Early 20th Century English Postal Scale
Located in Atlanta, GA
This finely crafted Early 20th Century English postal scale is a striking example of the functional yet elegant design typical of the period. The scale is mounted on a polished woode...
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
Late 18th Century French Giltwood Barometer
Located in Essex, MA
Period late 18th century giltwood barometer. Original gilding. Carved overall with globe, and navigation instruments. Foliate and neoclassical motifs. Maker signed.
Giltwood
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
$329
Spice Grinder
Located in London, England
Rolling spice grinder and trough. Circa 1890 H 14cm x W 34cm x D19cm
Walnut
Box of mid-19th century compasses housed in their tuia burl box
Located in Milan, IT
Box of mid-19th century compasses, housed in their original tuia burl box, nickel-plated brass and ivory instruments, velvet and satin interior, lock and hinges in brass. Embossed ...
Wood
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
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
$932Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Technical Drawing Set, German, Architect, Cartography, Wichmann
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique technical drawing set. A German, architect's or cartographer's instrument case by Wichmann, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. Quality, 14-piece inst...
Nickel
Pair of Rare Life-Sized Pilz Anatomical Flap Manikins, Germany, c. 1890
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of Rare Life-Sized Pilz Anatomical Flap Manikins, Germany, c. 1890 Imported by American Thermo-Ware Co., New York An extraordinary and exceedingly rare pair of life-sized anat...
Paper
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
$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
$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
$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
$523Sale Price|20% Off
Early 20th century Paris stamped prosthetic arm with hook
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Paris stamped prosthetic arm with hook Dimensions in inches: H 24” x W 4” x D 4” Age: 1920 Origin: France (Paris) Condition: aged Overview A child size small ...
Leather
19th Century English Victorian Surveyor's Measure in Wood & Brass
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian-style painted wood and brass adjustable surveyor\'s measure.
Brass
Massive Industrial Era "C" Camp
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Massive Industrial Era C Clamp. C-clamps are generally small tools, but here is a "monumental size" clamps more than likely used for specialized equipment such as handling heavy ston...
Iron
$320 / item
English Bronze Weight Sets
Located in Queens, NY
2 English bronze 4 piece weight set with cover and various small weights inside (PRICED EACH) (19/20th Cent.)
Bronze
French Victorian Marble Thermometer
Located in Queens, NY
French Victorian small inlaid marble round shaped top thermometer Antique Condition
Marble
Alnmått (Cubit measure) in Birch with a Noble Crown. Gustavian, dated 1783
Located in Knivsta, SE
Rare Alnmått (Cubit measure) made in Birch with a Noble Crown. From the Gustavian period of the late 1700s, roughly corresponding to the Louis XVI period in France, made in Sweden an...
Brass
1907 C.C.Rettberg Architects Office Ruler Straight Edge Etched Signature Dated
By Globe Wernicke
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful personalized straight edge ruler from the turn of the 19th century. Does not appear to be altered, the size is 20 1/8 by 2 1/8 inches.
Resin
Art Deco Oak Cased Barograph, Winter & Sin, Newcastle
Located in Norwich, GB
Art Deco Barograph, Winter & Sons, Newcastle Art Deco barograph housed in an oak bevelled glass display case standing on a raised, moulded plinth with pad feet. Six vacuum chambers ...
Oak
$1,076Sale Price / set|20% Off
Antique Mortar and Pestle Set, English Bronze Apothecary Grinder, Georgian, 1750
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique mortar and pestle set. An English, bronze apothecary or chemist’s grinding aid, dating to the mid Georgian period, circa 1750. A fascinating early example, rich wi...
Bronze
George III Mahogany Barometer
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Mahogany wheel barometer with a swan-neck pediment, brass dial, thermometer, hygrometer, and level, with engraved details and age-consistent wear visible in the close-up images.
Glass, Mahogany
A Very Rare 19th Century Four Inch Diameter Telescope by 'Steward of London'
By J.H Steward
Located in Dublin, IE
A very rare 19th Century four inch diameter telescope by 'Steward of London' of exceptional quality with superb optics and is stamped J.H. Steward. The finely cast polished brass te...
Brass
Large pressure gauge with brass bezel by Dewrance of London
Located in London, GB
A large early 20th century pressure gauge with brass bezel by Dewrance of London. Dial marked: 0 – 200 pounds per square inch. 0-25-50-75-100-125-150-175-200 POUNDS PRESSURE PER □ ...
Brass, Enamel
Silk strength tester by Goodbrands & Co of Manchester and Stalybridge
Located in London, GB
A wall mounted silk strength tester by Goodbrands & Co of Manchester and Stalybridge, circa 1910. Quadrant scale marked: 16 ozs. X ¼ oz. 4 lbs X 1 oz. (4/330) Vertical scale divide...
Brass, Steel
Antique Microscope by W. Klein Wetzlar with Carl Zeiss optical lenses, Germany
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a rare antique Microscope manufactured by W. Klein in Wetzlar. The microscope features a solid brass body that has developed a rich patina and it featur...
Brass
A Very Fine Early 19th Century Brass Telescope By W. & T. Gilbert, London
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine early 19th Century (1819 - 1831) brass telescope by W. & T.Gilbert, London. This fabulous well cast polished brass telescope is of exceptional quality with superb op...
Brass
A Fabulous Early 20th Century Brass Telescope by Clarkson, London
Located in Dublin, IE
A fabulous early 20th Century brass telescope with a plaque marked 'Clarkson, London' This stunning finely cast polished brass telescope is of exceptional quality with superb optics...
Brass
‘Royal’ Barometer by John Russell, Watchmaker to the Prince Regent
By John Russell
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
This superbly crafted wheel barometer and thermometer has a mahogany case surrounded by twisted brass stringing and central panels of foliate tendrils above Russell’s signature thist...
Metal
Very Large George III Rosewood Gallery Magnifying Glass
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A very large George III rosewood gallery magnifying glass, the circular glass within a rosewood frame, the baluster handle screwing into a brass bracket in the rim. English, circa 18...
Brass
Circa 1920s Torsion Balance Co, New York "Class A" Scale
By Torsion Balance Company
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1920s Torsion Balance Co, New York "Class A" Scale. Glass & nickel plate metal case. According to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, which has an identica...
Nickel
A Very Fine Half Plate Camera on Oak Tripod by Benetfink & Co. London
By Benetfink & Co.
Located in Dublin, IE
A very fine well figured mahogany double racked focus half plate camera with beautifully cast brass mounts in excellent condition and of exceptional quality mounted on an extendable ...
Brass
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Located in New Orleans, LA
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope Circa 1820 This extraordinary telescope exemplifies a rare union of 19th-century Swiss scientific innovation and artistic excellence. Likely crafted ...
Metal, Gold, Enamel
$1,395Sale Price|20% Off
Trio Of Antique Mortars, English, Bronze, Apothecary Pot, William III, C.1700
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a trio of antique mortars. An English, bronze apothecary instrument, dating to the William III period, circa 1700. Charming trio, ideal for decorative display or as planting...
Bronze
19th Century French Iron and Zinc Scale Antique Workshop Piece
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and zinc scale embodies the utilitarian beauty of traditional workshop craftsmanship, defined by its sturdy cast-iron base and gracefully balanced armat...
Iron, Zinc
19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale, Antique Craftsmanship
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and brass scale captures the elegance of traditional workshop craftsmanship, harmonizing strong industrial lines with warm metallic detail. The cast-iro...
Brass, Iron
19th Century French Iron & Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and metal scale blends utilitarian craftsmanship with a distinctive aged character. The cast-iron base, finished in its original deep green paint with w...
Iron, Metal
19th Century French Iron Scale Patinated Cast-Iron Decorative Design
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron scale displays a compelling blend of utilitarian design and sculptural presence, marked by its richly patinated cast-iron form and gracefully balanced s...
Iron
19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale Antique Architectural Decor
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and brass scale features an architectural presence that elevates its utilitarian origins. The cast-iron base is richly detailed with arched motifs and a...
Brass, Iron
19th Century French Iron and Brass Scale, Antique Kitchen Decor
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and brass scale showcases a striking blend of utilitarian structure and refined material contrast. The cast-iron base, marked by clean lines and a gentl...
Iron, Brass
19th Century French Iron & Marble Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and marble scale features a charming blend of utilitarian form and refined materiality. The cast-iron mechanism retains its original dark patina, contra...
Marble, Iron
19th Century French Iron and Marble Scale, Antique Industrial Decor
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and marble scale is a robust example of practical workshop craftsmanship, characterized by its substantial cast-iron body and contrasting marble platfor...
Marble, Iron
19th Century French Iron Scale with Brass Pans, Antique Workshop Tool
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron scale features a bold, well-crafted silhouette that reflects the utilitarian elegance of traditional French workshop tools. The cast-iron base showcases...
Iron
19th Century French Iron & Marble Scale
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and marble scale showcases a refined interplay of utilitarian construction and understated elegance. The cast-iron base, marked by a deep patina and tex...
Marble, Iron
19th Century French Iron and Marble Scale with Elegant Antique Charm
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and marble scale stands out for its graceful silhouette and beautifully balanced materials. The cast-iron base features a refined architectural profile ...
Marble, Iron
19th Century French Iron Scale with Brass Pans and Aged Patina
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron scale presents a striking combination of sculptural form and industrial utility, distinguished by its elegantly cast base and beautifully aged patina. T...
Iron
19th Century French Iron and Marble Scale, Elegant Antique Collectible
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and marble scale is a striking example of utilitarian craftsmanship elevated by elegant materials and balanced proportions. The dark, time-worn iron bas...
Marble, Iron
Large 19th Century Cast Iron , bronze, copper & marbel Butcher's Balance Scale
Located in Buffalo, NY
A rare and visually commanding late 19th-century iron/ bronze balance scale, attributed to J. Motk & Co., circa 1890. this exquisite scale would have served in a traditional butcher’...
Marble, Bronze, Copper, Iron
Late 19th Century Mahogany Grooming and Medical Traveling Kit 15pc
Located in Stamford, CT
Antique mahogany grooming and medical traveling kit also often referred to as traveling sets or toilette cases. This is a nice set with small jars and bottles, eye wash and a manicur...
Silver
Collection of 47 19th Century Dried Grass & Wheat Specimens Herbarium Botanical
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A large collection of 47 mid 19th century dried grass & wheat specimens, all with their original card labels. Each specimen has later been mounted on verdigris green painted canvas...
Natural Fiber
Antique Oak Dining Table, Victorian Style, Handcrafted, England, 1880
Located in High Point, NC
This 19th Century French iron and brass scale showcases the perfect union of industrial function and sculptural form. The cast iron base, with its bold lettering and elegant curvatur...
Brass, 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.
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.