Pair of Brass Field Binoculars by W. Watson &. Sons of London
Located in High Point, NC
Pair of wonderfully aged brass field binoculars with moveable brass eye shields, which help to give clearer views without additional light coming through the sides. This pair of bin...
Brass
Antique Cast Iron Coffee/Grain Grinder #1762
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT This authentic cast iron coffee and grain grinder showcases the craftsmanship of the late 19th/early 20th century. Model #1762 features a fully functional hand crank mechanism...
Iron
Ebony, brass and bone pantograph, signed Lennel, Paris 1780.
Located in Milan, IT
Brass and ebony wood pantograph, in its original mahogany box. The wheels are made of bone. The instrument shows the signature of the maker Lennel à La Sphére à Paris. France 1780.
Brass
Antique Orrery – Tellurium by Paravia, Torino (1900, Italy)
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare and collectible orrery (tellurium) produced by the renowned Italian maker Paravia, Torino in 1900. This finely crafted planetary model illustrates the Earth-Sun-Moon system, dem...
Paper
Late 19th Century Carved Skull with Wooden Base
Located in Madrid, ES
Rare and finely carved skull, dating from the late 19th century, sculpted with remarkable anatomical precision and craftsmanship. The piece reflects the tradition of memento mori ob...
Bone
A fine mahogany ship’s stick barometer by Dolland & Son
By Dolland
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine mahogany ship’s stick barometer by Dolland & Son, of typical slender form with brass fittings, the plate engraved ‘Very dry, Set Fair, Fair, Rain, Stormy, Dolland London’. En...
Brass
Edwardian Hand-Carved Oak Wall Barometer, England, 1900s
Located in New Orleans, LA
An English hand carved solid Oak Wall Hanging Barometer. Oak case has a beautifully carved crest with two acanthus pediments, a center finial, turned columns with carved capitols fla...
Metal, Brass
Sterling Silver Folding Opera Glasses - Antique Victorian (1895)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive pair of sterling silver folding opera glasses; an addition to our Victorian silverware collection. These exceptional antique Victorian sterling ...
Sterling Silver
Suture forceps signed A.L. Hawkings in Steinlesssteel early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Suture forceps signed A.L. Hawkings steel Steinlesssteel from the early 1900s, complete with 4 needles and original chrome-plated metal case. Case size cm 22.2 x 4 x 2 - 8.8 x1.6 x...
Steel
Hexagonal Lampascope Magic Lantern by Alphonse Giroux – 19th Century –
By Alphonse Giroux et Cie
Located in NANTES, FR
**Hexagonal Lampascope Magic Lantern by Alphonse Giroux – 19th Century – This hexagonal lampascope by Alphonse Giroux is made of cardboard covered with paper. It was designed to b...
Wood
John Bennett Georgian Barometer
By John Bennett
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exceptional Georgian barometer by the leading London instrument-maker John Bennett strongly reflects the prevalent furniture style and architectural elements of the time in its ...
Brass
Wooden box containing a travel surgical set, signed Galante, Paris 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
Oak wood box, containing a set of 8 iron surgical instruments, equipped with black horn and rosewood handles. Signed H.Galante & fils. Paris, France circa 1870.
Iron
Vintage Wooden Barley-Twist Hourglass with Hand-Blown Glass
Located in San Diego, CA
A handsome vintage hourglass featuring a solid wood frame with classic barley-twist turned supports and a faceted hexagonal top and base. The hourglass contains hand-blown glass bulb...
Glass, Wood
18/19 century or earlier set of Antique Tibetan Buddhist Tools/ Iron or Steel
Located in Ukiah, CA
18/19thC Tibetan Buddhist Ritual Implements Set in Triangular Iron Box An exceptional and rare antique Tibetan Buddhist ritual implements set, finely cast in iron or steel, housed i...
Bronze, Steel, Iron
George III Mahogany Banjo Barometer Edinburgh
Located in Huntington, NY
George III Mahogany Banjo Barometer By Edie & Son. Edinburgh Alexander James Adie FRSE MWS (7 November 1775, Edinburgh – 4 December 1858, Edinburgh) was a Scottish maker of medical ...
Brass
Two Large Magnifiers With 19th Century Gilded and Mother-of-Pearl Handles
Located in San Francisco, CA
Two Large Magnifiers With 19th Century Gilded and Mother of Pearl Handles Largest: 4"w x 2"d. x 12.75"h smallest: 3.5" x 1.25"d x 10.25"h
Brass
Silver Cased Compensated Weather Barometer Superb Royal Provenance Alfred Clark
Located in Dublin, Ireland
This is a very Rare and Superbly made Sterling Silver Cased Compensated Weather Barometer – The Silver Assay Marks inform us that it was made in 1900 by the famed Silversmith, Alfred...
Sterling Silver
$1,990 / item
Antique French Corker
Located in Calgary, Alberta
A beautifully crafted antique French hand-operated corking machine, once used in wineries for sealing bottles with corks. The corker has an arched lever, adjustable bottle-height sc...
Iron
Rare Victorian Antique Bronze Double Drawer Register, National
By National Cash Register Co.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Seldom seen Victorian period double-drawer cash register was used by a general store and is in perfect working condition.Amazing original condition.. American made antique 1909 regi...
Marble, Brass
Brass syringe signed S. Maw Son & Sons London from the late 19th century
Located in Milan, IT
Brass syringe signed S. Maw Son & Sons, London, England, late 19th century, used both for rectal use, for performing enemas and for vaginal irrigations. This type of syringe was typi...
Brass
Ophthalmoscope Signed Medical Supply Assocn Agent's For Curry & Paxton London
Located in Milan, IT
Ophthalmoscope signed Medical Supply Assocn Agent's For Curry & Paxton London from the second half of the 19th century, made of chrome-plated brass with interchangeable mirror and le...
Brass
Early 20th century chrome-plated brass Killian nasal speculum in the shape of pliers
Located in Milan, IT
Chrome-plated brass Killian nasal speculum from the early 1900s. The pincer-like tool is characterized by two long, thin valves with an opening system controlled by an adjusting scr...
Brass
English Antique George II Mahogany Stick Barometer by Polti of Exeter
By C. Polti
Located in Devon, GB
A rare George II period mahogany stick barometer with finely carved cistern cover and surround to partly conceal the mercury tube. Most unusually the signed register plate is made of...
Brass
18th Century French Barometer in Giltwood Frame
Located in Buchanan, MI
18th century French barometer in giltwood frame.
Giltwood, Glass
A pair of antique blow glass apothecary stills, Italy 1800.
Located in Milan, IT
A pair of antique blown glass stills from a pharmacy, mounted on a contemporary, parallelepiped-shaped cherry wood base. Italy, circa 1800.
Blown Glass, Cherry
$550 / set
Three Large Copper Funnels
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Collection of three Industrial Era copper funnels. Smallest, tin lined, brass ring, dove-tailed construction, hallmarked "U", 8" high and 6 3/8" wide Medium, all copper, brass ring ...
Copper
Small Hexagonal Shaped Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
Small hexagonal shaped wood barometer.
Indian Style Brass Charcoal Stove
Located in Queens, NY
Asian Indian-style (19/20th Century) round brass charcoal stove on 3 legs with removable flip top.
Brass
English Victorian Rosewood Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian shaped rosewood and inlaid wall barometer.
French Victorian Bronze Cannon Model
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian bronze cannon with trailer model. (2 pieces)
Bronze
American Country Wood Spinning Wheel
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) stained wood spinning wheel.
Quality pair of antique Victorian balance scales
Located in Ipswich, GB
Quality pair of antique Victorian balance scales, having a central cast iron support holding brass weighting pans accompanied by weights. D. 1880
Brass, Iron
Large Antique Brass Butcher’s Balance Scale with Ox Head, Circa 1890
Located in Barntrup, DE
A rare and visually commanding late 19th-century brass balance scale, attributed to J. Motk & Co., circa 1890. Likely of Portuguese or Central European origin, this exquisite scale w...
Brass
A glass and vulcanite syringe, London 1880.
Located in Milan, IT
An end of the 19th-Century medical’s instrument. A glass and vulcanite syringe. London, UK circa 1880.
Glass
Set of 2 Early XX Century Metal Dragon Shaped Fireplace Holders
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique metal traditional Catalan fireplace holders with a dragon shape. Made in Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 1900. In original condition, with minor wear consistent w...
Metal
Brass Pivoting Bullseye Magnifying Glass / Lens on Stand c.1915
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome antique English magnifying glass / bullseye lens on stand which pivots on a ball and socket fitting, moving around with ease. Dating to c.1915, it remains in excellent co...
Brass
$750Sale Price|24% Off
Antique F.W. Braun Apothecary Balance Beam Scale c.1920
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT F.W. Braun antique apothecary balance beam scale in a Mahogany display case with three adjustable copper feet, solid brass scale, Bakelite and copper knobs, and enamel maker's...
Metal, Bronze, Copper, Enamel
Antique French Cast Iron Press Black Industrial Design Early 20th Century
Located in High Point, NC
This 1900s French cast iron press is a striking example of early industrial design, combining robust construction with purposeful form. Crafted from heavy cast iron, the press featur...
Iron
Antique Underwood Typewriter No.6 c.1933
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original Underwood typewriter No.6 with a 16 inch carriage and an open-frame design. The typewriter works well and functions properly. New ribbon installed. The serial nu...
Steel, Nickel
19th Century Magnifying Glass with Hand Carved Yorkie Handle
Located in High Point, NC
19th century magnifying glass with a hand turned brass and hand-carved Yorkie handle from England. This is a charming piece for any home or office, and so useable too! The hand-car...
Brass
$325
Spice Grinder
Located in London, England
Rolling spice grinder and trough. Circa 1890 H 14cm x W 34cm x D19cm
Walnut
A trunk style travel apotecary cabinet in mahogany wood and brass, England 1790.
Located in Milan, IT
English travelling apothecary made of mahogany Sipo mahogany (Entandrophragma utile) and brass with a rectangular base, a front drawer, an opening top and U-shaped metal handles. The...
Brass
English Late 19th Century Large Brass Table Scale and Weights
Located in Baton Rouge, LA
A stunning, large brass table scale made near the turn of the century, England. The scale is no longer operational, but still makes an mighty impact on a space like a kitchen counter...
Marble, Brass, Copper, Iron
Large Floor Model Antique Brass Scale With Wooden Case With Glass Panels
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Case on four feet with lower drawer. On four legs that are screwed to adjust for level. There is a removable wooden framed door with glass panel that slides in from the top. A bras...
Brass
Italian-transalpine time dial paper on wood board. Giusti, Nerici, Italy 1781.
Located in Milan, IT
An Italian and transalpine hour dial in paper printed on a fruitwood board. The base, in turned boxwood, has a wavy profile and distinct edge, at the top of which is mounted the rect...
Brass
Anatomical Cut of Human Skull Papier-maché, Didactical Collectables, Dr.Auzoux
By Dr. Louis Auzoux
Located in Leuven , BE
Anatomical cut of a human skull composed in natural painted papier-maché, with numbered labels on the different elements
Plaster, Paper
A poket sextant signed Stanley, London 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
A travel nautical instrument, sextant, to determine the ship’s position. The cover became the base of it. Signed Stanley, London, England circa 1890.
Brass
A pair of magnifyng glasses, Italy 1870.
Located in Milan, IT
A pair of Wunderkammer round shape magnifying glasses for scientific purpose with black wooden frames, mounted over a black wooden bases. Italy, circa 1870.
Glass, Wood
Refractor telescope by François Can, 81 Quai de l'Hôpital, Lyon
Located in London, GB
2 ¾ inch refractor telescope by François Can, 81 Quai de l'Hôpital, Lyon. Circa 1835. Mounted on a cast iron stand with adjustable height, folding tripod feet, and castors. 2 ¾ inc...
Brass, Iron
American Victorian Ebonized Stereoscope
Located in Queens, NY
American Victorian ebonized stereoscope.
Country Style Stripped Spinning Wheel
Located in Queens, NY
American Country-style (19th Century) stripped spinning wheel with single spindle.
$650 / item
Antique English Woodworker's Plane Block
Located in Queens, NY
2 Antique English woodworkers hand block plane. (PRICED EACH)
English Regency Carved Walnut Barometer
Located in Queens, NY
English Regency rustic style (19th Century) carved walnut round barometer over a horizontal thermometer centered by 2 dolphin sides with a floral urn pediment top.
1850s Antique Industrial Press in Patinated White Iron
Located in Marbella, ES
Antique industrial press made of solid cast iron with traces of its original white paint and an attractive rust patina that enhances its authentic character. The piece retains its la...
Iron
$700Sale Price|30% Off
Enameled silver thermometer with engraved cut-out stand
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Enameled silver thermometer with engraved cut-out support. Metal: Silver. Origin: Austro-Hungarian. Brand: Head of Diana. Weight: 54.86 grams. Dimensions: 8.6cmx0.8cm. C...
Silver
$1,400Sale Price|30% Off
Silver thermometer with reliefs, table stand and hanging ring
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Silver thermometer with reliefs, table stand and hanging ring. Metal: Silver. Origin: French. Brand: Tête Minerve. Weight: 184.11 grams. Dimensions: 12cm x 18cm. Content...
Silver
$2,100Sale Price|30% Off
Cut-out silver thermometer with monogram card & wooden stand
Located in Porto, PT
Description: Cut-out silver thermometer, monogram card with wooden base, table stand and hanging ring. Metal: Silver. Origin: French. Brand: Tête Minerve. Weight: 505.12 grams. Dimen...
Silver
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.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
It’s never too early for good design. These interiors combine elevated furnishings and a youthful spirit, resulting in spaces that are at once elegant and whimsical.
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.
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.