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Silver-Leafed Condenser Electroscope Made in the Early 1900s
Silver-Leafed Condenser Electroscope Made in the Early 1900s

Silver-Leafed Condenser Electroscope Made in the Early 1900s

Located in Milan, IT

Silver-leafed condenser electroscope made in the early 1900s; it is an instrument that allows to

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Fabulous and Masculine Found Object Wall Sculpture
Fabulous and Masculine Found Object Wall Sculpture

Fabulous and Masculine Found Object Wall Sculpture

Located in Hopewell, NJ

A rich in character 19th century measuring instrument used on trees, wonderful as a wall-mounted

Category

1860s American Rustic Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

18th Century Gregorian Telescope by Watkins and Smith
18th Century Gregorian Telescope by Watkins and Smith

18th Century Gregorian Telescope by Watkins and Smith

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

carrying case. The condition of this fine instrument is superb with the original lacquer Measure: overall

Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pair of Early 20th century French Brass Opera Glasses, 1900s
Pair of Early 20th century French Brass Opera Glasses, 1900s

Pair of Early 20th century French Brass Opera Glasses, 1900s

Located in LEGNY, FR

Very beautiful French opera glasses in Mop and brass dating from the beginning of the 20th century. Central wheel to approach or move away the view. Flammarion brand stamp on the to...

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass Galvanometer with Glass Dome and Wooden Base
Brass Galvanometer with Glass Dome and Wooden Base

Brass Galvanometer with Glass Dome and Wooden Base

By Philip Harris Ltd.

Located in Milan, IT

Brass galvanometer with glass dome and wooden base with 3-screw base, instrument signed Philip

Category

1880s British Antique Scientific Instruments

19th Century Hydrometer by Farrow and Jackson of London
19th Century Hydrometer by Farrow and Jackson of London

19th Century Hydrometer by Farrow and Jackson of London

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

by farrow and jackson of london.  This is a measuring instrument used for measuring the alcohol

Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Artificial Pneumothorax by Forlanini, 1882
Artificial Pneumothorax by Forlanini, 1882

Artificial Pneumothorax by Forlanini, 1882

Located in Milan, IT

Artificial pneumothorax invented by Carlo Forlanini in 1882 in Pavia, an instrument that cured many

Category

1880s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Water Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass
Water Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass

Water Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass

Located in Milan, IT

cm. It is an instrument used to determine the slope of a surface in comparison to the horizontal

Category

1860s British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Mirror Galvanometer Made of Wooden Oak
Mirror Galvanometer Made of Wooden Oak

Mirror Galvanometer Made of Wooden Oak

By Cambrell Bross

Located in Milan, IT

of the 19th century. Instrument used primarily for measurement of insulation of telegraph cables

Category

1850s British Antique Scientific Instruments

Solid Brass Navigator's Quintant Sextant
Solid Brass Navigator's Quintant Sextant

Solid Brass Navigator's Quintant Sextant

Located in Norwell, MA

parts. Considerably larger than a sextant. This is a very special instrument. Split on bottom of box

Category

1910s North American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass Anemometer Leather Case by Keuffel & Esser NY, Early 1900s
Brass Anemometer Leather Case by Keuffel & Esser NY, Early 1900s

Brass Anemometer Leather Case by Keuffel & Esser NY, Early 1900s

Located in Milan, IT

of the wind. Excellent condition, fully functional. Instrument diameter 8 cm, thickness 3.5 cm. Case

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Regency Mahogany Bow Fronted Stick Barometer by Bate
Regency Mahogany Bow Fronted Stick Barometer by Bate

Regency Mahogany Bow Fronted Stick Barometer by Bate

Located in Lincolnshire, GB

instrument maker, circa 1810.

Category

1810s English Regency Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Ebony, Mahogany

George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Henry Shuttleworth, London
George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Henry Shuttleworth, London

George III Mahogany Stick Barometer by Henry Shuttleworth, London

Located in San Francisco, CA

-regarded optician and instrument maker. Cornice restored. Barometer is in working condition. This item

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique French Oak Stadiometer
Antique French Oak Stadiometer

Antique French Oak Stadiometer

Located in High Point, NC

honest instrument with a homey sensibility.

Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Oak

19th Century Astronomical Brass Orrery
19th Century Astronomical Brass Orrery

19th Century Astronomical Brass Orrery

Located in New York, NY

his personal collection of scientific apparatus. Orreries are three dimensional models of how

Category

19th Century Unknown Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Dental or Medical Autoclave of Copper and Brass
Dental or Medical Autoclave of Copper and Brass

Dental or Medical Autoclave of Copper and Brass

Located in Austin, TX

A French autoclave of copper and brass, once used for sterilising medical and dental instruments

Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific 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

instrument with a cylindrical optic pipe supported by three supports fixed on a wooden base with a drawer for

Category

1780s Antique Scientific Instruments

French 19th Century Gold Gilt Barometer
French 19th Century Gold Gilt Barometer

French 19th Century Gold Gilt Barometer

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A fabulous French gold gilt barometer from the 19th century. This early instrument of meteorology

Category

19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Set of 19th Century Empire Period Bronze Pharmacy Scales c. 1804-1815
Set of 19th Century Empire Period Bronze Pharmacy Scales c. 1804-1815

Set of 19th Century Empire Period Bronze Pharmacy Scales c. 1804-1815

Located in Fayetteville, AR

certification by the French government thus indicating their approval as an instrument of precision for weighing

Category

19th Century French Empire Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

Signed 19th Century French Brass Tabletop Telescope with Tripod
Signed 19th Century French Brass Tabletop Telescope with Tripod

Signed 19th Century French Brass Tabletop Telescope with Tripod

Located in San Francisco, CA

French optician families of the time. This attractive instrument is in good working order with rack and

Category

Mid-19th Century French Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

American Transit with Case, circa 1900
American Transit with Case, circa 1900

American Transit with Case, circa 1900

By The L. Beckmann Co.

Located in Surrey, BC

manufacture of Beckmann instruments was discontinued. Louis Jr. continued the instrument repair service until

Category

Early 1900s American Machine Age Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

late Victorian period, circa 1900. Compact yet elegant, this diminutive instrument offers both

Category

Early 20th Century British Late Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Botanic Model, Italy 1900
Botanic Model, Italy 1900

Botanic Model, Italy 1900

By Paravia

Located in Milan, IT

, corollas, scientific names and species. Today, in addition to being collected for the Wunderkammer, Cabinet

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Botanic Model, Italy 1900
Botanic Model, Italy 1900

Botanic Model, Italy 1900

By Paravia

Located in Milan, IT

, corollas, scientific names and species. Today, in addition to being collected for the Wunderkammer, Cabinet

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Water Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass
Water Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass

Water Level Made of Wood, Brass and Glass

Located in Milan, IT

ancient measuring instrument used to determine the slope of a surface in comparison to the horizontal

Category

1860s British Antique Scientific Instruments

Antique W. & L. E. Gurley Co. Brass Surveyor’s Transit/Theodolite c1890
Antique W. & L. E. Gurley Co. Brass Surveyor’s Transit/Theodolite c1890

Antique W. & L. E. Gurley Co. Brass Surveyor’s Transit/Theodolite c1890

Located in Big Flats, NY

circa 1890. This precision instrument features a telescope mounted on a rotating base with a compass and

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Sphygmomanometric Oscillometer Made in Italy in the 1920s
Sphygmomanometric Oscillometer Made in Italy in the 1920s

Sphygmomanometric Oscillometer Made in Italy in the 1920s

Located in Milan, IT

leather case. It is an instrument based on the aneroid barometer principle. Good condition. Case size: 27

Category

1920s Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Salmoiraghi Compass Made of Brass in the Early 1900s on Wooden Base
Salmoiraghi Compass Made of Brass in the Early 1900s on Wooden Base

Salmoiraghi Compass Made of Brass in the Early 1900s on Wooden Base

By Filotecnica Salmoiraghi Milano

Located in Milan, IT

, establishing in 1865 a school-workshop specialized in making topographic instruments together with Alessandro

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Botanic Model, Germany 1900 ca
Botanic Model, Germany 1900 ca

Botanic Model, Germany 1900 ca

By Osterloh Modell

Located in Milan, IT

flowers, pistils, petals, corollas, scientific names and species. Today, in addition to being collected

Category

Early 20th Century German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

French Early 19th Century Louis XVI Gold Gilt Barometer
French Early 19th Century Louis XVI Gold Gilt Barometer

French Early 19th Century Louis XVI Gold Gilt Barometer

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

instrument of meteorology has been adorned with an extraordinary wreath crest with carved laurel leaves, a

Category

Early 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Hardwood

Timeless Elegance: 19th Century French Barometer
Timeless Elegance: 19th Century French Barometer

Timeless Elegance: 19th Century French Barometer

Located in New York, NY

. Standing at an impressive 42.5 inches in height, this barometer is not only a functional instrument but

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

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 Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Silvered Iron and Brass Scale with Rooster Decor
19th Century French Silvered Iron and Brass Scale with Rooster Decor

19th Century French Silvered Iron and Brass Scale with Rooster Decor

Located in Dallas, TX

detailed scientific accessory is in excellent working condition and has wonderful details and a rich

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mushroom Model, France 1890
Mushroom Model, France 1890

Mushroom Model, France 1890

Located in Milan, IT

. Square wooden black base with moss and hay. It shows on the front one label with the scientific name of

Category

1890s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Plaster, Wood, Paper

French 19th Century Gold Gilt Barometer
French 19th Century Gold Gilt Barometer

French 19th Century Gold Gilt Barometer

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

barometric dial that is encased in gilt. Scrolled ornamentation embellishes the top of the instrument that is

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Gold

Louis XVI Period Giltwood Barometer from France, 1774-1793
Louis XVI Period Giltwood Barometer from France, 1774-1793

Louis XVI Period Giltwood Barometer from France, 1774-1793

Located in Dallas, TX

is giltwood with motifs of the laurel leaf surrounding the musical instruments at the top. There are

Category

Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Oak Compass German Manufacture of the Late 19th Century
Oak Compass German Manufacture of the Late 19th Century

Oak Compass German Manufacture of the Late 19th Century

Located in Milan, IT

Magnetic topographic compass, of oak and brass; instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free

Category

1880s German Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Barometer
French 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Barometer

French 18th Century Louis XVI Gilt Barometer

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A 18th Century Louis XVI French gold-gilt barometer circa 1780. This early instrument of

Category

18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Gold Leaf

Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth
Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth

Early 20th Century Dr Auzoux Paris Papier Mache Teaching Aid Tooth

Located in London, GB

school of sorts to help students understand the scientific workings of the tooth. Dimensions in inches

Category

1920s French Early Victorian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Paper

Late 19th Century Antique Travel English Apothecary Cabinet Medical Tool
Late 19th Century Antique Travel English Apothecary Cabinet Medical Tool

Late 19th Century Antique Travel English Apothecary Cabinet Medical Tool

Located in Milan, IT

instruments, and it has a lower drawer, that contains a balance, a mortar, a pestle, some measuring vessels, a

Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

19th Century French Polished Iron and Brass Scale with Cow and Ram Decor
19th Century French Polished Iron and Brass Scale with Cow and Ram Decor

19th Century French Polished Iron and Brass Scale with Cow and Ram Decor

Located in Dallas, TX

polished silver finish and has the original pair of brass trays. The detailed scientific accessory is in

Category

Late 19th Century Belgian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Turn of the Century European Brass Telescope
Turn of the Century European Brass Telescope

Turn of the Century European Brass Telescope

Located in High Point, NC

speak to scientific precision, while the attractive, muted hue that the brass has acquired over the

Category

Early 1900s European Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Through the Lens: 19th Century Standing Magnifying Glass
Through the Lens: 19th Century Standing Magnifying Glass

Through the Lens: 19th Century Standing Magnifying Glass

Located in New York, NY

reading, scientific observation, or fine handiwork, this magnifier exemplifies both form and function

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass, Wood

Topographic Compass, Wooden and Brass, of the Late 19th Century
Topographic Compass, Wooden and Brass, of the Late 19th Century

Topographic Compass, Wooden and Brass, of the Late 19th Century

By W. & L.E. Gurley

Located in Milan, IT

manufacturers of engineering and surveying instruments in the United States. Very good condition. Perfectly

Category

1880s American Antique Scientific Instruments

Magnetic Compass for Topographers Made of Brass
Magnetic Compass for Topographers Made of Brass

Magnetic Compass for Topographers Made of Brass

By Peigné

Located in Milan, IT

Rare and particular ancient magnetic compass for topographers, made of brass; instrument consisting

Category

1870s French Antique Scientific Instruments

Kenotometer Signed Brady & Martin Ltd Newcastle-on-Tyne, Early 1900
Kenotometer Signed Brady & Martin Ltd Newcastle-on-Tyne, Early 1900

Kenotometer Signed Brady & Martin Ltd Newcastle-on-Tyne, Early 1900

By Brady & Martin Ltd. 1

Located in Milan, IT

Kenotometer signed Brady & Martin Ltd Newcastle-on-Tyne, early 1900. It is an instrument used on a

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Scientific Instruments

Octagonal Brass Surveyor Square Made in Italy in the Early 19th Century
Octagonal Brass Surveyor Square Made in Italy in the Early 19th Century

Octagonal Brass Surveyor Square Made in Italy in the Early 19th Century

Located in Milan, IT

surveyor square when the instrument is placed in its original walnut box. Italian manufacture from the

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Fine Antique English Binoculars by J H Steward, London c.1915
Fine Antique English Binoculars by J H Steward, London c.1915

Fine Antique English Binoculars by J H Steward, London c.1915

Located in Bath, GB

3 1/8" x 6" tall. J.H.Steward Ltd. Opticians and instrument makers, London. The optician

Category

1910s British Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Ritter Dental Industrial Workstation Tower, circa 1920, Complete
Ritter Dental Industrial Workstation Tower, circa 1920, Complete

Ritter Dental Industrial Workstation Tower, circa 1920, Complete

Located in Van Nuys, CA

instrument tray arm, two stage milk glass spit sink, exam light, various pressure driver tools, foot control

Category

1920s American Art Deco Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Chrome, Copper, Iron, Steel

Fine George III Mahogany and Brass Telescope by Dollond of London
Fine George III Mahogany and Brass Telescope by Dollond of London

Fine George III Mahogany and Brass Telescope by Dollond of London

By Dollond, London

Located in San Francisco, CA

tripod, the instrument with rack and pinion focus, producing a clear upright image. Retains its original

Category

Late 18th Century English George III Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

French 19th Century Gold Gilt Barometer
French 19th Century Gold Gilt Barometer

French 19th Century Gold Gilt Barometer

Located in Baton Rouge, LA

A fabulous French gold-gilt barometer from the beginning of the 19th century. This early instrument

Category

19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Mechanical Mixer Industrial Clock and Barometer
Mechanical Mixer Industrial Clock and Barometer

Mechanical Mixer Industrial Clock and Barometer

Located in New Orleans, LA

silvered and gilt bronze, this intriguing instrument combines a spring-wound, silvered dial clock and

Category

19th Century French Other Antique Scientific Instruments

Materials

Bronze

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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.