Unavailable|$4,500
Langlois Graphometer - Circa 1730
Located in Placerville, CA
This is a BEAUTIFUL Graphometer made by the premier instrument maker in France, Claude Langlois
Brass
Unavailable|$16,000
Wonderful Benjamin Pike & Sons (New York) Circa 1850 Theodolite
Located in Placerville, CA
! Dating this instrument is an educated guess. Benjamin Pike & Sons operated at 166 Broadway from 1839 to
Brass
Unavailable|$332
Negretti and Zambra Aneroid Barometer, London
Located in Kent, GB
developing a number of scientific and philosophical instruments. Improvements and advances in their
Unavailable|$5,000
Jean Baptiste Van Lerberghe Theodolite - Circa 1700 to 1720
Located in Placerville, CA
this Theodolite for his own personal use. I've seen another very early and crude surveying instrument
Brass
Unavailable|$1,500
Antique J.C. Ulmer Co. Survey Transit & Compass in Bergen & Sons Box
Located in Milan, OH
engineering. This extraordinary instrument boasts unparalleled functionality and timeless beauty, making it a
Brass
Unavailable|$1,195
Three Draw Telescope, circa 1755
By Francis Watkins
Located in Houston, TX
Watkins, who operated at 5 Charing Cross between 1784 and 1798, were very accomplished instrument
Unavailable|$67,798
19th Century English Globe by Renowned Cartographers John Newton and Son
By Newton and Son
Located in London, GB
also one of the few firms to combine instruments with globes. In this globe, the compass is set in the
Hardwood
Unavailable|$6,226
Antique Mahogany Cased Barograph by Negretti and Zambra, London
By Negretti & Zambra
Located in Norwich, Norfolk
undoubtedly the most famous barograph and instrument makers of the day. The firm had premises at Hatton Garden
Brass
Unavailable|$2,200
Finely Crafted, Brass, Octant with Ivory Register by Charles Pace
By Charles Pace
Located in Houston, TX
Merchant- San Francisco. Importer of charts, nautical instruments and works.
19th Century German Anatomical Didactic Abdominal & Pelvis Model attr. to Sommer
By Marcus Sommer
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curiosities, Gothic Antique, Anatomical Sculpture. Antique 19th Century G...
Plaster, Paint, Paper
Unavailable|$4,900
Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer and Thermometer
Located in Pataskala, OH
Belgium. This 18th century French weather instrument was obviously made to last, as its mercury-filled
Glass, Giltwood
19th Century Anatomical Model of Dissected Wax Head Mounted on Framed Board
Located in London, GB
Antique Anatomical Model, Anatomical Wax Model, Antique Wax Head, Medical Antique, Anatomical Antique, Vintage Anatomical Model, Antique Cabinet of Curiosities, Gothic Antique, Anato...
Wood
Unavailable|$6,500
Rare Giant Nautical Antique Ships Octant Gold Gilt Fixtures
Located in Palm City, FL
largest instruments of this type known. It has other interesting features which sets it apart from most
Early 20th Century Electrical 1 Ohm Resistor Test Piece in Wood, Bakelite, Rare
Located in Dallas, TX
Resistance" piece was made circa the early 20th Century by Leeds & Northrup who began making instruments in
Metal
Unavailable|$2,800
Antique Nautical Twin Dolphin American Dry Card Compass Display
Located in Palm City, FL
Shown is an interesting antique compass made by the American instrument maker, D. Baker of Boston
Unavailable|$2,600
Long-view "Gregory & Son London"
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
, his descendants founded "Gregory and Son" to make science instruments that are now very rare. The
Brass
Unavailable|$3,597
Edwardian Marine Copper Thermograph by Short and Mason, London
By Short & Mason
Located in Norwich, Norfolk
instruments and barographs.
Copper
Unavailable|$3,800
GILT METAL FIGURAL BAROMETER BY E. LINNIE
By E. Linnie
Located in San Francisco, CA
E. LINNIE WAS AN EARLY 19TH CENTURY OPTICIAN AND INSTRUMENT MAKER,FAMOUS FOR HIS ACHROMATIC
Metal
Unavailable|$4,780
Large Silver Butterfield Dial French Early 18th Century
By Butterfield Paris
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Signed Butterfield, Paris, mid-18th...
Silver
Unavailable|$1,176
Steam Age Kenotometer by Brady and Martin
By Brady & Martin Ltd. 1
Located in Bransby, GB
. Probably used in marine application this instrument is in good unrestored condition with original desiccant
Brass
Unavailable|$2,988
A Brass Equinoctial Dial French 1780ca
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). With hinged gnomon, hour ring and l...
Brass
Unavailable|$3,585
Iron Germany Early 1700s Hourglass
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). The hourglass cage displays hexago...
Iron
Unavailable|$4,800
Good and Unusual Set of French Brass and Ebonized Wood Fabric Scales
By Stutz and Co.
Located in New York, NY
, LILLE. Stutz was a maker of precision instruments including cameras in Lille, France during the 19th
Unavailable|$1,023
Tunbridge Ware Thermometer Signed H Hollamby
Located in Kent, GB
giving the scale a slight luminescence. The thermometers scientific merit was probably secondary to its
19th Century Gold/Apothecary Desktop Scale in Cherry and Brass by Henry Troemner
By Henry Troemner
Located in South Newfane, VT
still manufactures precision weighing and measuring instruments to the present day. Scales of this type
Brass
Unavailable|$1,355
19th Century Library Telescope
Located in Newark, GB
A wonderful brass telescope by Newton & Company Opticians of 3 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, London, England. This piece is of a fashionable size, perfect for any study or library settin...
Brass
Unavailable|$8,232
Edwardian Oak Cased and Chromed Display Barograph, circa 1890
Located in Norwich, Norfolk
an original chart recording a typhoon in Hong Kong Harbour and is sold with the instrument, circa
Chrome
Unavailable|$1,123
Cased Station Pointer
Located in Salisbury, GB
nineteenth century due to the quality and precision of his instruments. The business was incorporated as
Unavailable|$447
Antique English Aneroid Barometer & Thermometer
Located in Seguin, TX
Antique circa 1900 aneroid barometer and thermometer. Made in England, carved oak case, banjo shaped with white porcelain dials, beveled glass cover, on barometer. Thermometer works...
Glass, Walnut
Edison 35mm Projecting Kinetoscope, Hand Crank Patented 1897, Built Ca. 1910 OBO
By Thomas A. Edison
Located in Dallas, US
Submitted for your consideration is this 1897 designed & patented, Circa 1910 built, Edison Projecting Kinetoscope. This circa 1910 Improved Exhibition Model 35mm projection machine...
Metal
Unavailable|$2,151
A Wooden Diptical Sundial Germany 1790
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Pocket sundial, made out of wood, ...
Paper
Unavailable|$442
Ventilatore Marelli, 1950s
By Eredi Marelli
Located in Roma, IT
L'azienda nasce nel 1891 a Milano come ditta individuale per iniziativa di Ercole Marelli, operaio in gioventù alla Tecnomasio Italiana di Milano. Inizialmente l'azienda produceva di...
Iron
Unavailable|$1,314
A Porter's Direction Sundial Germany Early 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
The printed and pivoted compass card and chapter ring centred by brass gnomon, in turned rosewood case with domed lid, (glass cover), 5cm (2in) diam.
Wood
Unavailable|$2,151
A Brass Butterfield Type Dial French Early 18th Century
By Butterfield Paris
Located in Firenze, IT
signed Buterfield A Paris., the octagonal dial with hinged gnomon and bird pointer, inset compass and engraved with hour scales, the reverse engraved with towns and their latitudes, ...
Brass
Unavailable|$2,988
Cut Tobacco Enterprise MFC Co. Philadelphia, USA
Located in Roma, IT
Size Tobacco Enterprise MFC Co. Philadelphia, USA in good condition mounted on a solid chestnut wood board
Iron
Unavailable|$6,639 / set
1920s Italian Vintage Set of Five Ethnographic Plaster Busts by Paravia, Turin
By Paravia
Located in Milan, IT
group using the scientific standards and knowledge of the time. The types are: African, Caucasian
Metal
Unavailable|$6,573
Bronze mortar, Veneto, 16th century
Located in Brescia, IT
Bronze mortar, Veneto, 16th century Lost-wax cast bronze mortar with body outlined by parallel and succeeding frames delineating its circumference. On the two faces, in a central p...
Bronze
Unavailable|$6,573
Mortaio in bronzo, Veneto, XVI° secolo
Located in Brescia, IT
Mortaio in bronzo fuso a cera persa con corpo delineato da un gran numero di cornici parallele e susseguenti che ne delimitano la circonferenza; e ornato con motivi vegetali di deriv...
Bronze
Unavailable|$1,075
Antique Cylinder Sundial Late 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). A boxwood cylinder sundial, also kn...
Wood, Paper
Magnifier Accessories Gold Bronce Desktop Eagle Claw Base Early 20th Century
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Brass adjustable desk magnifier 20th century Elegant desktop magnifying glass made of golden brass, with original magnifying glass and very well preserved. The magnifying glass dat...
Brass
Unavailable|$560
Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure
Located in Burton, TX
Telescoping surveyors measuring staff made of wood with brass fittings. Marked 'Houghton-Butcher Mfg. Co. Ltd., London 1918 N0. 1.195'. Lovingly cared for, it is in working condition...
Brass
Unavailable|$560
Early 20th Century English Telescoping Surveyors Measure
Located in Burton, TX
Telescoping surveyors measuring staff made of wood with brass fittings. Marked 'Houghton-Butcher Mfg. Co. Ltd., London 1918 No. 1.173'. Lovingly cared for, it is in working conditio...
Brass
Unavailable|$225
Victorian Silver Hog Watch Key Winder
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare Victorian solid silver miniature pig or hog. Ideal for a watch chain. Winder is metal and has no splits or cracks.
Silver
Unavailable|$1,434
Large 19th Century Hourglass
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). A large 19th century hour glass, o...
Glass, Wood
Unavailable|$600
Pocket barometer by J H Steward in original case
By J.H Steward
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This pocket barometer was made by the firm of by J H Steward and is still in its original leather covered case. The silvered dial with its blued pointer is surrounded by a rotating a...
Brass
Unavailable|$600
Pocket barometer by C Baker in original case
Located in East Geelong, VIC
This pocket barometer was made by the firm of C Baker of 244 High Holborn, London and is still in its original leather covered case. The model number is 7073, and the silvered dial w...
Brass
Unavailable|$2,509
Large Late 18th Century Hourglass
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). A large 18th century hour glass, o...
Glass, Wood
Unavailable|$3,585
Silver Metal Butterfield Dial Germany, circa 1780
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Octagonal silver metal dial inset c...
Silver, Brass
Unavailable|$3,459
Large Victorian Carved Architectural Mercurial Barometer
Located in Lincoln, GB
Large Victorian carved architectural mercurial barometer, with Corinthian column sides with a broken arched pediment top, with a large decorated porcelain enamel dial, with two adjus...
Enamel
Unavailable|$22,111
A French obelisk barometer, probably made in 1836
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
accessed by unscrewing two panels at the back. The glass reservoir is in the base. The instrument also
Ormolu
Unavailable|$2,988
Unique English Pancratic Dissecting Microscope, circa 1870-1880
Located in Paris, FR
microscope. A compound pancratic microscope is a magnifying instrument for the observation of small
Victorian Walnut Carved Wall Aneroid Barometer G.C. Bateman Scotland 1880, H1037
Located in Vancouver, BC
Ant. Victorian Polished Walnut Carved Wall Aneroid Barometer G.C. Bateman, South Hampton, Scotland 1880, H1037 Scotland 1880 Solid Walnut Original Finish Carved Swan Neck top ...
Walnut
Unavailable|$693
Antique Thermometer, Inlaid with Marquetry, Vienna Austria, 1907
Located in Vienna, AT
antique thermometer, inlaid with marquetry, Vienna Austria 1907, mahogany, good original condition On the back is the composition of the materials from the thermometer. Signed and...
Wood
Unavailable|$3,995
O.D. Jennings Co Lollipop Penny Scale
Located in Aurora, OR
This porcelain enamel beauty is in great condition and still works the old-fashioned way. The O.D. Jennings Company was based out of Chicago and founded in the early 20th century by ...
Enamel
Unavailable|$3,804
Victorian Stick Barometer, circa 1880
Located in Lincoln, GB
Victorian Stick Barometer circa 1880 Finely Carved and inlaid with satinwood decoration. Possible Scottish provenance.
Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood
Unavailable|$1,250
19th Century English Brass Scale
By W & T Avery
Located in Salt Lake City, UT
A 19th century English W&T Avery Class B scale with graduated weights from 1 pound to 1 ounce. Dimensions: 23" H x 20" W x 10" D.
Brass
Unavailable|$750
Ant. Victorian Carved Oak Aneroid Barometer, Scotland 1900, H854
Located in Vancouver, BC
Ant. Victorian carved oak aneroid barometer, Scotland 1900, H854 Scotland 1900 Solid oak Original finish Oak carved floral carving on top and bottom Barometer has a thermomete...
Oak
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.
Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.
New or old, the coverlets add old-time charm to any space.
Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.
Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.
Hollywood A-listers, ex-pat aristocrats and art collectors and style setters of all stripes appreciate the allure of the coastal California hamlet — much on our minds after recent winter floods.