A botanic model of a pale pink tulip, Brendel, Germany 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare Brendel botanical model of Tulipa gesneriana, the Tulip N.200 (Liliaceae), light pink color. The wooden ebonized round base holds the model which opens revealing the flower. T...
Wood
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Glass Pharmacy Wound Syringe in Beech Case by Wm Toogood Ltd The Glass Syringe comes in its original turned Beech case and has the Pharmacy label on the front The box is 9” long and...
Beech
Dr Forbes Bath Thermometer, Beech Wood, Edwardian Style, 1900
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Dr Forbes Specifications Bath Thermometer A great piece, the thermometer has a beech Case so that it can be floated to show the numerical temperature and also the recommended from ...
Beech
A GERMAN ANATOMICAL MODEL OF a PREGNANT WOMAN STEPHEN ZICK
Located in Madrid, ES
A GERMAN ANATOMICAL MODEL OF A PREGNANT WOMAN STEPHEN ZICK The woman with articulated arms, removable torso revealing internal organs, lying on a couch with cushion incised and mode...
Wood
An apothecary glass mortar and pestle, Italy 18th century.
Located in Milan, IT
Apothecary glass mortar, fitted with glass pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Glass
An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, Italy 1700.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Bronze
An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, Italy 1700.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Bronze
An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, Italy 1700.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. Italy early 18th century.
Bronze
An apothecary bronze mortar and pestle, England 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
Bronze Apothecary mortar, fitted with mortar pestle. England early 19th century.
Bronze
J H Steward Lord Bury Brass Telescopwe with Leather Case London Ca. 1870
By steward
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J H Steward Brass Telescope. The Lord Bury Telescope comes with a leather case. The brass and leather both. are very patinated. Not only is the brass tarnished, but there are a f...
Brass
Antique Camera / Enlarger Circa 1910s
Located in Newfoundland, PA
Early Wooden Antique Camera / Enlarger Circa 1910s Please look at the photos, this has not been touched in decades. It is just the way you would like to find it, untouched. True anti...
Metal
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble.
Located in Milan, IT
Antique German aneroid barometer from the early 1900s made of turned marble, brass, and glass. Good state. Working order. Diameter cm 17 - inches 6.7, thickness cm 5- inches 1.9...
Marble
Louis XVI Style Dore Bronze Thermometer, Circa 1880
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Circa 1880, Louis XVI Style Dore Bronze Thermometer. In beautiful shape.
Bronze
Boat Binnacle Compass from the 19th Century
Located in Norwell, MA
Rare yacht binnacle with a highly polished gimballed compass fitted to a varnished box. The box has a polished brass side burner and hinges, hooks, and screws. First class nautical r...
Brass
16th Century Cast Iron Mortar
Located in Brussels, Brussels
16th century cast iron mortar with two very beautiful handles Beautiful original object with a great patina and in very good condition.
Iron
19th Century Spanish Copper Bedwarmer with Wooden Handle
Located in Marbella, ES
19th Century Spanish Copper Bedwarmer with Wooden Handle.
Copper
19th Century Irish Giltwood Barometer in the Baroque Style
Located in Dublin, IE
A fascinating Irish giltwood barometer in the baroque style. The large stick barometer features a large carved giltwood frame with a shell motif. The dial having the original twin Ve...
Giltwood
$1,036Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Apothecary Mortar and Pestle, English, Brass, Chemist, Victorian, C.1850
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique apothecary mortar and pestle. An English, brass chemist's shop aid, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Quality apothecary aid with superb finish ...
Brass
Large 17th Century French Slate Octagonal Sundial
Located in Madrid, ES
A Large 17th century French Slate Octagonal Sundial With wrought iron gnomon and profusely engraved with latin letters.Size:39x39 cm.With latter hanging system. The dial is set w...
Slate
French Antique Petite Draw Telescope in Brass and Wood
Located in LA CIOTAT, FR
An antique French single draw telescope. Petite in size, its main barrel is covered with wonderful dark, veneer fruit wood, while the fixings and sliding drawer are gleaming brass. D...
Brass
Rare Antique 19th C Reuben Sutcliffe English Nickel Plated Hanging Balance Scale
Located in Dayton, OH
Monumental 19th century English general store balance by Reuben Sutcliffe of Manchester. Made from Iron with a rich nickel plated finish. The company traded on Thomas Street, Manches...
Iron, Nickel
Antique Bayliss & Co 19th Century English Brass Apothecary Counter Scale Balance
By Bayliss & Coulthard
Located in Dayton, OH
An antique 4 lb mercantile balance by Bayliss & Co of Birmingham, England. Features a twisted iron stand and brass balance with tray and scoop. Makers mark engraved along top arm.
Brass, Iron
Early 19th Century 2 Day Marine Chronometer by James McCabe, No. 199
By James McCabe
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
Number 199, a two day marine chronometer by James McCabe, London, beautifully signed and numbered on the dial and movement, and the number on the bottom of the bowl. In a three part ...
Brass
Fine Pair Golden Guilloche Enamel and Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses, c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
Pretty as a picture and in outstanding condition, this lovely pair of early twentieth century opera glasses come complete with their original case (wear commensurate with age). Th...
Brass, Enamel
Antique Painting with Barometer 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Antique table with barometer Interesting 19th century painting painted in oil with meteorological reasons on wood and which has a barometer in the center and a thermometer in the up...
Fruitwood
Antique Microscope in Original Box, circa 1900
Located in Greven, DE
Antique travel microscope in unrestored found condition. The brass should be polished and the glasses cleaned. All parts appear to be complete, no guarantee, see photos.
Brass
Carl Zeiss Stand IV Brass Continental Microscope W/ Case and Slides, circa 1891
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Norwalk, CT
This incredible microscope dates from the late 19th century, during which Carl Zeiss and Edward Abbe were the foremost innovators of revolutionary microscope lens technology. It is a...
Brass
Decorative Antique Victorian 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist Drill
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Victorian, circa 1890 James Beall Morrison Treadle Dentist drill Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it cov...
Steel
Vintage Fairbanks Scales Wrought Iron and Brass Scale with Weights
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage wrought iron and brass scale with weights is made in the United States by Fairbanks Scales, one of the nation's oldest industrial manufacturing companies. Functional and coll...
Brass, Wrought Iron
$100Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Wood Fid Tool, Early 20th Century Nautical Collectible
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Antique Wood Tool, treen fid grooved top for rope strap. Nautical collectible. Measures: 8.75 long x 2 diameter Original vintage condition. Refer to our images provided.
Wood
$1,494Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Telescope, English, Silvered Brass, Dennis of London, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a long antique telescope. An English, silvered brass single draw refractor by Dennis of London, dating to the early Victorian period and later, circa 1850. Perfect for bir...
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...
Brass, Steel, Iron
19th Century French Giltwood Barometer
Located in Richmond, VA
19th Century French giltwood barometer with working thermometer. Well executed carvings of scrolls, swags and bounty all finished in gold gilding. Great example of a classic French b...
Giltwood
$3,599Sale Price|50% Off
Early Nineteenth Century French Thuya Wood Thermometer
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century French Thuya wood thermometer, with brass plate inscribed with 'Thermometre par Mouyer Nancy’. The thermometer tube is sat behind a brass plate to the base, wit...
Brass, Other
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in blue glazed ceramic.
Ceramic
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in blue glazed ceramic.
Ceramic
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th Century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in Blue Glazed ceramic.
Ceramic
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in blue Glazed ceramic.
Ceramic
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in blue glazed ceramic.
Ceramic
17th Century Spanish Talavera Pharmacy Jar in Blue Glazed Ceramic
Located in Marbella, ES
17th Century Spanish Talavera pharmacy jar in blue glazed ceramic.
Ceramic
$1,669Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Antique English Georg III Mahogany Barometer
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
A fine quality example of a mercury wheel barometer. A mahogany case. A wider and deeper case with an opening door for the long scale thermometer with silvered dial. A silvered eng...
Mahogany
19th Century Spanish Glass Apothecary's Container
Located in Marbella, ES
18th Century Spanish Glass Apothecary's Container
Glass
16th century Spanish Bronze Mortar with Letters M on the Sides
Located in Marbella, ES
16th century Spanish Bronze Mortar with Letters M on the Sides
Bronze
$1,488Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Telegraph in Solid Brass, 1880
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Italian Telegraph in solid brass, 1880.
Brass
$324Sale Price|20% Off
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, dating to the Victorian period, circa 19000. A fascinating pocket medicine cup and ...
Glass
17th Century Norther European Wrought Iron Pestle, 8.5 Inches
Located in Stamford, CT
Unusual wrought iron pestle, most are bronze like most mortars. This one is at least 17th century, quite possibly dating to the Gothic period. I have owned two iron mortars in my ti...
Wrought Iron
18th Century Italian Bronze Pestle for a Mortar, 9 Inches Long
Located in Stamford, CT
If you've got the mortar, I have the pestle! There are so many mortars out there, and so few pestles. It's nice to have both. Here is your opportunity to marry this large scale pestl...
Bronze
19th Century Plaster Phrenology Bust by Vago of London, 1869
By Vago
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A tactile plaster cast phrenology head, primitively produced yet highly decorative and a obvious rare survivor. A inscribed label of the maker Vago along with the date 1869 A han...
Plaster, Paper
$374Sale Price / set|20% Off
London Mid-19th Century Vanity Kit Set Sterling Silver
Located in Brescia, IT
Not easy to find this original box, with this kit set composed of 8 pieces for nail manicure. A piece to collect or to add in a wunderkammer. In sterling silver, all marked. With ce...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Almirez De Bronce Del S XIX Con Asas Y Decoraciones E Inscripción De Letras
Located in Marbella, ES
Almirez de bronce del S XIX con asas y decoraciones e inscripción de letras El palo mide 17cm.
Bronze
Bronze Pharmacy Mortar Italy-17° Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant bronze mortar from the 17 century from Italy dated 1630. Really rare mortar due to his big size. In very good condition and beautiful patina.
Bronze
Antique Book Press with 4 Drawer Stone Top Flat Art File Cabinet
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A working antique iron book press which sits atop a four drawer art storage cabinet with two brass identification card holders on each drawer. Three of the drawers have their origina...
Stone, Brass, Iron
Large Dryad Wooden Paper Guillotine
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large dryad wooden paper Guillotine Well used and still working well, the makers name is in the centre of the front, all in good used condition, The guillotine has an Curved iro...
Beech
Antique Pair of 19th Century Brass Scales
Located in Suffolk, GB
Pair of antique brass scales standing on a mahogany base. A brass centre column having a shaped arm to the left holding a removable brass bowl. The second bowl to the right is held ...
Brass
19th Century Shop Double Paper Roll Cutter Dispenser
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th century shop double paper roll cutter dispenser This is a rare and very unusual paper roll cutter, the stand is made in Beech and Iron, it holds 2 rolls of paper, the roll ho...
Iron
Antique French Lorgnette Binoculars or Opera Glasses in Brass & Mother of Pearl
By LeRoy
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of antique lorgnette opera glasses were made by LeRoy of France in approximately 1880 in the period Victorian style. These binoculars are composed of brass with very good o...
Brass
Cased Pair of Max and Minimum Temperature Thermometers
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A super set of experiment quality patent Negretti and Zambra max and min thermometers in the original mahogany case one with mercury ant other with alcohol from the collection of...
Brass
Antique Brass Scottish Surveyor's Compass in Fitted Wooden Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique surveyor's compass originates from Scotland and dates to approximately 1880 and made in the period Victorian style. The compass case is composed of solid brass with a me...
Metal, Brass
Set of W T Avery 10 LB Bankers Balance Scales and Weights
By W & T Avery
Located in London, by appointment only
Magnificent set of very large bankers 10lb balance scales together with a contemporary set of stamped W T Avery weights 7, 4, 2, 1 lb. Fully restored, polished, and lacquered. Ave...
Brass
Cast Iron Personal Weighing Scales by JARASO, Industrial Style, 1930
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Cast Iron Personal Weighing Scales by JARASO Quirky scales to keep your weight personal, the weight registered by the scales can only be correctly viewed by the user by the mirror. ...
Iron
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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