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Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency
Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency

Antique 2 Draw Telescope, English, Maritime, Day or Night, Richardson, Regency

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

scientific instruments Supplied with a London Fine oak and brass 'Captain's Stand' for display Grand in both

Category

1820s British Regency Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Henry Troemner Apothecary Cast Iron & Metal  Balance Scale #1, Circa 1890s
Henry Troemner Apothecary Cast Iron & Metal  Balance Scale #1, Circa 1890s

Henry Troemner Apothecary Cast Iron & Metal Balance Scale #1, Circa 1890s

By Henry Troemner

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

scientific instruments. In excellent antique condition with minor wear consistent with age. Overall

Category

Late 19th Century American High Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Iron

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

&20 Cambridge St, Glasgow Source: Directory of British scientific instrument makers 1550-1851 by

Category

1920s British Edwardian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Shibayama Pair of Opera Glasses in original case by Negretti & Zambra
Shibayama Pair of Opera Glasses in original case by Negretti & Zambra

Shibayama Pair of Opera Glasses in original case by Negretti & Zambra

Located in London, GB

the firm which would eventually be appointed opticians and scientific instrument makers to Her Majesty

Category

1880s English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl

Antique Portable Cased Paget Star Celestial Globe Hughes & Son 19h Century
Antique Portable Cased Paget Star Celestial Globe Hughes & Son 19h Century

Antique Portable Cased Paget Star Celestial Globe Hughes & Son 19h Century

By Henry Hughes and Son Ltd.

Located in London, GB

scientific instruments, known for high-quality sextants, chronometers, and compasses. Founded in 1828, the

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Rare Sikes’ Hydrometer (Alcohol Proof Tester) Set Atkey & Son, Cowes, C. 1830
Rare Sikes’ Hydrometer (Alcohol Proof Tester) Set Atkey & Son, Cowes, C. 1830

Rare Sikes’ Hydrometer (Alcohol Proof Tester) Set Atkey & Son, Cowes, C. 1830

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

’ hydrometer set, by Atkey & Son of Cowes, a noted English maker of fine scientific instruments. Elegantly

Category

Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Napoleon III Parisian Giltwood Barometer, "Bodeur a Paris", Circa 1830
Antique Napoleon III Parisian Giltwood Barometer, "Bodeur a Paris", Circa 1830

Antique Napoleon III Parisian Giltwood Barometer, "Bodeur a Paris", Circa 1830

Located in Dallas, TX

the base of the column on the neck. Although no longer functional as a scientific instrument (the

Category

1830s French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood, Giltwood

Late 19th Century Antique Ericsson Mahogany and Brass Morse Telegraph Register
Late 19th Century Antique Ericsson Mahogany and Brass Morse Telegraph Register

Late 19th Century Antique Ericsson Mahogany and Brass Morse Telegraph Register

By L.M. Ericsson

Located in Sweden, SE

scientific instruments or educational demonstrations of early 20th-century communication systems. DETAILS

Category

Mid-19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Steel

Huge Decorative Scientific Induction Coil
Huge Decorative Scientific Induction Coil

Huge Decorative Scientific Induction Coil

Located in Peekskill, NY

We were told that this coil was originally from West Point but there is no paperwork to back that up. We also guessed at its age. But it looks to be over 100 years. We have owned man...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Scientific Handblown Glass Vacuum Dome
Scientific Handblown Glass Vacuum Dome

Scientific Handblown Glass Vacuum Dome

Located in Norwalk, CT

A really neat way to display something amazing this is a really thick quality piece of handblown glass from the early 1900s.

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments

19th century Sikes scientific hydrometer set
19th century Sikes scientific hydrometer set

19th century Sikes scientific hydrometer set

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

.  These instruments where used to measure the alcohol content in liquid.   Complete with weights and float

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Mechanical Equatorial Sundial by Johann Michael Bergauer, Gilded Brass

By Johann Michael Bergauer

Located in Milano, IT

, passim; - Francis Ward, A catalogue of scientific instruments in the Department of Medieval and later

Category

1730s Austrian Baroque Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Induction electrification demonstrator instrument, Italy 1920.
Induction electrification demonstrator instrument, Italy 1920.

Induction electrification demonstrator instrument, Italy 1920.

Located in Milan, IT

Induction electrification demonstrator instrument. By putting two electrically neutral spheres in

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Blown Glass

Induction electrification demonstrator instrument, Italy 1920.
Induction electrification demonstrator instrument, Italy 1920.

Induction electrification demonstrator instrument, Italy 1920.

Located in Milan, IT

Induction electrification demonstrator instrument. By putting two electrically neutral spheres in

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Blown Glass

Decorative Scientific Concave Mercury Mirror Maroon Leather Ebony
Decorative Scientific Concave Mercury Mirror Maroon Leather Ebony

Decorative Scientific Concave Mercury Mirror Maroon Leather Ebony

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A unusual scientific mirror, French in origin circa 1880 The mirror is mercury, with age related

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Leather, Mirror, Ebony

Circa 1890 French Satinwood Concave Distortion Mirror Viewer Scientific
Circa 1890 French Satinwood Concave Distortion Mirror Viewer Scientific

Circa 1890 French Satinwood Concave Distortion Mirror Viewer Scientific

Located in Lowestoft, GB

Circa 1890 French concave mirror card viewer, all constructed of French polished light wood, with ebonised stained elements. Sliding card holder, hinged handle and mirror. In part...

Category

1890s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Satinwood

Antique Brass Three-Draw Telescope, 19th Century
Antique Brass Three-Draw Telescope, 19th Century

Antique Brass Three-Draw Telescope, 19th Century

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

other scientific instruments. Although an ancient material, brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is much

Category

19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Drawing Instrument Set in Rosewood Box 1900
Antique Drawing Instrument Set in Rosewood Box 1900

Antique Drawing Instrument Set in Rosewood Box 1900

Located in Meer, VAN

Antique Drawing Instrument Set in Rosewood Box, France, 1900. A wonderful set of drawing

Category

Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Scientific tool for demonstrating the refraction of light, Italy 1920.
Scientific tool for demonstrating the refraction of light, Italy 1920.

Scientific tool for demonstrating the refraction of light, Italy 1920.

Located in Milan, IT

Scientific tool for demonstrating and assessing the refraction of light. Constructed in boxed metal

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Scientific tool for demonstrating the refraction of light, Italy 1920.
Scientific tool for demonstrating the refraction of light, Italy 1920.

Scientific tool for demonstrating the refraction of light, Italy 1920.

Located in Milan, IT

Scientific tool for demonstrating and assessing the refraction of light. Constructed in boxed metal

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

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

18th Century French Silver Measuring Instruments Pied De Roy

Located in Delft, NL

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

Category

18th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver

Late 19th Century Scientific "Cyclo-Stormograph" by Short & Mason Tycos
Late 19th Century Scientific "Cyclo-Stormograph" by Short & Mason Tycos

Late 19th Century Scientific "Cyclo-Stormograph" by Short & Mason Tycos

By Short & Mason

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous and appears to be completely intact. Short & Mason Tycos Cyclo-Stormograph under beveled glass & mahogany with a drawer which contains extra graph paper, tiny key an...

Category

Early 1900s English Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

19th Century Portable Doctor’s Box with Partial Medical Instruments
19th Century Portable Doctor’s Box with Partial Medical Instruments

19th Century Portable Doctor’s Box with Partial Medical Instruments

Located in Madrid, ES

instruments, some of which are still present. This compact and functional piece reflects the medical practices

Category

1870s Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Fruitwood

19th Century Glazed Specimen Box Containing Wheat Agricultural Scientific Curio
19th Century Glazed Specimen Box Containing Wheat Agricultural Scientific Curio

19th Century Glazed Specimen Box Containing Wheat Agricultural Scientific Curio

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A rustically produced 19th century glazed specimen box containing wheat and grain hybrids. The pine hinged box opens to reveal two glazed and segmented sections, with a painted blue...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber, Glass, Pine

Surgical instrument: forceps, late 19th century, United States 1900.
Surgical instrument: forceps, late 19th century, United States 1900.

Surgical instrument: forceps, late 19th century, United States 1900.

Located in Milan, IT

A surgical instrument from the late 19th early 20th century. An iron tong. SS White Maker, H.C

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Large 1920's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Ear Model
Large 1920's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Ear Model

Large 1920's Vintage Scientific Anatomical Human 3D Educational Ear Model

Located in Lafayette, IN

Large 1920's Vintage scientific anatomical human 3D ear model. Large 16" scale and wonderful

Category

1920s American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Rubber, Wood

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

Lippich polarimeter, scientifi instrument made in 1893 signed Societé Genevoise Genève, brass and

Category

1890s Swiss Antique Scientific 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 Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A botanic scientific specimen of Spruce, Paravia & co, Milan, Italy 1900.
A botanic scientific specimen of Spruce, Paravia & co, Milan, Italy 1900.

A botanic scientific specimen of Spruce, Paravia & co, Milan, Italy 1900.

Located in Milan, IT

A rare example of a botanical maquette for didactic use by Professor T. Ferraris, depicting a (natural) strobilus and a scale with ovules (about 12 times enlarged) of Spruce (Picea e...

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Terrestrial Instrument, Victorian, 1880
Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Terrestrial Instrument, Victorian, 1880

Antique 3 Draw Telescope, English Brass, Terrestrial Instrument, Victorian, 1880

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

instruments, scientific antiques, or nautical décor Presenting a wonderful balance of aesthetic charm and

Category

1880s British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

England Early 1900 Brass Galvanometer Antique Physic Measuring Instrument

By Philip Harris Ltd.

Located in Milan, IT

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

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Late 19th C Gregory Bottley Scientific Collection of Mineral Fossils Shell
Late 19th C Gregory Bottley Scientific Collection of Mineral Fossils Shell

Late 19th C Gregory Bottley Scientific Collection of Mineral Fossils Shell

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A good collection of Gregory Bottley mineral, fossils and shell all contained in there original teak trays and card board sleeves. Each specimen has its original hand written and nu...

Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Natural Fiber, Hardwood

Surgical instrument: a scalpel, late 19th century, United States 1900.
Surgical instrument: a scalpel, late 19th century, United States 1900.

Surgical instrument: a scalpel, late 19th century, United States 1900.

Located in Milan, IT

A surgical instrument from the late 19th early 20th century. An iron scalpel. With brass handle

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

Anatomical Model of Human Eye Papier-maché, Scientific Collectables, Dr.Auzoux
Anatomical Model of Human Eye Papier-maché, Scientific Collectables, Dr.Auzoux

Anatomical Model of Human Eye Papier-maché, Scientific Collectables, Dr.Auzoux

By Dr. Louis Auzoux

Located in Leuven , BE

Anatomical cut of one eye, composition in natural painted papier-maché, with numbered labels on the different elements / the opening eyeball to cover the removable pute. Pen annotati...

Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper, Plaster

Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800
Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800

Antique Decorative Butcher's Steelyard, English, Iron, Weighing Instrument, 1800

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Early 19th Century Butchers Steelyard for Weighing Scale A good original industrial piece, the balance has blacksmith made sliding hook for adjustment of balance weight The Steel...

Category

Early 19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Iron

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 Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Pestle & Mortar Set, English, Brass, Chemist Shop Instrument, Victorian
Antique Pestle & Mortar Set, English, Brass, Chemist Shop Instrument, Victorian

Antique Pestle & Mortar Set, English, Brass, Chemist Shop Instrument, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique pestle and mortar set. An English, brass chemist shop instrument, dating to the

Category

Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th C Wax F.Ziegler Anatomical Models Studies Embryo Plant Scientific Medical
19th C Wax F.Ziegler Anatomical Models Studies Embryo Plant Scientific Medical

19th C Wax F.Ziegler Anatomical Models Studies Embryo Plant Scientific Medical

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A rare pair of wax studies by F.Ziegler taken from the imagery of F.Keibel We believe the larger of the two models to be off a human embryo and the other to be of a plant. The ...

Category

1890s German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table    A very rare piece
19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table    A very rare piece

19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table A very rare piece

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

19th C Surveyors Metamorphic Instrument Box/Table A very rare piece, the carrying box originally

Category

19th Century Industrial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Walnut

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

Galvanometer Antique Measuring Instrument Used for Telegraph Cables 1850 circa

Located in Milan, IT

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

Category

1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th C Scientific James DeVille L N Fowler Phrenology Plaster Bust Head Curio
19th C Scientific James DeVille L N Fowler Phrenology Plaster Bust Head Curio

19th C Scientific James DeVille L N Fowler Phrenology Plaster Bust Head Curio

By L. N. Fowler

Located in Lowestoft, GB

A larger than the normal plaster cast phrenology head, with its original painted finish and paper labels. The original makers label is partially missing leaving it a bit of a myster...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster

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Antique Scientific Instruments For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of antique scientific instruments for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique scientific instruments was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and brass. Antique scientific instruments have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Victorian, Industrial and Louis XVI antique scientific instruments are consistently popular styles. Antique scientific instruments have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by LeMaire Paris, W & T Avery and Dollond, London are consistently popular.

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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