale with Cast Metal Base and Brass Accents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique postal scale is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Canada and date to approximately 1952 and done in the Late Victorian style. The scale is composed of cast ...
Metal, Brass
$2,404Sale Price|45% Off
Set of Oak Doctors Scales
Located in Cheshire, GB
Set of doctors scales for C.F Thakray Chemists. The solid oak seat with shaped back alongside cast balance scale. standing on square sports with pull out handles terminating in spoke...
Oak
French 19th Century Louis XIV St. Ormolu And Patinated Bronze Barometer
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A most impressive French 19th century Louis XIV st. Ormolu and patinated Bronze barometer, after Torricelli. The circular patinated bronze face has the eight enameled plaques depicti...
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique English Brass-Mounted Rosewood Complete Apothecary Case, Circa 1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Rare complete antique English London-made apothecary case, circa 1880. Rosewood with Brass Mounts.
Brass
Large French 19th Century Brass and Steel Scale with Weighing Pans and Column
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French brass and steel scale from the 19th century with central column and two weighing pans. Embrace the charm and sophistication of the 19th century with this exquisite French br...
Brass, Steel
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Superb Large Painted Iron Balance Scales by Holliday & Co London 1907 This very large and attractive beam balance scale is set on a cast Iron base the central upright columns are a...
Iron
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera c.1937-1939
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Senior Six-16 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome and black accents and flip out view finder. Shown with life size hand. Sold as decorative o...
Metal, Chrome
Anatomical model: a decomposable eyeball, Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a decomposable eyeball, complete in all its parts, made of plaster, glass and painted paper mache, metal hooks. Italy ci...
Metal
Rare anatomical model: an external and inner ear, Italy end of 19th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Rare anatomical model for schools, educational use, depicting a separable external and internal ear, complete in all its parts, made of plaster and painted paper mache, metal hooks. ...
Metal
Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood
By Somso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Teaching Aid - Structure of the Human Skin, Plaster on Wood An antique hand-painted anatomical wall model depicting the structure of the human skin with roots of the hair. T...
Plaster, Wood, Paper
$90Sale Price|21% Off
Art Deco Kodak Vigilante Junior Six-20 Folding Camera c.1940-1948
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An Art Deco Kodak Vigilante Junior Six-20 Folding Camera with a leather wrapped body, chrome accents and flip out view finder. Folds neatly to 1.5 inches. Shown with life siz...
Metal, Chrome
$150Sale Price|33% Off
Antique "No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodak, Model AB" Camera c.1900
By Eastman Kodak
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT The Kodak No.3 Model AB is an early model. The body of camera is all leather with a leather handle and unique leather covered lens. it folds smoothly closed to 1.75 inches. ...
Metal, Chrome
Terrestrial Globe Ludwig Julius Heymann, Circa 1880
Located in Madrid, ES
Terrestrial Globe Ludwig Julius Heymann, Circa 1880 Globe 10 cm in diameter with a marble base held by metal putty. Nineteenth century. Dimensions: 46 cm high 7.14 cm diameter
Marble
Black Forest Style Carved Walnut Barometer, Germany, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
Black Forest-style carved walnut barometer, Germany, ca. 1920. An impressive carved walnut barometer with masterfully carved flowers and leaves. A small mirror on the top of the roun...
Glass, Mirror, Walnut
A Victorian anchor and rope barometer by Gray and Keen, Liverpool
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian anchor and rope barometer by Gray and Keen, Liverpool. The 10 ¾-inch silvered dial of this walnut barometer is set within the arms of an anchor and a coil of double twist...
Walnut
Art Deco Table or Desk Top Brass Mounted 7" Double Convex Magnifying Glass
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Art Deco desk/table top adjustable magnifying glass. A 7" diameter double convex lens in an open topped brass frame suspended between two vertical posts rising from a stepped two-tie...
Brass
Antique Iron Worker Hand Forged Vintage Tools Set of 9
Located in Chula Vista, CA
collection handmade Iron Blacksmithing Tools- Set of 9 Antique Iron Worker Tools forging metal circa early 1900s tool total 9 25 the longest x 3 the widest x 3 diameter unrestored...
Iron, Metal
$440Sale Price|20% Off
Antique "Le Jockey Club" 1930's Horse Racing Binoculars with Compass
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A French silvered brass and brown leather Horse Racing binoculars stamped "Le Jockey Club Paris" presented in their original brown leather case. Case. AS evident from the photos, t...
Brass
$1,112
1920's Gladstone Bag
Located in Eindhoven, NL
1920's Gladstone Bag in perfect condition. The bag closings are in perfect shape and condition and everything works perfectly. The bag has some minor spots but for the age of the bag...
Leather
Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were different in the old days and...
Wood
Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were different in the old days and...
Wood
Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were different in the old days and...
Wood
Hand Carved Coquille Nut Egg Box 19th Century Flea Trap Pomander Needle Case
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful hand carved coquille nut egg box. Beautiful carving, great patina, unscrews at center to open. The original use was a flea trap, things were different in the old days and...
Wood
$2,486Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Wrap Reel Machine, English, Factory, Cotton, John Nesbitt, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique rotary wrap reel machine. An English, brass and cast iron factory cotton skein winder by John Nesbitt of Manchester, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 188...
Bronze
18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London
Located in Martlesham, GB
18th Century mahogany and brass telescope by Nairne & Blunt of London, having a mahogany barrel with a thumb wheel to the side of the main barrel, supported on a solid brass tripod s...
Mahogany
Antique Trade Scale Brass and Cast Iron, France, circa 1880
Located in Labrit, Landes
This trade scale was made in the late 19th century in France; It was a scale used by traders for retail Brass and Cast-Iron Patina and signs of use which make this antique object ver...
Iron, Brass
Set of Victorian Brass Beam Scales
Located in Altrincham, GB
Set of Victorian Brass Beam Scales, complete with pans and nest of weights - Williams & Sons - Cannon St. London - 21"w x 12"d x 27"h
Brass
Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.
With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.
If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?
Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.
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Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.