Antique English Kent's Knife Cleaning, Polishing & Sharpening Wheel
Located in Bridgeport, CT
An intricate and fascinating Industrial piece from London, England. English sharpening wheel with wooden drum set vertically on cast iron base with four feet with hand crank. Identi...
Brass, Other, Iron
Art Deco Oak Cased Barograph, Winter & Sin, Newcastle
Located in Norwich, GB
.1920 T.B.Winter & Sons began trading in 1875 and was a well known and highly regarded instrument maker
Oak
$275Sale Price / set|21% Off
Vintage Toledo Solid Steel Graduating Weights c.1930-1950
By Toledo Scale Company
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original set of solid steel, chromed calibrating weights. Stamped Toledo on each. Two 10 lb, one 5 lb, one 2 lb and one 1 lb set in a solid Bakelite tray. CREATOR Tol...
Steel, Chrome
Late 18th Century French Giltwood Barometer
Located in Essex, MA
navigation instruments. Foliate and neoclassical motifs. Maker signed.
Giltwood
Alnmått (Cubit measure) in Birch with a Noble Crown. Gustavian, dated 1783
Located in Knivsta, SE
. An instrument used for measuring, traditionally called Alnmått, consisting of curved work worked
Brass
Antique Lord Bury 4 Draw Telescope, English, Terrestrial, JH Steward, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Lord Bury 4 draw telescope. An English, leather and brass terrestrial or astronomical refractor by J.H. Steward of London, dating to the Victorian period, circa 18...
Brass
Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Ross of London, Victorian, 1900
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Officer of the Watch telescope. An English, brass single draw terrestrial or marine spyglass by Ross of London, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. A ...
Brass
Magnifying Glass in Mother of Pearl and Solid Wood 1920s
Located in Meer, VAN
Magnifying Glass in Mother of Pearl and Solid Wood 1920s Magnificent early 20th century magnifying glass in solid wood and inlaid mother of pearl. Wonderful curved handle and high...
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Swiss Enamel and Gold Telescope
Located in New Orleans, LA
of 19th-century Swiss scientific innovation and artistic excellence. Likely crafted in Geneva for the
Metal, Gold, Enamel
19th Century French Forest Carved Oak Barometer and Thermometer with Dog Motif
Located in Dallas, TX
This elegant antique wall hanging barometer and thermometer was crafted in France, circa 1890. The carved oak weather and temperature reader features impressive, high-relief carvings...
Oak
Monumental European Carved Wood Barometer And Thermometer
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large 19th Century Black Forest Thermometer Barometer combo featuring mounted in a wooden case, intricately hand-carved with a crowned face above the barometer, and beneath a buttres...
Wood
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
Nickel
$350Sale Price|30% Off
Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Carved Wood Brass Opium Weight Scale 8"
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Chinese portable opium scale - pair of hand held brass scales etched with leaves, with a wooden case hand carved in the shape of a snale with flowers on one side, a foliate s...
Brass
19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
stories of bygone days when such instruments were essential in everyday trade. Ideal for collectors
Metal
19th Century French Metal Scale
Located in High Point, NC
ornamental detail, exudes the charm of rustic French country life. It's a robust instrument, intended for the
Metal
Antique Tobacco Scale With Horn Trays – 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Located in Bilzen, BE
"Antique Tobacco Scale With Horn Trays – 19th Century, Napoleon III Period" Antique French Tobacco Scale with cow Horn Pans – 19th Century, Napoleon III Period Rare and highly decor...
Marble, Brass, Iron
Victorian Mother of Pearl Folding Looking Glass
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A lovely little looking glass that has a compact design. The glass part slides out. The case is Mother of Pearl with beautiful graining. It shimmers. The metal is likely some sort of...
Metal
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
19th Century Optician or Optometrist Test Glasses Lens Kit in Cabinet This beautiful cabinet was used by a traveling optometrists to treat patients in their homes. The glass fron...
Glass
Early 20th Century French Peugeot Frères Cast Iron Coffee Grinder, Model A
Located in Dallas, TX
This authentic early 20th-century coffee grinder was crafted in France by Peugeot Frères, renowned for their exceptional cast iron mills long before they became famous for automobile...
Iron
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
Bronze
Large 18th c. Monogrammed Cherry Wood Jointer Plane c.1700-1799
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique Cherry wood carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Monogrammed and stamped. Steel blade inside. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknow...
Steel
Large 18th c. Wooden Jointer Plane c.1700-1799
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique wooden carpentry plane used to make trim and moldings. Shown with life size hand mold for scale. CREATOR Unknown. DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1700s. MATERIA...
Fruitwood
Scultetus Amputation Saw, 17th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Scultetus amputation saw, late 17th century, early 18th century. It measures 32cm in length, with an 11cm blade. The blade can be removed by loosening the two screws, which are in go...
Wrought Iron
Antique L. M. Ericsson AC110 Iron Skeleton Telephone Taxen Eiffel Dachshund #3
By L.M. Ericsson
Located in Sweden, SE
youth as an instrument maker. He worked for a firm which made telegraph equipment for the Swedish
Metal, Brass, Bronze
French Cast Iron and Wood Coffee Grinder with Crank and Drawer, Dated 1901
Located in Dallas, TX
Crafted in France in the early 20th century and dated 1901, this large-scale cast iron coffee grinder combines functional design with rustic charm. The piece features a deep cast iro...
Iron
Didactical Model of Cockchafer or May bug sold by the “ Denoyer-Geppert Company
Located in Leuven , BE
classes of students, the models embody both artistic and scientific values, as they were created through
Plaster, Paper
Antique English Victorian "W & T Avery" Mahogany & Brass Scale, Circa 1870-1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Victorian "W & T Avery" Mahogany and Brass Scale, Circa 1870-1880.
Brass
Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pan
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Attractive 19th Century French Grocer’s Balance Scales The scale has 2 brass pans, the body of the scale is very decorative in green enamel The Scale is now mainly a decorative piec...
Iron
A fine late Georgian mahogany waywiser by Alfred Joy, Chichester
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A fine late Georgian mahogany waywiser by Alfred Joy, Chichester, comprising a revolving wheel connected to a recording dial marked in yards and poles on one scale and in furlongs an...
Mahogany
Antique Wood Moulding Plane Wooden Carpenter's Tool 1800
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an antique wood moulding plane wooden carpenter's tool. Circa the 1800s. Dimensions: 9.38 W x 3.25 H x 1.5 D Please visit take a look at our listings, we ha...
Metal
Antique French Country Primitive Carved Marble Mortar and Pestle on Wood Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique French Country Primitive Carved Marble Mortar and Pestle on Solid Wood Primit...
Marble
Spyglass round section brass and leather focus 3 extensions 1850
Located in Milan, IT
Round-section brass telescope with leather-covered handle and three-extension focus, complete with sunshade extension and dust cover tabs. English manufacture of the mid-19th centur...
Brass
Lord Vernon’s Sudbury Hall lime wood barometer, by J. Braund after Grinling Gibb
By John Braund
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
Lord Vernon’s Sudbury Hall lime wood barometer, by J. Braund after Grinling Gibbons, of typical form within a case richly carved with high relief strapwork comprising bellflowers, fo...
Wood
Large Bronze Imperial Standard Bushel Measure For Northumberland
Located in Essex, MA
Circular with wood bound handles and inscribed Bate London " Maker of The Original Standards For The Exchequer , City Of London " . Imperial Standard Bushel Measure for Northumberla...
Bronze
Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Porcelain Balance Beam Scale
By W & T Avery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Please message us with your zip code to request a more reasonable domestic U.S. shipping quote. Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass, Cast Iron & Porcelain Balance Beam Scal...
Brass, Iron
Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Mahogany Balance Beam Scale
By W & T Avery
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique W.& T. Avery English Victorian Brass & Mahogany Balance Beam Scale. Circa Late 19th Century. Measurements: 26" H x 22" W x 12" D.
Brass
Oak cased weather station
Located in Cheshire, GB
Oak-cased Weather station by James Brown Glasgow. with silvered dials comprising a clock set with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial, barometer, and central barograph over th...
Oak
Antique Painted Red Cast Iron Scale
Located in Centennial, CO
A charming cast iron antique early 1900s scale with original red paint and a large brass tray. The weight is fixed, moving from side to side. The red paint has a beautiful patina, as...
Brass, Iron
Antique English Gothic Arts & Crafts Hand Wrought Iron Balance Beam Scale
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique English Gothic Arts & Crafts Hand Wrought Iron Balance Beam Scale. Circa Mid 19th Century. Measurements: 31" H x 29" W x 11.25" D. Plate approx 11.25" Diameter. Base 7x5.
Wrought Iron
Oversized Industrial Pyrex Glass Bell Jar With Large Side Arm
By Pyrex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized Industrial Pyrex glass bell jar is certainly a unique and an impressive art object. At 29" height and 20.5" diameter this bell jar, dome, clouche can be used any way y...
Glass
Oversized Industrial Pyrex Glass Bell Jar With Small Side Arm
By Pyrex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This oversized Industrial Pyrex glass bell jar is certainly a unique and an impressive art object. At 29" height and 20.5" diameter this bell jar, dome, clouche can be used any way y...
Glass
Round-section brass telescope with mahogany-lined handle 1850
Located in Milan, IT
Round-section brass telescope with mahogany-lined handle, four-extension focus. English manufacture from the mid-19th century. Good condition signs of wear and tear, fully functional...
Brass
Superb Pair Antique Opera Glasses c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A truly stunning pair of French Opera glasses made from polished brass and clad with shell. This pair comes with a telescopic lorgnette handle and folds away nicely when not if use....
Brass
Large Antique Apothecary Weighing Scales, English, Countertop Balance, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a fine set of antique apothecary weighing scales. An English, brass, mahogany and walnut countertop balance for the tobacconist or chemist’s shop, dating to the early Victori...
Brass
A Fine Adams, London Culpepper Microscope
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A late 18th century brass lacquered Culpepper design microscope by Adams, London in the original mahogany case. The two drawers contain a good selection of lenses and accessories. Th...
Brass
Edwardian Mahogany Cased Barograph by Negretti & Zambra, London
By Negretti & Zambra
Located in Norwich, GB
most famous barograph and instrument makers of the day. The firm had premises at Hatton Garden
Mahogany
Pair of Antique Opera Glasses, English, Leather, Brass, Binoculars, Ross London
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique opera glasses. An English, leather and brass binocular by Ross of London, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920. A charming and original example of ...
Brass
Monumental floor standing brass Butcher scale
Located in Cheshire, GB
A large set of floor standing brass balance scales and graduated weights with bullhead terminal above the circular column, to the platform base with fourteen graduated compartments f...
Brass
Antique Veterinarian Syringe c.1930
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT Antique metal veterinarian serum syringe with two needle attachments and original box and label. Engraved on both sides. CREATOR O.M. Franklin Serum Company. DATE O...
Metal
$2,750Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Spectacle Lenses Eye Glass Optometrist tool set
Located in Norwalk, CT
Salmon Bros London, A beautiful cased instrument for measuring the sight to determine the need for
Glass
19th Century English Globe by Renowned Cartographers John Newton and Son
By Newton and Son
Located in GB
also one of the few firms to combine instruments with globes. In this globe, the compass is set in the
Hardwood
A Brendel botanic model: Taxus-Yew, Germany 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Taxus N.40a female (Coniferae), Badger. The round base in ebonized wood holds three models: an example of a male Sporophile, a female Aril enla...
Wood
18th Century French Louis XVI Giltwood Barometer
Located in Houston, TX
Lovely period French Louis XVI giltwood barometer with beautiful patina. This antique French Louis XVI gilt wood barometer will add a touch of elegance to any home.
Giltwood
Mechanical planetarium representative of the solar system with Sun Earth and Moon
Located in Milan, IT
Mechanical planetarium, or representative model of the solar system, from the second half of the 19th century. The cartouche of the globe reads: GlobusVydal J. Felkl at Syn Roztok ...
Metal
Mechanical solar system with Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon and Mars 1870
Located in Milan, IT
Tellurium or representative and demonstrative mechanical model of the solar system composed of the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Moon and Mars, realized by the Prague geographer and ...
Metal
$1,450
French Baker's Scale
Located in Houston, TX
French Baker's scale. This antique cast iron baker's scale includes original weights. Great Kitchen Accessory!
Iron
A botanic model Brendel, Germany 1900.
Located in Milan, IT
A rare botanical model of the Brendel, Conium maculatum N.60 (Umbelliferae). The round base in ebonized wood holds the botanical model which reveals the flower of the Hemlock. Brende...
Wood
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.